So that dogs especially large breed or elderly dogs do not gulp so much air which causes a life threatening stomach twisting called bloat. It is also easier on old dogs.
For my, or I should say my dog's, dog dish, it is because he is getting very old and it seems to help with his comfort in eating. And anything that I can do to make his life more tolerable is good for me. He is a rescued dog and I figure he has already put in enough time being inconvienced and I am just trying to make his life as good and pleasent as possible.
http://www.eclipse.net/~bobal...