Bowl selection criteria
A novice dog handler who has acquired a puppy for the first time is at a loss as to what bowl to offer him? Maybe a saucer or plate would do? But will it be convenient for your pet to eat? What to do when the dog grows up? The best solution is to go to a pet store and buy a suitable container for your pet.
When choosing a bowl for a dog, pay attention to the following parameters:
- volume and depth;
- form;
- materials;
- complete set with drinking bowl;
- location height;
- automatic feeders.
How to make a dog feeder with your own hands
How to make a dog feeder with your own hands
Many people at some point decide to get a dog at home. However, you need to understand that when a “bundle of happiness” appears in your home, it is not only joy, but also certain responsibilities, as well as responsibility for a small pet.
A person who keeps a pet must constantly take care of his four-legged friend so that there are no problems with his health and he feels great. And for this you need to know about the rules of caring for a dog and follow them. In addition, in the process of keeping an animal, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the pet, as well as its desires.
It is obvious to everyone that regular feeding of the dog is a prerequisite for the health of the pet. If a pet regularly receives food, this does not mean that it will be full of strength and develop well. The pet's diet must be selected in such a way that it contains sufficient quantities of useful substances and microelements.
The feeding process is fundamental, without which normal animal care is simply impossible. It doesn't matter much what your pet eats. It is extremely important to have quality food in your pet's bowl every day. Then the animal will demonstrate good physical activity. When a person gets a dog, many people pay attention to the food, but forget about the dishes for the pet.
And this point is no less important, because if the bowl is chosen correctly, it provides convenience for the pet and allows the owner not to encounter additional problems. It should be said that each bowl has its own purpose, so you need to approach the task of purchasing dishes for your pet with all seriousness.
You need to know in advance how to use the bowls.
For many novice dog owners, the process of choosing a bowl for a pet may seem quite simple. However, this is not the case. There is a certain set of requirements that dishes for a pet must meet. You need to know about them before you go to the pet store to buy dishes for your pet.
Determining the optimal size
When choosing a place, you need to pay special attention not only to what size it is, but also to its depth. It is a pointless exercise to use saucers to feed animals. Even if your pet is an ornamental breed, you should not purchase such feeding containers.
The dishes you buy to feed your animal should be suitable for the dog's height and size. In addition, you need to focus on the shape of the muzzle. When consuming food, your pet may become sloppy. This also needs to be taken into account when choosing a bowl.
If you know that your pet eats without much care, then in this case, when thinking about which bowl to buy, you should opt for dishes that have high sides.
In this case, you will not have to constantly clean up pieces of food that your dog will scatter near the cup during a meal. However, if you keep an animal of a small breed, then if the bowl is too deep, it will simply not be able to get food out of the bowl. This point also needs to be taken into account.
If dry food is the predominant component in the pet's diet, then you should not use saucers as feeding utensils. When food constantly crumbles, it makes the animal nervous, and also causes a lot of problems for the owner himself. If the cup is shallow, then you can use it only if you feed the animal with cereals and canned food.
When choosing a bowl for your pet, you need to purchase several containers at once. You need to check which container your pet likes best. Then you must leave the one chosen by your dog and use it for feeding in the future.
Read: How to choose a flea and tick collar for your dog
Types of dog bowls
When choosing a bowl for your pet, you also need to take into account the material from which the bowl is made.
Many people are attracted to plastic bowls. Beginning dog breeders see their main advantage in their low cost. Another advantage is that they are light in weight. Another advantage is mobility. However, plastic utensils also have certain disadvantages. It is characterized by fragility.
Another disadvantage is that such dishes break quite quickly. From the moment it starts using, a short time passes and it becomes unusable. There are some models on the market that give off a chemical smell. Naturally, you should refuse to purchase such containers.
In pet stores you can also find dishes for dogs made from ceramics. It is characterized by high strength. These bowls are reliable containers for feeding animals. You can heat your pet's food directly in them. Most bowls are resistant to damage.
In addition, when using such bowls, it is not difficult to wash off food residues. However, if you decide to purchase ceramic containers, you should understand that bowls made from this material are not cheap.
Among pet bowls, metal ones are the most reliable. However, a roar may accompany the process of a pet eating food from such dishes. The noise will be especially loud if your pet is large and has a playful character.
Currently, the most common utensils are bowls shaped like a trapezoid. Such dishes expand from below. When exactly such a container is used to feed the animal, then during the meal, food or other food will not spill out of the animal’s bowl. And if the dishes are used for water, then splashing of water will be eliminated.
