diy dog food station
DIY Dog Food Station
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and love. Thanks for supporting The Little Frugal House!
Do you want to make a DIY dog food station to store all of your dog supplies and food in one organized place? In this post, Ill show you how we made our own dog food cabinet!
We just finished building this dog food station and it is so nice to have everything tucked away and organized! Ill show you how we made ours, so you can make one, too!
I love how it looks like a piece of furniture, but it is so practical and useful.
Update: Over two years later, and I still love this dog food station so much! It has worked out so well to store all of our dog food, treats, toys, and keep everything out of sight.
The top is so nice to use for storage in our entry way area, too!
I hope you love it as much as we do!
DIY Dog Food Station
Before, we had a plastic storage container with dog food, stacks of canned dog food, and a bin on the floor for treats and toys.
It was a mess and not very pretty to look at.
I knew I wanted a cabinet to hold all of our dog supplies, but I couldnt find anything that would work perfectly for our needs and our space. The cabinets that I did find for this purpose were way out of our price range.
So, I knew we were going to have to DIY this one, like most everything in our home. Making things ourselves helps us to get exactly what we want and save a lot of money!
This project did take some time, as we wanted it to be built well and look great. But, it turned out exactly how I imagined it and Im so happy with the outcome!
Ill show you the step by step process of making our DIY dog food station, in case you want to make one, too!
*Note: This was kind of a figure it out as you go kind of build. So, I do not have exact measurements of each piece of wood and step.
I will provide the list of materials we used, and the overall measurements with pictures of each step.
That way, you can gather similar materials and make a plan that will best suit your space and needs.
Materials Used:
4 X 8 piece of blondewood plywood 1/2 thick
1 x 2 x 8 pine wood used 2
1 x 3 x 8 pine wood used 3
2 x 8 x 8 used 2 (for the top)
1 pack of 18 drawer slides (from Lowes)
Valspar Cabinet Paint
MinWax stain in Provincial
Helsman Clear Satin sealer
Wood Glue
Caulk
Wood Screws
Wood filler
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Nail gun and 18 gauge finish nails
Legs and leg hardware from Lowes
Hardware (hooks and pull) from Hobby Lobby
Baskets from Target
How we made our DIY dog food station:
Like I said above, this was a figure it out as you go kind of project. I dont have exact measurements for you, but will provide the overall measurements and pictures of each step so you can build a plan to best suit your space and needs.
Building the cabinet frame:
We started by building a box out of the plywood. This is 29 tall X 28 wide X 18 deep.
We applied wood glue and screwed this together.
Adding the middle divider piece:
This piece in the middle is the same plywood. You will want to measure the distance between the top and bottom piece for the height cut here. And it will 18 deep.
Adding the shelves:
We wanted three shelves on the right side to store canned dog food, treats, and toys.
Decide what you will want to store and how many shelves you will need.
We measured for these, and cut them from the same plywood, adding small support pieces underneath.
These were glued and nailed in with a nail gun.
We framed the front with 1 X 2 pine wood pieces for a finished look.
Adding the legs:
You dont have to add legs to your DIY dog food station, but I like the look of it.
We also needed to place the dog food station over an air vent, so we needed the legs for some air flow.
I got these legs from Lowes, along with the coordinating hardware. I think it was about $30 for all 4 legs and the hardware.
They were really easy to install. We added a small 1 X 4 scrap pieces to have more support for the legs.
Then, you just screw the hardware piece in, and twist to screw the leg in until tight.
I think they look great!
Add trim to side:
We trimmed the sides with 1 X 3 wood for a nice, finished look.
You will want to match this with your trim from the front. We left a small overhang on the bottom, but the top is flush.
Apply wood filler, sand, and paint:
Next up, we used wood filler and a putty knife in cracks that we wanted filled and smooth.
Once that dried, we sanded everything really smooth.
Caulk was applied were needed and once that dried, it was time for paint.
We had some leftover Valspar cabinet paint, so we used that to paint the inside and out of the DIY dog food station.
