Bloat Prevention

[mastiffmastiffmastiff]

Hi, does anyone know is it better for a mastiff/giant breed to eat/drink out of elevated bowls or not? I've heard conflicting things on this

 

[CeeCee]

The most recent research that I've read recommends that you feed them from the floor - especially for large and giant breed dogs.

 

[Boxergirl]

Here's a decent article.
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyve...at-ratcheting-controversy-risk-gdv-dogs-6861#

I also limit water intake and exercise after eating because it can't hurt anything. The most important thing, imo, is to know what to look for. There are some old posts with videos posted of dogs actively bloating. It doesn't look like much, so it's a good thing to actually see so dog owners can identify a possible GDV early.

 

[Boxergirl]

Here are the two videos I mentioned. I think it's so important to actually see what it looks like. And to know that it looks like not necessarily all that much.

 

[Nik]

I make sure to never feed my dogs very large meals. They get four smaller meals a day. And I don't let them run around for at least a half hour after eating. I also use a slow feeder bowl... The slow feeder hardly slows them so I know they would gulp it down ever faster without it. I have lost one dog to bloat and it isn't something I ever want to experience again.

 

[Pastor Dave]

My Mr. Chev eats from an elevated (12 inch off the floor) stool I found somewhere. He eats "For Health" from Tractor Supply 3 times a day, 2 cups a meal. He is not frumpy dumpy, is athletic, and this system works for me.

 

[Sheila Braund]

Bloat is awful....my sisters shepherd had it 2xs . He was very lucky the vet allowed my sister to make payments on the medical care....and the second surgery it was only a couple months apart the vet charged only his costs