Choosing the Right Food Bowl

Choosing the Right Food Bowl

Dogs and cats have been in our family for well over 40 years. So, you could say we have a lot of experience with pet feeding bowls. From simple round dishes to maze shapes, and various materials ranging from bamboo to high-grade plastic, we’ve nearly tried them all.

Choosing the right bowl for your pet is important.

Why? Your pet’s safety and health depend on it. You can feed your pet the finest food money can buy but if his or her dish is unsafe, then you’re doing more harm than good.

Three things you’ll want to consider when choosing a material are: safety and non-toxicity, durability and longevity, and lastly, your dog’s specific needs (for example any allergies or sensitivities, their size, tendency to chew things, and whether they’re a fast or slow eater).

Since every dog is different and has unique needs, we’ll mainly focus on the two universally applicable factors:

Safety and Non-toxicity

You’ll want to select a bowl made with material that doesn’t leach harmful chemicals or toxins into your pet’s food or water. The product should be explicitly labeled as food-safe and free from harmful substances such as lead, BPA, or phthalates. Materials that are generally considered safe are stainless steel, ceramic, bamboo, and high-quality silicone. Avoid cheap or uncertified products, as they may contain toxic materials that can be harmful to your pet’s health.

Durability and Longevity

Steer clear of materials that are more likely to crack, scratch or break. This a no-brainer for long-term value (who wants to keep replacing their pet’s dish?). But most importantly for hygiene, as cracks can harbor bacteria and negatively affect your pet’s health!

Now we know what we’re looking for, let’s dish on the pros and cons of each material!

Stainless Steel

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Resistant to rust & corrosion
  • Easy to clean (often dishwasher safe!)
  • Non-porous (won’t harbor bacteria or odors)
  • Widely available
  • Insulated options offer color choices as well as better temperature regulation than non-insulated options

Cons:

  • Noisy (which some pets may find unpleasant)
  • Can be come hot/cold if not insulated
  • Cheaply made, low-quality stainless steel may contain toxic substances
  • Tippable (if not heavy bottomed or insulated)

 

Ceramic

Pros:

  • Versatility (wide range of designs and colors)
  • Less likely to tip (great for eager eaters!)
  • Easy to clean
  • Scratch-resistant

Cons:

  • Can chip or break if mishandled/dropped
  • Some ceramic glazes may contain lead or other toxins

 

Bamboo

Pros:

  • Sustainable & environmentally friendly
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Biodegradable

Cons:

  • Some products may be treated with toxic substances
  • Some products lack a food-safe coating
  • Not as widely available as other materials

 

Silicone

Pros:

  • Portable and easy to store (with some options even being collapsible)
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to clean (some being dishwasher safe)
  • Bacteria and odor resistant

Cons:

  • Chewable (which may create a choking hazard)
  • Cheap, low-quality silicone may contain harmful additives or fillers
  • Easy flipped over (generally not recommended for enthusiastic eaters!)

 

Why not plastic?

Although plastic dog bowls are commonly chosen for their affordability and aesthetic, here are few reasons why we advise steering clear of plastic for your pet(s).

  • Easily scratched – scratches make them harder to clean and create places for bacteria to hide
  • Absorbs odors over time
  • Some have harmful chemicals that can leach into your pet’s food and water
  • Need replacing often as plastic over time becomes brittle

 

We hope this information helps you and your pet stay happy and healthy on your Rawsome feeding adventure.

Your Friends at Rawsome Pet Pantry

Rawsome Pet Pantry exists to bring premium, nutritious and affordable raw pet food to as many pets as possible. Whether you want a BARF or PMR type of food for your pet, we have what you want. Plus, your dog or cat will love it! We’re located in Fair Oaks, CA, conveniently close to Orangevale, Folsom, Roseville and other cities in the Greater Sacramento area.

Have Questions About Our Products?

We always want to hear from our Rawsome community. So, if you have a question about any of our products, feel free to shoot us an email at info@rawsomepetpantry.com

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