Mary Allen
Health doesn’t just go through the stomach, it starts with the right bowl. An expert explains what the perfect feeding place for the dog looks like.
Just as we attach importance to the right seat height at a table, we should also pay attention to the feeding bowls of our dogs. Bettina Glarner demands that. The qualified animal nutrition expert and alternative animal practitioner from Richterswil ZH knows how the type and location of a bowl affect the health of dogs.
“For example, if the dog eats too quickly, it may vomit because the food gets into the stomach too quickly.” That is why there is a so-called slinging bowl in specialist shops for dogs that slurp. “Before you buy it, you can put a cobblestone in a large bowl for a trial period so that the dog has to slowly eat around it.”
Feed Table Solves Several Problems
Glarner recommends using a feeding table adapted to the size of each dog. Such a raised feeding place can be useful even for puppies of large dog breeds. Non-slip and non-tilting bowls can also be used for the often exuberant puppies. “Feeding tables are usually made with indentations so that the bowls don’t slip.” In particular, owners of long-eared dogs will appreciate a feeding table or bowls specially shaped for these dogs. “Otherwise, breeds like the Cocker Spaniel with their long-haired floppy ears often unintentionally distribute food or water or even hang their ears in the bowl.”
The bowls of smaller dogs, on the other hand, are usually placed directly on the floor. According to Glarner, the right bowl shape also supports health here. “If the dog has to lean too much over the wide edge, it puts too much strain on the elbows in the long run.” In addition, dogs often swallow air when they have to bend their neck down sharply when eating or drinking.
For short periods of use, such as when traveling, compromises are more important to the expert. “Folding bowls are particularly suitable here, as they can be stowed in a backpack or in the car. However, the material used should not emit an odor and the food or water should only remain in the bowl for a short time.»
The latter applies to many cups, depending on the material. According to Glarner stainless steel bowls, they are generally not suitable for animals. Heavy metals can settle in the feed and especially in the water due to the long retention time. “This can lead to liver and skin problems,” says the animal naturopath. For the same reason, email should also be avoided. The reason: when enamel cracks, aluminum gets into the food. Plastic bowls also fall through. Most contain toxic plasticizers and are odorous. “Melamine can also release toxins when it gets hot.
Hygiene is Also Important
From Glarner’s point of view, the ceramic bowl is the premier class for feeding and drinking bowls. “Whether crockery, stoneware or porcelain, most of them can not only be safely put in the dishwasher but also rinsed out with hot water.” It is important here that no lead-based paint or glaze is used. “It’s best to always buy food-grade ceramic bowls,” says Glarner.
However, even the best bowl is useless if it is not clean. “Like your own plate after every meal, the dog’s food bowl should also be cleaned after every meal, otherwise bacteria will form.” For Glarner, this also includes rinsing the bowl with hot water and occasionally putting it in the dishwasher. “Even the water bowl should be cleaned every day to prevent algae from forming, which in turn would lead to the ingestion of pathogenic bacteria.”
Non-slip cups must also be cleaned on the suction cups that are often attached to the floor. “Feed generally gets stuck there,” explains Glarner. “Not only does it smell unpleasant, but it’s also unhygienic.” When it comes to cleanliness, travel bowls must not be neglected, otherwise, they quickly become a source of bacteria.
If the bowl is also in the right place, the dog feeding station is perfect. «We don’t look for a table by the passage in the restaurant either, preferring a quiet corner. The bowl should also be placed in such a way that the eating dog is not in the way and can enjoy its food in peace.” It can also have positive effects on the pack if feeding stations are spatially separated. “Otherwise, some dogs tend to be jealous of food, stressed and devoured.”