Food and water are vital in your dog’s life. But some pets can create messes while eating. That’s why it is good to consider an item that can hold the dog’s eating essentials. A dog feeding station is a safe and convenient way to feed your dog. They are raised to promote a better posture for your dog by reducing stress on the shoulders and neck.
Bending to eat is uncomfortable, especially for dogs with conditions such as stiff muscles and sore joints. This situation can make your pet consume very little food and water, which can lead to dehydration. That’s why vets recommend an elevated dog feeding station.
Also, if you want to keep the dog’s eating area clean, a pet feeding station should be your option. When your pet drips water, it can get under the bowl, creating a place for bacteria and molds. But pets are less likely to pour water or food when using a raised dog feeding station.
Here Are the Best Dog Feeding Stations for Easier Eating For Your Furry Friend
We have performed in-depth research and rounded up some of the best pet feeding stations in the market. Then, we narrowed down the list to 10 products based on the features, ratings, and reviews. We also reviewed the pros and cons according to the customers’ reviews.
In this article, you will find essential information to help you choose the right feeding station for your dog.
If you know of a good dog feeder station, these quick links will help you go directly to the product:
- Pawfect Pets Adjustable Height Elevated Dog Bowls-best overall
- Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls-easiest to use
- Zoovilla Windsor Pet Feeders with storage-best for older dogs
- Facilehome Pet Food Feeder Station Storage Cabinet-best for small dog breeds and puppies
- New Age Pet ecoFLEX Piedmont Dog Diner-best for large dog breeds
- FOREYY Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls-best for flat-faced dogs
- WANTRYAPET Elevated Pet Feeder with 3 Premium Melamine Bowls-best for multiple pets
- URPOWER Elevated Dog Bowls Adjustable Raised Dog Bowl-best for messy pets
- Internet’s Best Traditional Elevated Pet Feeder-easiest to use
- PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station-best for tall dogs
A dog feeder station is a good investment. It will make feeding for your dog easier and more convenient. But choosing the right product for your furry friend is not easy. You need to pay attention to several things to meet your dog’s needs.
Here Are 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Feeding Station
Material of the feeding station
Dogs are likely to chew everything they come across. That’s why you need to ensure that the product you choose is of the highest quality. For instance, pets can easily chew plastic, but it can be hard to tear metal products.
Also, it is good to consider materials that cannot affect your pet’s health. For instance, some materials such as ceramic contain lead and other harmful substances. Others, such as plastic, can cause skin allergies.
How about ease of cleaning and durability? Stainless steel is a good option for pet feeding stations. They are easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and durable.
Size of the dog feeder station
Your dog’s size will determine the size and design of your feeding station. For instance, a large dog with a long nose might find eating from a shallow station challenging. Thus, it is good to select a product that will allow your pet to reach the food safely.
Thus, a large dog feeding station can be a good option if you own giant dog breeds. But if your pup is small, you can go for a shallow feeding station.
Your dog’s health conditions
Seniors dogs and pets with joints and neck issues might feel uncomfortable while bending. That’s why an elevated dog feeding station can be a good option. Also, a raised bowl can help reduce regurgitation, which makes it difficult for dogs to swallow food.
Having a raised bowl means that gravity will help your dog’s food quickly go down the digestive system. This situation reduces the amount of air your furry friend swallows when feeding, thus reducing regurgitation.
Storage option
Many dog feeding stations lack the storage option. But this feature is necessary because it removes the hassle of looking for a good place to store your dog’s food.
A dog feeding station with storage can be big. Thus, it is good to consider the amount of space in your home before making a purchasing decision.
Of course you can use just a large drawer for strong everything you need.
FAQs about Dog Feeding Stations
Dogs have different eating styles. Some are fast eaters, others are messy, while others take their time when eating. And the type of dog feeding station you choose can improve the way your pet eats. We researched and came up with nine FAQs to help you select a dog feeder station that will match your dog’s needs.
How tall should a dog feeding station be?
The size of your pet determines the height of the dog feeding station. When you choose the right size, your pet will maintain a good standing posture while eating. Also, it will prevent strains on your pet’s neck and leg joints. But how do you determine the correct size for the feeding station?
Measure your pet from the front paws to the lower chest level. This will help you come up with the correct height of the dog feeder station. The feeding station should be comfortable to prevent your furry companion from bending or reaching up.
If you choose a very high or too low station, your pet might have difficulty feeding, and he might not consume enough. Thus, it is good to choose a product that comes to the bottom of your pet’s chest to allow him to eat all the meal without stretching or straining.
Are feeding stands good for dogs?
Yes, feeding stands are vital for dogs of all breeds. The ease of food and water access from the feeding bowl enhances food movement from the mouth to the stomach. Besides, using a feeding stand helps pets with joint disorders access food without straining their neck or shoulders.
