Large Breed feeding dishes

Question
I have a 8 month old 90# lab.  Ever since we brought him home he has always layed down to eat his food out of his bowl.  I have been told that large breed dogs need elevated feeding dishes due to something to do with difficulty swallowing.  Is this true?  What are your recommendations?

Answer
Hi Debbie,  It is a belief that larger breeds need elevated food dishes to prevent bloat, but they have not been able to prove that that prevents a dog from getting bloat.  I personally feed my dogs on the ground and have never had a dog bloat.  I think some dogs, especially large puppies, lay down because of their size being so out of proportion that it is uncomfortable to stand and eat during certain stages of their development.  Hope this helps,

Dawn