How to Choose the Correct Feeding Bowl for Your Dog

These days there are many new types of dog feeders available from raised ceramic dog bowls to porcelain and stainless steel. And if you want your pet to be healthy and comfortable when eating, you need to choose the feeder that best suits its size and feeding habits.

First of all take a look at the bowl your pet is using now. If it's looking a little past its sell-by date with dents and scratches, throw it away and buy a new one. The scratches and chips on a bowl that is kept on the ground are the perfect breeding place for every type of nasty bacteria you can imagine.

Find out more about the new raised feeders, which lift the height of the food and water bowls so that they are up off the ground. One advantage of this is better hygiene because it prevents dirt, dust and insects collecting in your pet's food and water. And it is now widely agreed by vets that raised feeders improve any dog's digestion by reducing the quantity of air that they swallow whilst feeding. This avoids bloating and abdominal discomfort for your pet. In addition, raised stainless steel or ceramic dog bowls minimize the risk of choking and encourage a better posture which doesn't cause strain on the dog's back, neck and shoulders. This is particularly beneficial to large breeds, old and arthritic dogs and will make them much more comfortable at dinner-time.

If your dog has long ears and facial hair, why not get a single raised feeder with a ceramic or porcelain bowl? This will allow its ears and hair enough space to hang down the sides of the feeder, without them getting dunked in the water bowl and it will be more comfortable for your pet. Single-bowl feeders also give you the option to have the food and water bowls in different areas of your home. Dogs with a pug face need a wide shallow bowl, so they can easily get the food into their mouth. And heavy ceramic dog bowls, with an inward turned rim, are good for older animals that may have difficulty ingesting their food.

After giving all this careful thought to your pet's needs, you can now sit back and consider the best type of dog bowl for you to fill and clean. I think the choice really is between stainless steel and ceramic dog bowls. Stainless steel has the advantage of being lighter and unbreakable should you happen to drop it on the ceramic floor tiles in your kitchen. This would be a good choice if you have limited wrist or hand mobility because of arthritis.

On the other hand, the weight of ceramic dog bowls makes them more stable for a large or elderly dog to use and stops them getting pushed around the feeding room. Most modern ceramic dog bowls can be popped into the dishwasher without any problem and ceramic material is very durable and chip-proof.

Well, now you have some idea of what to look for in order to give your pet the care and attention it deserves. If you spend a few minutes looking at pet stores on the internet, you will soon find the type of stainless, raised or ceramic dog bowls that will be just perfect for you and your dog.