Dog Bowls and Feeders Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Dog

A dog bowl might seem like a simple purchase, but the right choice can make a genuine difference to your dog’s health, digestion, and daily comfort. From the material it is made of, to the height it sits at, to whether it slows your dog’s eating – every detail matters more than most pet owners realise.

At Pet Shopee Australia, we stock a wide selection of dog bowls, feeders, and waterers for every breed and lifestyle. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to choose the best option for your dog.

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Dog Bowl Materials: Which Is Best?

The material of your dog’s bowl affects hygiene, durability, safety, and ease of cleaning. Here is a breakdown of the most common options available in Australia.

🥈 1. Stainless Steel Bowls – Best Overall

Stainless steel is the most widely recommended material by veterinarians. It is non-porous, which means bacteria cannot hide in microscopic scratches the way they can in plastic. It is also rust-resistant, dishwasher safe, and virtually unbreakable.

• Best for: All dogs and all life stages
• Pros: Hygienic, durable, easy to clean, dishwasher safe, no odour absorption
• Cons: Can be noisy on hard floors, some dogs dislike the reflection
• Tip: Choose a bowl with a non-slip rubber base to prevent sliding on tiles or floorboards

🏺 2. Ceramic Bowls – Stylish and Practical

Ceramic bowls are heavy, which makes them hard to tip over. They look great in a modern home and come in many colours and designs. However, they can chip or crack over time, and chipped ceramic can harbour bacteria.

• Best for: Dogs who tip their bowls, households wanting a stylish option
• Pros: Heavy and stable, attractive appearance, keeps food and water cool
• Cons: Can chip or crack, heavier to handle, check for lead-free food-safe glaze
• Tip: Inspect ceramic bowls regularly and replace if chipped or cracked

🧴 3. Plastic Bowls – Affordable but Not Ideal

Plastic bowls are lightweight and inexpensive but are generally the least recommended option. Plastic scratches easily and those scratches harbour bacteria that are difficult to clean. Some dogs also develop a contact allergy to certain plastics that causes a pink discolouration around the muzzle.

• Best for: Temporary use, travel, outdoor use only
• Pros: Very affordable, lightweight, available in many colours
• Cons: Scratches easily, harbours bacteria, possible plastic allergy reactions
• Note: If using plastic, choose BPA-free and replace frequently

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Types of Dog Feeders and What They Do

🐢 1. Slow Feeder Bowls

Slow feeder bowls have ridges, mazes, or raised patterns inside the bowl that force your dog to eat around the obstacles, dramatically slowing down their eating speed. This is one of the most important tools for dogs that gulp their food.

• Best for: Dogs that eat too fast, large breeds at risk of bloat (GDV), dogs who vomit after eating
• Benefits: Reduces bloat risk, improves digestion, reduces vomiting, provides mental stimulation
• Tip: Can also be used as a lick mat-style enrichment feeder for wet food or treats

📐 2. Elevated Feeders and Raised Bowl Stands

Elevated feeders raise the food and water bowls off the ground to a more comfortable height for your dog to eat and drink. This reduces the strain on the neck, shoulders, and joints during meal times.

• Best for: Large and giant breeds, senior dogs with arthritis, dogs with neck or joint conditions, dogs with megaesophagus
• Correct height: The bowl should sit at roughly your dog’s chest height when standing
• Note: Some research suggests elevated feeders may increase bloat risk in certain large breeds – consult your vet if unsure

⏰ 3. Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders dispense a pre-set amount of food at scheduled times. They are ideal for owners who work long hours or need to manage portion control for an overweight dog.

• Best for: Busy households, dogs on strict meal schedules, weight management
• Pros: Consistent feeding times, accurate portion control, works when you are away
• Cons: Requires regular cleaning, only suitable for dry kibble in most models
• Tip: Check the feeder daily to ensure it is dispensing correctly and the food is fresh

🌀 4. Lick Mats and Puzzle Feeders

Lick mats and puzzle feeders make meal time mentally stimulating for your dog. They slow eating, reduce anxiety, and provide enrichment – especially useful for dogs who eat too fast or need more mental engagement.

