Food & Water Bowls: Tips

Food and water bowls are something all pet needs, however not all food bowl and water bowls are the same. Some products are designed specifically for health and/or age issues while others are created solely for their artistic design. A few questions you should ask yourself prior to purchasing these items are as follows:

• Do I want to use separate bowls or a feeder-unit?

• Does my lifestyle require that I provide my pet with an automatic feeder?

• Does my pet have a medical or age related condition that requires elevated feeders?

• While traveling, will I also take my pet?
Being fed is often one of the most important moments in your pets day! Being able to answer the questions above, as well as any others will ensure that you pick a food and water product that best fits you and your pets lifestyle.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders employ the help of gravity or electronics to dish out food and water for your pet. Generally, these products allow for a much larger storage amount than single bowls or dishes. Ideal for those whose schedules require them to be away while their pets are feeding, or for individuals who simply want to spend less time filling their pets food and water bowls. Gravity-style products, such as the LeBistro are excellent for pets who are allowed unrestricted access to their food. These products easily store several days worth of food and water, plus they are specially treated to reduce the risk of bacteria that may form on traditional styles of bowls and feeders. The FreshFlow Pet Fountain, circulates water continuously through carbon filters, allowing it to help keep your dog’s water cooler and fresher while the running water minimizes bacterial growth.

Dishes/Bowls

Stainless steel bowls are generally the most popular style of bowls for food and water. Also, they come strongly recommended by many veterinarians. Mainly because stainless bowls decrease your pet’s exposure to harmful plastic or dyes, while lasting an extremely long time, and their construction keeps them from maintaining harmful bacteria. These bowls are easily washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. Ceramic dishes are a great choose for pet parents who like to make statements of their own personal style with pet’s bowls, or those who like to warm their pet’s food in the microwave. Many ceramic bowls are dishwasher and microwave safe. Due to its durability, plastic is also another popular choice in pet bowls. Many of these can be washed in the dishwasher as well.
If you have a dog like mine, for some reason he loves to have both front paws in his dish while he slurps away. We’ve found that by choosing a bowl that is higher than most, we can limit or stop his “hand-washing” as we call it, while drinking his water. In general, you will need to choose bowls base on the amount of time you spend with your dog, their capacity (if you can trust them), as well as for aesthetic reasons.

Elevated Feeders

Many Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders for dogs because of several advantages these types of feeders offer. If general hygiene or dish area cleanliness is a concern, these feeders may be right for you. They also provide additional comfort for dogs and cats with arthritis, neck, or back problems. Elevated feeders are highly recommended for pets with megaesophagus or other conditions that make swallowing difficult.
In general, elevated feeders and waterers keep feeding areas cleaner. Keeping your pets food or water in the bowl and off your floor. Also, these style feeders keep pets from playing in their water bowls, which can lead to frustration. While drinking, dogs typically lift their heads to finish drinking. In doing so, this often leads to large amounts of water dripping out of their mouths, onto the floor. Due to this, moisture could possibly get under your floor, ruining it. Also, these feeders greatly reduce the chance of water or unseen food molding underneath the bowl(s), which can cause bacteria to grow, as well as many other unsafe environmental concerns for you and your pet. Using an elevated feeder, your dogs especially will not have to arch their heads back as far, facilitating a cleanlier eating area, mainly because any such “run-off” from your pet tends to drip back into their bowl!

Travel Bowls

Whether far from home or just relaxing at the local park, there are great bowls for your pet while traveling. With a space-saving design, the collapsible Port-A-Bowl uses a waterproof lining which can fold nearly flat when packing. The Water Hole has a non-tip design with a wide lip around its rim to prevent spilling. The Water Hole’s design makes it excellent for use inside your car.
Great selection at rock bottom prices! At Dog.com, you’re sure to find what bowl fits you and your pet’s lifestyle!

Mike Steele

http://www.dog.com