We all think that a healthy diet is essential for all pets But have you thought about the bowl your pet has? Perhaps not. In the end, your constantly hungry lab doesn’t have to be being selective about where their food source comes from. Paper plates? Problem solved! What about the trash can? You bet! Pets don’t think about any other food options than those they are able to eat.
Your selection of pet bowls is important due to a variety of reasons which include health. To help you select the right choice for your pet, take a look!
Kinds of Water and Food Bowls
When selecting a bowl the material is important. In general, you can pick from plastic, ceramic and stainless steel dishes. Each one has their own benefits and drawbacks.
Plastic is typically the most affordable however, it is susceptible to deterioration in time and leave pieces that could be eaten. Plastic also creates biofilm (that is a slick layer of food, saliva, along with bacteria) and should be cleaned frequently. Similar is the case for ceramics. They are broken and may have paint on them or contain other substances which could be harmful (avoid ceramics made with cheap materials).
Bowls made of stainless steel with rubber non-slip surfaces are suggested because they are easy to clean and durable. They also won’t slide across the floor while your pet eats. (Unfortunately they can also be loud when your pet is an active eater.)
Does height matter?
Most of the time the cat or dog does not require an elevated bowl elevated bowls don’t (as some people suggest) decrease the chance of bloat, 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 with issues with their joints that prevent them from comfortably bending their knees or sitting down. If this is the case, make sure that the bowl is adjusted to your pet’s comfort level by buying elevated bowls, or placing the bowls on a stand that is short or table.
Breeds with large size could benefit from elevated bowls.
Discouragement of Fast Food eaters
Dogs who eat a lot of 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 huge meal, consider portioning your meals with one of these suggested food puzzles:
Trixie Play Chess Activity Dog Toy
SlimCat Interactive Cat Feeder
Aikiou Interactive Dog Bowl
Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Dog Toy
You could also consider bowls that are designed to stop eating fast, such as animal bowls that are not gulp-proof.
Encouragement of Hydration
It might surprise you to find out that dehydration among pets isn’t unusual. It’s actually common for cats on the diet of a dry one, which does not allow the benefits of the greater water content in canned food.
A water fountain for your pet is among the most effective methods to lure your cat (and occasionally, dogs) since most pets like drinking water that is moving. If you do have an ordinary water bowl, ensure that you clean the bowl and refill it with clean water every day.
An Clean Bowl is a Healthy Bowl
When it comes to cleanliness pet bowls, they should be cleaned and disinfected each week (check to determine whether your bowls are dishwasher-safe). This prevents biofilm from forming and stops bowls from being food sources for bacteria and other microorganisms that could cause harm to your pet.
This overview of water and food bowls can help you select the most suitable option for your pet. If you have any questions you have or provide suggestions, please let us know.
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