Our Team’s Review of Premium Dog Bowls

Leading Dog Bowl Buying Guide

Why Should You Buy Dog Bowls?

A sad truth about most pet owners is that they assume their dogs don’t really care about the food container.

True, your pet will eat food regardless of the kind of container. But, it is simply because of hunger. Try feeding your pet in any random dirty container when they are full. Your pet won’t eat in it.

Using appropriate and dedicated dog bowls provides your pet with a sense of belonging. It makes your furry buddy feel valued and important.

Also, these bowls discipline your pet and teach them good eating habits. Your dog will learn to associate the bowl with meal times, and won’t scavenge for food all the time.

What’s more, feeding your fur babies in dedicated dog bowls ensures they aren’t consuming germs. You will be using those bowls for food only, which will keep risks of illness low.

In a nutshell, there is no reason you should be skipping the purchase of dog bowls. Imagine yourself eating from anywhere instead of plates and bowls. How does that feel? Well, your pet feels the same.

Types of Dog Bowls

Dog bowls come in a variety of forms. You are likely to feel confused looking at all the innovative types. However, there are only five fundamental types.

• Standard Dog Bowls

These dog bowls have a circular, multi-purpose design. You can use these bowls for all breeds and dog sizes.

• Slow Feeder Dog Bowls

The slow-feeder dog bowls have obstructions and lumps to slow your pup’s eating speed. It prevents digestive issues, such as bloating and vomiting.

• Elevated Bowls

These elevated dog bowls comprise two units; a bowl and a stand. You have to place the bowl on the stand before feeding your dog. The height provided by the stand is idealistic for tall and large dogs.

• Travel Bowls

If you’re an on-the-go person, then these travel-friendly dog bowls will be the perfect pick. These bowls have lightweight, collapsible, and reusable designs. Some travel dog bowls are even disposable, though this can be harmful for the environment.

Features to Consider in a Great Dog Bowl

There is so much more to evaluate in a dog bowl than mere type. From looks to depth, the best dog bowl must suit your pet’s needs in all aspects possible. It should also be feasible for you to manage.

Below, we have brought together all the essential features to consider in a great dog bowl.  Hope this helps!

Design

Circular, bone-shaped, rectangular – you will come across hundreds of different dog bowl designs. Opt for the ones that will appear more appealing and attractive to your pup.

Please note, dogs are unable to see most of the colors in the light spectrum. So, the deciding factor in the design must be the shape and not the color.

Also, make sure there aren’t any sharp edges or lumps. The surface must be smooth such that your dog doesn’t injure himself when eating.

Another amazing design feature that you should look for is a non-slip base. It prevents the bowl from sliding around as your canine fellow munches energetically.

Size & depth

Dog bowls are usually available in three sizes;  small, medium, and large. Select the size that suits the dietary needs of your furry pal.

If you’ve got a large dog, then opt for a medium to large-sized bowl. And, if your pet is small, go for a small or extra small dog bowl. However, make sure the bowl is big enough to sufficiently hold the required kibble while preventing spillage.

Besides size, another influential factor is the depth of the bowl. There is no point in a high-quality, large, stainless steel bowl when your Chihuahua has to struggle to reach the food.

Fundamentally, you will find three dog bowl depths in the market:

• Shallow Bowls

These dog bowls are best for small dog breeds, such as Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. You will also find them ideal for short snout nose dogs like Pugs.

• Deep Bowls

Deep bowls require a little effort to dig in and reach food. Hence, these bowls are suitable for long snouts breeds like Greyhounds and Collies.

• Steep-sided Bowls

The steep-sided bowls are deep with narrow openings and inward sides. These bowls are excellent for dogs with long ears, as the design keeps the ears away.

Material

The material is a prominent feature of a dog bowl, as discussed above. It determines the durability of the bowl and the overall experience.

Primarily, you will find dog bowls made up of stainless steel, plastic, silicone, and ceramic. Usually, pet parents prefer stainless steel or plastic bowls since they’re the most durable ones.

Apart from this, look for features such as corrosion and rust resistance to ensure longevity.

Versatility

Certain dog bowls get used for specific food types. You will find them labeled as used with kibble or dry food only. Others may come labeled as moist food.

If you feed your pup a variety of food, then opt for multi-purpose dog bowls. These bowls allow you to serve both dry and moist food.  You can even use them as water bowls.

Maintenance

The ease of cleaning is a crucial aspect to consider. It impacts the hygienic conditions available to your pet.

An easy-to-clean dog bowl would guarantee that you can wipe the surfaces thoroughly. It is even better if the bowl is dishwasher-safe. Hence, you can save yourself the hassle and time too.

How Often Should I Replace My Dogs Bowls?

Often, pet parents continue to use dog bowls for years. It isn’t the best thing to do and can lead to health deterioration.

Dog bowls need a replacement once they have considerable scratches and nicks. Never use a dog bowl with a heavily scratched body.

Bacteria tend to reside and grow in these parts regardless of how much you clean. As a result, bacteria can contaminate the food and cause illness.

Usually, plastic and ceramic bowls develop scratches easily. So, you must replace them as soon as they get damaged.  Even if you do not notice scratches on the bowl, replace it after a few months.

In case you find frequent bowl replacement not so budget-friendly or hectic, then increase the number of bowls your pup owns.

On average, it is recommendable to have at least two dog bowls for your furry buddy. You can rotate them between mealtimes.

This particular practice will not only keep your pup excited about food, but it will also reduce the damage and need for replacement. With two dog bowls used regularly, you can consider annual replacements instead of monthly.