8 Tips for Choosing the Best Bowl for Your Dog

As surprising as it sounds, the food bowl you choose for your dog actually matters. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to find the best products that can satisfy your adorable furry friend. When thinking about dog bowls it is important to do your research beforehand on the various options that are available on the market. 

Some may think that a bowl is just a bowl. The truth, however, is that different breeds of dogs have various needs regarding mealtimes. For this reason, the wrong bowl could have health consequences for your pet.

There are some important factors you need to consider when choosing the right dog bowl for your dog, such as:

  • The height of your dog
  • The length of your dog’s ears and nose
  • The speed at which your dog eats 
  • The size of your dog’s chest

Ideally, you will want to choose a bowl that is easy to clean and can resist tipping. You can also keep your dog’s feeding area clean by having separate bowls for food and water, and pay close attention to how your dog eats. If your dog has to move around constantly to get the food, then the bowl could be too big. If he tips his dish over every time he gets his food, the bowl may be too small instead.

If you want to choose the best bowl for your dog, here are several types that you should consider.

1. Shallow Dog Bowls

This type of bowl is the most common and sometimes used with every breed. Ideally, shallow bowls are designed for small to medium breeds, such as Pomeranians, Corgis, Chihuahuas, or Beagles. These bowls allow smaller dogs to conveniently reach for their food without having to put so much pressure on their throats.

2. Elevated Dog Bowls

If you have large dogs, like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, or giant breeds, such as Mastiffs and Great Dane, elevated bowls are an ideal choice. These types of bowls are also recommended for aged dogs, those with various physical restrictions or for those that recently came out of surgery. Elevated bowls are available in all sizes and heights and allow bigger breeds to eat easily, without putting too much strain on joints. For dogs like German Shepherds and Boxers, which have a bigger chest-to-waist ratio, you should consult a veterinarian before using an elevated dog bowl.

Elevated Dog Bowl

FIGURE 8 STAINLESS STEEL DOG BOWL

3. Steep-Sided Dog Bowls

Steep-sided bowls are great for the long-eared breed of dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Basset Hounds that would always end up dragging their ears between their water and food. These bowls are usually relatively deep, having sides that are angled inward and a narrow opening at the top.

Steep Dog Bowl

MY BEST FRIEND CERAMIC DOG BOWL SET

4. Slow Feeder Dog Bowls

Some dogs are particularly fast eaters (I'm looking at you labradors!). This can lead to a number of issues, such as choking, gagging, or vomiting. In these cases a slow feeder bowl can be the best option. These bowls are specially designed with different obstacles, making it more difficult for your dog to gulp up their food.  The benefits of this can include reduced bloating, overeating, vomiting and obesity.

Slow Eater Feeder Dog Bowls

SWIRL SLOW-EATER DOG BOWL

5. Gravity Feeders

Gravity feeders are a great option for dogs that spend a lot of time at home alone. Keep in mind gravity feeders aren’t suitable for dogs that don’t know when to stop eating and should only be used with dogs that are happy to slowly nibble at their food throughout the day.

Automatic Gravity Feeder for Dogs
3.8L FOOD AND WATER GRAVITY FEEDER
Other than the various types of bowls, the choice of material is also important. Consider the following materials for the dog bowl.

6. Plastic Dog Bowls

Many pet experts agree that the worst material for a dog bowl is plastic because there are certain types of plastic that contain toxic chemicals that can harm the dog. However not all plastics are made the same, so when considering a plastic food bowl make sure it is made from high quality food grade plastic such as TPE and doesn't contain any BPA or phthalates.

Plastic Dog Bowl

INTERACTIVE NUB SLOW-EATER DOG BOWL

7. Ceramic Dog Bowls

A better option compared to plastic that most experts prefer is ceramic. The weight of the ceramic can be an issue for some, plus it is also less durable than plastic or stainless steel. One bang or drop can crack, shatter, or chip your ceramic dog bowl, rendering it unsafe to use. Ceramic dog bowls do look great, so just make sure you are extra careful handling them.

Ceramic Dog Bowl

MODERN CERAMIC & BAMBOO DOG BOWL

8. Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

The best material for dog bowls to be made of is stainless steel. This is because it is durable, easy to carry, and best of all is dishwasher safe so they are easy to keep clean.

Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

COLOUR POP! STAINLESS STEEL DOG BOWL

There you have it, 8 Tips for Choosing the Best Bowl for Your Dog. If you have some further suggestions or ideas, let us know in the comments below!

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