Do metal bowls affect dogs
Are Your Dogs Food Bowls Safe? A Pet Bowl Materials Guide
There are a wide number and types of dog bowls on the market today. Stainless steel, plastic, silicone, ceramic, stoneware, bamboo, non-skid, slow-feeding, non-spill, and yes, even automated portion-sized ones. However, with so many options out there, how is one suppose to decide which one to get?
More importantly, which types of dog bowls are safe?
Here at BarkThink, we did some research for you on the different types of dog food bowls on the market. Here is what we found:
PLASTIC DOG BOWL
The most popular and commonly used material for dog bowls is plastic. But, did you know that these types of bowls can be the most dangerous and riskiest bowls to feed your pet with? Lets look into some of the reasons why
Durability. For young and teething pups out there, a feeder bowl occasionally becomes another chew toy to be destroyed and eaten. All it takes is a few minutes without your supervision and these pieces of plastic can cause internal bleeding or intestinal blockage (and likely a huge vet bill).
Bad Bacteria. Highly porous and easily scratched, plastic bowls are prone to developing cracks and crevices that can harbor unhealthy bacteria for your furry friend.
Bisphenol A (BPA). Im sure many of you are familiar with BPA by now. Every few years, there are news headlines regarding the hazards of plasticsmost recently it has been about a chemical known as Bisphenol A, or BPA, that was found in baby products, sports bottles, and several other products used to hold edibles.
BPA is a synthetic estrogen commonly used to harden polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin; however, extensive studies has shown that, even at low amounts to which people are routinely exposed, it can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage to health. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), in laboratory tests, trace BPA exposure has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and trigger a wide variety of disorders, including chromosomal and reproductive system abnormalities, impaired brain and neurological functions, cancer, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset diabetes, early puberty, obesity, and resistance to chemotherapy. With this type of effect on humans, just imagine what BPA could be doing to our dogsmost of whom are much smaller!
Phthalates.Ever been curious about the No Phthalates disclaimer on those BPA-Free labels? Phthalates are dangerous chemicals that can also be emitted by plastic products. These chemicals, also known as plasticizers, are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics more flexible or resilient such as its application in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Phthalates are also used as solventssubstance that are used to dissolve a solute (a chemically different liquid, solid, or gas) into a solution. Phthalates are used in many items in our society including toys, food packaging, adhesives, vinyl flooring, hair spray, shampoo, and food bowls. However, the human effects of phthalates are not yet fully known but is currently being studied by several government agencies. In the
Twelfth Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Programin 2011, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
Other concerns. As you will see on HealthyStuff.organ organization that conducts research testing on consumer products for levels of lead, chlorine, arsenic, and other concerning chemicalsreveals several plastic pet bowls containing medium levels of lead despite being BPA-free and certified as food-safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Any of these chemicals can leach from plastic containers into your dogs food and water, potentially exposing them to dangerous chemicals with harmful side effects.
It is unfortunate because there are several food-safe plastics, such as those used in human plastics identified by their recycling codes. Sadly, the pet industry is slow to add this information to their products. As a result, we are often left not knowing which plastic pet bowl is safe and which ones are unsafe until it is recalled or completely removed from the market.
Sure, there are some safe plastic pet bowls out there; but how are you suppose to know which ones really are?
CERAMIC DOG BOWL
Ceramic pet bowls can be a good choice if you do some homework, choose carefully, and take care of them. The biggest concern is to ensure that the glazes used to coat the dog bowls does not contain lead or other harmful chemicals. Therefore, when selecting a ceramic bowl, make sure that certified for food use and it is coated with a lead-free glaze. It is important to routinely inspect the bowls for cracks and chips because these areas can harbor harmful bacteria. You also would not want your dog to accidentally ingest any loose pieces that can continue to break off from preexisting cracked or chipped areas.
