Some veterinarians recommend elevated feeders for dogs susceptible to bloat. Elevated feeders can help in caring for dogs and cats with a condition called megaesophagus . Instead of moving the food down to the stomach through muscular contractions, the enlarged and weak esophagus dilates and allows the food to accumulate there instead of the stomach. This can lead to regurgitation and vomiting. An elevated feeder will allow gravity to help get the food down to the stomach.
Elevated feeders are more comfortable for older pets.
Dogs with arthritis and cats with arthritis also benefit from elevated feeders. Older pets often eat less anyway, which means they may not get the nutrition they need. If eating is painful or uncomfortable, they are likely to eat even less. Raising food and water to their level encourages eating and drinking. Finally, elevated feeders have an extra bonus.