Using a built-in dog feeding station can prevent sloppy behaviors. Some pets like splashing food and water on the ground, creating a breeding ground for molds. But an elevated dog feeding station can reduce these behaviors.
How do you make a pet feeding station?
You can find various feeding stations for your pet in the market. But at times, you might consider a DIY dog feeding station. If you have budgetary constraints, creating a feeding station by yourself might be a good option.
Here are 8 steps for making a dog feeding station
- Measure the height of your dog
- Cut a plywood board according to the measurement of your pet
- Mark the holes for the bowls
- Cut the holes for the removable bowls
- Remove any sharp edges around each hole
- Assemble the wooden box
- Paint the bowl stand to match your home décor
- Insert the bowls
Your wooden dog feeding station should make feeding easier for your pet. Also, it’s good to ensure that it does not cause health issues for your dog. Thus, choose a feeding bowl that is easy to clean and rust-resistant to ensure good hygiene.
Is elevated feeding better for dogs?
Yes, elevated feeding is better for dogs. Pets with mobility issues or joint or bones conditions might find it challenging to eat from a bowl placed on the ground. But an elevated bowl is a great option for dogs of all sizes and those with health conditions. However, some researches show that elevated dog feeding stations can cause bloating for large dog breeds.
But other researches show that there is no clear evidence to prove the cause of bloating in large dogs. That’s why vets recommend the use of an elevated pet feeding station.
Do raised dog bowls help?
Yes, a raised dog bowl offers comfort and easy access to food and water. Also, it provides your dog with health benefits such as:
- Improved posture
- Prevent strains on the dog’s back and joints
- It prevents senior pets and dogs with arthritis from bending
- It enhances digestion
Besides, if you have a physical disability, a raised dog bowl can be a good solution. It will allow you to access the bowl without twisting your body.
How do you measure a dog’s feeder height?
A good way to determine the right height for your dog feeding station is by measuring your pet’s wither height. You can achieve this by implementing these simple steps:
- Measure the distance of the front legs to the upper part of the shoulders
- Subtract about 5 Inches from the measurements to enhance the comfort of your dog while eating
Having the correct height of your pet’s feeder will prevent the dog from lowering its neck and stretching during the feeding sessions.
A Review of 10 Best Dog Feeding Stations for Your Pet
1. Pawfect Pets Adjustable Height Elevated Dog Bowls-best overall
Pawfect pet’s dog feeder has an elevated design to allow pets with arthritis, neck, or back issues to eat food without straining. It is 12-16 inches tall and made of durable bamboo materials, which hold up well. The water-resistant properties make this product ready for any mess that your pet could create.
Besides, it comes with four stainless steel food and water bowls that are dishwasher safe. Under the feeding station, there are silicone pads for a good grip.
Pros
- The bamboo dog bowl stand is strong and resistant to water
- With features of four different sizes of bowls, which are dishwasher safe
- Has a silicone feet to ensure a good grip
- It’s available in various sizes
Cons
- It lacks the storage feature
Some buyers feel that this dog feeding station would be more functional if it had a storage feature. But others feel that the space at the bottom creates an opportunity for pet owners to build a storage space when needed.
Pawfect Pets feeder weighs 7lbs to prevent your pet from nudging the water bowls. The rectangle-shaped design at the bottom allows air to move freely, preventing molds and other bacteria from accumulating.
2. Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls-easiest to use
Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls is a durable product made from bamboo materials and comes with two stainless steel bowls. It has a 15 degree-tilted angle, promoting digestion, preventing neck and back strains, and reducing bloating.
This product can perform well in the different growth stages of your pet. It has six adjustable heights, making it perfect for different sizes of dogs.
Installing this feeding station is easy since you will not require screws or tools. Besides, you can fold it for storage or when traveling with your pet.
Pros
- It’s foldable, making it easy to store
- It is easy to assemble
- Comes with two stain-resistance and dishwasher safe food bowls
Cons
- Not perfect for large dogs because the bowls are small
Vantic Elevated Dog Bowls is sturdy and easy to assemble. Also, you can easily disassemble, fold, and move it anywhere.
3. Zoovilla Windsor Pet Feeders with storage-best for older dogs
Zoovilla Windsor Pet Feeders with storage is a dog feeding station cabinet, perfect for older pets and dogs with disabilities. It’s easy to assemble and comes with a guide on how to fix it. The bottom of the feeding station consists of two dish storage pull-out drawers.
Also, it consists of large dog food storage for holding dry foods. You will find additional open shelf storage at the top, making scooping out your dog’s meal easy.
Pros
- It has an ample storage
- It comes with two large dog bowls
- The pet bowls are kept in a pull out drawer for hygiene reasons
Cons
- It does not provide clear instruction on how to assemble
Buyers feel that the instruction would be better if there were written information. But this product is easy to fix. Thus, anyone can fix it without even without skills.
