Bowls, bowls, bowls... and more bowls!

So many bowls to choose from!  But which ones are best for our companions who depend on us to make the right choices for them?  Several things need to be considered when purchasing bowls.

Plastic bowls come in lots of colors, shapes, sizes, and are relatively inexpensive, but are they the best?  Probably not, unless you like a disposable bowl.  Odors like to cling to plastic.  Allergies to plastic are not uncommon.  They are easy to crack, chip, and chew requiring you to replace often.  The surface readily scratches creating perfect spots for bacteria to harbor, even when cleaned in the dishwasher.  Good for a road trip or if you like to replace the bowls weekly.

Automatic bowls (usually plastic) are designed to keep your pet's bowl full as long as there is food or water in the reservoir.  While this may be convenient for you, it is not healthy for your dog!  There's the plastic issue, especially the ones which use plastic soda bottles for the storage compartment.  Free-feeding is not ideal for your dogs, as it does not allow for accurate monitoring of food intake which can lead to weight problems.  Chances of the food going bad are very high because it is exposed to air and sunlight for prolonged periods of time causing digestive problems.  Programmable ones are available to control portions, however, they are still plastic and there is always a chance of your dog being able to break in.  

Having a pet is not about convenience, just feed your pet in person.

Ceramic bowls can be fun, unique, personalized, and match your decor.  They can also be expensive and easily broken if dropped.   Ceramic is easy to clean, most are dishwasher safe.  However, these bowls easily crack; even smaller, less visible cracks can harbor nasty bacteria which can make your pet sick.  If this is your choice be sure to inspect them regularly for damage.  Make sure they are lead free.

Stainless steel bowls are durable, practical, inexpensive, and will stand the test of time. Corrosion, odor, and rust resistent.  Easy to wash.  They don't come in a lot of colors but the designs are increasing.  Yes, these are the bowls you should be using!  Look for heavier high quality stainless steel as they will last longer and you'll be happier with them. 

Bowls come in several varieties for your pet's individual needs.  For those that tend to wolf down their food, including cats, purchase a slow-feed bowl or place a steel ball in the bowl.  This forces them to eat slower and therefore gulp down less air.  When cats eat too much too fast they tend to throw it up.  In dogs this is suspected to cause bloat*.   For those that like to play with bowls use heavy wide bottoms that discourage tipping and non-skid bottoms to help keep food in place.  You can always pick them up when they're done to discourage chewing.   

Tips:

• Look at your pet's bowls ~ Would you eat out of it?  No?  Then replace it.  (I'm referring to chewed up plastic bowls here.)
• Would you feed your family with last night's dishes or yesterday's used glasses?  No?  Show your pets the same courtesy and wash their bowls in hot soapy water or the dishwasher daily to remove slime build up that encourages bacteria.
• Use bowls large enough for single servings but small enough to restrain your over-feeding habits.
• Water bowls should be, at minimum, twice the size of daily food portions and kept full of fresh water to ensure proper hydration.  Some animals love cold water so throw some ice cubes in.
• For older arthritic and extra large breeds raising their bowls can make it easier on their backs, necks, and joints.*
• Avoid combination bowls as the water and food get mixed up causing messes, nasty food, dirty water, odors, bacterial growth, etc.
• For long-eared dogs use a bowl narrow enough that their ears fall on the outside of the bowl.
• Be responsible if you are going to be away for a prolonged period of time.  Put your dog in daycare or ask a friend to give them a break and feed them to keep them on schedule.

*Please watch for a future post on bloat as there are mixed thoughts on raised bowls and bloat.