A bowl is a bowl, right? Wrong. Choosing the right water and dog food bowls for your dog can be as important as choosing the right food.
First, each dog needs her own set of bowls—one for water and one for food. If two or more dogs share a bowl, Ms. Pushy may decide that she deserves more food then Mr. Pushover. It’s also better to give your dog two separate bowls—instead of a partitioned bowl—so the water and food don’t mix when your dog bumps her bowl in her enthusiasm for the grub.
A little tipsy
You’ll choose from stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic food and water bowls for your dog. Stainless steel bowls won’t put a big dent in your wallet, but they’re light and can tip over easily, spilling your dog’s precious cargo. Look for weighted or nonslip stainless steel bowls to prevent this catastrophe.
And don’t choose a plastic bowl. They also tip over easily and can cause a contact allergy, irritating your dog’s sensitive muzzle. Another downside: Your dog may chew on a plastic bowl, which can create grooves that trap dirt, old food, and bacteria—and worse yet, she could eat it.
Many people pick ceramic bowls because they’re heavy, which helps head off the tip-over problem, and they often feature designs that complement your doggie’s décor. But watch what type of bowl you buy.
Some foreign-made ceramic bowls contain lead, which can contaminate the food and water—and your dog when she eats and drinks from them. They also can chip easily if your dog gets rowdy with her dish. So stick with ceramic bowls made in North America.
Bowls that fit
Certain types of dogs need certain types of bowls. Small, shallow bowls are great for smaller dogs. Bigger dogs need wider, deeper dishes.
If your dog’s ears are long and floppy, look for bowls with inner rims that will keep her ears out of her meal. You also can buy elevated dog bowls for taller or older dogs who have a tough time bending over to eat.
Keep the bugs at bay
You wouldn’t think of serving your family a meal on the same plates without washing them. It’s no different for your dog.
Wash her food and water bowls every day to prevent bacteria from building up and to keep your dog from ingesting harmful germs. Keep in mind that some ceramic bowls cannot be washed in a dishwasher, which makes cleanup more of a hands-on experience.
If you feed your dog outside, regular washing also helps make her food dish less appealing for uninvited creepy crawlies looking for a place to dine. If the neighborhood bugs still storm the doggie dish, look for bowls designed with a moat to keep bugs at bay.
A helping hand for you
If you’re frequently out of town—or you’re feeding your new puppy three times a day and you can’t be around to give her one of those meals—an automatic waterer and dog feeder can help keep your dog full and hydrated. Of course, you’ll still need to find a human helper to stop by and offer bathroom breaks, exercise, and attention.
