What's the Dish

• Clients may make their decisions for food bowls based on cost, esthetics, ease of use, availability, marketing, product placement, and popularity on social media.
• Veterinary professionals have a duty to inform clients of available options and the pros and cons of each.
• Pet dishes are ranked among the top five contaminated areas of the home.
• Each time a pet eats or drinks, it deposits microbes (like algae, fungi and bacteria) from its mouth into the food or water dish.
• When microbes are combined with oils in pet foods, leftover crumbs, and moisture, these organisms flourish. These conditions are often perfect for the formation of biofilm, which can be difficult to eradicate without proper cleaning and disinfection of the dish.
• Biofilm are colonies of microorganisms that stick to surfaces.
• Experts recommend that a clean dish be used for every meal, every time. Therefore, it is good to advise clients to have extra food and water dishes on hand for sake of convenience
• The three most common dish materials are plastic, stainless steel and ceramic.
• According to a study done in the UK, ceramic pet dishes contained the highest bacterial diversity as well as the most pathogenic strains of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, salmonella, and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These can pose a serious health risk to pets and humans.
• The pros of plastic dishes are that they come in many shapes, colors and sizes to appeal to consumers, lightweight, inexpensive, and are great options for new pets or travel.
• The cons of plastic dishes are that they are not suitable for puppies, kittens, or pets prone to chewing (rabbits), and bowls with bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates should be avoided because these chemicals cause serious health issues in humans.
• The pros of stainless steel is that it is lightweight, durable, affordable, many varieties exist, there are options for different species and life stages, there are shapes to precent tipping and spilling, and some have anti skid rings to prevent them from slipping during mealtimes.
• The con of stainless steel is that it may not be suitable for heavy chewers.
• When owners are shopping for stainless steel bowls, they should look for products labeled grade 304 or 18/8.
• The pros of ceramic or stoneware bowls are that they are the most esthetically pleasing for owners, are inherently sturdier, and they cannot be easily tipped over, chewed, or carried away by a pet.
• The cons of ceramic or stoneware bowls are that lead and cadmium are often in glazes on ceramic ware (a bigger concern for imported goods), and that once a bowl is chipped or cracked, it should not be used because of exposure to harmful chemicals.
• When shopping for ceramic or stoneware bowls, owners should look for labels like made in the United states, lead free, and intended for use with food.
• The pros of silicone bowls are collapsible and have small carabiners attached, making them easy to take on long hikes or walks.
• The cons of silicone bowls are that they are too unstable for everyday use, and young animals may bite, chew or carry the bowl.
• The pros of glass bowls are that they are sturdy, nonporous, affordable, easy to clean, and transparent, which makes it more noticeable when it gets dirty.
• The con of glass bowls are that they chip or crack easily, posing a safety risk to pets and humans in the household.
• Elevated feeding platforms can be used for animals with neck or shoulder pain, herniated cervical disks, and GDV.
• For elevated feeding platforms, dogs should be measured while standing. The ideal bowl height is slightly below the level of the withers.
• For elevated feeding platforms, they should be about stifle level on cats because they prefer to eat in a crouched position.
• The Baileys chair is made for dogs with megaesophagus.
• Shallow bowls are for brachiocephalic dogs and cats.
• Shallow bowls are shallow, tilted bowls that allow food to slide toward the front of the bowl, allowing easier access.
• With normal bowls, cats can experience whisker fatigue or whisker stress. So many people buy a whisker friendly bowl, saucer, or plate if they believe their cat has a preference or if it would benefit their pet.
• Food dispensers include a snuffle mat, slow feeder bowl, puzzle feeder, or any other food dispensing toy.
• It is helpful for the veterinary team to compile a list of favorite toys for each species to help clients in selection.