Do vets recommend stainless steel bowls

How To Clean Stainless Steel Dog Bowls (Proper Cleaning)

Your dogs health depends directly on its hygiene. The feeding bowl is the most vulnerable place for your precious pup, as the National Sanitation Foundation has found a dogs bowl to be the fourth most germ-contaminated item in a house. We usually keep an eye on the living space of our puppies but forget to take care of the bowls in which they eat. Among others, stainless steel bowls look fancy and durable, but how to clean stainless steel dog bowls? To address this, we have developed a helpful guide that will help you clean your puppys bowl properly and save you time and energy.

Before moving forward, do you know how a tainted bowl can affect your dogs health? When mixed with saliva, the food in your dogs bowl becomes a paste-like substance and sticks to the sides. It causes the contamination of bacteria and other pathogens, which can be deadly for your pet. Moreover, it causes a stinky smell, which can also be awful for you. Considering all the hygienic parameters, we have brought a complete manual for you to clean your pets pot effectively.

How Often Should I Clean My Stainless Steel Dogs Bowl?

A stainless steel delph is the best choice for your puppy as it is unbreakable and doesnt absorb water. But, it needs to be washed the same way we go for a washed dish when we want to eat something. Although vets recommend washing your dogs bowls daily, it is better to follow the given strategy to avoid compromising your pets health.

For Wet Food

The bowl in which wet foods like broth, soup, or raw are fed must be washed before feeding new food.

For Dry Food

Your dogs bowl must be washed every morning before you put food in it.

For Water Pot

For your dogs water pot, you may choose any time of day to wash and sanitize it

For The Dogs Food Mat

You may clean it daily with your regular detergent.

It is, however, recommended that you purchase a spare bowl rather than making your puppy wait for its food.

Read also: What Size Dog Bowl For 50 Pound Dog?

How To Clean Stainless Steel Dog bowls? (Effective Ways)

The effective way to clean a dogs bowl is to wash it and sanitize it against harmful bacteria using hot water, disinfectant-based soap, or detergent. Given how to achieve it,

Washing in Dishwasher

A dishwasher can easily clean stainless steel dog bowls. Rinse your dogs bowl under a water tap and remove all apparent contaminated food. After that, the bowl can be washed with regular soap or detergent, as the dishwashers heat will likely kill all the bacteria and germs if maintained at a temperature above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. To your satisfaction, you may repeat the process.

When washed the same way regularly, the dogs bowl can be cleaned with your dishes. Even if your pet is clean and healthy, that sounds strange.

A study on pet hygiene found that most bacteria stay in the bowl even after washing it the usual way. So, a thorough cleaning to get rid of germs includes,

Cleaning Your Dogs Bowl Cleaning a dogs bowl involves the removal of waste material with a soap-water mixture, which does not necessarily kill the pathogens.

Sanitizing Your Dogs Bowl Sanitizing decreases the number of microbes contaminating your dogs bowl by soaking the bowl in either detergent like dishwashing soap or any acidic medium like vinegar.

Disinfecting Your Dogs Bowl It is a method in which harmful bacteria and germs are killed by using chemicals like chlorine disinfectants or heating the bowl to elevated temperatures. Disinfecting, however, does not clean it.

These three processes are necessary to have a clean and hygienic feeding dish for your pup.

Handwashing

To wash your puppys bowl with your hands, remove all the leftover food and wash it with hot water. With a sponge soaked in soapy water, thoroughly clean the bowl to remove any food particles left behind. It is better to use a soft sponge, piece of cloth, or dog bowl cleaning brush with soft bristles to avoid any scratches. A scratched bowl is more likely to be contaminated than a plain bowl.

Soak the bowl in a mixture of water and soap for 10 to 15 minutes. Some people, however, like cleaning dog bowls with vinegar, which is also good practice as vinegar also works as a disinfectant. Now, rinse with plenty of water and then dry it.

You can easily clean stainless steel dog bowls with any of the methods mentioned above to get a germless clean mazer for your pup.