Zoovilla Windsor Pet Feeders with storage are sturdy, and the drawers pull out easily. Also, it comes with two pet bowls which measure 54oz.
4. Facilehome Pet Food Feeder Station Storage Cabinet-best for small dog breeds and puppies
Facilehome Pet Food Feeder Station is a good option for feeding your pet and storing food. It features roomy pull-out bins for holding pet food and toys.
The bottom of the feeding station consists of a sliding drawer that matches your dog’s height to enhance comfort when eating. When your pet finishes eating, you can store the remaining food in the drawer.
Pros
- The drawer opens and closes easily
- It consists of roomy storage for your pet’s food, clothes, and other accessories.
- The height of the drawers can match different dogs’ sizes
Cons
- It isn’t easy to assemble when compared to others in the market
Facilehome Pet Food Feeder Station Storage Cabinet features enough storage for your pet’s items. You can store your pet’s toys at the top partition, making them easy to pick. The middle drawer has a large capacity for keeping your pet’s food.
Besides, this multiple dog feeding station consists of a bottom drawer that can hold two bowls, making it perfect for two pets. The drawer’s height is 4.5 inches. Thus, it can fit different dogs’ sizes.
5. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Piedmont Dog Diner-best for large dog breeds
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Piedmont Dog Diner is made of plastic-wood polymer composite material, durable, and easy to clean. It does not warp or crack easily. Hence, requiring less maintenance and repair costs.
This dog feeding station has a tongue and groove layout, making it easy to fix. You will not require tools or screws to assemble. Besides, it is a multi-functional product. It allows your pet to feed without stressing its neck and back and acts as a storage unit.
Pros
- Comes with an aesthetic appeal
- It’s pet-friendly
- It is easy to clean
- Can prevent water from dripping because of the rubber liner around the edge of the bowl holes.
Cons
- It does not create a good opening for the top tray
Some buyers complained about the opening of the top tray. You will need to slide the top to access the storage. And if the bowl is full, water might splash when you try to open it.
With New Age Pet ecoFLEX Piedmont Dog Diner, you will not worry about water dripping everywhere. This item consists of rubber liners at the edge of the holes to prevent water from running through the holes.
6. FOREYY Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls-best for flat-faced dogs
Dogs with short snouts cannot use any station. They might find it challenging to eat, and food can easily chock them. FOREYY Adjustable Raised Dog feeder offers easy access to the food, thus facilitating food movement from the mouth to the stomach.
This raised dog feeding station comes with two trays and two BPA-free silicone mats. You can put the trays on the mat to prevent sliding.
Unlike other pet feeders, FOREYY Adjustable Raised Dog Bowls will allow you to adjust the height according to the size of your pet. Hence, it can be a good option for large, medium, and small dogs (chihuahuas, pomeranians, pineranians, etc).
Pros
- The dog stand is made of quality bamboo wood, making the feeding station more durable.
- It consists of anti-slip feet to prevent sliding
- It is water-resistant
- You can adjust it to 5 different height levels
Cons
- It does not come with dog’s bowls
Buyers feel that this dog feeding station is perfect for all dog breeds. It features five height-adjustable levels to allow you to select the size that matches your pet. Besides, it is made from bamboo wood. Thus, it can match any décor.
Are you wondering about the pet feeder to select for your small or large dog? WANTRYAPET Elevated Pet Feeding station can be your option. Its height can adjust from 4” to 7”. In other words, you can adjust it as your pet grows.
The panel consists of quality bamboo and features a strong metal rack, making it a durable product. Also, it comes with three unbreakable bowls made of food-grade 100% melamine and BPA-free plastic.
Pros
- It consists of 3 adjustable heights
- It’s stable and durable
- And comes with three unbreakable bowls
Cons
- The bowls are small to accommodate large dog breeds
WANTRYAPET Elevated Pet Feeder is designed to promote better posture and digestion. You can adjust it to fit your pet in different growth stages.
Besides, this dog feeder is easy to assemble and clean. Also, it comes with a unique name tag design to allow you to write the dog’s name.
8. URPOWER Elevated Dog Bowls Adjustable Raised Dog Bowl-best for messy pets
URPOWER Elevated Dog feeder is a good option for different growth stages. It can be adjusted from 2-inches for puppies, 8-inches for medium dogs, and 12-inches for large dogs.
This dog feeding station is ideal for pets with arthritis and mobility issues. Also, it enhances digestion by offering the right height to access food and water. The anti-slip rubber pads on the legs and the silicone mats on the bowl inserts prevent the bowls from moving around when your dog is eating.
