As a dog owner, you know how important feeding your dog is. You cannot feed your dog without a bowl, and you should know how to choose the right dog bowl for your dog.
The type of bowl your dog uses will either make feeding easy or hard for it. It’s recommended that you get at least two feeding bowls for your dog, and there are some things to consider when choosing the best dog bowl for your dog.
These are what we will be discussing in this article.
We’ll be looking at two factors – the bowl size and material type.
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Table of Contents
Deciding On The Size Of The Dog Bowl
If you’re getting a drinking bowl, it’s ideal to go for a large bowl instead of a small one, no matter your pet’s size. Getting a suitable size of your dog bowls will ensure that they drink to their fill each time.
For the food feeding bowl, the ideal size to get is x4 of the size of food you normally feed your pet. For example, if you feed your pet 2 cups of dog food per meal, you should get a feeding bowl containing 8 cups.
From a general perspective, the bigger your dog, the bigger it’s bowl should be and vice versa. With this, your dog breed can influence its bowl size.
You can get a dog bowl for small dogs like Yorkshire Terrier, Pekinese, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Tibet Spaniel, Bolonka, Chihuahua, Papillon, etc.
Likewise, you can get a dog bowl for large dogs like Standard Poodle, Border Collie, Kelpie, Schnauzer, Greyhound, Labrador, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain, etc.
Deciding On The Dog Bowl Material To Buy
The bowl material is an important factor on how to choose the best dog bowl. Some materials could be made with harmful elements, and they can end up causing health risks and complications for your dog when it feeds from it.
There’s a variety of materials used in making good dog bowls today, and the common ones are stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic.
Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
These are rated to be very hygienic, and according to Pet Meds, they are the best bowls for dogs.
Traditionally, stainless steel bowls are very durable since they don’t break easily. They are rust-resistant, and not many chemicals are used when manufacturing. These are the best type of dog bowls to buy.
Furthermore, they are very easy to clean and non-porous, so there’ll be less worry about dirt sticking to the bowl after cleaning.
Plastic Bowls
An advantage of the plastic bowl is its weight; most plastic bowls are lightweight. However, they can be slippery, so it’s ideal to go for one with a rubber ring at the bottom to keep it sturdy.
If your dog is a very playful one, such a bowl will be helpful as it always stays in place. Another advantage of plastic bowls is their color range. You can get a plastic bowl of about any color so you can go for one your pet loves.
When getting a plastic bowl, check to be sure it is free of BPA – Bisphenol-A. Bisphenol is a chemical that is harmful to the health, and your dog might chew on its bowls.
Ceramic Bowls
Ceramic bowls are not very popular, but they are reliable. If you’re interested in style, ceramic bowls are the most stylish dog bowls.
These bowls are mainly coated with glazes to keep them sturdy. The problem is that some manufacturers utilize unfriendly chemicals like lead when.
For safety, go for a ceramic bowl with a glaze coating free of lead and certified for food use.
Other Things To Consider
Here are some other dog bowls to consider depending on your needs;
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Travel Dog Feeding Bowls
If you’re getting a dog bowl because you’ll be embarking on a trip with your pet, you should consider travel bowls.
These are just like regular feeding bowls except that they are foldable so they can be easily stored. They are mainly made with silicone material, non-toxic, and non-sticky; hence, they are easy to clean.
Silicone is not ideal to use as regular dog feeding bowls at home as they lack rigidity. However, they are perfect as dog bowls for trips and will make your journey much lighter as you won’t carry much.
Slow-Feed Bowls For Dogs
If you’re trying to get your dog to eat less or slowly, slow-feed bowls are ideal. These bowls are uniquely designed and shaped in such a way that food consumption is slowed. They help to prevent choking in dogs and reduce the speed at which your dogs eat. Slow-feed dog bowls can also help control your dog’s weight if you have an overweight dog. They often feature a concavity at the center to achieve this. Some are designed to be like puzzles to make it a fun experience for your dog.
Need more information? Check the video below on choosing the perfect dog bowl.
Bottom Line
I’m sure now you know how to choose the right dog bowl. As mentioned in the article, stainless steel is regarded as the best material for a dog bowl. However, not all stainless steel materials are safe. If you’re purchasing a dog bowl, always check the manufacturer’s rating and ensure the bowl meets health regulatory bodies’ standards.
If you go out with your dog, consider getting travel bowls and dog drinking water bottles. Most of them are very light and foldable and can be easily carried by you or added to your dog’s backpack if your dog has one. Slow food bowls can help prevent choking and overeating. Enjoyed this article on choosing great dog bowls? Please pin to Pinterest.