Types of feeding accessories
There are currently several types of dog bowls:
single element; double accessory; sippy cup; travel bowl; automatic feeder; single double accessory.
The most popular among dog breeders today are single containers. There are no problems with washing such dishes, and in terms of cost they are more than affordable. Therefore, every dog breeder can afford such dishes for their pet. Another advantage of such accessories is that they are easy to use. In addition, during the feeding process they provide convenience for the pet.
Double feeding bowl
Compared to the previous type of dog dishes, double bowls are less popular. However, they are quite convenient for feeding the animal. Such dishes allow you to reduce your costs, since you do not have to wash two accessories. When you finish feeding your pet, you will only have to wash one accessory, and not two as is the case with other types of feeding containers.
However, such dishes provide less comfort for your pet. When feeding him in such a bowl, situations will arise when food from one part of the bowl ends up in another. Usually the second section contains water. As a result of part of the feed or other food getting into the water, its taste will change, and not for the better. Such dishes are the best option only in cases where the owner keeps two dogs in his home.
For messy pets
If your dog is messy or you have a large breed animal at home, then a sippy cup would be a good option. Such a container is able to hold water even if you accidentally touch it. Water is supplied from a large compartment using a special membrane.
You can also use a sippy cup if your animal has long ears or a beard. The advantage of such dishes is that they can be used on the road.
Read Autohammock for dogs: how to choose
Bowl for traveling with pets
A special design is typical for a travel bowl. By its appearance, it represents a bottle that has a device through which a dog can drink water. During long trips, such a capacity will be very useful. You can also use it at exhibitions or during long walks.
Automatic pet feeding option
If the owner is too busy and does not have time to feed his pet, then in this case you can use an automatic feeder. The peculiarity of this accessory is that food and water are placed in separate compartments. From these they will be fed into feeding containers. In addition, the advantage of an automatic feeder is that you can determine where food is supplied, as well as its quantity.
Automatic feeder with additional functions
There is an automatic feeder, which is equipped with a heating system. For puppies, such dishes will be very useful. Thanks to the automatic feeder, even if the owner is busy, the pet will not go hungry, and he will not have to eat cold food in the absence of the owner. It will always be warmed up and his meal will be quite pleasant.
In addition, automatic bowls are equipped with a voice notification system, and in addition they are equipped with various other features.
Using bowl stands
The dog should lean towards the bowl while feeding. Therefore it is necessary to use special supplies. Using them, you can ensure the stability of the dishes and the optimal position for the animal. Thanks to them, you can change the height of the dishes as your pet grows.
The convenience of bowls on a tripod is that the dishes can be used to feed several dogs at once, even if the dogs are of different ages. If you have a small dog, then you can do without a stand.
It is enough to buy a low structure that is made of metal. Currently popular among dog breeders are stands that have a mount that allows you to mount the bowl on the wall.
Double tripod accessory
By using special rubberized mats, you can provide your pet with comfort when eating. Being on such a mat, the bowl will not slide much. In addition, thanks to this accessory, the process of cleaning up pieces of food scattered after a meal is significantly simplified. Alternatively, you can use a tray or install a stand.
The bowl can be easily removed from the stand and washed if necessary. You won't have a big problem with this.
Dishes for your best friend. Which bowl is right for your dog?
Making your own feeder
You can make a feeder for your pet yourself. If you have such a desire, then you need to make a bracket using welded elements. This will allow you to position it at a height that is comfortable for your pet.
Some dog breeders make a bowl stand using wood as the main material. However, ensuring waterproofing in this case will be quite difficult. If this is not done, the structure will not last long, because if the dog often spills water, the stand will rot quite quickly and will require immediate replacement.
To create a delivery, you can use chipboard. However, you need to be aware that screws in this material do not hold well. In addition, a stand made of this material may become unusable due to water that the pet will splash. Also, a pet owner can make a large chest of drawers designed for their dog. You can store bowls and food in it, as well as put toys and other accessories that your pet uses.
5 1 vote
Article rating
Volume and depth
The size of the dishes depends on the weight of the dog and the type of food. When feeding wet food, dogs require 5–7% of their live weight. If the dog eats dry food, the serving size is indicated on the package.
The depth of the bowl is selected based on what the dog eats and its anatomical features. Short-faced dogs will not lower their entire muzzle to reach the bottom. From shallow dishes, pets spill soup or scatter granules. Long-haired dogs, especially bearded ones, tend to get dirty and drag leftover food all over the floor and furniture. To find out what size and depth of dish is comfortable for your dog, purchase an inexpensive trial dish.