It took 2 coats. I used a 4 foam roller and an angled paint brush.
Adding the stained top:
I wanted a bulky, stained wood top and choose 2 x 8 wood for this part. I cut 3 pieces of 2 x 8 to 33.
To match our dining room, I used the same Provincial stain and my favorite Helsman Clear Satin sealer for a nice finish.
For the sealer, you will want to apply one coat, let it dry, then lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper, and apply a second coat.
It should be smooth to the touch and easy to wipe clean.
Making the pull out door:
We saved the drawer/door for last, because it was the most intimidating part and we wanted to make it really well.
We made a door out of 1 X 3 pine wood, and added a plywood insert by routering a small groove on the backside and stapling the plywood in.
(I didnt get pictures of this step and I apologize!)
Then, we measured and screwed the drawer slides in.
We cut some scrap plywood to create a box to attach to the door for the dog food bin. We applied wood glue and screwed this together, and measured for the dog food bin opening.
The hole was cut with a jig saw and sanded smooth.
We added two angled pieces for more support.
Then, we applied wood filler, sanded it smooth, caulked the inner edges of the door, and painted it.
Adding the hardware:
I got the hooks and drawer pull from Hobby Lobby and just screwed those in place.
To cover up the metal screws, I just used black paint and a small tip paint brush.
The hooks are perfect for holding leashes and collars!
The finished product:
Im so happy with how this DIY dog food station turned out!
It fits our needs perfectly, and keeps all the dog essentials within reach, but out of sight.
The hooks are perfect for keeping the leashes untangled and easy to grab.
And the pull out bin is so handy to scoop out dog food!
We got these 3 baskets from Target for the shelves to match the jute rug and placemats in our kitchen. They fit perfectly and hold canned dog food, treats, toys, and water bottles.
Oh, and the basket on top is a catchall to drop things when we come in the door, and the jute basket on the floor holds tennis shoes.
I love how this DIY dog food station has completed our dining room makeover and organized this once-cluttered area of our home.
Interested in starting a craft business?
Make some extra cash and enjoy being creative! Check out these awesome posts:
15 Steps to Start a Craft Business & Make Some Extra Cash
13 Ways to Improve Your Craft Business
Selling at Craft Fairs: Tips & Tricks from an Expert
Need some inspiration about what crafts to make and sell?
Check out these craft ideas!
115+ Craft Ideas to Make and Sell
7 Popular Things to Make and Sell
The 70 Best Dollar Tree Craft Supplies
Pin this for later:
10 Helpful DIY Dog Feeders You Can Make at Home Today (With Pictures)
Any dog owner has seen a dog trying to get that last morsel of food from the dog food bowl while the bowl slides around on the floor. You can buy dog feeders from pet stores, but did you know you can make your own for next to nothing? Even if youre a beginner DIYer, you can find a plan to build your own dog feeder. For those who are more advanced, we have plans for you, too.
In this article, well list ten feeders we feel are excellent choices to build your own dog feeder. Some provide storage, while others strictly give your dog a place to eat and drink without bowls tumbling over or scooting around. No matter your skill set, we have a plan for you.
The Top 10 Helpful DIY Dog Feeders
1. DIY Dog Food Station With Storage by Addicted to DIY
| Materials: | -inch plywood, 1 x 3 pine, 1 -inch brad nails, wood glue, 2 metal dog dishes, -inch square dowel trim, wood filler, paint, stain, hinges, -inch chisel, support lid hinge |
| Tools: | Jigsaw, paint brushes, sander |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This DIY dog food station with storage will look elegant in your home while serving a terrific purpose. This food station will keep both food and water in place as your dog eats, and its elevation will help senior dogs eat more comfortably. This project will work well for those with large dogs, as the storage compartment will fit a 10-gallon storage tub.
A downfall is you must pay to download the printable plans, but youll still be saving money making something like this on your own. Tip: you must download the printable plan to see how much of each material to purchase and use.
