I bought Snickers & Reeses a feeder & waterer over the weekend. I’d wanted to buy a set since last year but I never could justify the cost since they have several bowls. I was quite pleased with my purchase until I began to think, “Am I really so lazy that I can’t put food and water in a bowl everyday?”
Then I began to wonder if having the food and water stored like that was sanitary.
So here is what I found out about the different dog feeders.
Automatic feeders and waterers are idea for people who are always on the go or for people who just don’t want to fill bowls daily.
Gravity-style feeders are good if your pet will not overeat if food is left out. There are also electric-style automatic feeders that have a portion control option with an automatic timer.
If you choose to use regular dog bowls then stainless steel are best. There isn’t the risk of exposing your pet to plastics or dyes and also they don’t attract bacteria. You also have to consider the size of the bowl. According to Drs. Foster & Smith, “Dogs with long, floppy ears do well with deep bowls with a smaller diameter, which helps keep their ears from getting wet in their water bowl.”
Elevated feeders are great for animals with joint problems and they also help keep a clean area. Drs. Foster & Smith say, “Dogs tend to lift their heads after taking a drink to facilitate swallowing. As the dogs raise their heads, water that does not make it down their throat often ends up on the floor. Over time, this can ruin your floor…With an elevated feeder, they do not have to raise their heads as far and the water usually drips right back into their water dish.”
Now that I know that they aren’t any major disadvantages to feeders and waterers I feel a lot better.