If the animal eats willingly, does not move the feeder with its paw, or does not try to scoop food out of it, then you need to buy high-quality dishes of the same type. For untidy or mischievous pets, a sippy bowl is needed. If the dog turns the dish over, its contents will not leak out. Water is poured into the largest part of the bowl. Insert the membrane and secure with the wide edge.
A small portion of liquid is available to the pet. After lapping, the water flows into the free zone.
Sippy bowl
Ceramic dog bowls
A ceramic dog bowl is a great option for your pet . These bowls are often decorated with fun designs and can even be handmade by artists. Their protective glaze makes them easy to keep clean, especially dishwasher safe.
However, ceramic bowls will break if dropped. Even when handled carefully, these bowls can break or splinter and become unsafe for your dog. Be sure to regularly inspect your ceramic bowls for damage. This is especially true for owners of very active Welsh Corgi pets, who can accidentally break or damage a ceramic bowl.
Materials
Dog feeders are made from the following materials:
- silicone, nylon;
- plastic;
- metal;
- ceramics.
Travel bowls are made from nylon or silicone. They are used when moving or visiting. The dishes are only suitable for dry food.
Travel silicone bowl
The advantage of a plastic bowl is its low cost and mobility. It doesn't smell, it's easy to clean, and it's inexpensive. However, the walls of cheap polymer absorb the odors of spoiled food. For a dog's delicate sense of smell, this is enough to refuse food.
The bowl slides on the kitchen linoleum, and the pet easily turns it over. To ensure the stability of plastic utensils, buy a bowl with an elastic band.
Plastic bowl with rubber band
An alternative option is a mat that sticks well to the floor and prevents the bowl from moving.
Mat under the bowl
Metal plates look attractive and are moderately expensive, but they have drawbacks - they rattle when a large dog frolics and overturns the dishes. If the stainless coating is destroyed, the material of the bowl will enter into a chemical reaction and poison the food. These plates need to be changed. It is wiser to purchase a bowl with a rubber base.
Metal bowl with elastic band
Experienced dog handlers consider ceramics to be the best material for a dog bowl. It does not remember the smells of previous food, does not corrode, is easy to clean, massive, and therefore has good stability. The disadvantage of the dishes is their relative high cost and fragility. Bowls break when dropped. Go to the online store.
Ceramic bowl
Bowl size and material
Plastic bowl
Before purchasing cookware, you need to inspect it carefully. The surface should not have chips, nicks or sharp edges. Pay attention to the material from which the dishes are made. A plastic bowl is relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and light in weight. Beginning dog breeders often buy such dishes.
Plastic containers also have their disadvantages . Plastic bowls can have a strong chemical smell and have a short lifespan. If you put hot food in such a bowl, it may react with the plastic. The result of this interaction will be the release of toxic substances that can cause poisoning in the animal. Plastic cracks and scratches easily. Pathogenic microorganisms begin to accumulate in the resulting cracks.
Plastic bowls are not suitable for dogs with strong jaws. The animal can easily bite through the plastic container and damage the oral cavity. If your dog swallows sharp pieces of plastic, he will experience internal bleeding and intestinal obstruction.
Ceramic bowl
Ceramic bowls are highly durable and can withstand high temperatures. Such dishes can be easily cleaned of food residues. Designer ceramic bowls delight the eye with intricate patterns and colorful pictures.
Make sure that the ceramic bowl coating does not contain lead or other harmful components. Toxic substances will gradually be absorbed into the food and will accumulate in the animal’s body. The main disadvantage of a ceramic bowl is its price. Bowls made from high-quality ceramics can be quite expensive.
Metal bowl
Metal containers are highly reliable. They don't rust or break. Steel cookware is relatively inexpensive and has a long service life. The surface of a metal bowl is almost impossible to damage or scratch. This means that food debris will not accumulate in the cracks. The only drawback of steel utensils is the noise that accompanies the process of feeding the animal.
Silicone bowl
For a dog with long ears, a silicone bowl with high sides is suitable. Water will never spill out of such a container, and the animal’s fur will not get wet. If your Spaniel or Basset Hound's ears constantly float in the food bowl, the dog will develop skin problems over time. Dried food remains will become a breeding ground for bacteria.
The shape of the bowl should correspond to the anatomical features of the dog's head. Pekingese and Japanese Chins should not take narrow and deep dishes. For animals that live outside, a bowl with built-in insect protection is suitable.
