Is it bad for dogs to use metal bowls

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 Program

in 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 and silicone products such as OurPets Durapet Premium Rubber-Bonded Stainless Steel Dog Bowl and Guyot Designs Silicone Pet Bowl. Stainless steel is widely understood as one of the safest food and water containers (for both pets and humans). It is what I personally use for all of my pets meals and water, both cats and dogs. When I am traveling or in need of a compact bowl, I either use a collapsible bowl made out of food-grade silicone or carry a dedicated stainless steel dog sports bottle.

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!

Whats the Best Material for Cat Bowls? Types, Pros & Cons

Most cat owners understand the importance of feeding high-quality food to their cats, but they pay less attention to the quality and features of the bowls they fill. Your cat will eat and drink from their bowls several times a day, and if they suffer an allergic or toxic reaction to the bowl material, it could lead to serious illness. Some cats are picky and may enjoy eating from stainless steel but not drinking from it. They might refuse to eat their meals in anything other than ceramic.

The 3 Types of Cat Bowls

Food bowls should be large enough to hold a meal and allow unrestricted access to the food. The opening should not be too narrow or restricted in any way.Water bowls need to be large enough to hold a reasonable amount of water, but for some animals, you must ensure that the water is not too deep. Small animals can climb inside and may not be able to get out again.

Buy bowls specifically for kittens or puppies, and upgrade once they get older. Note that some food and water bowls may only be available in a restricted range of materials.

1. Elevated Bowls

Elevated feeders enable your cat to eat without dipping their head down to the ground level. This reduces strain on the neck. However, research suggests that large and giant breeds are more likely to develop bloat when using this type of bowl.

2. Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders deliver a set amount of food at specific times or intervals. They can be used if you go to work during the day or to ensure you dont forget to feed your cat. Although these bowls may be made from any material, it is common to find plastic variants.

3. Water Fountains

Similarly, water fountains tend to be made from plastic, though the better quality models are stainless steel. Some animals do not like to drink stagnant water, while others guzzle bowls of water a day. A well-designed water fountain reminds your pet that they need to drink, offers fresh and constantly filtered water, and can be beneficial when youre working.

Our Favorite Cat Water Fountain

Making sure your cat drinks enough water can require a little creativity and the right fountain choice! A nicely made product like Hepper's Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain will encourage your cat to stay hydrated by providing fresh, flowing water. We particularly like this model because it's easy to clean and offers excellent triple filtration, multiple flow modes, and a large capacity.

Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain

• Premium 304-Grade Stainless Steel - This metal cat water fountain is hygienic, with superior...
• Serene & Healthy Cat Drinking Fountain Experience - With whisper-quiet pumping & an advanced...
• Say Goodbye to Dehydration - Provide your cat with a constant source of flowing water with this...

At Catster, weve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Top 3 Cat Bowl Materials

Bowls are primarily made of three materials: plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic.

1. Plastic

Plastic is everywhere. It is cheap, easy to make, and light enough to ship and move around. However, it is also the least healthy option, contains potentially dangerous chemicals, and can be quite flimsy and lead to ingestion.

Pros

• Cheap: Plastic became the prevalent consumer material of the 20^th century because of its low cost. Creating a plastic bowl costs a fraction of a ceramic or steel bowl, and some of the savings are passed on to customers. Plastic bowls are available for a few dollars.
• Lightweight: Plastic is easy to move around and can be stored anywhere. Its lightweight nature makes it equally suitable for travel.
• Flexible: Plastic can be molded into any shape, it can be constructed with one, two, or more walls, and it can be thick or thin, according to the manufacturing requirements. It is also flexible.

Cons

• Harmful Content: Plastic can contain BPA, phthalates, and other potentially harmful materials. They can adversely affect the health and development of your pet since they can chew on and consume small amounts of plastic over time.
• Impossible to Clean: Abrasive damage to plastic causes small gouges and marks that harbor bacteria. No matter how well you clean the bowl, the bacteria can remain.
• Light: Being lightweight is not only a benefit of plastic but also a drawback. Your cat can easily push a plastic bowl around while eating, and it can topple over and spill the liquid and food.

2. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is widely considered the healthiest and best material for cat food bowls. There are different grades of stainless steel. Try to ensure that the steel being used is considered food-grade. Also, avoid thin stainless-steel bowls since theyre lighter and easier for cats to move around.

Pros

• Durable: Stainless steel can be banged around and only suffer a few minor dints. Choose one with a rubber base to prevent slippage and further reduce damage.
• Dishwasher Safe: Because it does not suffer the same abrasive damage as plastic, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain. It can even be put in the dishwasher, but the rubber base may prevent that on some models.
• Inexpensive: Stainless steel is cheap, and bowls made from the material can be bought for a few dollars.
• Safe: If made using food-grade stainless steel, it is safe to eat from and should not leach any dangerous substances into the food.

Cons

• Noisy: Stainless steel is noisy, especially if you have a vigorous eater. It will rattle around when used by excited pets, hence the need for a rubber non-slip base.
• Different Grades of Material: There are different grades of stainless steel, and you must ensure that the bowl you choose is safe. If the manufacturer fails to disclose the grade of stainless steel used, it would be best to avoid it.

Our Favorite Cat Bowl

Choosing the right food and water bowls for our feline companions can pose certain challenges for pet owners. After careful consideration and research, we have found a bowl that we cannot recommend highly enough! The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl provides a chic and innovative solution that supports cat-specific needs, such as shallow bowls and a subtle elevation that fosters whisker relief and posture comfort, as well as improves digestion.

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...

• NO MESS - The 360 tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
• WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
• CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

It features an elegant contemporary design with a wide wrap-around tray aimed at minimizing any messes from ending up on your floor! Furthermore, this bowl is entirely dishwasher safe, so pet owners can spend more time with their cats instead of cleaning up after them. Discover why the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is right for both you and your kitty by clicking here.

At Catster, weve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

3. Ceramic

Ceramic bowls come in many sizes and designs. They are more expensive than plastic and metal bowls, but some owners prefer the heft of the ceramic option.

Pros

• Stable: Ceramic is heavy, and a ceramic bowl can prevent your cat from pushing their food around the floor and toppling the water bowl.
• Design Options: Ceramics can be glazed and coated and come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, so there is a suitable option for all.

Cons

• Need Regular Cleaning: As a porous material, ceramic needs regular cleaning, and it can be difficult to scrub away baked-on food.
• Easily Damaged: Although its heavy, ceramic is more easily damaged than stainless steel. Drop a thick ceramic bowl, and you could smash the bowl and the floor underneath.
• Varying Quality: Some glazes and paints are lead-based, which is dangerous, and some will flake away into your pets food and water. Ensure that you buy good-quality ceramic.

Conclusion

Stainless steel is considered the best material for cat bowls. Food-grade steel is safe to eat and drink from, inexpensive, and easy to clean. It is also less harmful to the environment than plastic, but it can be noisy, and you should ensure that you get a good grade of stainless steel.

Check out these articles on different types of cat bowls:

Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock