A bowl is one of the most essential pet items your dog will have, and choosing the right bowl can help you improve their food and water experience.
Plastic dog bowls are a popular option because they’re inexpensive and durable. But they also carry some serious risks, including leaking BPA and other chemicals.
Contents
Hygiene
Plastic dog bowls are a good choice because they are easy to clean and sanitize. They also won’t leave stains or residue on your floors.
A dog’s food and water bowl can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. These bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal diseases and other health problems for pets and their owners.
This is especially true if you do not thoroughly sanitize your dog’s water bowl regularly.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation, pet bowls are among the top four places in a home where germs can build up and cause illness.
To keep your dog’s dishes clean and sanitary, you need to wash them frequently with warm soapy water and separate sponges or dish rags. You should also make sure to sanitize them completely after each meal.
Safety
Plastic is porous, allowing bacteria to flourish and multiply off microscopic bits of leftover food and saliva. Even if you wash your dog’s bowl twice daily, it’s still not enough to get rid of all the germs that are lurking underneath.
Plastic dog bowls are also prone to small scratches over time, making them perfect places for bacteria to thrive. These scratched-up dishes also make it easy for your dog to swallow small pieces of broken plastic if he’s playing with it as a chew toy.
Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are much safer because they don’t have the same problem with bacteria-holding cracks or crevices. In addition, they do not leach BPA and other chemicals into your dog’s food like plastic does, making them a more sanitary choice for dogs.
Durability
Plastic dog bowls are available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. They are inexpensive and easy to clean, making them a great choice for those on a budget.
However, it’s important to choose quality bowls that can withstand wear and tear. Low-quality plastic can crack or break easily and bacteria and mold can build up, leading to health issues for your pet.
It’s also important to select a durable bowl that doesn’t stain or change color over time. A dog bowl that has been stained or worn can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and micro-organisms, leading to gastrointestinal tract issues and increased vet bills.
If you want a durable dog bowl, stainless steel is the way to go. They are non-porous which discourages bacteria, they don’t rust or leach chemicals, and they’re much easier to sanitize than plastic or ceramic dog bowls.
Appearance
The best plastic dog bowls are made of BPA-free material and come in a variety of sizes to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. They are also dishwasher safe and non-skid, so they won’t slip in your lap during a meal.
Aside from being durable and easy to clean, a well-made plastic bowl will also be attractive to your pup. This is because plastic can look cool, especially when it’s shaped into interesting shapes.
Using a bowl with the right shape can also help your dog get his food in better, faster. A bowl with a curved rim helps keep his food from going down the drain, while a rounded bottom will help him reach his meal without dropping it or tipping over it.
