FAQ: Bowls & Feeders for dogs

Bowl guarding is resource guarding, common in dogs that fear losing their food. Feed the dog in a quiet spot, do not disturb it while it eats, and if it growls or snaps, seek help from a dog behaviour specialist.

Some dogs are scared by the clang of a metal bowl, its reflections or the rattle of collar tags against the rim. A bowl with a rubber base, a mat underneath or a ceramic or plastic bowl helps.

Some dogs prefer to eat in a quieter spot, others dislike a clanging bowl or rattling collar tags. Try moving the bowl somewhere calmer or switching to a quieter, wider one.

A dog may push its bowl to reach food stuck at the edges, out of playfulness or to show it wants to eat. A heavier bowl or one that grips the floor, with straight sides, usually reduces the habit.

Most dogs do better with set mealtimes rather than a bowl that is always full, as it is easier to control weight and notice changes in appetite. Uneaten wet food should be removed after about half an hour.

After 15–20 minutes, pick up the bowl and offer food again at the next meal, and the dog will soon get used to the routine. If the dog refuses food for more than a day or also seems unwell, contact a vet.

A new bowl may smell of the factory, sound different or stand in an unfamiliar place. Wash it before first use, put it where the old one stood, and add a favourite treat for the first few days.

Some dogs, especially young ones and water-loving breeds, dig at or splash water for fun or in hot weather. A heavy, deep bowl on a mat, a floating-plate bowl and a separate paddling pool for outdoor play help.

A regular feeding time and place help a dog feel secure, make toilet habits more predictable and make changes in appetite easier to notice. You can change the bowl, but keep it in the same spot.

This usually happens when a dog eats too fast and swallows air with the food. A slow-feeder bowl, smaller portions and a calm setting help, and if the cough recurs outside mealtimes too, ask a vet.

Ask the dog to sit or lie down, lower the bowl slowly, and lift it back up if the dog gets up. When the dog waits calmly, put the bowl down and give a release word, such as ‘okay’.

A dog kept outdoors needs a heavy, tip-proof and frost-resistant bowl, usually stainless steel. Put the water bowl in the shade and do not leave food leftovers out, so insects and rodents are not attracted.

In winter, change outdoor water often, and during long frosts heated bowls designed for outdoor use help. Their cable must be protected from chewing and moisture, and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

On a very cold day, a wet tongue can stick to frozen metal, just as with any frozen metal surface. On freezing days, give water outdoors in a plastic or heated bowl and change it regularly.

Place the bowl in the shade, change the water more often and use a ceramic or double-walled bowl, which warms up more slowly. There are also bowls with freezable gel in the walls that keep water cool for longer.

Sunlight gradually makes plastic brittle and faded, so it cracks sooner outdoors. A stainless steel bowl lasts longer outside, but in summer put it in the shade so the water does not heat up.

Yes, stainless steel or ceramic bowls that can be washed hot are best for raw food. Wash the bowl thoroughly after every meal and wash your hands, because raw meat can carry bacteria.

Dry food is best kept in its original bag placed inside an airtight container, in a cool, dry place. That way the best-before date stays visible and the fats go rancid more slowly from air and light.

The container should hold the whole bag of food you usually buy, so none of it has to be stored open. Manufacturers often state how many kilograms of dry food fit, though the real amount depends on kibble size.

Better not, because older food remains and fat at the bottom can turn rancid and spoil the new food. Before adding a new bag, empty the container, wash it and dry it thoroughly.