The easiest type of bowl to keep clean – and, not incidently, also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from – is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dog's food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.
Stainless steel presents the best combination of properties for pet bowls. Its hygenic, meaning the surface won't harbor bacteria and can be readily cleaned with soap and water washings. It's also very durable.
Stainless steel bowls tend to be at the top of the totem pole when it comes to safe dog bowls. There's a reason that stainless steel is a go-to for top chefs everywhere. Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it won't hold onto bad bacteria, plus it is super easy to clean which keeps it sanitary for your pup.
Stainless steel bowls tend to be the safest, most practical choice for pet bowls. If properly cared for (do not scrub with abrasive materials like steel wool), stainless steel bowls do not harbor bacteria and can last a lifetime.
A: The best material for a water bowl to prevent bacterial growth is stainless steel or glass, as they are non-porous and easy to clean and sanitize. Ceramic bowls can also be a good option as long as they are glazed to make them non-porous.
Only use stainless steel pet food bowls and water dishes. Never use plastic bowls, which harbor the most germs (surprisingly, ceramic bowls are home to the worst).
Stainless steel dog bowls are the best dish you can get for your pup because they offer the ultimate in ease, health, and safety. Stainless steel bowls are super easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and non-porous. These bowls won't hold on to any harmful bacteria.
The easiest type of bowl to keep clean – and, not incidently, also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from – is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dog's food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.
However, plastic bowls are generally not recommended for many dogs. Bowls made of plastic can be easily chewed or scratched by your dog, leaving places for bacteria to build up. Additionally, some dogs may develop an allergy to the plastic, resulting in a mild skin reaction on the chin or face.
Stainless steel is the safest option for dog bowls. It is easy to sanitize and unlikely to scratch or chip. Dogs are unlikely to chew on it, and there are a variety of shapes and sizes at a low price point. Those in the know recommend stainless steel for dog bowls.
You should wash your dog's food bowl after every meal. You can wash their water bowl less frequently, but you will need to completely empty, sanitize and refill it at least once per week. Water bowls tend to collect a slimy build-up called biofilm, which allows harmful bacteria to take over.
DIY Dog Bowl Alternative
Your standard metal muffin pan. Sprinkle food or treats into it right-side up, or flip it upside-down to create a puzzle bowl. (Add some sticky tack to the bottom to keep it in place, if needed.)
Believe it or not, some dogs can actually be quite scared of their metal food bowl. In some cases, a pup can actually see their reflection while eating out of the bowl. This can be distracting and even, in some cases, produce some level of fear because they're unsure of what that 'other dog' they can see is doing.
Ceramic, stainless steel or melamine are widely regarded as the safest choices for dog bowls. They are eco-friendly, easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
A raised dog bowl is a great idea for most dogs, even small dogs, but are particularly beneficial to medium and larger dogs. Why? Straining down to reach your food is no fun for anyone and it can also have digestive and physical implications in the form of neck and even back strain.
Polypropylene is not only safer but it's also less at risk of containing other contaminants which can be harmful to dogs and cats.
Another reason why ceramic bowls are not considered as the safest option for pets is they can easily chip or break if dropped. Ceramics are known to be much heavier than other options and can create shards, chips, and sharp edges if they accidentally slip off a countertop.
Rubber is naturally safe and soft for animals. Perfect for dogs, rabbits, and small livestock.
Dog bowls are not regulated like bowls for humans, and some may contain unhealthy levels of lead in the glaze, especially bowls made in China. So, while ceramic bowls can be a good choice, you just need to make sure they are food-safe and lead-free.
Stainless steel bowls are easy to clean and sanitize as they do not harbor bacteria. They are the most durable and can last a lifetime. They do not leach potentially toxic chemicals into food like plastic or ceramic bowls with low-quality paint.
In terms of oral water, in most cases our verdict is that tap water is a great safe, cost-effective and readily accessible option.It is generally perfectly safe to give pets the same water we drink, including tap water.
Keep your dog's dishware separate from any human dishware or utensils. If you're opting for the dishwasher, first check whether your dog's bowls and platters are dishwasher safe. If so, use dog-friendly dish detergent and start a separate load for your dog's dishware.
The FDA recommends washing pet-food bowls and utensils “after each use,” and cleaning water bowls daily.
Wash the bowl with soap and water. Prepare a bleach solution: add 2 teaspoons bleach to 1 gallon of water. Fill the pet dish and wipe down the exterior with the bleach solution. Let it stand for 2 minutes, then drain the solution and let the dish air dry.
At mealtime, most of us opt to place our pet's food bowls on the floor at a lower level position. This is fine for younger or smaller animals that don't have to dip their necks too low to reach their food, however, it's not optimal for all animals.