Dog Bowls and Feeders
Dogs love their food! In fact, most dogs love food so much that they would eat out of any bowl, unlike pickier felines. Choosing the wrong bowl, however content your dog may be, can leave a mess of water and food on your floor. Some bowls can even affect the health of your dog. Don't worry though; we're here to help you choose the perfect dog bowl for your pooch.
What to Look For in a Dog Bowl- Heavy-- Dog bowls should be heavy enough to not tip over easily. Not only do light dog bowls cause a big mess on your floor, but your dog may not get all the food he or she needs if the dish is tipped over.
- Dishwasher safe-- You'll definitely want a bowl that can be thrown in the dishwasher, especially during the summertime, when that dreaded doggy slobber is abundant.
- Chew resistant-- Chew toys
are great for dogs. Chewing on food bowls, not so great.
- Safe and durable-- Don't get a fragile dog bowl! Dogs are usually not the most graceful creatures, and having an accident with a fragile dog bowl could result in an injury! Plus you probably don't want to clean up thousands of pieces of the former dog bowl.
- Size-- The size of the dog bowl should match the size of the dog. Get a bowl that is just big enough for the serving size of your dog's meal. If you find your dog needing more food or consistently not finishing the food in the bowl, change the size. Bowls usually come in small, medium, and large sizes, although you will occasionally find extra small
and extra large bowls. 
- Height-- If you have a large dog or an older dog, getting an elevated bowl
might be a good investment. Elevated bowls prevent shoulder, back, and neck injuries and strain. Most dogs appreciate not needing to lean over so much to eat their kibble. 
- Depth-- Dogs usually dislike their vision being blocked or their ears dipping into the food. Short-snouted dogs will enjoy shallow bowls that don't make them get food on their nose. Long ears? Try a deep bowl to keep those floppy ears clean and your pooch happy.
- Habits-- If your dog can be trusted to not over (or under) eat, trying out an automatic feeder
might be a good idea. Some feeders can even be programmed to open and close at certain times. Be careful, though. Dogs are prone to over eat, and obesity dramatically limits their lifespan and quality of life. Also, automatic feeders can sometimes get blocked or tip over.
Recommended Bowls
|
Try a stainless steal dog bowl for water and food. These bowls, although not exactly the most decorative accessory for your home, come in a variety of sizes and are easy to clean. |
|
A heavy ceramic bowl is decorative and hard to budge. These bowls are especially nice for small dogs, as they most often are found in smaller sizes. If your dog is too strong and causes the dish to move from one side of the room to the other, try a weighted bowl.  |
Other Feeders
|
|
|
|
|
Self feeders 
For the rare dog responsible enough to eat just enough. |
Elevated Feeders 
Great for large and elderly dogs. Although usually found as a combination of food and water bowls, there are some that are sold as single bowls. |
Travel bowls are great for dogs on the go. Many travel bowls have their own carrying cases for added convenience. Some travel bowls even double as storage containers for food. |
Double diners or combo bowls are great one-stop eateries. The problem: water slips into the food and food slips into the water, causing a mess that some dogs will turn their noses up to. |
Water Bowls for Your Dog
|
|
|
|
|
Dog Waterers are great and ensure that your pooch has a constant supply of water. Great for dogs that are full of energy and need some aqua after a game of fetch. Make sure it is heavy enough not to be tipped over. |
Heated water bowls prevent water from freezing outdoors. Great for making sure your dog has enough water while out for a run in the snow. |
Purifying fountains have filters to make sure your pooch has the freshest water out there. |
Bubbling dispensers constantly bubble, keeping water circulating and enticing your dog. |
Related Guides
|