bloat in dogs

[ilovelurchers]

Hi, I've read everywhere that lurchery type dogs should always have raised feeding bowls as it helps to prevent bloat. Well today I came across a 'bloat' site and they said never to use raised ones because it can help cause it! So now I don't know what to do. Any advice please would be really appreciated. This was the site.

www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

[andywillow]

I think most folk on gap use raised feeders for their hounds. I do and have never had any problems. I never exercise my dogs at least an hour before or after feeding to reduce the risk of bloat. Raised feeders seem so much more comfortable for leggy hounds.

Sue

[vickyb]

I agree with Sue. I had read both views but they seem much more comfortable with the raised feeder and I think that it's the exercise thing that is more important.
Vicky

[sharron]

I agree with sue and Vicky. I use a raised feeder, and have had no problems. I think its the feeding and exercise that is the main problem.

If in doubt see the vet.

[Princess C]

I think the Purdue report led to a lot of speculation...but Irish wolfhounds were the only sighthounds that were in their study and although I think there are many other contributing factors, like exercise too close to feeding, drinking too much water, gobbling food, feeding one large meal rather than two smaller ones, etc I will stick to feeding my larger ones from raised bowls - Otis would regurgitate his if fed from the floor, Min would lie down to eat and Matilda wouldn't be able to eat at all, as she has to throw her head back to allow gravity to take her food down! That's before their comfort is taken into account

Weren't the Purdue people who in the nineties decided raised feeders were bad, also the people who recommended them in the first place?

[ilovelurchers]

Right that's settled then. I will buy a raised feeder. Thank you for all your advice.