Reuse Planter Stands To Keep Your Pets Feeding Station Neat & Tidy

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Elevated bowls can be a beneficial change for your cats and dogs if they're among the larger breeds. Raised dishes could help reduce strain on your pet's joints as well as improve their digestion and posture, a nice perk for older animals or those with mobility and orthopedic issues. However, if your pet already has a bowl they love, you may not want to switch to an entirely new food and water dish. Fortunately, there's one clever hack that will let you keep the same bowls while adding a bit of extra height and even some aesthetic flair. For this DIY feeding station, all you need is a planter (and possibly a planter stand) to elevate your pet's bowls. Simply find a planter with an opening that matches the diameter of the bowl's rim, and you can easily fit them together for a raised bowl that perfectly suits your decor.

Not only does this simple hack save you from buying an elevated bowl, but if you already have an unused planter on hand, it may help reduce clutter and give a forgotten item a new purpose. You could also blend this project with other DIYs, such as repurposing an IKEA shelf to build a simple pet feeding station. Before trying this hack, consider your pet and their needs. For some dogs, elevated bowls might be linked to an increased risk of bloat, while some cats also experience negative effects, such as discomfort or stress. If you're unsure of whether or not your cat or dog may benefit from elevated bowls, reach out to your veterinarian for information specific to your pet.

The most important part of this DIY elevated feeding station is choosing the right planter for your pet's needs. Depending on your animal's height and feeding posture, certain planters may work better than others. You also want to make sure that the bowl fits securely within the opening of the planter. This can make removing the bowl for cleaning easier. Features like this are important to keep in mind, especially because you need to clean your pet's food bowl frequently to prevent bacteria buildup.

Once you've picked out your planter and bowl, customize your feeding station for your pet. After all, your pet has unique personality traits and quirks. If your dog or cat is an excited eater, you may notice that they push their bowl across the floor. This might not be as problematic with the addition of a planter base and stand, but it may still occur. If this is an issue with your pet, invest in furniture grippers like X-Protector Non-Slip Furniture Pads. These can stick to the legs or bottom of your planter base, supplying rubber feet that will reduce movement.

If you're a pet owner with a messy pet, this hack might also be beneficial in cutting down on spilled food or water. For instance, you can put your pet bowl in a planter with a terracotta saucer underneath to provide an easy-to-clean area for any messes or spills. You could also build a mini garden around your pet's bowl, an easy way for dog owners to water their houseplants and avoid a mess, all in one fell swoop.