5 Tips for Selecting Dollar General Dog Bowls

Get your furry companion the best Dollar General dog bowl to make certain it enjoys its meals. Serving your dog food in the right bowl is the first step in ensuring your dog eats healthy and relishes its food.

However, choosing the best dog feeder from a store such as Dollar General can be challenging. This’s because they vary in shape, size, height, weight, and durability.

Don’t worry though.

This post lists the benefits of dog bowls,  types of dog bowls, and tips for selecting Dollar General dog bowls.

Benefits of using dog bowls

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Wondering whether you should invest in Dollar General dog bowls? Here are some reasons to do so:

• A good dog bowl ensures your dog is comfortable while feeding. For instance, elevated dog bowls are ideal if your dog suffers from arthritis. It won’t have to stretch or strain to access its food.
• Dog bowls keep the feeding area clean. This safeguards your mutt from diseases and allergies. No more visits to the vet!
• Dog bowls make swallowing become more effortless and thus prevent choking.
• They are portable. This can be helpful when traveling.
• If your dog is a fast eater, it can benefit from a slow feeder dog bowl. This can prevent digestive complications.

Types of Dollar General dog bowls

Here’s the lowdown of the different types of Dollar General dog bowls.

Plastic dog bowls

Plastic Dollar General dog bowls are probably the most common. However, experts advise against plastic dog bowls for reasons we will uncover in a few.

Pros

• Plastic dog bowls are cheaper than stainless steel and ceramic dog bowls.
• They are ideal for dogs that don’t like looking at their reflection while feeding.
• Unlike ceramic dog bowls, they rarely crack when dropped.  

 Cons

• Some plastics contain chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalance when ingested.
• Plastic can cause chin acne and irritation in some breeds.
• Plastic quickly accumulates scratches which can harbour bacteria.

Ceramic dog bowls

Although ceramic dog bowls are better than plastic, they have their pros and cons.

Pros

• Ceramic dog bowls come in more classy designs.
• They are easy to clean because of their protective glaze.
• Aesthetically appealing.

Cons

• Less durable. One drop can crack or shatter your ceramic bowl.
• Some contain lead because of the glazes used to protect them. Lead is a toxic chemical and can harm your dog.

Stainless steel dog bowls

Most pet owners agree stainless steel dog bowls are the best because they are long-lasting and dishwasher friendly.

Pros

• Durable compared to plastic and ceramic dog bowls. They don’t break or crack when they drop.
• Relatively light and portable.
• Easy to clean.
• They are ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.

Cons

• They can be loud, especially if your dog is a messy eater.
• Stainless steel dog bowls can rust if exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Elevated dog bowls

Elevated dog bowls ensure your dog stays upright while feeding. 

Pros

• Cleaner to maintain as your pet won’t drop much food on the floor/ground.
• It improves digestion since swallowing becomes easier when the dog is standing.

Cons

• A bit more expensive
• They are available in various sizes, making it challenging to select the right size for your dog.

Slow feeder dog bowls

Some dogs eat fast. This can lead to bloating or even vomiting. However, you can invest in Dollar General slower feeder dog bowls. These bowls have a bunch of obstructions that your dog has to go around to access the food. The blocks and ridges slow the dog down. They come in various materials – plastic, ceramic, and stainless.

Pros

• Slows down your dog’s eating rate allowing it to enjoy the food.
• Less likely to chock.
• Improves digestion.

Cons

• There is a possibility that your dog could damage their teeth while getting the food.
• It can result in a messy floor, especially when the dog tries to get the food out.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic dog dispensers are available in both programmable and non-programmable versions. They are perfect for busy people.

Pros

• It allows you to feed your pet even if you aren’t home.
• Keeps water readily available to your dog.

Cons

• With food right there, your dog could break-in.
• Expensive

What to consider before buying Dollar General dog bowls

Before buying any dog feeders, there are things to keep in mind.

1. Material

Do you prefer plastic, ceramic or stainless steel Dollar General dog bowls? Check out the pros and cons of each before making a choice.

2. Dog Size

The size of a dog affects the amount of food it eats. Small dogs eat less food compared to medium and large dogs. We recommend getting a larger Dollar General dog bowl to accommodate more food if you have a Great Dane. In the same vein, an elevated dog bowl is not ideal for your small dog.

3. Your dog’s eating habits

If you have a fast and messy eater, you’ll need to invest in a slow eater feeder. This can help prevent digestive issues. On the other hand, go for a ceramic or stainless steel Dollar General dog bowl if you have an aggressive furry friend.

4. Size of  your dog’s ears

Some dog species have long ears.  Examples of such dog breeds include labs, beagles, and hounds. If their ears dip in food, it could lead to diseases such as Aural Hematoma. You can prevent this by going for slim Dollar General dog bowls.

5. Your daily Schedule

You’ll find an automatic dog bowl handy if you travel a lot and don’t want to hire a dog sitter. Automatic feeders release food and water automatically when it’s feeding time.

Conclusion

As we sum up, we hope that you found this guide for selecting Dollar General dog bowls helpful. If you buy a suitable dog bowl, your dog will be healthier. No more digestive disorders!

Go through the pros and cons of each dog bowl we ‘ve listed before making the next purchase. Keep it here for related content. Have you read our article on deaf dog accessories to keep your dog safe?