What Should I Consider When Buying Pet Dishes?

When buying pet dishes, consider the specific needs of your pet first. Think not only about the size of your pet, but how well the animal will be able to access his or her food and water. Health issues are also an important consideration when buying pet dishes.

Most pet experts advise on glass or stainless steel dishes. Plastic tends to scratch easily and even tiny scratches can foster the build-up of bacteria. This source of bacteria has been mentioned as a possible cause of canine and feline acne, or at least as a contributing factor. The acne starts as dark spots around the mouth and chin, but if the spots become red and infected they can be very painful for your pet.

Ceramic dishes are often more difficult to keep clean than glass or metal pet dishes. When buying pet dishes, it may be a good idea to forgo ceramic ones altogether in cases a lead-based glaze was used. Small, sturdy glass dishes may work well for cats and small dogs, although they aren't great for dogs who like to push their food dishes all over the floor.

Stainless steel dishes are smooth and usually very easy to keep clean, plus they're unbreakable. If you want to stop a pet from moving his or her dishes all over the floor, look for the weighted type of stainless steel dish. You can also look for rubber bottoms when buying pet dishes, but be sure the whole dish is easy to keep clean. Stainless steel pet dishes also fit in well with all types of kitchen decor. Some people like to add a cute or colorful laminated place mat that's easy to wipe clean under pet dishes.

Pick a spot without a lot of traffic or noise so your pet can eat without a lot of disruption. Cats may even stop eating if they can't easily access their food and this may be very dangerous, healthwise. If you have a dog with long ears or a very large dog, you can find specialty pet dishes to meet the health needs of your pet. When buying pet dishes for long-eared dogs look for types that keep their ears out of the water and food. For large dogs, look for raised dishes to avoid joint problems in the neck and shoulders from stooping to reach pet dishes on the floor.

Stainless steel is often recommended for pet dishes due to its durability and ease of cleaning. It's also non-porous, which prevents the growth of bacteria and is dishwasher safe. Ceramic dishes are another good option, provided they are coated with a lead-free glaze to ensure safety.

Consider your pet's size and eating habits. A good rule of thumb is that the dish should hold at least one day's worth of food. For water bowls, larger is generally better to ensure your pet stays hydrated. For example, a dog should drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.

Raised dishes can benefit certain pets, like large breeds or those with arthritis, by reducing neck strain. According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, elevated feeders can also help dogs with megaesophagus, a condition that makes swallowing difficult, by using gravity to aid in mealtime.

For messy eaters, look for dishes with a non-slip base to prevent sliding and spills. Also, consider bowls with raised edges or a moat to catch food and water. Some dishes are designed with a sloped bottom to help guide food back to the center, making it easier for your pet to eat.

Replace pet dishes if you notice any cracks, chips, or scratches as these can harbor harmful bacteria. Even with proper care, it's a good practice to replace plastic dishes annually and stainless steel or ceramic dishes every few years, depending on wear and tear.

While plastic dishes are lightweight and inexpensive, they can harbor bacteria in scratches and may contain harmful chemicals like BPA. If you opt for plastic, choose BPA-free options and replace them regularly. Stainless steel or ceramic are generally safer and more durable alternatives.