2. DIY Dog Bowl Stand by Family Handyman
| Materials: | 1 -inch washer head screws, -inch plywood, 1 X 3, 2 X 2 board, -inch plywood, -inch iron-on edge banding, dog bowls, wood glue |
| Tools: | Clamps, compass, drill/driver, iron, jigsaw, miter saw, pocket hole clamp, table saw, utility knife |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
This DIY dog bowl stand is an excellent choice for beginners and only takes a few hours to build. Step-by-step instructions are provided with pictures to make the build as easy as possible. This stand is sturdy and will look cute in any home. There is no storage with this build, but it works wonderfully to keep your dogs food and water in place. It doesnt take an extraordinary amount of materials and tools, and it should be one of the easier dog feeders to DIY.
3. DIY Dog Feeder Drawer
| Materials: | 1-inch poplar board, wood glue, 2 dog bowls |
| Tools: | Measuring tape, pencil, table saw, jigsaw, or similar, 2 cross braces, 4 legs |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner to moderate |
Creative thinking is evident in this DIY dog feeder. Whats more, this project requires no nails or screws; its all held in place by wood glue. Youll need to choose a drawer in your kitchen to transform into a dog feeder, which means giving up storage space in your kitchen for kitchen stuff. But hey, your canine pal needs a place for dog food anyway, right?
Whats cool about this plan is that it allows you to make a stand-alone dog feeder or one transformed from a kitchen drawer. The choice is up to you and your skill set.
4. DIY Raised Dog Feeder by Brittany Goldwyn
| Materials: | 2 X 2 pine boards, dog bowls, 2 -inch pocket hole screws, wood glue, bar clamps (various sizes), black paint, frog tape, matte finish |
| Tools: | Miter saw, power drill, right-angle attachment, Kreg jig k4, orbital sander, measuring tape, pencil, safety equipment, paint brushes |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
This raised dog feeder includes instructions and a video that shows you how to build it. The trickiest part of the build is assembling the top for the dog bowls. You dont need many tools or materials to make this raised dog feeder, and it should be relatively inexpensive to make. This project is a good choice for beginner DIYers, and your dog will love the convenience of having a raised feeder.
5. Easy DIY Raised Dog Feeder
| Materials: | 7 -inch X 18 -inch wood/poplar board (top), 1 -inch X -inch poplar board cut into (2) 19-inch and (2) 7 -inch pieces (sides), 1 -inch X -inch wood strips cut into (4) 5 -inch and (4) 7 -inch pieces (legs), wood glue, wood putty, wood stain, 2 dog bowls with a lip edge |
| Tools: | Hammer, nails or nail gun and compressor, drill gun, -inch drill bit, skill saw |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
This easy raised dog feeder is designed for a small dog, and the overall height is 8 inches from the floor. Keep this in mind, as you may need to make adjustments if you have a medium to large-sized dog. You can complete this project in 10 steps, and its suitable for the beginner DIYer.
The inventor placed this raised dog feeder in her kitchen with pictures of her dogs hanging above the feeder. Can you say adorable? Have fun with this design and make it your own (or your dogs).
6. Industrial-Style Dog Feeding Station
| Materials: | 10-inch boards (1/2-inches thick), (2) dog bowls, wood stain, finishing wax, (8) 2-inch -inch nipple pipe, (2) 4-inch -inch nipple pipe, (2) 6-inch -inch nipple pipe, (4) -inch floor flanges, (6) -inch 90-degree elbows, (2) -inch tees, (2) -inch caps |
| Tools: | Sander, extra fine steel wool, black spray paint, paint brushes |
| Difficulty Level: | Advanced |
This industrial-style dog feeding station is probably geared more toward the advanced DIYer, but if you can pull it off, this dog feeder is impressive. This project will require pipes and shelves to be mounted to the wall, but it looks elegant, to say the least. Youll definitely want to ensure you know exactly where you want the feeder in your home before you begin. Be sure to use screws and anchors into the studs in your wall to ensure the feeder is secure.
