Having a strong and reliable set of food and water bowls is crucial when it comes to dog accessories. But with the vast selection of bowls available for purchase, it can pose a challenge to find the optimal choice for your furry friend.
Many dog owners find stainless steel bowls to be a top choice due to their robustness and simple-to-clean surfaces, as well as their ability to offer long-lasting use.
The aim of this article is to provide you with a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of stainless steel dog bowls to aid you in making an informed choice. Furthermore, we shall share a few of our favorite stainless steel dog bowls to offer you excellent buying alternatives.
Top Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
1. AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
AmazonBasics Dog Bowls are ideal for medium to large dogs and are made of stylish and glossy stainless steel.
Ideal for indoor or outdoor use, these dog bowls made of stainless steel are resistant to rust. You have two purchase options which are a single bowl or a double pack to make things more convenient. Moreover, these bowls have a capacity of 38-ounces equivalent to 4.75 cups.
It is worth mentioning that these bowls can be safely washed in a dishwasher, ensuring hassle-free cleaning, especially if your dog tends to make a mess while drinking (and there are specialized water bowls available to prevent that). Additionally, the rubber base prevents slipping and protects your floors while providing your furry friend with a stable spot for hydration.
2. Max and Neo Heavyweight Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
The Max and Neo Stainless Steel Dog Bowls are intentionally weighted, making them an ideal choice for pet owners whose dogs tend to be a bit clumsy.
These dog bowls are available in three different sizes: 32 ounces (equivalent to 1/4 cup), 50 ounces (equivalent to 6 cups), and 80 ounces (equivalent to 10 cups). This ensures that they are appropriate for dogs of all sizes, and are offered by Max and Neo.
Compared to other similar bowls, these ones are heavier, weighing 9 ounces (for the small one), 16 ounces (for the medium one), and a substantial 1.2 pounds (for the large one).
The bowls are constructed with a sturdy non-skid rubber base, which provides added strength and reduces the likelihood of spills.
The height of these dog bowls is between 2 to 2.8 inches and they are shallower compared to other bowls. This feature makes them a good option for puppies who like to eat near the ground.
Hand-washing is necessary for these bowls as they are not dishwasher safe, but the majority of users do not find it too inconvenient.
One noteworthy aspect of Max and Neo is that they donate a dog bowl to a rescue shelter for each bowl they sell, meaning your purchase helps a dog in need.
3. URPOWER Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
The URPOWER Stainless Steel Dog Bowls are accompanied by a cute feeding mat in the shape of a bone, which helps decrease mess.
The ideal pair for your dog’s food and water needs is this stainless steel dog bowl set, which includes two bowls that can hold up to 26 ounces (or 3.25 cups) each.
You can choose from black, blue, pink, or grey colors for the no-spill silicone mat that will complement your furry friend’s unique fashion taste.
Constructed from steel that resists rusting, these bowls are simple to clean as they can be extracted from the correspondingly shaped mat. Additionally, the mat and bowls are both suitable for cleaning in dishwashers.
4. Loving Pets Metallic Bella Bowl
Loving Pets offers some affordable stainless steel bowls featuring a cute paw print design that will blend seamlessly into your household decor.
The Bella Bowls are available in five color options and a size range of 16 to 72 ounces. Each bowl has a rubber bottom ring that prevents it from moving during use.
You can remove the rubber ring and wash these bowls completely in the dishwasher, ensuring that your dog stays safe from bacteria as they eat or drink from the bacteria-resistant stainless steel material.
5. YETI Boomer 8 Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
YETI’s stainless steel dog bowls are recognized for their ability to maintain the desired cool temperature, which is consistent with the reputation of YETI products.
There are six color options available for these bowls, and they feature a rubber non-slip grip that ensures stable eating and drinking. They are capable of containing up to 64 ounces, which is equivalent to 8 cups, making them an ideal fit for dogs of medium to large breeds.
Constructed from top-quality 18/8 stainless steel, the bowls are capable of enduring dishwasher cleaning. They weigh approximately 2 pounds, which makes them hard for uncoordinated dogs to move around.
6. Basis Pet Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
Basis Pet Stainless Steel Dog Bowls are manufactured in the United States using high-quality stainless steel commonly found in kitchens.
Basis conducts independent tests on all their dog bowls to check for the presence of unsafe metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, ensuring that your furry friend uses a secure bowl.
