Raised food and water bowls are commonly recommended for dogs and cats who have stiffness and mobility issues, such as arthritis in the back or neck.
Raising food and water bowls for other health conditions, like canine Bloat, is controversial, and they jury is out as to whether it has or has health benefits, or risks.
Food bowl elevating was once recommended as a preventive measure for Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), though recent studies now suggest it increases the risk for this condition.