Do not place dog dishes near heating appliances, vents or air conditioners. The place for eating should not be in the middle of the room or doorway. Dog experts do not recommend changing the location of bowls.
Complete set with drinking bowl
For large dogs, single dishes are considered comfortable. If you combine a feeder and a water bowl, the massive dog will throw food into a container of water. Drinking will become unsuitable. When thrown back, the granules will swell and become unattractive to eat. But for small dogs, combining a drinking bowl with a feeder is the optimal solution. A double bowl can be used for a couple of puppies.
Double bowl
An alternative option is a drinking bowl located above the food container. The dog presses the valve with its muzzle and receives water. The feeder is attached to the floor with suction cups.
Feeder with automatic drinker
How many and what size bowls are needed for Cavalier?
A puppy and an adult dog need 2 bowls.
One should always be filled with clean water. It is better to give your puppy filtered or boiled water. Second bowl for food. Do not leave a dirty bowl or food bowl.
If you go to work during the day and cannot feed or water your puppy, then use automatic waterers and feeders.
Automatic feeder for dogs Automatic drinking bowl for dogs
The volume of a bowl for a Cavalier puppy can be 250-350 ml. For an adult dog 450-750 ml. Depending on the type of food.
Location height
There are no trifles in a dog's diet. The height of the feeder is important. It is difficult for an older dog to bend over. Static tension causes joint inflammation. Puppies of breeds prone to dysplasia develop curvature of the paws and displacement of the vertebrae. Therefore, stands with adjustable feeder height are used, especially for fast-growing young animals of large breeds.
Rack with bowls
In small dogs, problems with the musculoskeletal system are less common than in giant dogs, but they cannot be completely excluded. That's why they use baby stands. It is not customary for Toys and Pekingese to place bowls on a tripod. Use low stands so that the food level is at chest height.
Bowl on a stand
Bowl coasters
Special stands and tripods allow you to install the bowl at any height. They also make it possible to attach containers to vertical surfaces and adjust the angle of inclination of the dishes. Bowl holders are made of metal, plastic or wood.
You can place several bowls at once on a tripod. This is convenient when you own several animals of different sizes. If the dishes are placed on a stand, then the dog does not need to bend down every time to eat.
The correct position of the bowl will allow your dog to avoid the following health problems:
- Distortion of posture.
- Arthritis of the joints.
- Increased gas formation and flatulence.
If you own a dog kennel, then you need to buy multi-row stands. The long rack can accommodate up to 8 containers. Wide stands are suitable for feeding a large number of puppies.
Dogs will not interfere with each other and climb into other people's dishes. In this case, food will not become the cause of a mass brawl. The puppy should be taught from an early age that he has his own dishes. In this case, he will not steal food and engage in “begging.”
The bowl can be placed on a special rubber stand. This accessory will prevent dishes from sliding on linoleum or parquet. There are models that are equipped with suction cups to prevent slipping. Stands for containers make cleaning easier. They allow you to quickly clean up spilled food or canned food.
Automatic feeders
What to do when the owner leaves the dog for several days? If you pour in more food, she will scatter it. Or he will eat it in a day and starve. For this situation, manufacturers have come up with automatic feeders. Dry food is poured into an inverted container. As they are eaten, the pellets enter the open part of the feeder. No matter how messy the dog is, it will not be possible to scatter food around the apartment.
Bowl with dispenser
If a special diet is prescribed for your pet and you need it to consume a certain amount of food at the same time, purchase a special plate divided into sections. Each of them opens according to the information stored in the timer. If an adult dog is left at home for the whole day, use a device for 2 feedings. The timer opens the second section in the evening.
Automatic feeder for two feedings
Glass bowls
Glass artifacts resembling modern bowls were discovered by archaeologists during excavations in what is now Egypt. Ancient Egyptian “bowls” (possibly used to feed pets) date back to around 3100 BC. That is, the history of glass bowls goes back at least five thousand years! Everyone enjoys glass, especially impact-resistant glass. However, the risk of breaking the bowl into thousands of small fragments, although minimal, still exists. There is no need to explain to anyone what a fragment that has entered the esophagus is. You can choose a glass bowl, you just need to handle it with extreme caution, like a crystal one.
Collapsible silicone bowls
If you're looking for a portable dog bowl but don't need it to store food, a collapsible silicone bowl is very convenient. These bowls fold flat and open into an accordion shape, making them height adjustable.
