A puppy bowl may seem like a simple purchase, but there are many kinds available and advantages and disadvantages to using each type.
Dog food bowls range from stainless steel dog bowls to small slow feed pet bowls and even ceramic dog bowls.
So how do you choose one for your Bichon Frise?
Before even talking about materials, you should consider which features you want in your dog food bowls.
Look for a bowl for your puppy that is sized for a puppy, is safe and sturdy.
And, of course it is always nice to have a dish that can be cleaned easily or washed in your dishwasher.
Additionally try to find a bowl that doesn’t tip over easily, so you don’t end up with food or water scattered all over the floor.
A raised puppy bowl keeps food and drinks at a comfortable height.
Types of Dog Bowls
Puppy dishes come in a number of different materials and shapes and sizes. You will have to decide which type is best for your dog, based on her needs.
Stainless Steel - Stainless dishes are popular because they are bacteria resistant, easy to clean, won’t break if your Bichon plays roughly with them, and most can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Look for a non-skid bottom, which makes eating quieter and keeps the bowl in place. If you find one with a weight in the bottom, all the better. Unlike plastic, your puppy can’t harm steel by chewing on it!
Plastic - Plastic is always difficult to keep clean, as small cracks and nicks can harbor bacteria. Also, puppies can chew off pieces and eat them, not a good thing for your dog’s digestive system!
However, if your pup does not chew his bowl, heavy duty plastic can be a good choice. It doesn’t break and many products have a slow feed feature, to help your dog eat at a moderate pace, instead of gulping down her food—and then gagging or vomiting.
Ceramic or Glass - Especially if you have a playful or active Bichon who pushes her dish around while she eats, you should avoid breakable bowls that sit on the ground. However, some ceramic or glass bowls are made to be unbreakable and, they are easy to keep clean, either by hand washing or washing in the dishwasher. Many can also be used in the microwave.
Electronic Feeder - On the other hand an automatic pet feeder is great for Bichon pups because you can moderate how much food they get and keep them on a regular feeding schedule, which helps with training too!
Elevated Feeder - The type of puppy bowl you choose, is also dictated by your dog’s age and physical characteristics. For example, when a dog gets older and has joint stiffness and pain, an elevated feeder makes him more comfortable. If your dog has long ears, choose a deep or narrow feeder that keeps her ears outside of the water or food.
On average a dog needs one ounce of water per pound per day, so gage the size of your bowls accordingly
Finally for those of you who like to take your Bichon to the park or travelling with you, consider getting a collapsible travel bowl. The design of travel bowls makes them very portable (many even fold up when empty). The nice thing here is that you can be certain your pup stays hydrated on warm days, even if you’re out for several hours.
