10 Dog Bowl Feeding Station Ideas and DIY Plans (2024)

10 Dog Bowl Feeding Station Ideas and DIY Plans (1)

Why not elevate your canine companion’s dinnertime with a DIY dog bowl stand that you can make at home? There are plenty of benefits to having a raised bowl holder for your precious pups. It prevents them from messing and, according to the experts, might actually be a dog’s preferred way of chowing down.

In this article, I’ll detail 10 dog feeding station plans that are simple to make and won’t take you hours. Some of these plans even include storage cabinets for extra food or unique ideas for personalization. Ready? Let’s get crafting.

10 DIY IDEAS and PLANS

Make Your Dog Full and Happy with One of These Feeding Station Ideas

On this page

  • 10 DIY IDEAS and PLANS
  • 1. Upcycled Pallet Feeding Station
  • 2. Elevated Mid-Century Modern Feeding Stand
  • 3. 2 Bowl Stand for Small Pups
  • 4. Raised Dog Bowl Platform with Hairpin Legs
  • 5. Contemporary Raised DIY Dog Feeding Station
  • 6. Make-It-Yourself Pedestal Stand Feeding Stations
  • 7. Easy and Adorable Elevated Feeding Stand
  • 8. Beautiful Wooden 2-Bowl Stand with Feet
  • 9. Do-It-Yourself Dog Bowl Station with Storage
  • 10. Reclaimed Wood Raised Dog Bowl Platform

1. Upcycled Pallet Feeding Station

10 Dog Bowl Feeding Station Ideas and DIY Plans (2)

Details

Pallets have long been every DIY enthusiast’s best friend. They are affordable, versatile, and easy to get hold of.You can easily construct this upcycled pallet feeding stand in just a few hours with a saw, a hammer, and some nails and brackets.Start by creating a box shape using pallet wood. Use shorter, narrower cuts of wood inside the box to secure the corners.Then, for the “lid,” measure and saw out the circle shapes you need for nesting your dog’s bowls. Attach them to the box, and your structure is complete.

All that’s left to do is stain your box in the color of your choice and attach some decorative corner brackets for a rustic, vintage treasure-box look.You can even go the extra mile and personalize this gorgeous feeding stand with a stencil and some black paint.

2. Elevated Mid-Century Modern Feeding Stand

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Details

This elevated pet feeding station is a fun DIY project for both you and the kids. It’s also fully customizable depending on your taste and existing decor. Start with a quick trip to the hardware store. You’ll need some affordable lumber, like pine, and four mid-century modern chair legs.Most hardware stores can cut wood per request, so keep your measurements in mind if you plan to take this route.

Once you’ve got your materials, it’s time to measure out and cut the holes for the feeding bowls with a jigsaw. Ensure they’re not too big, or the bowls will fall through.You can then attach your legs by drilling in some screws. Cut them to the height you feel is most appropriate for your pup. Then, sand all the rough bits.

Now for the best part.Once you’ve put your feeding station together, you can decorate it however you please. Use a combination of wood stain and acrylic paint for a modern, funky look, or keep it classic by sticking to one shade. The choice is yours.

3. 2 Bowl Stand for Small Pups

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Details

This is another great upcycled pallet project that is perfect for shorter canines (or even cats).To construct this 2-bowl design, first, disassemble a throw-away pallet and keep the evenest pieces of lumber to one side. Cut them to shape. You’ll need four long pieces for the top and long sides, two shorter pieces for the remaining sides, and one support piece for the inside center to keep the stand sturdy.

Join your woodcuts in a box shape, ensuring they’re all evenly aligned. Next, measure the diameters of your food bowls (slightly smaller to account for overhang), and cut them out using a jigsaw.Sand the entire thing, and the base structure is complete. Stain or varnish your feeding stand as per your preference.

This designer has also included a cute, personalized name tag.You can make one yourself using leftover pallet wood, your jigsaw, a bit of paint, and a stencil.

4. Raised Dog Bowl Platform with Hairpin Legs

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Details

This ultra-modern dog bowl platform is an affordable DIY project that looks like a million bucks. It’s also really easy to build!

