Get The Right Bowl For Your Dog And Avoid Sharing It With Other Pets

Choosing an appropriate bowl for your dog may sound simple, but several considerations will help make a smart decision. Many dog owners never feel fussy about the serving container for their pets. However, the practice of serving food to your pet in random bowls is not advisable.

You may think that your pet only cares about the food or treats inside the container and not the bowl. However, it is not the scenario – dogs feel attached to their feeding place and the bowl. They prefer eating or drinking from a designated bowl and hate sharing it.

Some dishes and bowls cater to the specific need of every dog. Therefore, it is significant to explore the features of every bowl and then order the suitable one for your canine.

Here is a guide to choose & clean the best dog food bowls.

Every dog is unique – size, breed, age, eating habits, and much more. You cannot serve a chihuahua in a Labrador’s feeding bowl. The size of the bowl will be quite different. The smell of the previous dog food will affect your next pet sharing the same. It is, therefore, crucial to consider the features of the bowl and get answers to the following queries to make the right decision.

• What breed is your dog?
• What is the height and weight of your dog?
• Does the dog have long ears and a long nose?
• Does your dog have a short nose and a hairy face?
• Is your dog slow or a fast eater?
• What is the dog’s vital status?
• What age is your pet?
• What kind of food/diet is he/she in?
• Do they have any dietary restrictions?

A huge range to choose from

When you get the right answer to all the above questions, you can get started with your bowl hunting. There are mainly three materials available in dog bowls – plastic, ceramic and stainless steel. Always ensure that you pick the material which is easy to clean. You do not want the bowl to stench with food remains even after washing.

You can opt for two different materials, convenient for solid food and water, or prefer one material. Avoid using the same bowl for both servings. Nowadays, you get sustainable bowls available in natural materials like bamboo and wood. When you are looking for cheaper options, plastic bowls are the best.

Thus, you must look for dishwasher-friendly bowls, so the cleaning is easier for you. Some dogs are allergic to plastics to double-check before ordering one. Stainless steel bowls are ideal for serving different kinds of food. The food never sticks to the surface of the container, and therefore cleaning is no-hassle.

Bacterial and germs attacks happen less in stainless steel. You can use hot water to clean the entire container. Ceramic dog bowls are safer for those dogs who are not hyper-excited while eating. Ceramic is stoneware, so it is heavy to carry. You can add a large quantity of food to a big container, and it is easy to clean too.

The only downside is the brittle nature if you mishandle the bowl. The chance of bacterial growth is minimum in stoneware, and therefore you can feel stress-free. However, there may be small invisible cracks in the ceramic bowl over the period that makes the food spillage easy.

Bowls for different dogs 

Raised bowls:

When you serve your dog with food and milk/water at the same time, it is better to choose two different bowls. You can get the elevated-style bowls that come with a stand. It comes with a certain height. So, when your dog reaches the bowl, he/she doesn’t have to bend a lot. Older dogs with joint issues find it easier to reach elevated containers.

The stand under the container elevates it up to 14 inches. So, always ensure that you get the exact height container. Check with your vet before ordering one. Some dogs develop stomach dilatation or bloating by eating in the raised container, which can become deadly for some breeds. Always check with the animal expert before getting the food container.

Slow feeders:

Some dogs feel hyper-excited for eating and gulp everything in one go. It is strictly No-No, especially for dogs with digestion issues. Rapid eating may cause health issues like bloating, excess gas, and vomiting. Moreover, it even leads to irreversible damage to bowel movements.

Slow feeding bowls are ideal for those breeds who find it difficult to the east slowly. The food dispenser has an obstruction that makes treats and meals drop slowly in the container. It helps the dog chew and finishes the first gulp, and then wait for more.

Non-spill container:

When you have younger canines at home, getting non-spill containers is the best option. Pups are on high energy, and they tend to topple the bowl while eating – non-spillage containers are for those who find it complicated to stay calm and eat. The container comes with a heavy base and rubber bottom that sticks to the floor.

You can serve the food, and do not have to worry about the mess. You can also find travel and silicon bowls. These bowls are super easy to clean and carry. When traveling with your pet, it is better to get travel bowls. These bowls come with a lid (to keep the food safe) and are easy to pack.

Always ensure cleaning the bowl properly after every use. Remember that the bowl is a breeding surface for infection and bacterial growth that may make your dog ill. Regular cleaning and replacement of food container is an ideal way to maintain proper hygiene.