How to Choose the Right Dog Food Dish

This one is easy, right? Ceramic or stainless steel. Wait a minute. What if my dog has digestive problems or a bad back, or I travel a lot with and without him? More importantly, what if I want his dish to match my decor? Not to worry, here's the scoop...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Start with the basics. Traditional stainless steel bowls are economical, look great in most any kitchen, are easy to clean and keep your pooch’s drinking water nice and cool. Look for bowls with a rubber rim that’ll keep them from tipping and getting nosed around.

2. 

   Ceramic bowls are sturdy, come in a wide variety of colors and designs, and also keep the water cool. You can get them personalized, too, so your dog knows which dish is his. :) These types often come in handy sets with treat jars as well. But make sure they’re dishwasher-safe, unless you’re prepared to hand wash.

3. 

   Raised feeders are fantastic. Not only do they also feature some really cool, eye-catching designs, they also help in digestion, since your dog stands up straighter to eat.
   
   This type is also good for bassets and other long-eared breeds, whose ears won’t get dirty dragging on the floor as they chow down.
   
   Finally, raised feeders are also much easier for older pets with joint or arthritic problems to dine from. And some even come with their own food-storage bins.

4. 

   If you’ve got a gulper on your hands, there’s a new design that just might help. The obstructions in the middle of this dish force them to slow their eating down, which reduces gulping, bloating and excessive air intake (which leads to gas). Works with wet and dry food and is a definite conversation starter in your kitchen.

5. 

   Going away overnight or just working late? An electronic feeder may be the answer. It will automatically release a preset amount of food into your dog’s dish according to the times you set, usually up to three times. This is NOT meant for long trips away from your dog.

6. 

   If you’d like to bring your buddy with you when you're on the go, there are several different kinds of travel bowls available. One type is collapsible for the ultimate in convenience, but the newest thing is a dish that attaches to the car floor with a Velcro base and a floating plate that’s spill-proof even when you’re zooming around corners.

7. 

   Finally, don’t forget the placemats that go under the dishes. Makes cleanup a little easier… and now your hound is ready to chow down!

Tips & Warnings

• Check out mail-order and web sellers www.drsfosterandsmith.com and www.inthecompanyofdogs.com for these and other products.
• Make sure decorative ceramic dishes don't contain lead paint, which can leach out and be harmful to your pet.

[AskMaryNow]

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