7. Elevated Dog Feeder by Cuteness
| Materials: | (1) 2 X 4, (4) pipe legs |
| Tools: | Pencil, drill, 1-inch hole cutter drill bit, jigsaw, sandpaper, orbital sander, rag, paint stain, foam brush, water-based polyurethane, 1/8-inch drill bit, Phillips head screwdriver |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
This elevated dog feeder works for one dog or multiple dogs. Its an excellent project for the beginner DIYer, and you dont need many tools and materials to make it. The instructions are straightforward, and it shouldnt take too long to complete. For those wanting a dog feeder with three bowls instead of the standard two, this is a terrific option.
Another perk about this project is it only takes one 2 X 4, so if you make a mistake, you can easily start over. With this in mind, grab a couple of boards just in case.
8. Pedestal Dog Feeder by Room for Tuesday
| Materials: | Pre-fabricated soapstone, stainless-steel dog bowls, -inch medium-density fiberboard, primer, paint, -inch pocket screws, silicone |
| Tools: | Tape measure, table saw, miter saw, pocket screw jig, power drill, paint sprayer, nail gun, wood glue |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This pedestal dog feeder requires soapstone, and you can match the soapstone to your countertop if you desire an elegant look. The instructions come complete with step-by-step guidance, along with pictures. You may not want to take this one on if youre a beginner DIYer, but if you have an experienced DIYer friend or relative, make an afternoon out of making this pedestal dog feeder; your dogs will love it.
9. Easy DIY Raised Dog Feeder
| Materials: | (2) Terracotta flower pots, large nut, bolt, (2) fender washers, dog bowl |
| Tools: | (2) socket wrenches |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
These easy DIY raised dog food bowls can be done in a cinch without a lot of tools and materials. You only need two flowerpots, a nut, bolt, two fender washers, the dog bowl, and socket wrenches, and youre good to go.
The sizes of the nut and bolt will depend on the size of flowerpot you choose. You can always paint the terracotta flower pots if the color doesnt work for you. This DIY is a great idea for water bowl outsides, as this invention will diminish the water bowls tumbling over and emptying out.
10. No-Slip Elevated Dog Feeding Station by Ugly Duckling House
| Materials: | 12 X 24-inch poplar board, (3) poplar strips, (3) pre-primed stair balusters, (2) dog bowl with lip edge, (6) non-slip gripping pads |
| Tools: | Straight ruler, measuring tape, pencil, razor blade scraper, -inch Forstner bit, jigsaw, clamps, sandpaper, wood glue, wood putty, paint stain |
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
This no-slip dog feeding station will eliminate spillage problems. This project is ideal for beginner DIYers, and you dont need a ton of tools and materials to complete the job. The non-slip gripping pads will keep the feeder in place, and itll look great in any home.
The instructions are clear-cut and easy to follow. For those who like visuals, the instructions come with pictures. The non-slip pads not only keep the feeder in place but also protects hard floors from damage.
Benefits of Raised or Elevated Dog Feeders
For senior dogs, eating from the ground may prove challenging due to mobility or orthopedic issues1, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis. When your dog eats from a raised or elevated bowl, less strain is put on the joints, making eating and drinking much more pleasurable for your pooch.
Some argue that raised food bowls can cause bloat1 in large and giant breeds, and we recommend consulting your veterinarian before using an elevated food bowl for your dog.
How High Should the Bowls Be?
To measure the ideal height, have your dog stand like normal with its legs underneath the body. Grab some measuring tape and measure from the floor to your dogs chest. Next, measure from your dogs shoulders to the floor. Last, subtract three for smaller dogs and six for larger dogs. That number will be the correct height according to your dogs size.
Final Thoughts
Elevated or raised dog feeders are an excellent option for senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues. These feeders put less strain on your dog while eating, and spills and accidents are greatly reduced. All the plans mentioned will help you be on your way to building your own dog feeder, and you can customize it to your liking.
We hope our article helps you build the perfect dog feeder for your pups needs. Good luck, and have fun!
Featured Image Credit: Alicia Fdez, Shutterstock