Best Dog Bowls and Slow Feeders: Which Should You Use?

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A bowl seems like a simple object, but the right choice makes feeding cleaner, safer and sometimes healthier. This guide covers materials, shapes and special cases.

Bowl materials

• Stainless steel. Durable, non-porous, dishwasher-safe and easy to sanitize. Choose a heavy base or non-slip ring to prevent sliding.
• Ceramic. Heavy and stable, and easy to clean, but can chip or crack. Make sure the glaze is lead-free and food-safe, and discard chipped bowls.
• Glass. Hygienic but breakable.
• Plastic. Light and cheap, but scratches harbor bacteria and can cause allergic skin reactions or "chin acne" in some dogs. Replace when scratched.
• Silicone. Collapsible and handy for travel, though less durable.

Size and shape

• Large, shallow bowls suit flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs, who struggle with deep bowls.
• Deep, narrow bowls suit long-eared breeds such as Spaniels, which can help keep ears out of the food.
• Wide bases reduce tipping for puppies and enthusiastic eaters.
• Match the size to meal volume. A huge bowl for a tiny meal makes gulping easier.

Slow feeders

Slow feeders have ridges, mazes or obstacles that make eating take longer. Benefits include:

• Reduced gulping, which can reduce vomiting and regurgitation
• Mental stimulation
• Possibly more satiety and slower calorie intake, useful in weight management. See how to help an overweight dog lose weight

Not every dog needs one. Avoid designs that are frustrating, hard to clean or so tough that your dog breaks teeth on them. Choose a size appropriate for kibble. Alternatives include snuffle mats, puzzle toys and scattering food on the floor.

Raised bowls

Raised feeders can make eating more comfortable for dogs with arthritis, neck pain or megaesophagus, with veterinary advice. However, some studies have linked raised bowls with a higher risk of bloat in large and giant breeds. Unless your vet recommends one, a bowl at floor level is usually fine. See bloat prevention.

Automatic feeders

Timed feeders can help with portion control and routine, though they must be set up carefully, and clever dogs may break in. They do not replace monitoring your dog's appetite. See how often to feed a dog.

Water bowls and fountains

Provide a heavy, wide water bowl that does not tip. Some dogs prefer fountains, which keep water fresh and encourage drinking. Wash and refill daily. See how much water a dog should drink.

Cleaning

• Wash food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water.
• Use a dishwasher for stainless steel or ceramic.
• Disinfect weekly, especially after feeding raw or wet food.
• Dry thoroughly.

Dirty bowls grow biofilm, a slimy layer of bacteria.

Multi-dog households

Use separate bowls and feeding stations to prevent resource guarding and make sure each dog gets its own food. See free feeding vs scheduled meals.

Puppies

Choose small, stable bowls and keep water available. See puppy feeding schedule.

Bowls for puppies and seniors

Puppies need low-sided, stable bowls that they cannot flip, and they grow quickly, so check size regularly. Senior dogs may benefit from slightly raised, shallow bowls if they have neck or back pain, but ask your vet first. Non-slip mats under bowls protect floors and stop bowls skidding across the kitchen at dinnertime.

Bowls for special needs

Dogs with megaesophagus, some neurological conditions and certain breeds may need special feeding positions or equipment, which your vet will advise. Flat-faced breeds often manage best with shallow, wide dishes, and long-nosed breeds with deeper ones. If your dog seems to struggle to pick up food, try a different shape before assuming it is fussy.

The takeaway

Choose a stable, easy-to-clean bowl, add a slow feeder if your dog gulps and ask your vet before using a raised bowl.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.