Dog Bowls and Feeders

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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

Woof Woof!

Dog Food Storage 

Dog Food

Dog Housebreaking

Leashes and Collars

Dog Bedding

Dog Toys

Dog Grooming

Dog-Proofing

Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Dog Houses

Dog Transport

Sick and Elderly Dog Care