Choosing food and water bowls for your dog can be a big decision in both design and function.
After all, your dog will be using that same bowl for a long time and you will be seeing it every day.
We all wonder “Will it match my kitchen?” I am not a designer so all I can give you are veterinary opinions for the functionality of dog bowls.
There are so, so many choices. So here goes.
There are a variety of dog bowls that are used for an assortment of reasons. These bowls include the standard dog bowl, elevated dog bowls, slow feeders, automatic feeders, and gravity feeders among others.
We are all familiar with the round, standard dog bowl. These bowls can come in a variety of colors and sizes.
They may be made with a variety of materials, including ceramic, plastic or stainless steel.
Make sure that any ceramic bowls you use to feed your dog are made with nontoxic and food-grade ceramic to ensure there are not any chemicals that could harm your dog. Ceramic bowls may not be dishwasher-safe and will chip or break if dropped.
Some dogs may develop a contact dermatitis, or mild skin irritation, on their chins from the glaze on some ceramic bowls.
Plastic dog bowls are often dishwasher-safe and an inexpensive option. Because of their light weight, dogs can easily push them around, especially when getting that last bite or lick of food.
Dogs often will play with and chew on these bowls after having a meal. They may be trying to get your attention for you to refill their bowls or just playing for fun.
Plastic bowls that are not labeled food-safe could also contain potentially harmful chemicals. Some dogs may develop a skin allergy to the plastic, resulting in a mild skin reaction on their chin or face.
I recommend if you are going to use a standard dog bowl that you choose one made of stainless steel. These are dishwasher safe, typically unbreakable, do not leach chemicals and can be used outdoors. They will not stain and are rust-resistant.
The heavier stainless-steel bowls with a rubber base are the best because they are less likely to slide and tip over. Oh, and if your kitchen appliances are polished stainless steel they will fit in with your décor.
Elevated dog bowls are a good choice for most dogs, especially if the bowls are made of stainless steel.
Elevated bowls are typically two bowls that are “elevated” off the floor to match your dog’s height. So your dog can just walk up and eat or drink without bending its head down to the bowl.
They also are great for small dogs with collapsing tracheas because they do not have to bend their necks and compress their tracheas when they eat or drink, so less coughing and irritation.
They help geriatric dogs with arthritis and bad backs and/or necks by enabling them to remain upright while eating, which helps them swallow more easily and also takes the strain off their back and neck, thus less pain.
According to the American Kennel Club, studies have shown that elevated dog bowls have been correlated with a risk of “bloat” (a serious condition that can be fatal), especially in large or giant breed dogs, including Great Danes, German shepherds and Standard Poodles among others.
Ask your veterinarian about choosing a dog bowl to suit your dog’s medical or potential medical conditions.
Slow-feed dog bowls help dogs that eat so fast that it seems like they do not even chew their food. This is more common in rescue dogs that may have had to fight for their food in the past or were not fed enough prior to being rescued.
Fast eaters may also be found in multiple dog households. Some dogs live by the mantra with other dogs’ meals, “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine.” Separation at mealtime also helps with this as does consultation with a dog trainer/behaviorist.
Slow feeder dog bowls are usually made of food-safe plastic and have intricate swirls, ridges or grooves made into the bottom and sides of the bowl. This encourages the dog to eat more slowly as it takes more time for your pal to get to the dog food in between these nooks and crannies.
Slow feeders help with digestion by slowing down the mealtime experience. These bowls help prevent fast eaters from choking, vomiting and/or heartburn (acid reflux).
Slow feeder bowls allow the stomach time to send nerve impulses to the brain that let the dog know it is getting full. They can also make a dog feel more satiated. A limited number of slow feeder bowls come in stainless steel.
Automatic feeders are very high tech. You can program them to dispense a pre-determined amount of food at a specific time each day.
You can also use WiFi from your phone to schedule meals anytime. This can help with overweight dogs or dogs that have a medical condition that requires them to be fed at the same time each day.
It also helps you with a busy schedule to be sure your pal does not miss a meal.
Gravity feeders are similar to automatic feeders, but the main difference is that the food dispenses on its own, and you do not control the amount.
As your dog empties the bowl, the bowl automatically refills from gravity. They are not a good choice for overweight dogs as dogs may overeat with gravity feeders.
I had a lot to say about dog bowls, but I hope not too much. Good luck in your search for the perfect dog bowl for your pal.