STONEWARE DOG BOWL
There was not much concerns I had for stoneware pet bowlsuntil I learned about some of the moderate levels of dangerous lead in several everyday products including stoneware pet bowls in HealthyStuff.orgs 2009 research. Sure, small traces of lead seems to be in nearly every other item these days. In fact, out of the 400 pet products tested, a quarter of the items had detectable levels of lead. However, 7 percent of the tested products had lead levels that exceed 300 ppmthe standard for lead in childrens product set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Until it is tested, how are you suppose to know which stoneware pet bowls are truly lead-free or not?
According to the EWG, the insidious symptoms of slow lead poisoning includes infertility, mood swings, impaired intellect, memory loss, nerve, joint and muscle disorders, skeletal, renal, kidney, and cardiovascular problems, and possibly cancer. While some manufacturers advertise their stoneware bowls as lead-free; being the way I am, I still have my hesitations and doubts. However, Id still recommend stoneware over plastic bowls given the fewer concerning drawbacks.
SILICONE DOG BOWL
Silicone is one of the newest alternatives on the market today and its easy to see why. Nontoxic, nonstick, and rubber-like; high quality silicone products are highly heat-resistant (can be used with boiling water or in the oven if needed), does not retain stains or odors, and can be space-saving due to its collapsible feature.
So what exactly is silicone? Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds consisting of polymers that includes silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and occasionally other elements.
Unfortunately for me, due to its form and rigidity (or lack thereof), it is not very functional as a permanent pet bowl. It is, however, an outstanding collapsible dog bowl (and even human cereal bowl) for hiking, camping, and traveling! According to my wife, a chemist, silicone is one of the most stable compounds available and, due to its chemical composition and difficulty in producing free radicals (such as upon exposure to UV radiation), is chemically inert.
STAINLESS STEEL DOG BOWL
Ahstainless steel, the go-to choice for professional chefs, medical professionals, andthe Queen Dame (wife) of the household. Stainless steel dog bowls are non-porous which discourages bacteria, non-leaching, rust-resistant, and much easier to sanitize (dishwasher anyone?) properly. Although not perfect, stainless steel is exposed to far fewer chemicals than plastic products during the manufacturing process.
The most recent scare regarding stainless steel dog bowls occurred in mid-2012 when less than a dozen Petco stores throughout Illinois received stainless steel bowls containing low levels of radiation due to small quantities of Cobalt-60 being accidentally mixed in during the manufacturing process. According to Petcos notice, the affected products were limited to two cargo containers that entered the United States in late May and early June. Other than that, I have am not aware of any other significant drawbacks to using stainless steel pet bowls.
WHAT TYPE OF DOG BOWL BARKTHINK USE AND RECOMMEND
So are dogs and pet owners to do? Here at BarkThink, we recommend stainless steel
If properly cared for, stainless steel pet bowls will not trap dangerous bacteria or leach harmful chemicals. Care is pretty straight-forward and easy. Clean it out after every use with soap and hot water for sanitary reasons and avoid cleaning with abrasive materials such as steel wool. Or, if youre like me, just toss it into the dishwasher to sanitize. For an eco-friendly and low-cost alternative, clean with a simple mixture of vinegar and water.
Remember, be mindful of what you store your pet food in as well. The majority of pet storage containers are made of plastic; but there are a few alternative food storage containers coming onto the market now.
Share some of your dog bowls experiences with us! BarkThink, stay informed, learn more, and stay on top of thought-provoking topics with us!
Are Plastic Dog Bowls Safe? The Risks & Signs You Need To Know
There are many types of dog bowls on the market but are the plastic bowls safe for your dog, who will be eating and drinking out of these bowls each day? Plastic bowls are very popular with dog owners so this is an important question to answer.
I did some digging to find out if plastic bowls are safe for dogs and it turns out that:
Bowls that are made from high-quality, food-grade plastic are considered safest for dogs. Low-quality plastic, wear and tear, allergies, and dogs that like to chew can make plastic bowls unsafe for a dog. Every type of bowl has drawbacks, so if your dog likes plastic buy the best quality you can afford and manage the risks of plastic bowls.
