FAQ: Bowls & Feeders for dogs

A bowl with the dog’s name is an aesthetic choice that helps tell several dogs’ bowls apart. The main thing is that the lettering or paint is on the outside or is wash-proof and does not touch the food.

A used steel or ceramic bowl without cracks can be used if you wash and disinfect it thoroughly. Scratched plastic bowls are best avoided, as bacteria left in the scratches are hard to get rid of.

For large and deep-chested dogs, the common advice is to avoid intense running or play for about one to two hours after eating, to reduce the risk of bloat. Discuss the right timing for your dog with a vet.

A dog needs a drink after exercise, but it is better to give smaller amounts several times so it does not gulp a huge amount at once. This matters especially for large dogs that tend to drink greedily.

Part of the daily ration can be handed out as rewards during training, especially for puppies or newly adopted dogs. This builds the dog’s trust in people, but give the rest in the bowl and do not exceed the daily amount.

Put the bowl in a quiet spot where the dog feels safe, and do not stand next to it while it eats. Appetite may be lower in the first days, but if the dog does not eat for more than a day or two, ask a vet.

Usually the pump is clogged with hair, food crumbs or limescale, or it overheated because there was too little water in the tank. Take the pump apart and clean it, and if it still does not work, you may need a replacement.

A ceramic fountain is heavier, more stable and easier to clean, and does not hold smells, but it can crack if dropped. A plastic one is lighter and cheaper, but scratches over time and needs replacing more often.

A nursing dog eats much more than usual, so she is often given a bigger bowl and more frequent meals, and water must always be within reach. It is worth discussing her diet during this period with a vet.

For diabetic dogs it is usually important to feed at the same times with equal portions, because feeding is coordinated with the treatment the vet has prescribed. An automatic feeder can help keep to the schedule, but make the plan with your vet.

Marks on the inside of the bowl show volume, making it easier to pour the same amount of food each day or see how much water the dog has drunk. They show millilitres, not grams, so weigh the portion once and remember which mark it reaches.

On a long trip, stop every couple of hours and offer water from a portable bowl. While driving, an open bowl splashes in the car, so a non-spill bowl or travel bottle works better.

Small dogs usually do not need a raised bowl, as they can easily reach a bowl on the floor. Exceptions may be older small-breed dogs with neck or back problems.

Yes, diluted vinegar helps remove limescale from the fountain’s tank and pump parts. Rinse everything well with clean water afterwards so no vinegar smell is left, as it can put the dog off.

Aluminium bowls are light but softer than steel, so they dent and scratch more easily. For everyday use, stainless steel is usually preferred, as it is tougher and lasts longer.

Take collapsible bowls, an airtight container for dry food and plenty of water. Do not leave food leftovers outside overnight, so you do not attract wild animals and insects.

Yes, if a puppy eats very fast, a simple slow feeder with low ridges is a good choice. Avoid complicated mazes, so the puppy does not get frustrated and eats the whole portion it needs.

A set is convenient because the bowls, stand and mat fit together. Still, check that the bowl capacity and stand height suit your dog, and compare whether the set costs less than the parts separately.

On zoogidas.lt you can compare the same product across Lithuanian online shops, and food and liquids also by price per kilogram or litre. Bowls and containers are worth comparing by capacity and material.

Sometimes a dog avoids its bowl because of its smell, clanging, an awkward location or a past bad experience. Wash or replace the bowl, move it to a quieter spot, and if the dog drinks little overall, ask a vet.