Every dog owner knows the importance of proper nutrition. From high-quality food to supplements like yak chews, you always choose the products that are best for your furry friend. So, why choosing a bowl should be any different?

Many dog owners aren’t aware of the difference bowls make when it comes to nutrition. They may all seem the same, but they aren’t. Not only because there are various types of bowls but also because they are made of different materials, with different features, and of different quality. As such, each bowl offers a different feeding experience.

To make sure you choose the right type of bowl for your dog, we’ve compiled a list of the factors you should consider when buying a bowl.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Dog Bowl?

Material

Dog bowls can be made of plastic, metal (stainless steel), silicon, and ceramic.

The plastic ones are the most affordable but they are difficult to clean, easy to scratch, and may contain harmful chemicals. The silicone ones share most features with the plastic ones.

On the other hand, metal dog bowls are the most expensive ones but they are durable, antibacterial, difficult to turn over, and scratch-resistance. And, if you’re looking for bowls that are easiest to clean, the ceramic ones are for you.

Form

In terms of the form, dog bowls can be shallow, deep, and steep-sided.

Shallow bowls are most suitable for small and medium-sized dogs. On the other hand, deep bowls are best for dogs with long, thin snouts. The steep-sided bowls are very deep and have a narrow opening, which makes them best for long-eared dogs.

Design

When it comes to bowls’ design, we differentiate elevated bowls, slow feeders, and automatic bowls (feeders).

The elevated bowls consist of two bowls – one for food and one for water. They are perfect for large dogs and considered healthy as they might help prevent gastrointestinal problems.

The slow feeders, on the other hand, are perfect for dogs that tend to eat fast and overeat. They are designed in such a way that prevents dogs to eat fast, which may cause bloats and vomiting.

If you’re looking for a smart feeding device, the automatic feeder is your best choice. These devices ensure continuous feeding and watering throughout the day, so you don’t have to leave work or rush back home.

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Bowl for Your Dog

Always choose quality bowls

Safety always comes first. That’s why you should choose a bowl that is made of high-quality, durable, and safe materials. It should also be resistant to scratches, antibacterial, and easy to clean to make sure there are no uninvited guests.

Make sure the bowl’s size and shape fit your dog

When choosing a dog bowl, you need to consider your dog’s size and head features to make sure they are comfortable while eating. For instance, the steep-sided bowls are perfect for dogs with long ears as they allow them to eat without having their ears in their food.

Go for bowls manufactured by reliable brands

If you want to be sure you choose a safe and quality dog bowl, go for products manufactured by reliable brands. These companies care about your pet’s safety and health and manufacture their products following safe procedures. Moreover, they test their products for possible contaminants. As proof, they provide a document that certified their products are free from any harmful materials.

Choosing a bowl for your beloved pup can be tricky as there are lots of bowls on the market. However, not all bowls are made equal. Some are made of high-quality materials following safety standards while others are made of materials that are prone to scratching and bacteria built-ups. That’s why you have to be careful when choosing a dog bow and we hope this article will help you with that.