Hot Water Treatment

Sometimes the bowls interior has food traces in the complicated corners that cannot be seen or cleaned with a regular sponge or dog bowl cleaning brush. In that case, comes hot water treatment. First, remove any remnant food, and put the bowl under the faucet for a while to run water all over it. Then soak the bowl in boiling water for 1015 minutes. After that, remove it from the water and let it cool. Then rinse it with a soapy scrubber gently and wash it with tap water. Lastly, dry the dogs bowl with a piece of cloth or towel.

Doing so will not only remove the residual food but also, at such a high temperature, kill the microbes like Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and E. coli, which cause skin disease and stomach and intestine infections in dogs.

Safe Dish Soaps For Dogs

One of the best things about stainless steel dog bowls is that we can easily clean them with dish soap. However, what needs a proper check is the PH of the soap. Any detergent with a PH of more than 8 is unsuitable for your pups bowl washing. Because even a tiny amount of soap/water mixture could cause vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating in your dog, causing problems for you and this poor soul, vets recommend looking for those dish soaps or detergents whose PH lies between 6.5 and 7.

Plastic, Ceramic, or Stainless Steel Dogs Bowl which is easy to clean?

When selecting a feeding bowl for your little friend, you have three choices: plastic bowls, ceramic bowls, and metallic bowls. Regarding clean dog bowls, material matters the most; well talk about each one, pointing out its pros and cons in terms of cleanliness so that you can decide which one is best for your dog.

Plastic Dog Bowls

They are very cheap, lightweight, and come in attractive colors and shapes compared to other materials. In addition to that, they are durable, and you might not have to worry if your puppy eats them or plays with them. But that isnt a good criterion for choosing a bowl for your pup! One must also consider the hygiene of the material, as in the case of a plastic pot, scratches appear after some time. And these rubbed breed pathogens, causing fatal illnesses among pets.

Plastic bowls, after washing, can carry those microbes. Moreover, they are not suitable for heat treatments (mentioned earlier).

Ceramic Bowls

Ceramic bowls are easy to wash as they can be cleaned with dish soap and can even withstand heat treatment, unlike plastic ones. But, they are fragile and therefore have a limited life compared to plastic and stainless-steel bowls. Moreover, over time, they develop micro-cracks, which are hardly visible to us but can also induce the growth of microorganisms.

Metallic Bowls

Metallic bowls are the sturdiest ones. They can be made of metals like copper, silver, cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. The most commonly used are stainless steel bowls. They are known for their durability and hygiene. Also, they are the best dog bowls for small dogs, as unlike plastic and ceramic dishes, they do not harbor germs. Therefore, cleaning stainless steel dog bowls is not rocket science now, as stainless steel bowls are dishwasher-friendly and are easy to heat treat. Moreover, cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection, all three necessary steps of washing, can be done with them.

Consequently, stainless steel bowls stand out among all other dishes for their durability or hygiene.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

What is The Best Way To Clean My Dogs Bowl?

The best way to clean your dogs bowl is to wash it in a dishwasher following three processes, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

Can I Put My Stainless Steel Dog Bowl in The Dishwasher?

It is perfect to put your stainless steel dog bowl in a dishwasher, but before that, a thorough cleaning with soap and water is necessary.

The Final Thought

We have covered all the practical methods that will tell you how to clean stainless steel dog bowls? Following the strategies mentioned above, you will be able to take care of your pets health and feel satisfied. Have you already tried any of the methods covered in this article? Let us know in the comments.

Are stainless steel water bowls safe for dogs?

Stainless steel bowls tend to be at the top of the totem pole when it comes to safe dog bowls. Theres a reason that stainless steel is a go-to for top chefs everywhere. Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it wont hold onto bad bacteria, plus it is super easy to clean which keeps it sanitary for your pup.

What type of dog bowl is best for water?

Stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic are all popular options. If you have a dog who tends to make a mess when drinking, you might want to consider a bowl with a lip or edge. Some bowls come with filters that can help keep the water clean and fresh.

Should dogs drink water out of a metal bowl?

Metal bowls are fine for water as are ceramic bowls with a lead-free, food quality glaze. Plastic bowls arent as good because the pores can build up bacteria.

