Choosing the perfect dog bowl might seem straightforward, but it has a significant impact on your dog’s comfort, health, and even your sanity at mealtime. From material and size to special feeding solutions, here’s what to consider when selecting the ideal bowl for your canine companion.
Material Matters: Safety, Cleanliness, Durability
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel bowls are widely recommended by veterinarians and pet experts for their durability, hygiene, and ease of cleaning. They're rust‑resistant, dishwasher‑safe, and do not harbor bacteria easily. Many bowls also feature non-slip rubber bases and rolled edges to reduce mess and comfort.
Ceramic/Stoneware
Ceramic bowls, like the stylish Scruffs Ombre range, are heavier, making tipping difficult and are scratch-resistant and easy to clean when glazed properly. While they can break if dropped, opting for chip- and bite-resistant designs alleviates many concerns.
Plastic
Plastic bowls should generally be avoided. They can scratch, harbor bacteria, and even leach harmful chemicals like BPA over time. If you must choose plastic, ensure it’s premium-grade and BPA-free.
Size, Shape & Weight: Comfort and Cleanliness
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Size: Pick a bowl that holds more than your dog's typical meal. If you feed 1 cup, choose a bowl with at least 1.2–1.5 cups capacity to avoid mess.
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Shape: Deep bowls suit long-nosed breeds (like Greyhounds), while shallow, narrow-mouthed bowls are ideal for short-nosed or long-eared breeds. For flat faced dogs, tilted and elevated dog bowls are best, like this one here.
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Weight & Stability: Heavy stoneware or bowls with weighted, non-slip bases help deter enthusiastic eaters from tipping them over.
Specialty Bowls: Tailored to Address Eating Behaviors
Slow-Feed Bowls
For dogs that inhale their food, slow-feed bowls with raised ridges create a healthier eating pace and reduce risks like choking or bloating. We suggest this one from Pedrigree as even though it is made from plastic, it is BPA-FREE, PVC-FREE and Dishwasher Safe.
Elevated Bowls
Larger breeds or dogs with joint issues may benefit from bowls raised off the ground. These support posture and may improve digestion for susceptible breeds.
No‑Tip/Weighted Bowls
Bowls with heavy bases or weighted bottoms, like the Scandi Non-tip Bowl, significantly reduce spills and mess during energetic mealtimes.
Travel & Collapsible Bowls
Lightweight silicone or fabric bowls, often with carabiners, are perfect for trips, camping, or walking days. Shop here.
Ease of Cleaning & Hygiene
Dog bowls should be non-porous and dishwasher safe. Metal and glazed stoneware resist bacteria best; plastic is more prone to harboring germs and odors.
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Daily Routine: Wash bowls daily with hot water and detergent, especially water bowls, which accumulate drool and debris.
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Inspect Regularly: Replace bowls immediately if you see chips, cracks, or deep scratches to prevent bacterial buildup.
Highlighting the In-Store Best-Seller: The Scruffs Ombre Dog Bowl
Let’s talk about the Scruffs Ombre Dog Bowl. Our flagship recommended product and Slickers Doghouse’s most popular in-store seller.
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Materials & Build: Crafted from heavy stoneware ceramic, the Ombre bowl features a thick-walled, chip- and bite-resistant design that keeps food and water cooler for longer.
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Design & Stability: A substantial non-slip base and ergonomic finger-hold enable easy lifting and reduce tipping during enthusiastic meals.
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Practical Style: Available in a chic ombré glaze in pink, blue, grey and orange. The bowls marry Mediterranean-inspired elegance with everyday function. They’re also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
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Sizing Options: Multiple capacities (from 0.4 L for small pets to 1.6 L for larger dogs) ensure a proper fit for every dog.
Why the Scruffs Ombre Bowl is a Crowd Favorite at Slickers Doghouse
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Unmatched Quality: Owners love the robustness of these bowls chip resistance and tipping, even from exuberant dogs.
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Mealtime Made Easier: With a heavy base and ergonomic grip, they're mess-free and easy to handle.
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Hygienic & Safe: Dishwasher and microwave safe, and polished with a protective glaze for easy cleaning.
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Beautiful Design: The trendy ombré look elevates any space, winning over pet owners with an eye for style.
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Fit for All: The range of sizes means no pup is left out, from teacup pooches to big breeds.
Unsurprisingly, the Scruffs Ombre Dog Bowl is our best-selling in-store, popular because it hits every mark: function, safety, style, and value.
Care Guidelines for Longevity
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Wash daily: Especially for water bowls. Clean with hot, soapy water to prevent germs.
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Inspect often: If you see cracks or chips, replace immediately.
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Avoid extreme use: Despite being microwave-safe, always check for signs of wear before reheating meals.
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Use mat protection: A silicone mat or tray can keep floors clean from spills and drips.
Final Takeaway
Selecting the right dog bowl is more than shopping; it’s ensuring daily mealtimes are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Stainless steel offers unbeatable hygiene and durability; ceramic brings elegance and stability; slow-feed and elevated options add health benefits. Among them, the Scruffs Ombre Dog Bowl stands out at Slickers Doghouse. Not just in quality, but in style, value, and customer satisfaction. It’s our best-selling bowl for good reason and likely the perfect match for your dog.
Invest in the right bowl, and mealtime becomes a moment your dog looks forward to and a joy for everyone at home.