Your dog's bowl should suit your pet's size and anatomy, so make sure to weigh all the options before purchasing one.
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Top 5 best dog bowls: UK options
One of the first items that new dog owners usually purchase is a dog bowl. There are many different types of bowls, including stainless steel, ceramic, round, oval, and foldable ones. So it's not always easy to choose the appropriate dish for your pet.
Dog bowls prevent your dog from eating on the floor and keep the food off the ground. To ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible when eating, it is essential to select bowls suited to their needs. The bowls' capacity should match the size of your dog. Choose a long-lasting material that does not give off any unpleasant smells.
Does your pet have long ears that touch the floor? Opt for raised bowls, which will allow them to eat without having their ears in the kibble. Slow feeder dog bowls are also available for animals who swallow their meal too quickly.
If your dog is about to come home, now is the time to prepare for their arrival by picking the best bowl. We've created this buying guide to help you choose the best water and kibble bowls for your new pet.
Summary
What is a dog bowl?
A dog bowl typically has a flat, stable base. It's the container for serving dog food. They can be used for kibble, wet dog food, or water for your pet.
This container keeps the food dry and cool. It stops the dog from eating on the floor. You can also use raised bowls to avoid your dog bending their neck too much.
Bowls are easy to clean, and most types are dishwasher safe. Choose a durable bowl, especially if you have a hyperactive young puppy.
Why should I buy a dog bowl?
A bowl allows you to serve your dog food in a clean container. Eating is almost a sacred ritual for most dogs, so just seeing you putting food in their bowl makes them happy.
In addition, the bowl is hygienic as it prevents the food from being put straight on the floor. This means that there is no risk of bacterial infection. It serves as a plate suited to the dog's anatomy.
The bowls have raised rims, and the dogs have pointy muzzles. This makes it easier for your dog to eat their food in the bowl than on the floor.
It is essential to get a separate dish for your dog and not feed them from the same plate that the owners use. If the container is not properly washed, your pet can infect you.
What are the different types of dog bowls?
There are many types of bowls available, and you will have no trouble finding the one that suits your pet's needs.
Most bowls are round and made of stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic. You can select between a single or double bowl.
Weighing bowls are really practical. They allow you to measure the meal in just a few seconds. You will save time if you can measure the amount of kibble for each meal. This is great for dogs who are overweight.
Automatic kibble dispensers allow you to plan the meal to be served at a specific time. This is handy for people who return home late from work.
You can opt for a collapsible bowl when going on a trip, which can easily fit in a backpack.
There are also raised bowls and slow-eating dog bowls suitable for certain dogs.
Are all bowls suitable for all types of dogs?
Some bowls are specifically designed for specific breeds of dogs. For example, dogs with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, sometimes have their ears dangling in the bowl. You can solve this problem by choosing a raised bowl. Cocker Spaniels also enjoy bowls with higher-than-average rims.
Dogs who swallow their food quickly may suffer digestive issues and stomach discomfort. In severe circumstances, kibbles consumed too fast might cause stomach upset. That's why there are slow-feeder dog bowls, which prevent greedy dogs from swallowing everything at once.
What should I look for when buying a dog bowl?
One of the most important aspects to consider is the size of the bowl. A Chihuahua will not need the same amount of food as a Newfoundland!
Select a model that is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Stainless steel is light and durable, while ceramic is highly stable but not as robust. Plastic is sturdy, although it is easily scratched. Even the slightest surface damage may become a breeding ground for germs!
Check that the bowl has a non-slip base. Otherwise, as your dog rushes to eat, the kibble will fly around the room.
How often should a bowl be cleaned?
It is vital to clean your dog's bowl at least once a day, ideally after eating. Depending on the bowl type, you can wash it with soap and water or put it in the dishwasher. But first, give it a good rinse with cold water! If you put hot water directly in it, it will cook the remaining proteins on the walls. They will melt, forming a thin, transparent layer in which bacteria will thrive.
By the way, a round bowl with no difficult-to-clean corners is best.