Plastic bowls are a popular choice with dog owners because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and long-lasting. But plastic often gets a lot of criticism in the media and from advocacy groups.
There are actually benefits and risks with each type of dog bowl and who shares the dog bowl and who shares the dog bowl . Knowing the risks associated with plastic bowls and what to look for will help you decide if you want to use plastic bowls and how to minimize these risks, to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Lets look at all the reasons why plastic dog bowls might not be considered safe for dogs and what we can do to manage these risks.
Why plastic bowls may not be safe for dogs
Some groups claim that plastic releases chemicals
BPA is a chemical that is put into plastic to make it hard. BPA is found in a lot of things we use every day and, if tested, your doctor would probably find some BPA in your body right now.
Some doctors think that BPA gets into the body quickest and easiest through plastic containers for food and drink.
The problem is that experts and advocacy groups cannot seem to agree on what damage, if any, is caused by taking in BPA.
Some groups and researchers claim that BPA affects the liver, kidneys, brain, immune system, and other functions in the body. But these studies often make questionable and/or unverified claims when it comes to their findings on how bad BPA is.
The FDA states that:
BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods and that the use of BPA in food packaging and containers is safe.
Another 2-year government study found that authorized uses of BPA by the FDA is safe for consumers, with BPA not being much of a threat.
No studies have been done on the long-term effects of BPA on dogs, so theres no definitive evidence on this one way or another. Also, there are stringent FDA quality control standards set for human food-grade plastic products but not for pet products, especially those made in other countries and imported.
There is a list of FDA-approved plastics that the FDA deems safe for contact with food and drinks for human consumption.
If you want to use plastic dog bowls, buy the best quality, food-grade plastic that you can find. Choose bowls that are:
1. Made in the USA
2. Not made from recycled material (recycling can change its safety for food and drink contact)
3. Made from a plastic that is approved by the FDA, such as Polycarbonate and PET
If your dogs plastic food bowl ever gives off a strange smell, called off-gassing, changes shape in any way, or starts looking worn out, its time to get a new bowl.
Some dogs are allergic to plastic bowls
Some dogs are allergic to or become allergic to the plastic in a dog bowl. These dogs might be allergic to the type of plastic, or to one of the components used to make or dye the bowl.
When a dog that is allergic to plastic comes into contact with a plastic dog bowl, the dog gets contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis simply means that the skin becomes irritated and inflamed wherever it touches the thing its allergic to.
This dermatitis could show up as red skin, small bumps, blisters, cracked skin, raised itchy areas, ulcers, or a rash on the parts of the dog that touch the plastic bowl.
The dog could get dermatitis on its nose, around the mouth, along the chin, and even on its paws if the dog touches the plastic with its feet.
Some plastics have a chemical in them called p-benzylhydroquinone. This chemical affects the bodys ability to make melanin. More melanin gives a dog darker skin and less melanin makes the skin lighter. Its melanin that gives many dogs a dark black nose and lips.
A dog that is allergic to plastic and comes into direct contact with this chemical may lose some color in their nose and/or lips. These dogs often get pink, discolored patches on their nose or mouth.
This condition is called plastic-dish dermatitis because it is caused by plastic dishes specifically.
The simplest way to treat doggy dermatitis at the first sign of it is to remove the source of the trouble: plastic bowls.
If your dog has any lumps, rashes, discolored areas, or blisters on its face or neck, replace your dogs plastic dishes with ceramic bowls immediately (some dogs are also allergic to the nickel in steel bowls, so avoid these if your dog is showing signs of having allergies).
If the skin condition does not clear up on its own, youll need to see your veterinarian as your dog might be allergic to something else or have another skin condition, such as canine acne or vitiligo.
A dog might swallow pieces of plastic
Some dogs simply love to chew more than others, especially dogs that are younger than 7 months when their adult teeth are coming out, or if they suffer from pica and plastic is their food of choice.
