Are You Using the Right Bowl for Your Dog? Discover What You Need to Know

Very few people actually think about the bowl their dog eats out of every day. The fact of the matter is that it’s incredibly important. Based on the size, weight, and other features of your dog, he or she could have pretty specific needs when it comes to mealtime. 

Read on to discover everything you should know before choosing your dog’s bowl.

Deep Bowls

For dogs with long, thin snouts, deep bowls are definitely the way to go. Shallow bowls can be a smidge wider and cause our long nosed friends difficulty. Deep bowls can eliminate this problem and give your pup an easy going mealtime. A few examples of these types of dogs are collies, greyhounds, and doberman pinschers.

Shallow Bowls 

Shallow bowls tend to be the doig food bowl of choice, but in most situations, it’s actually not the best option. These bowls are made for smaller dogs and puppies. The purpose of a shallow bowl is to allow your little friend full access to his or her food without applying any pressure to their throat as they reach into the deepest part of the bowl. A few examples of these dogs are corgis, papillons, chihuahuas, and any type of puppy. 

Elevated Bowls

You guessed it! Elevated bowls are for our larger canine friends. Like German Shepherds, Great Danes, St. Bernards, even Labs and Golden Retrievers. With many different variations of size, these bowls are specifically made for the comfortability of larger dogs while they eat. They can also be helpful for older, medium sized dogs with physical limitations. Allowing them to eat without having to bend down or strain any part of their body. 

The elevated aspect of these bowls is not only more comfortable for larger dogs, it can also help eliminate gastrointestinal issues caused by bending too far down to eat. Aiding in the overall comfortability and health of your furry friend. 

Bowls with Steep Sides 

These bowls have a narrow and deep build, typically with edges that are angled inward. The reason these bowls have such a small opening at the top is because some dogs have very large ears. Dogs like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels often end up accidentally dipping their ears in their food and water. This not only makes a mess, but it also leads to dirty food and water. With steep sided bowls, there is no need to worry. They are narrow enough to keep the ears out of the picture all together. 

Automatic Feeding Bowls 

Automatic feeding bowls are pretty self explanatory. They feed automatically! This type of bowl is not typically recommended unless you have one that is programmable. Otherwise, you might as well set the dog food bag out and let them have at it. Programmable feeders are great options for people who work long hours. Just make sure it is durable in case you have an overactive pup!

Slow Feed Bowls

Slow feed bowls are for those little guys that tend to eat way too fast. We all know how excited dogs can get when it’s dinner time. Some of them get a little bit too excited, eat too fast, and accidentally cause themselves serious issues. Leading to unwanted weight, gastrointestinal problems, and potentially vomiting, it is definitely preferred that they eat slower. These bowls can properly slow your dog down, ensuring that they eat at a reasonable pace.

Material 

Now that many different types of bowls have been covered, it’s time to delve into the material these bowls often come in. There are three main types of material that come with different pros and cons. Here are the differences between ceramic, stainless steel, and plastic. 

Ceramic 

Ceramic comes in many different colors and styles, but they are not very durable. Any chipping or breakage can cause these bowls to quickly become unsafe for your little one. 

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel dog bowls are by far the best option being that they are typically dishwasher safe, durable, and inexpensive. Just make sure to keep it inside. When left outside it can get too hot or too cold for your dog and rust. 

Plastic 

Plastic dog bowls are great options for gentle or smaller dogs. They are inexpensive and have plenty of different styles to choose from. However, bigger, tougher dogs can easily scratch, chew, and break them.

Conclusion 

The bowl that your dog eats out of is important. Now that you have done the research you can choose the perfect bowl for your dog, giving them the best meal time experience every day.