• Best for: High-energy breeds, anxious dogs, bored dogs, fast eaters
• Use with: Wet food, peanut butter, yoghurt, pureed vegetables, or dry kibble in puzzle feeders
• Tip: Freeze lick mats with wet food or broth for a longer-lasting enrichment activity

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Dog Waterers: Keeping Your Dog Hydrated

Hydration is just as important as nutrition. Many dogs do not drink enough water, especially in the Australian heat. The right waterer can significantly increase how much your dog drinks each day.

💧 1. Standard Water Bowls

• The simplest and most common option – fill with fresh water twice daily at minimum
• Stainless steel water bowls are the most hygienic choice
• Use a large, wide bowl for big breeds so they can drink comfortably
• Place multiple water bowls around the house, especially in summer

⛲ 2. Dog Water Fountains

Water fountains continuously circulate and filter the water, keeping it fresh and oxygenated. Many dogs strongly prefer drinking from moving water and will drink significantly more from a fountain than a static bowl.

• Best for: Cats and dogs that prefer running water, dogs that do not drink enough, multi-pet households
• Pros: Filtered fresh water, encourages more drinking, large capacity
• Cons: Requires electricity, needs regular filter replacement and cleaning
• Tip: Clean the fountain and replace the filter every 2 to 4 weeks

🚰 3. Gravity Waterers

Gravity waterers use a large reservoir that automatically refills the drinking bowl as your dog drinks. They are great for busy households or when you need to be away for part of the day.

• Best for: Large dogs with high water intake, multi-dog households, busy owners
• Pros: No electricity needed, large capacity, automatic refill
• Cons: Water sits without filtration – needs daily cleaning to prevent algae and bacteria

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How to Choose the Right Bowl Size for Your Dog

Choosing the right bowl size ensures your dog can eat and drink comfortably without straining. As a general guide:

• Toy and small breeds (under 5kg): 250ml to 500ml capacity bowl
• Medium breeds (5kg to 20kg): 500ml to 1 litre capacity bowl
• Large breeds (20kg to 40kg): 1 to 2 litre capacity bowl
• Giant breeds (over 40kg): 2 litres and above
• For water bowls, always go one size larger than your food bowl to encourage more drinking
• Dogs with long ears like Spaniels benefit from narrow, deep bowls that keep their ears out of the food

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How to Keep Dog Bowls Clean and Hygienic

• Wash food bowls daily with hot water and mild dish soap – do not let leftover food sit in the bowl
• Wash water bowls every 1 to 2 days – biofilm (slippery coating) builds up quickly and can harbour bacteria
• Use a dishwasher when possible – the high heat sanitises stainless steel and ceramic bowls effectively
• Replace plastic bowls every 6 months or sooner if scratched – scratches are impossible to fully clean
• Do not share bowls between multiple dogs without washing in between to prevent spreading illness
• Check for cracks and chips in ceramic bowls regularly and replace damaged bowls immediately

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are slow feeder bowls worth it for dogs? +

Yes, especially for dogs that eat their meals in under a minute or regularly vomit after eating. Slow feeder bowls can reduce the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is a life-threatening condition in large breeds. They also provide mental stimulation during meal times. Most dogs adapt to slow feeders quickly.

Should I use an elevated feeder for my large dog? +

Elevated feeders are beneficial for many large and senior dogs as they reduce neck strain and make eating more comfortable. However, research on their relationship with bloat in large breeds is mixed. Discuss with your vet if your dog is a large or giant breed with a deep chest, such as a Great Dane, Weimaraner, or Irish Setter.

How often should I replace my dog’s bowls? +

Stainless steel and ceramic bowls can last for many years if properly cared for. Replace ceramic bowls if they chip or crack. Replace plastic bowls every 6 to 12 months even if they look intact, as microscopic scratches harbour bacteria. Stainless steel bowls only need replacing if badly dented or if the non-slip base deteriorates.

My dog refuses to drink enough water. What can I do? +

Try a dog water fountain – many dogs strongly prefer moving water and will drink much more from a fountain than a static bowl. You can also add a small splash of low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more appealing. Place water bowls in multiple locations. If your dog consistently drinks very little, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

Why does my dog tip over their water bowl? +

Some dogs tip their bowls out of boredom, to play with the water, or because the bowl is too light. Switch to a heavy ceramic bowl or a stainless steel bowl with a wide, weighted base. You can also use a spill-proof or tip-proof bowl designed specifically for dogs that like to flip their water. Placing the bowl in a corner can also help prevent tipping.

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