Pros
- The silicone mats prevent the bowls from slipping
- It comes in a sleek design, making it fit nicely in any space
- Consists of stainless steel bowls, which are rust resistance
- Can hold a large capacity
Cons
- Removing the bowls from the stand can be challenging
Some buyers didn’t like the design of the bowls. They feel it would be better if the bowls had handles to grasp when removing them from the stand. But others found this product helpful because it is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to clean. Also, the bowls feature raised edges to catch spills and keep the surface clean.
9. Internet’s Best Traditional Elevated Pet Feeder-easiest to use
Internet’s Best Traditional Elevated Pet Feeder offers a healthy eating experience for dogs and cats. It comes with two stainless steel bowls raised with a pet feeder to allow your pet to have a better posture, which can increase your dog’s digestive health.
This elevated feeder comes in a traditional style, which can fit any décor. Also, it is made of durable wood and a beautiful espresso finish.
Pros
- Has an elevated base to improve the posture of your pet when eating.
- Comes with two dishwasher-safe bowls.
- Helps to improve the digestive health of the pet
- Comes in a decorative design
Cons
- It is not ideal for small dogs
Internet’s Best Traditional Elevated Pet Feeder is sturdy and easy to fix. The bowls sit in the hole tightly and do not rotate even when the dog licks the food off.
10. PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station-best for tall dogs
Made of 2 stainless steel bowls and a solid 2 grade MDF wood base, PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station is a sturdy product. This feeding station features a combination of quality wood panels and attractive colors. Hence, you can add it to your home décor.
PawHut Raised Pet Feeding station features a storage unit under the top panel. Thus, you can store all your pet’s supplies.
Pros
- It is sturdy and rust-resistance
- It consists of large bowls which can accommodate the large dog breeds
- The removable bowls are easy to clean
Cons
- It is non-adjustable
PawHut Raised Pet Feeding Storage Station comes in an elevated design to reduce stress and strain of the dog’s neck and back joints when eating. Also, it is easy to clean. Therefore, you will be sure of good hygiene for your pet.
Apart from this, it features handles on the sides to allow you to move it easily.
How do you make a dog dish stand?
A dog bowl stand can help reduce mealtime messes and make it easier for older dogs and pets with disabilities to eat without straining. While there are various commercially produced dog dish stands in the market, you can also decide to make yours.
Creating your own stand will help to customize it to fit your dog’s needs.
Here are 4 steps of making a dog dish stand
- Cut two circles on the tabletop to fit the size of your dog bowl
- Cut four pieces of wood to suit the size of your dog. These pieces of wood will support the top part of the stand.
- Attach the top part to the four pieces
- Choose a paint that will meet your aesthetic taste
How do I make an elevated dog feeder station?
Making an elevated dog feeder can be easy if you understand how to perform the procedure. There are many dog feeding station ideas that can help you create a feeder for your puppy. So, which is the easiest method of creating an elevated feeding station?
How to make a dog feeder station using a sheet of plywood
- Place the dog bowls on the top board to get the actual size of the holes
- Use a saw to cut the holes
- Add the sides to the top board using glue and a nail gun
- Attach the legs with glue and nails
- Connect the legs on both sides using a piece of wood to make them firm
- Paint the feeding station
- Add the food bowls
How do I build a dog food bin?
Maybe you are wondering where to store your dog’s food. A dog food bin can be a good solution. But it can consume a lot of space in your home. That’s why a dog feeding station with storage is a good option. It allows quick access to the food.
Here are the steps of building a dog feeder station with a food bin
- Cut the parts of your box according to your measurements
- Cut holes that match the diameter of your food bowls
- Ease the edges of the holes
- Assemble and paint the box
- Install the door using hinges
- Install a door handle
- Place the bowls on the top of the box
Final Verdict: Best Dog Feeding Stations for Your Messy Pet
A good dog feeding station will motivate your pet to eat. It should reduce the risk of digestive problems that occur when food enters the digestive tract. Also, it should offer your dog a comfortable standing posture to prevent straining and stressing the neck, shoulders, and back joints.
Our top pick, Pawfect Pets Adjustable Height Elevated Dog feeder station, reduces dogs’ bloating issues and neck strains. It is leak-proof and comes in an attractive design to match any home décor. Besides, you can customize its height to fit the size of your pet.
The Pawfect pets dog bowl is just perfect for my dog’s needs. The bamboo is very resistant to water and considering my dog likes to splash around in it 🙂 this is a must for me. Being dishwasher safe and having a good grip makes it perfect. The lack of storage doesn’t bother me at all.
While it’s not good for larger dogs, the Vantic elevated dog bowls are a very good choice for smaller breeds. Very easy to store as they don’t take up a lot of space and also simple to assemble when needed. It’s so nice to have the option to raise the bowls if needed when the dog gets bigger.