Silicone bowls can hold food or water, are dishwasher safe, and are relatively durable. Of course, a corgi can easily destroy a silicone bowl with his teeth, but it is convenient for temporary or situational use.
Dog feeder configuration
The most common and popular option is a single container. They are easy to use, easy to wash, and easier to choose the right shape and size.
Double bowls on a tripod are a little less popular. Their advantage over single ones is that you have to take care of one accessory instead of 2 separate ones. There is a significant drawback - when feeding, food from the first compartment will fall into the second, which often contains water. The taste of the water deteriorates and the animal may refuse to drink it. It is justified to use a double container if there are 2 pets in the house.
If your dog is not clean by nature or due to his physiology (large size, long ears, beard), then a sippy bowl will be an excellent option for him. If your four-legged friend is still a puppy, a sippy cup will protect the floor near the feeder from getting wet while the baby plays. The container allows you to retain liquid, even if it is accidentally caught. The liquid is supplied through a special hygroscopic membrane from the compartment.
If you are often on the road with your pet, a travel water bottle for dogs will be a useful accessory for you. It has a design - a plastic bottle with a device with which the dog can drink water without splashing. They are often equipped with a strong cord on which you can hang the container if necessary.
When the owner is very busy, automatic feeders and pet feeders will become indispensable. In them, food and water are placed in divided compartments with a heating system, from where the device will automatically supply them at a specified time and in a given dosage. The feeder is suitable for a puppy; he will not go hungry when you are away for a long time. The reservoirs in such feeders often exceed 10 liters, which is convenient and functional.
Choosing a place for feeding in the house
Dog owners should immediately think through and choose a permanent place where the dog will eat, so that later they do not have to change it, traumatizing the animal’s psyche. No one should disturb the dog while eating; the feeding area should be spacious.
When choosing where to feed your puppy, consider the size of the adult dog. Do not place the food supply in a draft, near heating appliances or under air conditioners.
It is better to choose a separate corner in the kitchen, if space allows, or in the hallway, but not near the entrance to the apartment. In the kitchen you can equip retractable niches in which bowls will be placed.
There is no need to feed your pet near the bedding or bed. The dog should have its own personal space for resting, sleeping, playing, and feeding.
Bowls should be well fixed and not slip on the floor. It is more convenient for dogs to eat food or drink water at an elevated location. This is necessary for large breed dogs and during the period of active growth and development of the puppy.
This leads to curvature of the legs, posture, and sagging of the back. It is better to immediately purchase a special feeding stand, which can be adjusted in height as the dog grows. Firstly, it will be more convenient for your pet to absorb food, and secondly, the load on the dog’s back and limbs is reduced.
You need to think about a special stand or purchase an adjustable tripod with bowls, which is convenient for both you and your pet. The dishes will be securely fixed and the height can be adjusted as your pet grows and matures.
You can independently build a stand or structure for bowls using improvised materials. For example, from solid wood or boards. All ends and sides of the wooden surface must be well processed and free from knots, chips, and defects.
The feeding stand must be stable. If you plan to cover the surface with paint and varnish solutions, make sure that their composition is completely safe for the health of your pet. On top you can put a plastic mat, oilcloth, sew a cover, which can be quickly changed or cleaned of dirt.
Food bowls should be located at the level of the animal's shoulders. To prevent them from sliding on the stand, you can make holes of the required diameter.
Material for production
You can buy a plastic bowl for your pet. They are inexpensive, have bright colors, but have several serious drawbacks: they are unstable, break quickly, and sharp cracks and chips may appear.
Ceramic cookware is more convenient. They will delight you with a variety of designs and are more durable. The food in them can be heated in the microwave.
Metal bowls are durable. The only drawback is the possibility of a sharp chip, the dog can get hurt, and if it swallows a piece of metal, it can also be poisoned.
Glass dishes are also suitable for heating in the microwave, but it is better to avoid glass bowls, they are fragile, and any chipping is a risk of injury.
The selection of feeding utensils is large and varied. Which one to choose is up to the owner. The main thing is that the pet is comfortable and safe, and that the owner is easy to care for hygienically.
How to set up a feeding area for your dog
In the case of enclosure keeping, a separate, fenced place must be allocated for feeding the dog. The place for feeding should be under a canopy, convenient, so that the dog can easily get to it at any time.
It is better to place a place for feeding at the far end of the enclosure; the place should be located in the sun or a draft. You can equip it yourself using the tips above. It is equally important to always keep the place where your pet eats perfectly clean.
After each feeding, you need to wash the bowls and make sure that your pet always has access to fresh water.