These keen chewers might see their plastic bowl as another plastic dog toy and something to sink their teeth into.
If left unsupervised, a dog may chew off pieces from a plastic bowl and swallow them.
If the dog swallows enough plastic or a large-enough piece of plastic, the plastic may get stuck in the dogs digestive tract or cause internal damage and bleeding.
If you have a young teething puppy or a dog that loves to chew on hard plastic toys and destroy them, dont give your dog a plastic bowl. Choose safer dog bowls that are harder to chew, such as stainless steel or ceramic bowls.
Old plastic bowls can grow bacteria and cause infections
Over time, plastic dog bowls get scratches on their surface. These scratches might be from your dog chewing or scratching the bowl, you dropping the bowl, or tiny scratches from cleaning that you cant even see.
Mold and bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, can find their way into these scratches and grow there, even if you wash and clean the bowl regularly.
Its quite easy to stop mold from growing in a smooth or a new dog bowl, but you cant remove all the mold and bacteria from cracks in the surface of an older dog bowl.
If there is mold and bacteria in your dogs bowl, your dog could get quite ill.
And if the plastic bowl is damaged or rough from wear and tear, it could cause canine acne. This is because the rough surface breaks off fine hairs on the dogs muzzle and chin when the dog uses the bowl.
Each hair is kept in the skin by a follicle, which is a small sac that sits under the skins surface. When a hair breaks off from being rubbed against a rough surface, like a plastic bowl, its follicle can burst and irritate the skin around it. The irritated skin can react with red bumps or pimples.
These red bumps or pimples in dogs are called canine acne.
You can manage these risks by replacing your dogs plastic bowls regularly and checking your dogs face and chin for any signs of acne.
If your dog has been using the same plastic bowl for a while, the bowl has any rough surfaces or broken edges, or you can see cracks or scratches, its time to get a new dog bowl.
Its also good to keep your plastic bowl very clean, and heres exactly how to do that
3 steps to clean a plastic dog bowl
Here are 3 simple steps on how to clean plastic dog bowls properly:
Wash plastic bowls in hot, soapy water
Wash all of your dogs plastic bowls with hot, soapy waterevery day. This includes the food and water bowls.
You can wash the bowls in a bucket, the kitchen sink, or in the dishwasherif the bowl is dishwasher safe (high-quality plastic bowls generally are dishwasher safe these days).
I recommend keeping a separate soft sponge for washing the dogs bowls, and not using your household kitchen sponge for the job. This will stop you from spreading any germs and bacteria from the dogs bowls to your familys dishes.
Be sure to usenon-toxic soapthats pet friendly, such asthis affordable organic soap from Amazon.
If youre handwashing, give the bowls a few minutes to soak in very hot water so the soap can do its job. Then give the bowls a good scrub down with a soft sponge dont use a scourer or anything that might scratch the surface.
Rinse the bowls with clean water until there is no soap residue left.
Disinfect the bowl
Washing in hot water removes dirt on the surface of the bowls, such as natural oils from your fingers and saliva or food particles from your dogs mouth.
Once a week, disinfect the plastic bowls to kill bacteria and mold.
Most or all mold and bacteria in a plastic dog bowl can be killed or stopped by:
- Wiping the bowl with a non-toxic disinfectant wipe or spray.It is important to use non-toxic cleaning products that wont poison your dog.
- Running a clothes steamer over the bowl
- Putting water in the bowl and cooking it on high for a minute in the microwave
- Shining a UV light on the bowl
- Leaving the bowl out in the sun
- Freezing the dog bowl overnight
Here are the dog-friendly disinfecting products I recommend (Amazon affiliate links below)
Make sure the plastic bowl is dry
Once youve done the daily wash or the weekly disinfecting routine, make sure that the dog bowl is completely dry before packing it away or using it.
Mold and bacteria love growing in damp, dark places so dont leave them with any moisture to grow while they sit in the cupboard.
