Is it necessary to clean your dog's bowl?
As a dog owner, I have spoken to many owners who haven't cleaned their dog's bowl. Ever.
That's right...these dog owners never even thought to wash their dog's bowl. This was not a case of negligent pet owners. As typical dog owners, they didn't know any better.
How often do you wash your dog's bowls? You don't have to feel guilty.
You should, however, consider routinely washing your dog's bowl for one significant reason...your puppy's health. Cleaning your dog's bowl is cheaper than going to the vet, so you don't need me to tell you that.
In addition to affecting your dog, these nasty germs can also harm your children. Playing on the floor with your dog's bowl can cause them to put their fingers in their mouth - which is why you need to baby-proof it. Bacteria found in dirty dog bowls may also cause illness in family members with weak immune systems.
Lastly, dirty bowls can stink, which is another reason to wash your dog's bowl. You might not notice it, but your guests probably will. It's just polite of them not to bring it up.
Last but not least, feeding your dog outdoors, regardless of how small, attract unwanted guests - ants! Regular cleaning can prevent these problems. Why take a chance?
Whenever you prepare dinner, do you grab a new plate or a used one? Besides making your dog's meal less appealing, unclean dog bowls can also make him sick. Take a moment to put yourself in your dog's shoes (or paws).
Bacteria can grow rapidly on dried food material and saliva without proper cleaning. Just as we clean our plates after eating, washing them after every use is ideal.
The National Sanitation Foundation ranked dog bowls as the fourth most germ-filled place in a house, after dish sponges and the kitchen sink. Bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can be found in dog bowls, water bowls, algae, and mold. It is important to note that these things can negatively affect not only the health of your pet but also your human family members.
Simply wiping a bowl or rinsing away visible food is not a thorough clean. Wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions, including any recommended sanitising procedure.
When should you wash your dog's bowl?
It is recommended that you wash your dog's bowl every day.
Slow feeder Dog bowl with dry food: If you feed your dog kibble, his bowl should be washed after each meal. If your dog is fed canned food or raw meat, his slow-feeder bowl should be washed and sanitised after every meal. It is imperative to wash your dog's water bowl at least once a day.
A dog mat should be cleaned daily to protect your carpet or floor from spills. What a lot of cleaning, huh? Having a spare slow feeder bowl while the other bowls are being washed is a great idea. Then your dog doesn't have to wait until you clean his slow feeder dog bowl before eating.
You have two options when it comes to cleaning your dog's bowl:
You'll have to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Although this method might be the most labour-intensive, it's also the fastest way to clean your dog's bowl. It is your only option if your dog's bowl isn't dishwasher-safe. Luckily Super Feedy slow feeder bowls are dishwasher safe.
The first step is to grab your dish soap. It all begins with high-quality dish soap. My dog's bowl is washed with the same natural dish soap I use.
The second step is to grab a dedicated dog bowl sponge. Although I share a lot with my dog, I draw the line at my kitchen sponge. Your kitchen sponge is already the germiest place in your house. You don't have to use your dish sponge in your dog's bowl. Instead, grab a second sponge or cloth that you only use for your dog's bowl. Make sure you choose a different colour than your usual sponge to tell them apart.
You should also choose a sponge made from a non-scratch material for plastic dog bowls - any scuffs or scratches are breeding grounds for bacteria.
The third step is to get washing! It would help if you used dish soap on your sponge to clean your dog's bowl in hot water, wiping away any grease or leftover dog food.
Make sure to rinse well with clean water and dry afterwards. It's as simple as that.
Putting it in the dishwasher is the easiest way to clean a dog bowl if you're short on time. Check your bowl's washing instructions. It is important to remember that not all dog bowls can be put in the dishwasher.
- Super Feedy slow-feeder bowls can be washed on the top rack according to their care instructions.
- For stainless steel bowls, check the manufacturer's dishwasher guidance.
- For ceramic bowls, check the manufacturer's dishwasher guidance and replace bowls with chips or cracks.
Perhaps you last cleaned your dog's bowl a while ago. Maybe the hot sun has hardened uneaten leftover food like cement. Whatever the reason, if you are having trouble removing stubborn food from your dog's bowl, here's what to do:
Let it soak in soapy water. You can soften and lift caked-on dog food with a long soak in hot, soapy fresh water. After cleaning your bowl, wash it in cool water and gently scrub it to remove any dog food clinging to it.
Here's the bowl on dishwashers
Use a dishwasher only when the bowl is dishwasher safe, following its specified rack position and temperature guidance. Do not assume the highest-heat setting is suitable for every material. If sanitising is needed, use a method approved for the bowl and follow the sanitising product's food-contact instructions, including dilution, contact time and rinsing. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Wash your hands and clean food-preparation surfaces after handling used pet bowls, especially after raw food.
The Super Feedy Slow Feeder Bowl is made of food-contact material free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Its ridges and pattern are designed to slow food access, but results vary. A slow feeder does not guarantee prevention of bloat or regurgitation. Read our guide to bloat in dogs for symptoms and emergency guidance, and seek veterinary advice for repeated regurgitation.
Conclusion
Regular bowl cleaning supports good hygiene for your dog and household. How often do you clean your dog's bowl?
