How to Make Elevated Dog Bowls – A Step-by-Step Guide

Elevated dog bowls offer a host of benefits for our canine companions, from improving posture and digestion to reducing neck strain. As pet owners, we always want what’s best for our furry friends, and sometimes that means getting a little crafty. Creating a customized elevated dog bowl stand can be a rewarding project that not only caters to the specific height and eating needs of your dog but also adds a unique piece of furniture to your home.

In making an elevated dog bowl, you’ll want to start by choosing the right materials that are durable and safe for your pet. Once you have your materials, you’ll move on to designing your stand to ensure it meets the appropriate height and stability requirements. The design and assembly process requires careful attention to detail and a bit of DIY skill, but the result is well worth the effort. Adding finishing touches like a personal engraving can make your elevated dog feeder stand out while reflecting your dog’s personality.

If you want more DIY tips, check out our guide on how to make collars or toys!

Key Takeaways

• The design and creation of an elevated dog bowl stand to improve pet comfort and digestion.
• The right choice of materials and design is key to a functional and durable feeder.
• A combination of craftsmanship and personalized finishing touches ensures a feeder that is both utilitarian and bespoke.

Choosing the Right Materials

When we construct elevated dog bowls, the materials we select will greatly affect the durability and aesthetics of the final product. Let’s focus on the two primary components: wood for the stand and the bowls that will fit into it.

Selecting the Wood

Wood Type: For modern and durable elevated dog bowls, we recommend using hardwood such as oak or maple for their sturdiness and resistance to wear. If we’re on a budget, plywood can be a cost-effective alternative. It’s important to pick a piece free of splinters and rough edges.

Treatment: Once we’ve cut our wood to size using a saw, applying a layer of waterproof sealer, such as polyurethane, is crucial. This will ensure that the stand can withstand spills and is easy to clean. For a more customized look, we might opt for spray paint or paint in a color that complements our home decor. Remember to use wood glue for assembling parts as it provides a strong bond while remaining hidden within the joins.

Finding the Perfect Bowls

Material: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are excellent choices due to their weight, which adds stability, and their ease of cleaning. Ensure the bowls have a smooth edge to prevent any injuries to our pets.

Size and Fit: We must measure the diameter of the bowls accurately to create an opening in the wood that holds them snugly. This will prevent the bowls from tipping or moving when our pet eats or drinks.

With these considerations in mind, we create a functional and stylish elevated dog bowl stand that will keep our furry friends happy and healthy.

Designing Your Elevated Dog Bowl Stand

Before we dive into constructing our elevated dog bowl stand, we need to focus on the two critical steps of the design process: determining the correct dimensions for our dog’s comfort and sketching out a clear design plan.

Determining the Dimensions

Firstly, we’ll establish the ideal height for our raised dog bowl stand. The top of the food and water bowls should align with the dog’s knee height, generally the point where the dog’s front legs meet the chest, to ensure comfort during mealtime. This is particularly important for large dog breeds to help reduce strain on their neck and joints. To find this measurement, have your dog stand and measure from the floor to their chest. This height will dictate the height of our stand.

For the length and width, measure the diameter of the bowls and add around 4 inches on all sides to provide ample space for the bowls to sit securely and to catch any spillage. If our dog requires large portions of kibble, we might opt for larger bowls, which in turn will affect the stand’s overall dimensions.

Sketching the Design

With the measurements in hand, it’s time to draft a preliminary design. Using graph paper, a compass, and a ruler, we can outline a to-scale model of the dog feeder. This visual representation will guide us when we cut our plywood with a jigsaw. The top view should indicate where the food bowl and water bowl will sit. Include circles for the bowls, ensuring they have a snug fit with a bit of leeway to remove them for cleaning easily.

The side view in our sketch will illustrate the stand’s profile, including any desired contours or decorations. For larger stands, additional support beams might be necessary to prevent the plywood top from bending. We may also want to consider the addition of a piano hinge if our design includes a storage compartment below the bowls for easy access to your dog’s kibble and supplies.

Assembling the Elevated Feeder

Before we start, it’s important to note that we’ll need to measure and cut the wood carefully to ensure a perfect fit. We’ll also secure the pieces together firmly using the appropriate tools for a sturdy elevated feeder that your furry friend will love.

Cutting the Wood

First, we’ll select a high-quality wood that’s both pet-safe and durable. With our measurements in hand, we will use a circular saw to cut the wood precisely. Safety is paramount, so we ensure that the cutting area is secure and we’re wearing protective gear. Here’s our cutting guide:

• Top platform: 2 pieces, length as per the dog’s shoulder height
• Legs: 4 pieces, height depending on the desired elevation

We’ll also need to cut out openings using a jigsaw so the bowls will fit snugly. It’s essential to sand all edges to prevent splinters.

Joining the Pieces

After cutting, we’ll begin piecing the feeder together:

1. Lay the top platform flat and apply wood glue to the edges where the legs will attach.
2. Align the legs to the glued areas and use clamps to hold them in place while the glue sets slightly.
3. Once stable, reinforce the structure using screws—pre-drill holes to prevent wood split.
4. For additional support, attach triangular braces at the corners under the top platform where the legs meet.

Remember, we’re using our drill to secure the screws, and a hammer may be necessary for any small adjustments. A nail gun can also be used for quick joining, but ensure everything is squared and aligned properly before securing.

Finishing Touches

Now that we’ve constructed our elevated dog bowl stand, it’s time to give it the final aesthetic and functional touches to ensure durability and style.

Sanding and Painting

Sanding: Before we begin painting, we must sand the wood to a smooth finish. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper and work up to a fine-grit to achieve a smooth surface. Ensure there are no rough patches that could splinter. This will also improve paint adhesion.

Suggestions:

1. 80-grit sandpaper: Start to remove any rough spots or unevenness.
2. 220-grit sandpaper: Use as the final sanding step to achieve a smooth finish.

Painting: Once the stand is smooth, we proceed to painting. A coat of primer will help the top layers of paint last longer and prevent wood discoloration. After the primer is dry, apply two coats of spray paint, allowing time for drying between coats. Choose a non-toxic spray paint suitable for the elevated dog bowl stand, keeping your pet’s safety in mind.

Suggestions:

• Primer: One coat for long-lasting protection.
• Spray paint: Two coats for a bold, even color. Allow adequate drying time.

Attaching the Bowls

For attaching the bowls, measure the diameter of your dog’s food and water bowls at the top edge. Cut a hole slightly smaller than the diameter on the stand’s top for a snug fit. We prefer using a jigsaw for precise cuts. Apply a thin layer of wood glue around the rim of the hole before setting the bowl into place to secure it. However, we need to ensure that the fit isn’t too tight, as we must allow for easy removal of the bowls for cleaning.

Suggestions:

• Food Bowl Diameter: Measure precisely for a snug fit.
• Water Bowl Diameter: Same as above to maintain consistency.
• Glue: Use wood glue to attach without damaging the bowls.

Health Benefits and Considerations

When we opt for elevated dog bowls, our primary considerations revolve around the health and comfort of our canine friends. Elevated feeders have been associated with certain benefits that cater to dogs with specific health issues.

Preventing Bloat

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious condition that can affect dogs, and it’s one we aim to prevent. Raised dog bowls are said to reduce the risk of bloat in larger breeds by promoting good posture during feeding and slowing down the eating process. By eating from a bowl that’s at a more natural height, dogs are less likely to take in excess air.

Supporting Joint Health

For dogs with arthritis or back problems, bending down to eat or drink can be painful. We see elevated dog bowls as a kind solution to ease the strain on their joints. The raised height of the bowls allows dogs to maintain a better posture, which can contribute significantly to their overall joint health and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are needed to create a DIY dog bowl stand?

To make your DIY dog bowl stand, you’ll need wood planks or plywood, screws, wood glue, a drill, sandpaper, and a saw. For a finished look, paint or stain plus a sealant is advised.

What are the steps to build a dog bowl stand for larger breeds?

First, measure your dog’s shoulder height to determine the stand’s height. Then, cut wood to create a base, sides, and top. Drill holes at the appropriate height to hold the bowls securely. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of a larger breed.

How can I add storage to a homemade dog bowl stand?

You can add storage for items like food, treats, and toys by creating a shelf beneath the bowls or adding a drawer to the design. Just be sure to consider the overall weight and balance to maintain the stand’s stability.

What is the ideal height for a dog bowl stand to prevent bloat?

The ideal height should allow your dog to eat without lowering their neck below shoulder level, which can range from 6 to 12 inches based on size. Elevated feeding can help reduce the risk of bloat by promoting better posture during meals.

Can repurposed pallets be used to construct a dog bowl stand?

Yes, repurposed pallets can be an excellent resource. They’re durable and can be cut and reassembled into a sturdy dog bowl stand, adding a rustic charm to the design while being eco-friendly.

Are there any design considerations for a farmhouse-style dog bowl stand?

For a farmhouse-style stand, consider using reclaimed wood and a distressed paint finish. You can also incorporate country-inspired accents like barn-style handles or stencil paw prints for a charming and authentic farmhouse look.