Construct the platform part of this feeding station first using leftover or scrap lumber.You might have one piece of wood that is a suitable size, or you’ll need to join two or three pieces. The goal is to have a proportional rectangle that will fit your dog’s bowls.Once complete, go in with a jigsaw to carve out the bowl holes before sanding the whole thing to a smooth finish.

You can then paint the edges of the rectangle to give this feeding station a contemporary aesthetic. Use masking tape to keep your edges neat.Then, all that’s left is to attach some hairpin table legs. You can find these at your local hardware store.

This striking plan will have your pup feeling like he’s fine dining at every meal.

5. Contemporary Raised DIY Dog Feeding Station

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Details

This is another simple-to-execute plan that looks great in the kitchen or living room of your home.

You can get away with constructing this plan using just nails, clamps, a saw, a hammer, and some sanding paper, but it will look even smoother and neater if you drill in pockets for diagonal screws.The most important part of the process is measuring the size of your bowls before cutting your lumber.Once you have them, you can cut your wood to size and start building.

The design is effortless, comprising a rectangular base with raised legs adjoining an equally sized top. The center support on the top end gives your bowls something to rest on, forming neat-looking squares.

A good sanding and a lick of paint provide a modern, personalized aesthetic that will fit right in with your existing decor.

6. Make-It-Yourself Pedestal Stand Feeding Stations

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Details

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for dog feeding stations. That’s why this design is perfect for 2 dogs or more. They look great – like something out of a gallery. However, they are a little time-consuming to make, given their soapstone tops.

To start, I recommend finding your perfect bowls so you can be sure of sizing. Take them to your local soapstone supplier and have your slabs cut to size (rectangular with holes).From here, you can start construction on the rest of the pedestals.Measure up a sheet of MDF (or a similar timber) and cut it using a miter saw. The general idea behind this design is to have a little bit of overhang on the base and tabletop areas to give it the overall look and feel of a modern pedestal.

Use wood glue, nails, or pocket holes to put all your pieces together. If you’re using nails, I suggest using wood putty after the fact to cover up any rough spots.

Paint the pedestals a bright, stark white to contrast with the soapstone, and in no time, you’ll have some of the best-looking feeding stations out there.

7. Easy and Adorable Elevated Feeding Stand

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Details

Are you wondering how to make a completely customizable feeding station for your dog? Look no further. This simple plan can be constructed in just one afternoon and fitted to your pooch’s height. I love that it looks a bit like a coffee table.

The hardest part of making this station is figuring out your measurements. Work out the diameters of your bowls so you can cut the holding holes with your jigsaw.

Once the top is complete, you can start on your legs. Cut them according to your dog’s height, and then build a frame with horizontal supports.Attach the top, sand it down, and give the whole thing a good coating of spray paint in a color of your choice.

Once dry, it’s ready to be used.

8. Beautiful Wooden 2-Bowl Stand with Feet

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Details

If you have some good-quality wood scraps lying around, you really have no reason not to build a stunning bespoke bowl stand. This bi-colored plan uses walnut and oak, but you aren’t restricted – use what you have.

Start by measuring and cutting the holes for your bowls. They don’t need to be perfect. You won’t see them. They just need to be large enough for the bowls to rest comfortably without shifting.Next, add a little detail to your front panel for visual interest.Then, design and cut out the feet. I love these slightly diagonal legs because of their mid-century modern aesthetic.With all your pieces ready, all you need to do is adjoin them with screws or glue.

To finish off your feeding station, sand it down and treat it with varnish or oil. You can opt to paint it too if you like. However, there’s something to be said for the beauty of good-quality wood.

9. Do-It-Yourself Dog Bowl Station with Storage

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Details

No one loves the sight of bulky bags of dog food lying around. Fortunately, this intelligent design solves two problems at once, doubling up as a feeding stand and a storage cabinet for kibbles.

To build this station, you can follow the basic pattern for any type of hinged box (like a toy box) that grabs your fancy.Check that the measurements are suitable for holding a plastic storage container for your dog food.And before attaching the lid, make sure to jigsaw out holes to hold your bowls.

