Food and nutrition are as important to dogs as sleep and playtime. Naturally, they need a bowl to eat from. Most pet owners may think that all dog bowls are equal in size and shape. Dogs’ diet and eating capacity vary with their size and breed. Hence the need for different dog bowls, you can as well browse around here
There are different dog bowls to suit individual pet requirements. It may become hard for dog owners to choose the right bowl for their furry friends. Some considerations like cost, style, safety, quality, durability, ease of cleaning may influence dog bowl shopping. Here is what to think about when doing your dog bowl shopping.
Make Your Mind On The Material
Image Source: Pixabay
While ceramic and bone china are the most used crockery plates for human dining, our furry partners have plenty of other options in dog bowls. Stainless steel Quality dog bowls are hygienic, long-lasting, and easy to clean. However, a stainless-steel bowl may get too hot or cold for comfort when you are feeding your dog in summers or winters.
You may consider a ceramic bowl as they are heavy and can be harder for your dog to push around. Since ceramic is a porous and absorbent material, give your dog’s bowl a thorough clean.
Plastic dog food bowls give your pooch a color advantage. They are inexpensive and unlikely to crack and rupture if dropped. They are also dishwasher-safe and come in several colors, sizes, and shapes. As plastic is chewable, it can create room for bacteria build-up. Some dog species may develop a plastic allergy. Choose a BPA-free plastic dog bowl to prevent your furry friend from adverse health effects.
Melamine crockery finds extensive use in modern homes. It is non-toxic plastic material appropriate for a dog bowl. Melamine is sturdy, durable, easy to clean, and has fewer chances of breaking when dropped. Consider getting the best of both worlds by choosing a dog bowl with a melamine exterior and stainless-steel interior. Such an option will work well when you have over one domestic pet to feed.
Choose Breed-Specific Dog Bowls
The size of your canine companion is not the only reason to consider dog bowl purchases. When spending on a dog bowl, your dog’s breed is also an essential point to remember. A shallower bowl is perfect for small to medium-sized breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers. Get a more bottomless dog bowl for longer snout dog species like German Shepherds. It will help them comfortably reach their food without pushing the grub outside the bowl because of hunger.
Elevated bowls featuring two bowls on a stand can be more beneficial to senior dogs. Elevated bowls are healthier for dogs as they possibly prevent gastrointestinal problems. It is more comfortable for giant dog breeds too.
Keep Your Dog’s Age In Mind
Image Source: Pixabay
We have talked about the significance of dog breed and size in dog bowl selection. Your dog’s age also helps in choosing the best bowl. For puppies, a small bowl with an elevated area is the best option to consider. They are special puppy bowls that allow the pup to reach its food easily without creating a spillover.
If you have an aging dog suffering from back, neck, or hip issues, and elevated bowl will be more suitable for them. It will make your pet’s bending down to eat or drink more convenient.
Explore Dog Bowls As Per Eating Habits
Most dogs rush to eat their food out of hunger and excitement. This can create bloating, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Slow down your furry animal’s mealtime by serving them food in slow-feeder dog bowls. The raised columns of slow feeder bowls create several sections for your pet to navigate to access its food. This prolongs your pup’s eating time notably and also reduces the gulping and bloating risk.
Slow feeder bowls encourage your mutt to eat leisurely. Hence, they are good for digestion and food assimilation. Made of food-safe plastic, such bowls are ideal for serving wet and dry food.
Consider Travel Bowls For Your Outdoorsy Pup
Image Source: Unsplash
Dogs aren’t shy to step out for a walk, hiking, or camping opportunity. Stock collapsible travel bowls that play a dual role in indoor and outdoor use. Stretch the collapsible bowl for use and fold it after your dog has finished eating.
Most travel bowls have high-quality silicone material for pets’ health and safety. They are suitable for small and medium-sized pets and can store food and water when going outside. They are also easy to clean and great to carry on a short or long trip. Think about getting your dog to eat from a travel bowl. It will prepare them for brief vacations and extended holidays.
Wrapping Up
Though a vast majority of dog bowls are non slip, consider putting a placemat under your dog bowl to keep your messy eater’s feeding area clean and spill-free. Choose a dog bowl color compatible with your dining area’s color scheme.