You can choose from a variety of sizes ranging from 2 cups to 18 cups, ensuring you can find the ideal size for your furry friend.
The costly nature of this dog bowl is justified by the premium quality materials utilized in its fabrication when compared to its alternatives.
As a result of their construction, these bowls are expected to have a longer lifespan, which makes them a worthwhile investment. Additionally, these bowls can be cleaned in a dishwasher with ease.
Why Do Some Owners Choose Stainless Steel Dog Bowls?
Many pet owners prefer stainless steel dog bowls over other options due to their superior quality. But what makes these bowls stand out? Read on to discover why stainless steel bowls are a top choice for some dog owners.
Heavy Duty Construction
Due to their weight, stainless steel dog bowls are ideal for pets that tend to move their food dish while eating, unlike plastic bowls.
Easy to Clean
Stainless steel dog bowls can be cleaned easily using mild dish soap and warm water. Additionally, most of them are dishwasher safe, which simplifies the cleaning process.
Non-Porous Materials
Stainless steel dog bowls are impervious, indicating that the material doesn’t have any openings. This results in a decreased potential for bacteria and mold growth, which renders them more secure for your furry friend.
Chew Proof
Stainless steel bowls are a great option for dogs that enjoy chewing on objects, as they are generally resistant to damage from biting. Although a particularly robust chewer may attempt to gnaw on them, they should be relatively safe from significant harm. In contrast, plastic bowls are more vulnerable to being chewed up by aggressive dogs.
Better for Klutzy Canines
Using stainless steel bowls should make it less of a problem when some dogs accidentally knock over their food and water bowls while eating, since they are heavier and typically have design features that prevent tipping. This can save you the hassle of cleaning up spills.
Heat-Resistant
Certain inexpensive plastic materials may undergo deformation or melting when subjected to dishwasher heat. This not only renders the bowls unusable but could also result in the emission of harmful particles for your pet’s well-being.
Stainless steel bowls are heatproof , so this shouldn’t be an issue (although you should still verify that your particular bowl is dishwasher safe first).
BONUS: Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
Due to the constantly changing information and recalls surrounding commercial dog foods, a growing number of dog owners are choosing to make their own dog food at home. While dogs enjoy home-cooked meals, preparing homemade dog food involves certain guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain your dog’s health.
The increasing trend of homemade diets can be attributed to the ability to manage ingredients, thereby eliminating concerns surrounding recalls of commercial pet food. Furthermore, individuals who prioritize healthy eating habits for themselves also extend the same approach towards their dogs, as homemade diets are typically composed of wholesome ingredients that are deemed superior to those utilized in commercial pet food processing.
Before switching your dog to a homemade diet, several factors need to be considered; therefore, home cooking dog food is not suitable for everyone.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
Proper Nutrition for Dogs
Dogs, much like humans, require proper nutrition to flourish. As dogs have distinct nutritional requirements from humans, one cannot provide them with their own meals. If a dog’s diet lacks essential vitamins and nutrients, deficiencies may occur.
To meet their energy demands, dogs require a sufficient amount of calories based on their life stage and level of physical activity. Consulting with a vet can assist in determining the ideal number of calories for your dog on a daily basis.
For a suitable and balanced homemade diet for dogs, there should be a careful mix of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and fat. To guarantee completeness and balance, it is necessary to include vitamins and minerals in the food.
- At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
- Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
- About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
- At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
- Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )
Before beginning to cook for your dog, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian. Your vet can offer you recipes to experiment with, or you might require a recommendation to a veterinary nutritionist or a vet specializing in canine nutrition.
What to Watch for When Feeding Homemade Dog Food
When transitioning your dog to homemade food, it is crucial to keep a close eye on them. Keep your vet informed of any changes in their health, whether positive or negative. Recording your dog’s weight and body condition over time will yield the best outcomes. Weigh your dog weekly and notify your vet if you observe unintended weight fluctuations. Be aware of vomiting or diarrhea which may arise if your dog is intolerant to certain ingredients, and inform your vet of any signs of sickness.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
It is crucial to ensure that the recipe you use to prepare a diet for your dog at home is complete and balanced. Once an appropriate recipe has been selected with the assistance of a veterinarian, it is time to begin.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
Numerous pet owners opt to cook food in large quantities and store them in pre-portioned containers in a refrigerator or freezer. It’s an excellent way to save time and money, but starting with smaller portions will allow you to observe your dog’s reaction to the new diet.
