The majority of us believe that good nutrition is essential for all pets But have you thought about the bowl your pet has? Perhaps not. Your ever-hungry lab has no problem inquiring about where their food source comes from. Paper plates? Problem solved! The trash bin? You bet! Pets don’t think about any other food options than those they are able to eat.
The choice you make regarding food and water bowls is crucial for many reasons such as health. For help in choosing the most suitable option for your pet learn more!
Kinds of Water and Food Bowls
When selecting a bowl the material is important. In general, you can pick from plastic, ceramic as well as stainless steel ones. Each has its own pros and drawbacks.
Plastic is usually the least expensive however, it is susceptible to deterioration with time leaving behind plastic pieces that could be eaten. Plastic can also promote biofilm (that slippery coating of saliva, food as well as bacteria) and must be cleaned frequently. This is also true for ceramics. They are broken and may have paint on them or contain other substances that could pose a risk (avoid ceramics made with cheap materials).
Bowls made of stainless steel that have rubber non-slip surfaces are highly recommended as they are easy to clean and durable. They also don’t slide around the floor when your pet eats. (Unfortunately they could be loud when your pet is an active eater.)
Does height matter?
In the majority of cases pets or cats do not require elevated bowls elevated bowls don’t (as some claim) lower the possibility of bloat. Bloat is an emergency that can be life-threatening for dogs that may cause gastric torsion. However elevated water and food bowls are typically recommended for people who have orthopedic problems that hinder them from comfortably bending their knees or sitting down. If this is the case, alter the bowl of your pet to suit their needs by buying elevated bowls, or place them on a stand that is short or table.
Large breeds could be supported better by elevated bowls.
Discouragement of Fast eaters
Dogs that gulp down their food (and isn’t that what most dogs do?) aren’t just at risk of eating too much and bloating, but they also have a tendency to overeat. Do not feed your dogs a single big meal, you can portion portions of food using one of these food puzzles:
Trixie Play Chess Activity Dog Toy
SlimCat Interactive Cat Feeder
Aikiou Interactive Dog Bowl
Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Dog Toy
It is also possible to try bowls designed to deter eating fast, such as the anti-gulping bowl for dogs.
Encouragement to drink plenty of water
You may be shocked to find out that dehydration among pets isn’t unusual. It’s actually common for cats that are fed an ad hoc diet that does not allow the benefits of the greater water content in canned food.
A water fountain for your pet is among the best methods of entice your cat (and occasionally, dogs) since most pets prefer drinking from water moving. If you do have an ordinary water bowl, ensure that you clean the bowl and refill it with clean water every day.
Clean Bowls are Healthy. Clean Bowl is a Healthy Bowl
In terms of cleanliness pet bowls, they should be cleaned and sanitized every week (check to find out whether your bowls can be washed in the dishwasher). This helps reduce biofilm and prevents bowls from being food sources for bacteria and other microorganisms which could harm your pet.
We hope that this review of water and food bowls can help you select the best one for your pet. If we can help with any additional questions or offer suggestions, please let us know.
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