These Best Dog Bowls Dish It Up For Your Pups
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so naturally, dog bowls do, too! There are a ton of options out there, and we’re here to help you determine what’s best for your pup, down to the material of the bowl.
Things To Consider About your Pup
Is your furry friend a spry, young pup? Or are they an older pooch who needs some help? Do they eat slowly and take their time, or do they eat so fast that they make themselves sick? There are many things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your pet, but these are the ones that make the biggest impact:
- Age - If your four-legged friend has some distinguished gray whiskers, it may create an impact on their feeding habits
- Size - Dogs who are taller may need a raised surface to eat on, while smaller breeds may need a shallow dish
- Breed - The breed of a dog can make a big difference in the bowl needed, especially if they have a short snout
- Speed - If you have a speed eater on your hands, there are bowls designed to slow them down so that they don’t end up with a stomach ache
Different Types of Bowls and Who They’re Best For
After you’ve taken the time to think about your pup’s needs, take a look at these bowls, and see what would serve best.
The Classic
There’s not a whole lot to be said that you don’t already know about the classic dog bowl. Realistically, these bowls are a perfect fit for most dogs, which is why they’re so long-standing in the market. It’s easier to talk about the dogs that these aren’t for; avoid these bowls if you have:
- A large breed of dog, as continued bending can cause wear and tear on their joints.
- A pup with a short snout who needs accommodations due to possible health issues.
- An older dog with mobility issues
- A speed eater because the classic bowl allows them to scarf their food down too quickly.
Since these are the standard dog bowl, let’s look at the materials they can be made from and how they play a part in your pup’s eating habits.
- Plastic - These are generally not recommended since plastic bowls are the cheapest, least durable option. It’s easy for a pup to scratch or chew them up, making them hard to clean. Additionally, dogs may develop allergies to the plastic itself. Stay away from these.
- Stainless Steel - A great option in terms of durability and cleaning. Stainless steel bowls with a non-slip base, like the Wild One Bowl, are an excellent option for dogs who eat eagerly and would typically move a bowl around with them as they go.
- Ceramic - A fun option, but with downfalls like the plastic bowl. These are prone to chipping and cracking. Good for gentle eaters, but that’s about it.
As you can see from our list of materials, stainless steel is most likely the best way to go, as they’re durable and cost-effective. It’s a wonder why more brands haven’t moved to them as Wild One has.
Elevated Bowls
Elevated bowls are a fantastic option for larger breeds or dogs that have a harder time bending down low to reach their food. For smaller breeds with mobility issues, there are very short bases that allow the pup to eat comfortably; they aren’t just for the big guys. What’s more is that the bases come in a range of styles and heights, so finding one specifically tailored to your pup isn’t a hard task.
It’s worth mentioning that the elevated option typically works by placing traditional bowls into the raised stand, so keep materials in mind. Use the same recommendations from above to go about making the best choice for your furry friend. It’s also important to make sure the base is sturdy and able to handle more energetic food lovers if you have one!
Slanted Bowls
These bowls are great for pups that have a short snout and should be your number one choice if your pup has one. The shallow opening, created by tilting a traditional bowl, makes it much easier for breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs to eat safely.
A slanted bowl is a choice made based entirely on the health needs of your pup. Dogs with short snouts or a “flat” face run the risk of injury if they push their faces flat into a classic-style dog bowl. Slanted bowls remove the possibility of injury from this by allowing the dog to eat horizontally rather than vertically.
Automatic Feeders
Automatic feeders are a great way to remove the chore of feeding your pup, if possible. This type of dog bowl looks almost like a water cooler and functions in a similar fashion. As the bowl at the base of the dispenser empties, the container above fills the bowl continuously. Some of these can be quite sophisticated, with mechanical applications that can be timed.
Like any dog bowl, they have an intended audience, and this is for the slower eater who can be trusted to have a continuous food source. When considering one, ask yourself, “Does my dog like to graze on their food, or do they attack the bowl as soon as it’s filled?” If your answer is the latter of the two, this bowl isn’t for your pup! Additionally, these are almost always made of plastic, so weigh your options if your dog has allergies.
Slow Feeders
Your dog is a fiend for food. They eat so fast that it looks like they’re inhaling kibble down rather than eating it. You’ve seen nature documentaries, and your dog is starting to look really wolf-like as it wolfs its meal down. If these are things you can relate to, then you definitely need a slow feeder for your dog!
Like the slanted bowl, slow feeders are a health-based choice. Eating too fast can cause problems in pups, like indigestion or vomiting. These bowls are made in a way that forces the food between openings and ridges, making it so that the food can’t be accessed immediately. They’re the best way to slow down your dog’s eating. As a bonus, they can be used for dogs that need a lot of stimulation! It’s like a fun puzzle to figure out, with food as the reward.
Travel Bowls
If you’re constantly on the move and you bring your pup with you, or maybe if you just need more space at home and like the option of putting your pup’s bowls away, travel bowls are an excellent option. They’re typically small in form and allow for easy storage. Some are even collapsible, which permits flat packing if you really need the space.
Materials come into play here and carry the same amount of importance that the classic bowl comes with. When buying a travel bowl, it’s critical to keep in mind how enthusiastic your pup gets while eating. Some travel bowls are made from silicone, which can rip and tear easily. If this could create a problem, look into fabric-based travel bowls, as they’re typically made from rip-proof materials.
So How Do I Choose?
Don’t worry! We’re here to help with that. After considering your dog’s needs and looking at all of the types of bowls available, ask yourself these questions to find the best dog bowl for your pup!
- Does my dog have any health needs to be taken into consideration? If yes, what are they? (i.e., allergies, mobility issues, short snout, etc.)
- How big is my dog, and would their size affect the way they eat?
- Is my pup an aggressive eater? Or are they a grazer?
Using these three questions can narrow down the type of bowl that is best for your pooch easily. As always, it mostly comes down to preference. It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re looking for bowls for a puppy, the classic stainless steel bowl could end up being a forever bowl if you choose it, but trying other things never hurts, either!
The Takeaway
No matter the way your pup eats, or the needs they have in terms of eating, there is a bowl on the market for them. In most cases, the traditional set of bowls for food and water is an easy option that works for many dogs, keeping in mind that you choose the right materials for them. Using this guide can make your choice easier! Bon appetit to you and your pup!
Sources
What Kind of Dog Bowl Is Best for My Dog? | The Spruce Pets
Types of Dog Bowls: 7 Best Kinds Revealed! | Dog Food Guide
Best Dog Bowls for Flat Faced Dogs – Top 3 Editor's Picks | Best Dog Gear