Choosing a Silicone Pet Food Bowl
When choosing a food bowl for your companion pet, it’s important to consider a variety of factors. One factor is the material.
Food and water bowls come in many different materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic. Stainless steel is the most durable and bacteria-resistant choice. It also won’t absorb odors.
Durability
Silicone pet food bowls are made of non-toxic materials and can be molded into a variety of shapes to accommodate dogs of all sizes. They’re also lightweight and often collapsible, making them easy to carry and store in a bag. In addition, silicone is durable and doesn’t retain odors as well as stainless steel or ceramic bowls.
Many of these silicone bowls feature a raised lip around the edge to contain water or food spills. They’re designed to prevent the messes from damaging your floor and come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit in with any home décor. Some even have a nonslip surface for maximum stability.
Most experts (think veterinarians/veterinarian technicians, pet trainers) agree that plastic is the worst material to use for feeding and watering pets due to its potential health implications. If the plastic cracks or chips, bacteria can enter the bowl and cause your pet to develop gastrointestinal issues, skin infections and more.
While ceramic or stoneware bowls are a step up from plastic, they’re not without their own health concerns. Some of these old-style bowls were ‘coated’ with a lead glaze, which is silicone pet food bowl toxic to your dog or cat. Even if you find a ceramic bowl that isn’t coated in lead, there’s still the possibility of bacteria seeping through the porous clay.
Safety
A pet’s food bowl is one of the most frequent surfaces that they interact with on a daily basis. As such, it’s important to choose a bowl that is safe for their health.
Plastic bowls are a popular choice because they are affordable and widely available, but they’re a poor choice because every nick and scratch becomes a hospitable breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to severe digestive issues, skin irritation or even death if swallowed. The best plastic bowls are those made from high-quality materials that have been sterilized.
Stainless steel bowls are another common option and a good choice if you’re looking for something lightweight and portable. They’re typically dishwasher-safe and come in a variety of colors. However, they require special care because some manufacturers use cutting fluids during the manufacturing process to shape metal which can leach into the bowl over time. Stainless steel bowls that are made in the United States will have a lower risk of this issue since they’re required to meet strict standards regarding the materials used.
Bamboo bowls are another great choice because they won’t leak harmful chemicals into your dog’s food or water and are made from a sustainable material that helps reduce carbon emissions. These bowls are also a little harder and less porous than most plastics which makes them more difficult for bacteria to adhere to.
Convenience
Bowls that are lightweight and collapsible are convenient for trips, camping or long walks. They also are easy to clean and sanitize. However, it is important to make sure the material used is safe and durable enough for frequent use. Bowls made of materials such as silicone that are susceptible to cracking or chipping can be a safety risk. Plastic may be an unsafe option if the pet is a chewer, as small pieces can end up in the stomach and cause potentially serious complications. Additionally, some plastics contain chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates that can leach into the food and water of the pet, causing health issues in humans and pets alike.
Aluminum is another unsafe option for some pets, as it can cause cognitive dysfunction in dogs and osteochondrosis in young dogs. Stainless steel is generally considered a safe material for pet bowls, but it is important to make sure the type of stainless steel used is of high quality. Bowls with low-grade stainless steel can silicone pet food bowl contain contaminants that are harmful to the health of the pet, such as radioactive metals.
Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are inherently sturdier than silicone and plastic, but they can still be tipped over or chewed by energetic pets. They may also be less stable than other types of bowls when placed on a hard surface.
Appearance
Silicone is lightweight and flexible, making it a great choice for bowls that are collapsible or have carabiners attached for easy transport on hiking trips or walks. However, silicone is also porous and can harbor microscopic food particles that can lead to bacterial and pathogen overgrowths. As it is the newest material available for dog bowls, limited studies have been completed on silicone’s safety and long-term effects.
Most pet experts (veterinarians, veterinary technicians/nurses, and dog trainers) agree that plastic is the worst option for pet bowls, as it can leach dangerous chemicals into your dog’s food/water causing a variety of health issues. Ceramic is a step up, but some still are ‘coated’ with a lead glaze which can cause a variety of health issues in your pet over time.
