Eating bent over forces dogs to gulp their food. In the process, the dogs swallow more air. This air can end up as foul smelling gas a while later. The higher the food dish, the less gulping. This occurs most commonly in large breed dogs, and is life-threatening.
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.