Many dog owners do not put too much thought into the bowls for their dogs. Whatever is cutest, cheapest or the last one on the shelf will do. And we have all done that at some time or another. Believe it or not, your dog’s bowl is very important to his health and digestion.
Do you have one of those dogs that seem to not even taste what they’re eating? They just swallow every piece whole and stare up at you for more. For these dogs, there are bowls called Anti-Bloat Bowls that have pegs in the middle, making your dog work for his meal. This bowl does not allow your dog to eat his food so quickly, allowing for better digestion. Your vet may recommend these bowls to you as well if you have a dog that is prone to bloat. Deep-chested dogs such as German Shepherds, Boxers and Great Danes should have these bowls, just to be on the safe side as they are more prone to bloat than other breeds.
What about the pups that think their food or water bowls are play toys? You can never seem to keep them in the same place but their bowls make perfect dental molds. Their water is all over the floor which is perfect to jump and play in. For these dogs, solid metal bowls may be the best bet. Most of these bowls are smooth which makes it difficult for your dog to pick up and they are heavier than normal plastic bowls as well. And they are extremely sturdy for those that go through bowls like they do bones!
Maybe your dog likes to move around when he eats, scooting his bowl wherever he pushes it. For these puppies, bowls with a rubber bottom are the best! They are difficult to slide around and offer a little lip for those water splashes. These are perfect for those little scoot abouts!
Whatever bowl you have, it is best to have both food and water bowls elevated for proper digestion. Can you imagine eating while bent over the entire time? Not so fun. The rule of thumb is to have the bowls elevated to the height of your dog’s chest. He shouldn’t have to stretch his neck to reach his food as this will make digestion harder as well.
And always make sure your dog’s bowl is cleaned regularly. Lingering saliva, food particles and dirt can cause intestinal problems and is not at all healthy!
The next time you’re in the market for new bowls, don’t just look at the cute designs or the price tag – remember that their dishes are just as important as our own!
Tags: bloat, dog bowls, feeding, Puppy Care, Puppy Health





































