If you thought that choosing dog food trays and bowls was easy, you were wrong! Ceramic, stainless steel, plastic, wood, flat or with edges, you have access to a wide choice of options.
The number of different models of trays and bowls for dogs is so large that the choice can be very complicated. The material, size, shape are all criteria to take into consideration.
Stainless steel or stainless steel bowls
The stainless steel bowls are light and do not affect the taste of food or water. They are easy to clean on a daily basis. The underside can be fitted with a non-slip coating to prevent the dog from moving its bowl while eating. Stainless steel bowls or trays are not offered in a large variety of colors but has good resistance over time. It also has the advantage of being hypoallergenic.
Plastic bowls and trays
The plastic bowls and trays are more eye-catching for the owner, as they are often very colorful or decorated with fanciful patterns. Beware of this material, as many dogs can develop an allergy with repeated contact with plastic. Plastic bowls do not age very well, as they end up scratching and becoming more difficult to clean. Over time, plastic material can impart an unpleasant odor to dog food or even water.
What about ceramic dog food bowls?
A ceramic bowl is usually heavy enough to be stable and not easlily tossed by your dog. It can be colored or decorated with patterns and is very easy to clean up. Ceramics do not alter the taste of food or water. The main drawback of this material remains its risk of breakage.
The right bowl size
The size of the bowl should be adapted to the size of your dog. Do not take a very small bowl if your dog is weighing more than 60 -70 lbs. Use a smaller bowl and adapt the size as the grows bigger. If you have a medium-sized dog, his puppy bowl can be kept for his entire life. Some bowls can be adapted on a tripod or an adjustable support to allow your dog to eat in a comfortable position, otherwise the use of dog food trays is a sensible and simple solution.
Choose the right shape
The good bowl shape has low edges. For dogs with long, hanging ears, a tall, pyramid-shaped bowl is very practical. Some dogs devour their food more than they eat. For them, there are special bowls, so-called anti-gluttonous bowls, to calm their voracity. A central island forces the dog to take only small bites and therefore forced to eat more slowly. The bottom of the bowl may have reliefs having the same effect. Dogs with short noses like bulldogs or boxers have specially designed bowls, both curved and striated.
What if I go on a trip?
Choose a foldable bowl for long trips. It stores easily in a bag. Also think about it for your hikes: essential for your dog to drink if you don’t come across a water point!
Want to build your own wooden dog food trays?
Like any good dog owner, you may want to offer your canine friend a practical way to appropriately feed himself. This DIY idea should please those of you who that are looking for an easy and simple way to make a nice looking tray for dog bowls.
Gone are the bowls that are tossed around at meal time, now they will remain in place and the surroundings will stay dry and clean. Also, if your dog finds it difficult to restrain himself from rushing into the bowl before you have put it on the ground, this support will seem very practical to you. Lift it up, fill the bowls and you’ll find it easier to set them up on the floor without worrying about spilling its content all over. You will also appreciate its sleek look that will turn the tray into a nicely designed storage unit.
Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1 : Start by making marks on your wooden cleats, at 5.5 inches then at 11 inches and finally at 14.5 inches and saw the pieces.
Step 2 : You will get 4 pieces of 3.5 inches, 4 pieces of 14.5 inches cm and 5 pieces of 5.5 inches. Sand them to avoid splinters.
Step 3 : Begin the assembly by screwing them.Reproduce a rectangle of the same size, without the central cleat.
Step 4 : Drill and screw a 5.5 inch strip in the center.
Step 5 : Finish the top part.
Step 6 : Reproduce a rectangle of the same size, without the central cleat.
Step 7 : Glue the 3.5 inch battens in each corner, vertically.
Step 8 : Glue the top part on the 4 pillars you just installed.
Final step : You will only have to add the bowls and you will have completed the making of your tray.
If you prefer, you can check out the video on how to make the tray.
Your dog will enjoy even more his food!