How Do I Choose the Best Dog Bowl?

There are several things to consider when choosing the best dog bowl, including the size and physical characteristics of your dog. The way he eats can also be important to look at when choosing the best dog bowl. The type of material the dog bowl is made from and its style and color are also factors to consider.

You can narrow down your dog bowl choices by looking at dog bowls in sizes that correspond with the size of your dog. If you have a large dog, look at large bowls and if you have a medium-sized or small dog look at bowls in those sizes. For dogs with long noses, look for deep bowls that allow nose room. Dogs with short noses and puppies will typically find shallow dog bowls easiest to eat and drink from. If your dog has long, floppy ears, choose dog dishes with steep sides that will help prevent dangling ears from ending up in food and water.

A dog’s height should also be considered when choosing the best dog bowl. Tall and long-legged dogs might be most comfortable eating and drinking from elevated bowls. Elevated bowls are also a good choice for older or arthritic dogs that might have trouble bending.

Dogs that eat too fast can get indigestion, excess gas and other digestive ailments. If you have a gobbler, choosing a bowl that will slow her down might be the best choice. Slow-feed dog dishes have partitioned sections or raised areas within the bowl that serve as obstructions to help prevent fast eating.

Dog bowls come in various materials, including plastic, stainless steel and ceramic. For large dogs, a sturdy bowl of ceramic or stainless steel might be a better option than a plastic bowl that is easier to move around. An advantage to plastic bowls is that they are typically the lowest-cost option, so if price is a consideration a plastic bowl might be a good choice. Some experts feel that stainless-steel bowls are the easiest to keep clean and so the best choice for dog bowls because they don’t harbor bacteria the way that plastic and ceramic can as those materials can scratch or chip. Some dog owners like to warm their dogs’ food in the microwave, so if this is a consideration for you, choose a microwave-safe option rather than stainless steel.

Finally, the way the dishes look in your home might be important to you. Plastic and ceramic bowls come in many different colors and with different designs to fit different tastes and home decor. If you choose a ceramic bowl, however, keep in mind that it might contain lead in the colored glaze or design pattern, so look for ceramic bowls from manufacturers that produce lead-free bowls and bowls that are designated as food safe.