By Jeana Abnet

As a loving pet owner, it is always a top priority to find the best products for your dog. We only want the best for our furry family members.

That's why when it comes to buying a Dog Bowl or Raised Dog Feeder, it pays to research the variety of options on the market. Plus, it is important to consider that this dog bowl will be a fixture in your environment for a long time, so you'll want to choose something that matches well with your interior design.

What Dog Bowl Is Right For Your Dog?

Here are four main topics to consider when choosing the right dog bowl for your precious pet. We've made sure to list both the pros and cons for each topic.

1. Steel Bowls vs. Ceramic

Pros: When you purchase a Metal Dog Bowl you mean business. Forget about those low quality plastic dishes - these bowls cannot break and are very easy to rinse out. Even if your dog is as crazy as Marley these dishes will last you a very long time. Ceramic bowls, on the other hand, can provide more stylish aspects in terms of design. Ceramic is still very durable and provides a much wider range of colors and styles. Both are great choices.




Above: Every house needs a dependable metal dog bowl. This Luxury Hammered Stainless Steel & Copper Dog Bowl by Neater Pets is a nice option.

Cons: Stainless steel bowls can be a tad bit loud, especially if your dog is a messy eater. Lower quality, plastic dog bowls can slide and bounce on your floor and should be avoided for long term use. As for ceramic, they can crack if not cared for properly and are not meant for the most extreme temperatures.

It is usually wise to hand wash and rinse your ceramic bowls to keep your bowl in the best working condition. Low quality ceramic bowls have also been tied to lead poisoning - so always choose a high quality, lead-free dog bowl.

2. Wood Bowls vs. Metal

Pros: Metal and Wood Dog Bowls are typically a little more modern than the classic ceramic or stainless steel options. Pet owners are gaining more knowledge about the quality of pet products for their dog and are realizing that the cheapest option at the time may end up costing them more down the road.

Wood and metal bowls might be a little more expensive, but they will last longer and provide some interior design to your home. Metal bowls similar to stainless steel cannot break and are more durable than wood. Wooden dog bowls will not break either (although not as durable as metal) and are very stylish for a house that has wooden furniture.

Above: The Artisan Double Dog Feeder by Bowsers is one of our faves. It comes in three different wood finishes: Fossil Gray (shown above), Walnut, and Bamboo. The ceramic bowls are of top quality.

Cons: Metal bowls much like the stainless steel options are loud and can sometimes create unwelcome sounds. Wood bowls are durable but could become stained or warped with the amount of water that doesn't go into your dog's mouth. We all know dogs slurp and drool when they are drinking and this might cause damage to your wooden bowls.

3. Stylish Bowls vs. Simple

Pros: Stylish water bowls often cost more than the simple and traditional bowls, however, more people today are realizing that the dog bowl is apart of your interior design and you have to look at it for the next 10+ years. Also, stylish dog bowls usually are of higher quality and will last you those 10+ years. The simpler dog bowls are good if you move them around your house, inside or outside, upstairs or downstairs or wherever.

Cons: Stylish water bowls may be more expensive at the point of purchase, but if made of higher quality materials, they can outlast simpler options. Simpler dog bowls may not last as long, and replacement costs can start adding up.

 

Above: Stylish or simple? The Yeti Boomer Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a little bit of both! Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors to suit any kitchen.

4. Raised Feeder vs. Normal

Pros: Some studies have shown that a raised dog feeder is known to help the digestive system of your dog, along with preventing many health defects that can come along with eating out of a normal dish. For example, Dog Bloat (twisting of the stomach) and mega-esophagus (food goes into the esophagus). Both of these health conditions are fatal.




Above: The Morvat Adjustable Bamboo Dog Feeder can adjust up to three sizes.

Additionally, a raised dog feeder can be cleaner to maintain as your dog will not drop as much food on the floor. When your dog is eating from a raised feeder he will be more comfortable and will have better body posture. It is also easier for your dog to swallow food when eating out of a raised feeder, often helping your pet to slow down the pace.

Cons: Higher dog feeders are usually a bit more expensive. Also, raised feeders are available in a variety of heights so making sure you have the correct height is important. You can avoid these negative effects by researching which height would be best for your dog and getting the correct raised feeder with a lot of stability.

Today's dog bowls come in a wide array of styles and sizes, and there's sure to be a feeder that is right for your pet. By doing a little research and planning, you can easily pick out the right dog bowl for your pet, providing years of healthy eating, fun, and style.

If you are shopping for your new dog, our article on How To Choose The Right Dog Toys For Your Pet is a must read. If you are in the market for a dog bed, we highly recommend checking out How To Choose The Right Dog Bed, as well as 3 Mistakes People Make When Buying A Dog Bed.

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