The Different Types of Dog Bowls
In all honesty, your pet canine couldn’t care how you offer him his food as long as he gets his food. Dogs enjoy eating and do not pay attention to the type of dog bowl in which the food is served. However, as a dog owner, you may want to know about the different types of dog bowls available to you and your pooch. This article will provide information on the dog bowls, as well as the benefits of each option.
#1: The Plastic Bowl
The first of the different types of dog bowls is the plastic bowl. This is one of the most common, simple and cost-effective alternatives. Plastic dog bowls are available in various sizes and shapes, so it’s possible to find one that suits the animal. You should also keep in mind that plastic bowls are lightweight, so if the dog pushes the bowl around it could be knocked over. While beneficial, plastic can become easily scratched and the scratches can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
#2: The Stainless Steel Bowl
Another commonly used dog bowl is the stainless steel bowl. Unlike the plastic bowl, this type of bowl is far more durable and unlikely to break if pushed around. It is possible to find stainless steel bowls in different sizes and shapes, so you can find one suitable for your pet. Moreover, most of these dog bowls have a non-skid rubber bottom preventing the bowl from tipping over. It is more expensive than plastic, but stainless steel does not scratch and does not harbor bacteria.
#3: The Ceramic Bowl
The third of the different types of dog bowls is the ceramic dog bowl. This option is heavier than plastic or stainless steel, so you do not have to worry about it tipping over. However, as it is created using ceramic materials, it will break if you drop it. The majority of ceramic dog bowls have a clear coat making them impervious to bacteria and non-porous. The bowl can be washed in a dishwasher, and is available in a plethora of sizes, shapes and colors.
#4: The Automatic Bowl
If you choose to feed your dog freely, you may want to purchase an automatic dog bowl. This type of dog bowl operates using programmable electrical components; however, the simpler models used a container spilling food into a metal or plastic bowl. The theory is that the more a dog eats, the more food would spill into the container. Automatic bowls are ideal if you do not want to forget to feed your pet, but they can be difficult to clean.
#5: The Slow-Feed Bowl
Dogs often wolf down their food in a few seconds, but eating so quickly can be dangerous because it leads to bloating. The slow-feed dog bowl can remove this problem by separating food into smaller portions and operating similar to a puzzle. This requires the dog to use his brain to navigate the puzzle and access the dog food. Slow-feed bowls are available in different forms and sizes.
#6: The Portable Bowl
The final option in these types of dog bowls is the portable bowl. If you enjoy traveling and want to take your dog on the journey, then the portable dog bowl is the ideal option. Typically, the bowl is created using silicone, plastic or fabric, and they can collapse for easy transportation. Some portable dog bowls even come with their own water and food storage chambers for additional convenience.