Dog Bowls and Feeders

Dogs are hungry beings. Though you may be tempted to pass your mashed potatoes and leftovers over to Rover, your dog will be much healthier and happier with proper dog food. Most of us aren't comfortable putting our fine china on the floor, so this is where dog dishes come in.

There are many options available to suit any type of dog. You don't have to spend a whole day hunting, but you should put some consideration into finding a bowl that suits your type of dog. How you choose should be a function of your dog's size, eating habits, and your personal style and space limitations. You can get your bowls on the cheap  or ultra-pawsh. 

Every Bowl Should Be

• Easy to clean
• Dishwasher safe
• No-tip/Spillproof 
• Chew-resistant
• Safe and durable

What Shape?

Dogs don't like to feel vulnerable when they're eating. Make sure the bowls don't block their vision, dunk their ears in water, or get their noses all dirty. Short-snouted dogs need shallow bowls  or dishes.  Long-eared dogs need tall bowls.  If your dogs look reluctant to use their bowls, try something new and see if it takes. This is much easier than varying their diets. (Although, if the bowl isn't the problem, you will need to work on their dog food options.)

What Size?

Just like dogs, bowls come in all ranges of sizes. Unless you want a tragically rotund or depressingly skinny pooch, get a bowl that holds just enough food for your dog's size. Bowls will come with such user-friendly size listings as small,  medium,  and large  to go with your small, medium, and large dogs. If you find your dogs consistently need -- not want -- to eat more food than fits or they can never finish their meals, you should change the size of the bowl.

Bowls to Avoid

• Lightweight plastic -- Can be moved, tipped, or chewed.
• Lightweight glass or ceramic -- A broken bowl is dangerous to your dog.

Recommended Bowls

An ideal combination of the above features is a heavy stainless steel bowl  with a rubberized bottom and a tapered shape. The wider base and weight of the bowl give it stability, the rubber makes it more difficult for your dog to push it around, and dogs will not chew steel. In addition, it is easy to clean and can go in the dishwasher.

You can also consider a heavy ceramic bowl  that will look good and won't move around (as much). Or, if the shifting of the bowl is a big problem, get a weighted bowl.  These have a bit more aesthetic potential than the stainless steel bowls with just a tad more risk of  breakage. Remember to wash these daily. They will get dirty.

• Plastic bowls  are fine if your dogs don't push their food around so much and aren't prone to gnawing on the side. Otherwise, go for the more-durable ceramic or steel.

Other Feeders

Self feeders  are great for dogs who can be trusted to self-regulate their eating during the day. Pros: easy to clean, convenient. Cons: Possible blockage, easy to knock over. Some feeders let you control how much will be fed and when.	Look for elevated feeders  for those with trouble leaning down to eat, especially older dogs. Easier to clean up after messy eaters. Taller, narrower bowls make it easier for dogs with long ears to drink without getting their ears wet.	Travel bowls  are lightweight, packable, and perfect for dogs on the go. Try to get ones with their own carrying cases.  Maybe you can get ones that are storage containers  as well.	Double diners  or combo bowls   are convenient and come in all materials and styles. Pro -- water and food will never lose each other again. Con -- the food slips into the water and vice-versa, bugging some dogs and owners.

More on Water

Dog Waterers  are nifty machines that automatically maintains the water bowl full at all times. One should cost you less than $20.	Heated water bowls  keep the supply warm in chilly outdoor environments.	Purifying fountains  have a filter system, in case your tap water isn't clean enough for your dog.	Bubbling dispensers  will keep the water moving for your dogs, so they're always enticed.

External Links

• About -- Long-term storage of dry food.
• eHow -- How to dress up your bowl.
• PetPlace -- Great (and all too brief) tips on buying a bowl for your dog.
• PetSmart -- A retailer's guide to bowls.