It is important to provide your dog with the right bowl so that it can feel happy and comfortable while eating. You need to find a bowl that suits your dog’s individual requirements, such as its age and the length of its nose and ears, as there are quite a few designs to choose from. Other factors to consider before purchasing a dog bowl include cost, durability, safety, and ease of cleaning.
Assessing your dog’s needs
It is important to assess your dog’s needs before purchasing a bowl. If you have an elderly dog who has stiff joints, neck pain, or back problems, you may need to consider purchasing an elevated bowl to prevent it form having to bend down too far to feed. If you are going to be out when your dog is due a meal, then an automatic feeding bowl could be the answer to your problems. Most importantly of all, you must take the size of your dog into account to ensure that you provide a bowl of the correct size.
Types of dog bowls
Dog bowls range from shallow bowls for small dogs to slow-feed bowls for those pets that like to eat their food as quickly as possible. Below are some examples of common feeding bowls:
Shallow bowls – These bowls are the most commonly used and are perfect for small to medium-sized dogs, such as Chihuahuas, corgis, and beagles. They enable the dog to reach comfortably into the bowl without putting any undue pressure on the throat area. Shallow bowls are also perfect for puppies.
Deep bowls – Dogs with long, thin snouts, like collies, greyhounds and dachshunds, are best suited to these bowls, as they allow the dog to access its food more easily.
Steep-sided bowls – These bowls are deep with a narrow, angled opening at the top. Dog with long ears, such as spaniels, bassett hounds, and beagles, are best suited to these bowls. The unique design of the bowl prevents the dog from dragging its ears through its food and water.
Slow-feed bowls – These bowls are not designed with any specific breed in mind, but they are perfect for any dog that tends to eat their food too quickly. When a dog eats too quickly, it can take in a lot of air that can lead to excess gas or even bloat. The bowls are cleverly designed with ridges in the bottom that force the dog to eat smaller pieces of food at a time.
Elevated bowls – Large and giant breeds, such as Labradors, huskies, and Great Danes, will find these bowls much easier to use, and it will put less pressure on the joints when the dog bends down to eat and drink. The bowls come in a range of heights and sizes and are also good for dogs with arthritis, joint pain, or other physical limitations.
Travel bowls – These bowls are great for road trips and holidays. They are often made of polyester and lined with plastic or nylon. These bowls can then be collapsed down and easily stored when not in use.
Dog bowl materials
Dog bowls can be made from various materials, and some are more practical than others. It is particularly important to consider their ease of cleaning, as many can safely be put into the dishwasher.
Plastic or silicone – These bowls come in many colours, sizes, and shapes and are inexpensive, unbreakable, and easy to clean. However, it is worth noting that this type of bowl has been known to cause sensitivity in some dogs. If you purchase this type of bowl, it is a good idea to replace it if it gets chewed or badly scratched to avoid the build-up of bacteria.
Ceramic – These bowls also come in many colours, designs, and sizes. They are easy to clean and heavy enough to prevent them being easily knocked over. However, they are porous and can easily get chipped or broken. Due to these bowls being porous, they are not recommended for dogs who are fed a raw diet.
Stainless steel – These bowls are easy to clean and impossible to break. They are perfect for dogs with sensitive skin and can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, care should be taken in extreme weather conditions, as these bowls can get extremely hot or cold.
Bamboo – These bowls are a great alternative for those who prefer to give their dog an eco-friendly bowl. They are easy to clean and completely biodegradable when thrown away.
Conclusion
Providing your dog with the correct bowl can help to improve its eating habits and even prevent certain health problems, such as bloat, from developing. It is important to monitor your pet’s eating habits and be prepared to purchase a new bowl if its needs change. If you are unsure which bowls are best for your dog, you should consult a veterinarian for more advice.
