FAQ: Bowls & Feeders for dogs

Yes, if it is large enough and all the animals drink from it willingly. With several animals, the water and filter get dirty faster, so the fountain needs cleaning and the filter changing more often.

Most automatic feeders let you set several meal times and portion sizes. This is handy for puppies or dogs that a vet has advised to eat smaller meals more often.

First let the dog get to know the feeder switched off, then run it while you are nearby and praise the dog when the sound comes. On many models the sound or recorded call can be turned off or changed.

Metal bowls must not go in the microwave, and plastic or melamine ones can heat unevenly or get damaged. Warm the food in a microwave-safe dish, stir it and check it is no hotter than body temperature.

Yes, a flat plate suits flat-faced dogs, puppies or dogs that dislike their whiskers touching the sides of a bowl. Food slides off a plate more easily, though, so put it on a non-slip mat.

This trick is sometimes used, but the ball must be larger than anything the dog could fit in its mouth or swallow. It is safer to choose a purpose-made slow feeder or insert that the dog cannot remove.

Such a dog is often fed softer food, so a shallow, wide, easy-to-wash bowl it can lick clean is a good fit. The type and texture of food are worth discussing with a vet.

If the dog has a contagious illness, vets often advise using separate bowls and washing them separately so the infection does not spread to other pets. Once it has recovered, clean the bowls thoroughly or replace plastic ones.

Some dogs get irritated skin on the chin and lips from plastic bowls, although this is more often linked to bacteria in the scratches. Switching to steel or ceramic often helps, and if it does not, ask a vet.

Long-backed dogs do well with a shallow, stable bowl that does not require much bending or stretching. A slight raise helps some, but it must match the dog’s height so it does not have to lift its head.

Tall dogs with long necks often find eating from the floor awkward, so many owners choose a stand suited to their height. Owners of deep-chested breeds should discuss bowl height with a vet because of the bloat risk.

Double walls, usually steel, slow down water warming or cooling and reduce clanging. In some models the gap is filled with a freezable liquid that keeps water cool in summer.

A lid protects food or water from dust, insects and other animals, so it is handy when travelling, outdoors or in feeders. At home, a lidded bowl is usually not needed every day.

A mat with raised edges catches water and spilled food so they do not reach the floor. It is especially useful for large, bearded or messy eaters and on wooden floors.

Silicone and rubber mats only need washing in warm soapy water, and most are dishwasher-safe too. Wash fabric mats according to the label and dry them well so no mould forms.

Yes, feeding in the crate can help the dog like it and lets it eat in peace in a multi-pet home. Use a bowl that clips onto the bars or a heavy one, and take it out and wash it after the meal.

Enamel bowls are easy to wash and do not hold smells, but they can chip when dropped. If the enamel has chipped and metal shows through, replace the bowl, as the damaged spot can rust and sharp edges can injure.

Thick rubber or flexible plastic bowls and buckets do not crack in the cold or shatter, so they are often used outdoors or in kennels. They suit water well, but a chewer can damage them.

It means the plastic contains no bisphenol A, a substance whose safety has been questioned. When choosing a plastic bowl, look for this marking and a symbol showing the material is food-safe.

Wooden stands look nice and are stable, but wood can soak up water and swell if the dog splashes a lot. Choose varnished or oiled wood with removable steel bowls and wipe it dry regularly.