Are glass or stainless steel bowls better for dogs?

Stainless steel dog bowls are the best dish you can get for your pup because they offer the ultimate in ease, health, and safety. Stainless steel bowls are super easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and non-porous. These bowls wont hold on to any harmful bacteria.

Are stainless steel water bowls safe for dogs? Related Questions

What is the safest type of dog bowl?

The easiest type of bowl to keep clean and, not incidently, also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dogs food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.

Do vets recommend elevated dog bowls?

Raised Feeders and Bloat

Theres no evidence to suggest that elevated feeders reduce the risk of bloat. In fact, studies done on this topic suggest that raised feeders may actually increase the risk of bloat, especially with large- and giant-breed dogs.

Are glass bowls good for dogs?

Like ceramic bowls, glass bowls are non-porous and easy to keep clean. But they are definitely breakable so theyre not the best for large or rowdy dogs. But theyre readily available and come in various sizes. Most small dogs will do well with glass bowls.

Do stainless steel dog bowls get hot in the sun?

Stainless steel bowls are a great choice for dogs with sensitive skin, but should never be used outdoors as they can become very hot in the sun and frozen in the cold.

Why are metal bowls better for dogs?

When choosing a dog bowl for your pet, we recommend selecting a stainless steel or aluminum bowl, or at least a metal alloy that wont rust. Metal is easier to clean and doesnt allow bacteria to grow. Its durable, discourages chewing, and doesnt change the flavor or leak harmful chemicals.

What is the best dog bowl for outside?

9 Best Outdoor Dog Water Bowls in 2022

• Coldest Dog Bowl Small Stainless Steel Non-Slip Dog Bowl.
• PETLESO Dog Automatic Waterer Bowl.
• Neater Pet Brands Big Bowl Extra Large Water Bowl for Dogs.
• Maslow 88078 Standard Bowl, Stainless Steel.
• K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Outdoor Heated Dog Water Bowl.

Should dog bowls be raised off the floor?

Having your dogs bowl higher off the ground puts less strain on your dogs neck. So if your dog is older or struggles with joint or bone issues, elevated bowls are a great way to make them comfortable when they eat. If you have a large or giant breed dog, elevated bowls arent going to be the best fit.

What can I use instead of a dog bowl?

Your standard metal muffin pan. Sprinkle food or treats into it right-side up, or flip it upside-down to create a puzzle bowl. (Add some sticky tack to the bottom to keep it in place, if needed.)

Should dog bowls be raised or on the floor?

A dog bowl raised just slightly off the ground will help your dog reach their food and water without having to strain or perform their eating and drinking at an uncomfortable angle.

Do elevated food bowls cause bloat in dogs?

According to the study, approximately 20 and 52% of cases of GDV (bloat) among the large breed and giant breed dogs, respectively, were attributed to having a raised feed bowl.

Do elevated bowls cause bloat?

How does an elevated dog food dish can cause bloat? Well Its because a raised feeder encourages the pooch to eat at a faster than normal pace. Secondly, results in the dog to breathe in more air than necessary. These above two causes are the main culprits for the Bloat Condition in dogs.

How far off the ground should dog bowls be?

To calculate this starting height: Measure from the floor to your dogs chest (even with the top of their back). Next subtract 6 from this measurement. The result is typically the maximum height you should consider.

How many bowls should a dog have a day?

Dogs should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.

How many bowls should a dog have?

One bowl of water per pet should be available at all times.

At home he should have a clean, full water bowl next to his food dish, another in his play area, and possibly a third one that is accessible at night.

Why are elevated dog bowls better?

Raised feeders provide ease of access to food and water which can help facilitate movement of food when traveling from the mouth to the stomach. Consuming food from elevated dog bowls places less strain on the dogs neck, hips, shoulders and joints, which promotes better posture.

Should dogs bend down to eat?

Elevated bowls can make eating easier for your dog.

Decreasing the amount your dog has to bend down can put less stress on your dogs neck, making meal time easier and more enjoyable.