You’ve just welcomed a new member to your family and you’re wondering about the right bowl for him. As an essential accessory in a dog’s daily life, it is extremely important not to neglect this choice and to take into account your dog’s needs according to its size, but also according to its eating habits. A beautiful golden retriever certainly does not have the same needs as an adorable little Yorkie. But how do you make the right choice? Follow our guide!
Which bowl models for which dogs?
Choosing a dog bowl is all about knowing your dog. The size of your fur ball has a big influence on your choice, because a small dog means little food and in the same way, a big dog means a bigger ration of kibble.
Also, the attitude of your pet plays a crucial role in the purchase of a bowl. Is he a little voracious or more of a player? Finally, let’s not forget his physique which is very important: his size or the length of his ears are important points.
For the greedy: If your dog has a tendency to devour everything in front of him, especially if he lives with other dogs, you will have to buy him a bowl that will limit him a little. Choose an anti-snacking bowl that makes it more difficult for your dog to access the kibble because of its plastic spikes at the bottom. These bowls are also very interesting if your dog is a little overweight.
For large dogs: Choose a stand-up bowl or a bowl booster, also called a dog bar! Your pet won’t have to bend down, which not only relieves his spine but also ensures better digestion.
For dogs with long ears: Dogs with hanging ears like the basset hound can be very difficult to eat because they can drag in their food. Help them out by getting a rimmed bowl or a raised bowl. Also, some products have a pyramid shape, perfect for these types of dogs. Be aware that the larger the bowl, the more the ears will soak.
For dirty eaters: Don’t hesitate to choose a bowl with a non-slip system to prevent it from slipping, a heavier ceramic bowl or a non-spill model. If that’s not enough, consider placing a placemat under your pet’s bowl for easy cleaning and a clean interior!
The different materials of dog bowls
The stainless steel bowl: Resistant, it does not rust. Also, it is difficult for your adorable ball of hair to break it. It is also easy to clean since it can be put in your dishwasher. However, if it is not equipped with an anti-skid system, it is very noisy when your pet eats and can easily slip under the impulse of dogs who are a little too enthusiastic when they feed!
The plastic bowl: This is the solution for small budgets. However, plastic is not very hygienic, can be filled with pollutants and dogs often end up leaving their teeth prints in it.
The ceramic bowl: Very aesthetic, it does not move because of its weight and can be washed in the dishwasher. However, ceramic breaks more easily and the price is still high for a bowl.
The fabric bowl : It is not a bowl for every day but it is very practical for travelling. Foldable and waterproof, it can be taken everywhere and will ensure you can feed your dog wherever you are. It has the advantage of accommodating kibble or water.
What about the kibble dispenser?
You may have to go away for a whole day and in this case, it becomes complicated to feed your four-legged friend. Leave him a big bowl of kibble before leaving and he will quickly devour it all in one go like a little gourmet. Just like the bowls, there are several kinds of dispensers that will meet your expectations.
The “all-you-can-eat” dispenser: This is an option, but your pet must know how to limit itself, since the device provides kibbles as long as it eats. So you might as well go back to the solution of the bowl filled in the morning before leaving. Not very useful, is it?
The automatic dispenser: Much more practical since it can deliver a ration of kibble at a fixed time and thus limit our little gluttons. You will still need a comfortable budget for this purchase. But after all, your dog deserves the best, without a doubt.
The compartmentalized dispenser: It allows you to properly separate the kibble from the food. If it is automatic, it will feed your dog at a fixed time. If it is not, it is always the same story, if your dog is not disciplined he will quickly eat everything.
In short, the choice of feeder will really depend on your dog’s attitude towards food and especially on the price, which can vary considerably with a programmable version or not.
