Toss Your Dog’s Bowl | DIY Raised, Flat Dog Dish (Steps)

by | Nov 13, 2022 | Raw Feeding for Dogs

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Eating from a flat surface is better for dogs, including picky dogs. Learn why and how you can make a flat dog dish for less than .

So, this isn't really DIY, but it's as close to DIY as I can get outside of making dog food and treats. I made flat dog dishes for my dogs.

In 2022, I saw many people using the MINE Pet Platters. I purchased four platters for my dogs and was inspired to introduce them to the dogs in September 2022. I loaded three platters with our dogs' food (raw grinds, raw eggs, bone broth) and laid them on the floor (on top of towels).

They're not a good fit for my dog, but although the platters didn't work out for my dogs, I like the idea behind the product.

I began feeding from flat surfaces (pasta dishes) in 2020 when Sydney was diagnosed with cancer. She wouldn't eat, and a friend recommended switching to a flat bowl, and this was a game changer. I now feed all of my dogs from pasta dishes and recently began alternating to flat dishes with dividers, and I want to share this easy hack with others.

5 Benefits of Flat Dog Dishes

1 – Dogs aren't overwhelmed by the smell of food – by feeding from flat dishes, the odors aren't overwhelming, allowing them to choose what they'll eat first, second, and so on. I spread the food out with a grind, a raw meaty bone, an egg, and, on occasion, a fish or veggie blend.

2 – More engagement at mealtimes (for me and the dogs) – because my dogs can smell everything in their bowl, it's fun to watch the order each chooses to eat their food. And watching them make their choices helps me better formulate meals for each dog. For instance, my dogs will eat veggies last (and sometimes skip them), so I mix them into their grind, or I mix an organ meat meal topper.

3 – Mealtime is less frustrating/painful – because the flat dishes don't have deep corners, and my dogs no longer mush their noses into the dish as they try to finish a bowl. And they no longer feel stressed as they're trying to get those last few bites pushed into a corner.

4 – Reduced risk of whisker fatigue – whisker fatigue is commonly seen in cats, but dogs can experience this too. Our dogs' whiskers are comparable to a human's fingertips. They use their whiskers to sense their surroundings, and fatigue can set in when whiskers are constantly rubbing along the edges of a dog dish.

5 – Dogs can't see their peripherals – the high sides of dog dishes (and some raised dishes) block our dogs' peripherals, which is the opposite of their nature.

DIY Raised Flat Dog Dishes

Johan and I brainstormed an alternative to the Mine Pet Platters for our dogs and came up with the following setup, which a few followers have also done and found helpful for their dogs. This was easy and affordable (less than $10), and you can buy everything on Amazon. My shopping list is below.

And, if Amazon doesn't work, you can find similar items at a camping gear store or a restaurant supply store.

Flat Dog Dish

I chose a food-grade stainless steel, divided dinner plate for the flat dog dish. I found them in a pack of four for $20. I was concerned about the dish sliding on our floors, so I also ordered furniture grippers; each plate requires four grippers.

Raised, Flat Dog Dish

Two of our dogs did well with their new dishes when I lay them on the floor. Rodrigo was struggling (this was painful for his back). So I fed him from his raised dish as I tried to figure out an alternative. I mentioned my dilemma on the Girls with Dogs podcast, and my co-host suggested using a planter.

I couldn't find a planter that would work (and was affordable), so I decided to try a flower pot.

I measured the bottom of the plate, and I needed a flower pot that was ten inches in diameter. I found what I needed on Amazon. I added furniture grippers, and it works for Rodrigo, and I think it'll work for Apollo too. I'm now looking for a slightly shorter solution for Zoey.

Cost of a DIY Raised, Flat Dog Dish

  • $7.50 – Gorilla Pads (set of 16)
  • $5 – Stainless Steel Trays (set of four)
  • $15 – Flower Pot (OPTIONAL)

The total cost of the flat dog dish is $12.50 plus tax and shipping. I ordered a 4-pack of dinner plates and a 16-pack of furniture pads for a total cost of $27.50; I created four plates.

I use an OXO Good Grips, five-pound kitchen scale that can accommodate a flat dog dish (or plate).

Shopping List

Creating the base isn't difficult. A planter or flower pot may work, you'll only need to determine the right height. But other things can be safely used as a base. If you've discovered one or another tray/flat plate that works for your dogs, please tell us about them in the comments.

Alternative Flat Dog Dishes

If you're concerned about materials or you've come across this post and the dinner plates I'm using aren't available, here are a few more ideas to try. You can order one of these or use these as inspiration when looking for a plate for your dog.

There are also glass dishes. These are more expensive, but some pet parents prefer glass to stainless steel or plastic:

Eating from a flat surface is better for dogs, including picky dogs. Learn why and how you can make a flat dog dish for less than .

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2 Comments

  1. Kimberly on November 21, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    Thanks for the tip!

  2. Kendra Oliver on November 16, 2022 at 8:25 pm

    Another slip stick alternative is the woven shelf liner at dollar stores, essentially the same as rug liners.

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