Having a dedicated and comfortable eating area is just as important for our canine companions as it is for us. As a loving pet owner, I know the struggle of scattered food bowls, often tripped over or moved out of the way, creating a less-than-ideal dining experience for your beloved dog. That’s why building a custom Raised Dog Feeder became a priority in our home. This simple DIY project not only brings order to meal times but also offers significant health benefits for your furry friend, ensuring they enjoy every bite in comfort. Investing in quality pet care, whether through a DIY project or carefully selected products like chewy cat litter box furniture, demonstrates our commitment to their well-being.
The Benefits of a Raised Dog Feeder for Your Canine Companion
A raised dog feeder isn’t just about aesthetics or convenience; it’s about enhancing your dog’s health and comfort during meal times. Elevating your dog’s food and water bowls can make a noticeable difference in their overall well-being.
Improved Digestion
For many dogs, especially larger breeds or those prone to gulping their food, a raised feeder can aid in digestion. When dogs eat from bowls placed directly on the floor, they often have to stoop uncomfortably, which can lead to excessive air intake. This can result in bloating, gas, and even more serious conditions like Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or bloat. An elevated feeder allows for a more natural posture, promoting smoother digestion and reducing the risk of these issues.
Reduced Strain on Joints
Older dogs, those with arthritis, or breeds susceptible to joint problems (like hip or elbow dysplasia) can greatly benefit from a raised dog feeder. Bending down to eat from a floor-level bowl puts additional strain on their neck, hips, and shoulders. An elevated stand allows them to eat in a more relaxed, upright position, alleviating discomfort and pressure on their joints. This simple adjustment can significantly improve their quality of life, making meal times a pain-free experience.
Cleaner Eating Area
Tired of messy spills and food scattered across your kitchen floor? A raised feeder can help contain the mess. With bowls securely fitted into a stand, there’s less chance of them being pushed around or tipped over. This not only keeps your home cleaner but also provides a more hygienic eating environment for your dog. For pet owners focused on maintaining a tidy home with their companions, investing in functional pet accessories and designated feeding areas is a must.
Customizable Comfort
One of the greatest advantages of a DIY raised dog feeder is the ability to customize it to your dog’s specific height and needs. Every dog is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to feeding doesn’t always work. By building your own, you can ensure the feeder is perfectly tailored, providing optimal comfort for your pet, whether they are a tiny chihuahua or a majestic Great Dane. This personalized touch shows how much you care about their individual needs.
Dog happily eating from the new raised feeder in a home setting
Choosing the Right Nutrition: Why Purina Pro Plan Stands Out
Beyond the comfort of a raised feeder, proper nutrition is the cornerstone of your dog’s health and vitality. Just as we prioritize a comfortable eating position, the quality of what’s in their bowl is equally crucial. My personal experience has shown me that without good nutrition, you won’t get that happy, healthy, and energetic dog. That’s why I trust Purina® Pro Plan® brand DOG FOOD.
Purina Pro Plan is committed to nutrition that performs. It’s no surprise they are the preferred food for many Westminster Dog Show champions, helping them stay at the top of their game. They offer a variety of formulas to suit different dogs’ needs, from age-specific options to those targeting specific health concerns. For my small dog, we prefer the Purina® Pro Plan® Focus in the Adult Small Breed formula. Its #1 ingredient is real chicken, and it contains natural probiotic fiber, sourced from wheat bran, which helps promote digestive health. This commitment to quality ingredients and tailored nutrition truly sets them apart, helping my little guy keep up with his active life.
DIY Raised Dog Feeder: Step-by-Step Construction
Creating a custom raised dog feeder is a rewarding project that’s surprisingly straightforward. This guide will walk you through building a sturdy and stylish stand, perfect for your furry friend. Remember to adjust the height of the stand to suit your dog’s size; my stand is 8 inches off the floor, ideal for a small dog.
Supplies Needed:
- 7 1/4″ x 18 1/2″ wood/poplar board (top)
- 1 1/2″ x 1/4″ poplar board cut into (2) 19″ and (2) 7 1/4″ pieces (sides)
- 1 1/2″ x 3/4″ wood strips cut into (4) 5 3/4″ and (4) 7 1/2″ pieces (legs)
- Hammer & nails or Nail gun & Compressor
- Sander or Sanding block
- Wood Glue
- Wood Putty
- Wood Stain
- Drill gun & 1/2″ drill bit
- Skill saw
- 2 dog food bowls with a lip edge
Step 1: Prepare the Top Board
Take your main top board (7 1/4″ x 18 1/2″) and place your two dog bowls on it. Carefully trace around the lip edge of each bowl. These outlines will guide where you cut the holes for the bowls to sit. This precise measurement ensures a snug fit.
Tracing the dog bowls onto the wooden board as a first step in DIY construction
Step 2: Cut Out Bowl Holes
Using your 1/2″ drill bit, drill a starter hole inside each traced circle. If you want a faster approach, you can drill several holes all around the circle. Then, carefully use your skill saw to cut out the circles. Don’t worry if the cuts aren’t perfectly smooth; the lip of the bowls will cover any minor imperfections. Once cut, test your bowls to ensure they fit securely.
Step 3: Assemble the Sides
With wood glue and a nail gun (or hammer and nails), attach the side pieces (two 19″ and two 7 1/4″ poplar boards) to the edges of the top board. This frames the top, giving your raised dog feeder a more finished and polished look. Ensure all corners are square and securely fastened.
Assembling the frame of the raised dog feeder using wood pieces and a nail gun
Step 4: Attach the Legs
Now, it’s time to add the legs. The four 5 3/4″ wood strips will be attached to the top corners, providing the initial support. The four 7 1/2″ pieces will extend downwards from these, creating the full height of the legs. Use wood glue and nails to secure them firmly. Finish the legs on both sides with the remaining 5 3/4″ pieces, connecting the bottom sections for added stability and a complete look.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the structure of your raised dog feeder is complete, it’s time for the finishing touches. Use wood putty to fill all nail holes and any exposed seams, creating a smooth surface. After the putty dries, sand the entire feeder thoroughly until it’s perfectly smooth. Finally, apply your chosen wood stain or paint to match your home decor. You can even paint the exterior of the bowls for an extra pop of color!
Finished raised dog feeder stand, stained and ready for bowls
Setting Up Your Dog’s New Dining Space
With your new raised dog feeder complete, the next step is to find its perfect spot. We set up our dog’s new food station in the kitchen, against a wall and out of any major walking paths. This strategic placement ensures no more accidental trips over bowls and keeps the feeding area organized. The custom height makes it incredibly comfortable for him, and as an added bonus, it seamlessly blends with our home decor. Providing a designated, comfortable, and stylish feeding area significantly contributes to your dog’s daily happiness and overall well-being.
Bag of Purina Pro Plan dog food, highlighting the brand's quality nutrition
Conclusion
Creating a custom raised dog feeder is a wonderful way to show your pet how much you care. This DIY project offers numerous benefits, from improved digestion and reduced joint strain to a cleaner eating environment and customizable comfort. Coupled with high-quality nutrition like Purina Pro Plan dog food, you’re providing your beloved companion with everything they need for a healthy, happy, and energetic life. Take the time to build this feeder, choose the right food, and give your dog the elevated dining experience they truly deserve. Your dog’s well-being is paramount, and these small efforts make a world of difference.