Once complete, you can finish off your bowl station with a coat of paint and pop in your storage container for food.

10. Reclaimed Wood Raised Dog Bowl Platform

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Details

This is a great beginner design that you can knock out in under an hour using reclaimed wood or a discarded pallet.

Cut even lengths to form a square box. Use two layers of wood to build the frame and keep it sturdy before attaching the top.Once constructed, measure your feeding bowl by tracing a circle on the top end of the box. Cut a hole using a jigsaw. Just make sure to cut a centimeter or so inwards, so the bowl doesn’t fall through.

Next, sand down the entire thing. Pallet wood can be rough and splintery, which isn’t ideal for your canine companion.Paint or treat the box, and it’s ready to go.

10 Dog Bowl Feeding Station Ideas and DIY Plans (2024)

FAQs

How tall should a dog feeding station be? ›

The best way to determine the proper feeder height is to measure your dog's wither height (top of its front shoulder). Elevated feeding bowls should be positioned about 6 inches below the pet's wither height.

What is the 10% rule for feeding dogs? ›

The 10% rule means your dog's treats per day allowance should take up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. To work this out, it's useful to know the number of calories you should be feeding your dog per day. These can be provided by your pet food's manufacturer or found on the back of all dog food packaging.

How high is too high for a dog bowl? ›

Measure from the floor to your dog's chest (even with the top of their back). Next subtract 6” from this measurement. The result is typically the maximum height you should consider.

How big should a dog bowl be? ›

Based on our experience, the right bowl should be approximately four times larger than the volume of food served. In order to get a feel for the right sizes, calculate the approximate volume of food served at each meal.

Are raised bowls OK for dogs? ›

A raised dog bowl is a great idea for most dogs, even small dogs, but are particularly beneficial to medium and larger dogs. Why? Straining down to reach your food is no fun for anyone and it can also have digestive and physical implications in the form of neck and even back strain.

Where is the best place to put dog food bowls? ›

Dogs can be very messy eaters, spilling food all around the floor and even on the walls, so make sure there's nothing near your dog's eating area that can be damaged. We recommend putting his food bowl near his water bowl, which should always be there, cleaned often and filled with fresh water.

Do raised dog bowls cause bloat? ›

According to the study, “approximately 20 and 52% of cases of GDV (bloat) among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl.”

Should dog bowls be elevated for large dogs? ›

Do Big Dogs Need Raised Bowls? For larger dogs, raised dog bowls make the process of drinking water easier as the water flows easier down their esophagus.

Should dog bowls be on the floor? ›

Smaller dogs that don't have to crane their necks while eating can benefit from floor dog bowls. However, if your dog is larger or suffers from neck pain, a raised dog bowl could be the better option. Your vet might even prescribe an elevated dog feeder if your pup has megaesophagus.

How many bowls a day for a dog? ›

Our recommendation is to fill their bowls twice a day – once in the morning, and again at night before bed. Try putting one scoop of food in a little bowl and then adding water to the side of it. Your dog should drink as much water as it can by licking or drinking out of the water-filled bowl.

Are elevated feeders better for dogs? ›

Some veterinarians and pet care experts argue that raised dog bowls can provide significant benefits, particularly for certain breeds and older dogs. They often cite improved posture and reduced strain on the neck, joints, and hips as key advantages.

Should my dogs food bowl be elevated? ›

Raised dog bowls can indeed offer several benefits for our furry friends. Firstly, elevated bowls promote better posture and aid in proper digestion. By lifting the food and water off the ground, dogs are not required to strain their necks and bodies downward, reducing the risk of neck and back discomfort.

Why should dog bowls be elevated? ›

For larger dogs, raised dog bowls make the process of drinking water easier as the water flows easier down their esophagus. It also puts less strain on their neck, and if they're old or suffer from any physical conditions, it can reduce the pressure on joints and bones.

Do elevated dog bowls cause bloat? ›

Ultimately, we think this study strongly suggests a link between use of an elevated feeder and an elevated risk of bloat, particularly in large and extra large breed dogs, but without follow-up study, it isn't 100% conclusive.

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