How to Make a Tongue and Groove Raised Feeder
A friend of ours needed a raised feeder for her gorgeous Great Dane called Brutus. She was worried about his back and didn’t want him to strain every time he ate but all the feeders were either too expensive or impractical so she asked us to make her one. Here’s how we made this one for Brutus.
What we used to make a raised feeder
- Tongue and groove boards
- Four 5 x 5 cm posts cut to size ( 2 x 2 inches)
- Pine plank
- Metal feeding bowls
- Dremel circle cutter and straight-edge guide
- 2 x large piano hinges
- Chalk paint and clear wax
- Wood sealer
- Sisal rope
- Nail gun
We started off by measuring and cutting the tongue and groove boards into 8 x 43 cm (17 inches) strips and 8 x 75 cm (29.5 inches) strips. We joined 4 long pieces together to form the two long sides and 4 short pieces together to form the two short sides. Tongue and groove boards are similar to Shiplap but they are really easy to work with because the tongue of one piece slots into the groove of the next piece, almost like a basic puzzle piece.
To put the basic box together we measured the width of the sides and cut the 5 x 5 cm posts to size, then we attached the 5 x 5 cm posts to the long side with wood glue and a nail gun. Make sure that the 5 x 5 posts are flush with the bottom of the sides. The 5 x 5 posts make it easier to create 90 degree angle where the sides join, something I always seems to struggle with. Once the glue is dry attach the short sides to the long sides to form a box.
To make the bottom we measured the interior of the box and cut the pine plank accordingly. We used a nail gun to nail the bottom of the feeder to the 5 x 5 posts in each corner.
For the top we took the bottom measurements and added an extra 5 cm (2 inches) all round (We wanted the top to be a bit wider). We used a gorgeous dark wood stain to seal and protect the top and then Hubby used his Dremel circle cutter and straight-edge guide to cut two holes in the top to fit two bowls for Brutus’s food and water.
We used the same stain to seal and protect the feeder and then we dry brushed on some white chalk paint and clear wax to create some contrast between the lid and the bottom. Finally we attached the lid with piano hinges, added some sisal rope handles and made a sign so everyone knows who the feeder belongs to.
Now Brutus can eat in comfort and there’s extra storage for his food and special doggie treats.
Do you use a raised feeder for your fur babies?
Wow!! I loved your idea. I will try to make the same for my cat but in small size.
Your purr babies are going to love that. Have fun, Claire
Very helpful tips, you guys are doing a great job. I will make one for my dog.
Thanks for your tricks.
You’re welcome, Nancy. I’m sure your fur baby will love their raised feeder.
I really loved this dog feeder. I hope Brutus will be much happy!
Thank you Lillian, I know his Mom was very happy with his gift
Wow! First off, it’s a beautiful piece. The workmanship is well done and this will look great in any home. Love the contrast of the stain and the paint, it’s very visually appealing. Brutus has to be so pleased with this, it will make his life less painful. And his owners have to love that Brutus will be able to eat without pain and that his feeder not only works well but looks great! We don’t have a dog right now, but I can see that this would be a great addition for when we get a new puppy! Pinning to save, thanks for sharing your plans.
My pleasure Nikki. Glad you like it. P.S get a puppy, they’ll change your world and your garden 😉
Great and very creative job and I think this is the best feeder. Now Brutus is going to enjoy.
Thank you so much Sadhna. I think he enjoys it alot
That is definitely the most chic dog feeder I’ve ever seen! Love that it’s got his name too!
Thanks so much Shandy. We have to make another one for Brutus’ friend now
Wow, that’s quite a piece of art! Such a great idea! I’m sure Brutus is very happy. 🙂
Hey Ana 😀 I think Brutus is happy and he is getting so BIG. He’s such a cutie pie, he thinks he’s the size of a Yorkie and tries to cuddle on everyone’s lap
This would be perfect for our dog! Plus, it might even keep the little ones from dumping the water dish on the floor 1000 times a day. 😉
Lol do your fur babies do that too? 😀
This is a really great idea especially for large dogs. Its hard on their digestion having to bend way over to eat. Pinned.
Thank you for the pin Leanna There are so many different view points on whether it’s a good thing to use a raised feeder or not, but Brutus does seem very comfortable with his 😉
So chic! haha. Making this when I finally get a dog. Or I guess I could make a smaller one for my cat.
Oh yes, make one for the cats. They also deserve a little bit of love <3, well a lot actually.
Wow, so good, wonderful, creative. I so enjoyed your ideas. A great article, the tips are not too hard to implement. after reading your article, I thought I would do it. Thank you for sharing it with us and hope you will share more new posts more
Thank you Tamars 🙂
Never knew I would be into a dog feeder like this 🙂 It is just so lovely and I love how you are so considerate of your dog 🙂
Thank you so much. All fur babies need our love.
Brutus is so lucky. I will make one for my cat. Hope she will like it. Thanks for the tutorial.
Thank you so much Robert. I’m sure your purr baby will love it. Send some photos please when you’re done, I’d love to see it and meet your kitty.
Michelle, this dog feeder is awesome! Brutus must be one happy dog now. 🙂
Lol, Brutus is always happy. Thanks for your lovely comment and stopping by. Sending lots of love.