http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/bloat.htm
This is from the Perdue University study on Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
The following factors have been identified as “non-dietary risk factors”* for bloat:
1. Using a raised food bowl - 110% risk increase associated with using a raised food bowl
2. Speed of eating (1-10 scale) – 15% risk increase for each unit increase in speed of eating (for dogs weighing from 49 to 100 pounds)
3. Age in years – 20% risk increase for each year increase in age
4. Chest depth/width ratio (1.0 to 2.4) – 170% risk increase for each unit increase in chest depth/width ratio
5. First degree relative with BLOAT – 63% risk increase associated with having a first degree relative with BLOAT (First degree relative is defined as a sire, dam, litter mate or offspring.)
*Published in November 2000: Glickman LT, Glickman NW, Schellenberg DB, et al. Non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large and giant breed dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000; 217:1492-1499.