Choosing The Right Food Bowl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There's such a wide variety of food and water bowls on the market for both dogs and cats that it can be difficult to choose what's best.

The stainless steel food and water bowls for dogs are always a good choice because they're economical, come in various sizes, are very easy to clean, help to keep the water cool and they're difficult to chip or scratch. That's actually very important because even small scratches in the dish can retain and harbor germs, which can ultimately lead to an infection. Ceramic bowls are sturdy come in many colors and are easy to clean but unfortunately, they can easily crack. Plastic ones may pose allergic reactions in some dogs and cats and they tend to develop hairline cracks, which can breed germs.

Stainless steel bowls seem to be the most practical, being safe durable and inexpensive.

Automatic feeders are helpful to keep a consistent schedule for your cat. For travel, there are the collapsible bowls and even ones with Velcro that attach to the car floor with a spill-proof plate.

Placemats are always helpful to keep the surrounding area clean. No matter the type of bowls you choose, be sure to always provide fresh water at all times and to clean both food and water bowls thoroughly on a daily basis.

Reported By Nan Talleno, KYW Newsradio