Dog Bowls & Dog Feeders: Choosing The Right One Just Got Easier!

Need help choosing the the right dog bowl or dog feeder? Today's marketplace offers dog bowls and dog feeders in tons of sizes, styles, colors and finishes: from plastic to ceramic to stainless. . . from simple designs to elegantly appointed creations.

But don't buy just any bowl that strikes your fancy, you gotta bear in mind what will enhance your pet's eating experience first and foremost.

Basic Dog Bowl Materials

Dog bowls should be made from a material that can withstand the high temperature water in dishwashers, in order to kill bacteria and germs, and that doesn't collect grease. The following materials are hygienic and dishwasher-safe, and therefore ideal choices for pet bowls. Here are the most common materials that dog bowls are made from: **

• Plastic Dog Bowls
• continue to be a choice of pet-parents because of its durability. In light of the "green movement," you may want to steer clear of "virgin" plastic dog bowls because they are made from non-renewable resources that are not biodegradable. However, dog bowls and dog feeders made from recycled plastic can be a good choice. Avoid "lightweight" plastic dog bowls that can be chewed and moved.
• Ceramic Dog Bowls
• (including Porcelain or Stoneware) are oftentimes favored by pet-parents who like to microwave their pet's food. And then there's the added aesthetic appeal of glazed finishes and bold colors and designs. Lead in the glaze may be a problem in some ceramic bowls, so be sure to check with the potter or manufacturer to make sure that it is "lead-free." Avoid "lightweight" pottery bowls that can be broken.
• Stainless steel
• dog bowls are the choice of most veterinarians because the bowl's non-porous construction reduces the risk of lingering harmful bacteria and eliminates the possibilities of allergic reactions that plastic and dyes can cause in some dogs. Stainless steel is very durable and can not be chewed or broken. Additionally, since much of the stainless steel in use today is recycled, it is likely that stainless steel bowls contain recycled content (even though this may not necessarily appear on the label).

**Update: It is important to be mindful when considering any one of the above-mentioned materials. Example: plastic dog bowls should be certified food-safe, be free of BPA, Phthalates among other potentially harmful chemical elements . . . ceramics should be free of lead and stainless should be of high-quality.

Dog Food Bowls and Dog Water Bowls

When it comes to the dog bowls, SIZE really does matter. It's just plain commomsense, the bigger the dog, the bigger the dog bowl. However, be careful not to purcahse a bowl that's is too large . . . you'll end up filling it with more food than your dog needs, resulting in a pudgy pooch. But just how can you tell what's right for your dog?

What Size . . . Dog Food Bowl?

• The dog food bowl capacity should be large enough to accommodate a full one-meal portion of your pet's fare. If you are a first-time pet parent, you can check with your Vet to get advice on the right amount (and type) of food you should be serving based on the age and size of your new dog.

What Size . . . Dog Water Bowl?

• The dog water bowl can be at least twice the size of the food bowl to hold enough water to keep your pet hydrated for most of the day. Dogs need plenty of fresh water, so having a large water bowl both encourages water consumption and cuts down on the amount of times you need to refill it.

Elevated Dog Bowls Can Make Dining a Little Easier

There are several reasons Veterinarians and Breeders recommend raised (or elevated) dog feeders.

• Digestion:
• Dogs tend to gulp their food when they’re forced to bend over too far to reach the food which can cause them to swallow more air leading to digestive problems and frequent intestinal gas.
• Comfort:
• provides relief especially to dogs suffering from back or neck problems. Dogs don’t have raise their heads as high in order to swallow. Elevated feeders are especially good for the aging pet.
• Hygiene:
• Less food and water on the floor. They are also are easier to sweep around and clean under which is especially usefully for messy eaters.

How do you find the ideal height? Simply measure dog in standing position, form the floor to top of shoulder, then subtract about 6 inches.

The Big Deal About Automatic Dog Feeders

An automatic dog feeder is a solution that has gained popularity among those whose schedules prevent them from being home during the pet's feeding times. However, some pet parents choose to use them simply to reduce re-filling food and water bowls.

Automatic Dog Feeders (Battery or Gravity)

• You will find automatic dog feeders for dog food and feeders for water. Also note that some feeders are for dry food only and some can handle wet food. Automatic dog feeders offer controlled portions in a frequency that you choose. Most are battery operated (these are generally not recommended for puppies). And some automatic dog feeders operate by gravity. These types can easily hold several days of dry dog food and works well for pets who can be trusted with unrestricted access to their food. Yeah, right.

Electronic Dog Feeders

• Electronic dog feeders can be programmed to serve single meals at designated times which prevents over-eating. Some models can store 2 days of dry food and water . . . some for several days. When it comes to an elctronic device for your dog's water, consider an electronic waterer that continuously cycles through a filter, minimizing bacterial growth and delivering fresh cool water.