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Is it safe for my dog to lay down while eating from a raised bowl?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 5 months old | 33 lbs

Is it ok for my dog to lay while she's eating? I've raised the dish to her shoulder height and now she's sitting.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

JuJu is so cute! The concern about feeding a dog from a raising height is that it can predispose them to developing bloat. It would be better for her to sit or stand while eating from the bowl off the ground.

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I have 3 dogs, so 3 dog food bowls. All 3 sit directly on the floor. I had someone tell me that I needed to elevate the bowls since I have a beagle, lab mix, and pit. Is elevating the food bowls better when they eat or does it matter?
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Is there ways I can reduce risk of joint issues and of bloat? She’s a deep chested dog so bloat is a concern and with her breed mixes so is joint issues. With her being a future service dog it’s important that she is always as healthy as possible. Th
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Iam concerned because she mever did since she was 2 months she did this only from 4 5 days.
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