08/29/2025
Your pet’s food and water bowls can be a hotspot for bacteria?🦠
Research shows that while 67% of pet owners use metal bowls, only about one-third actually wash them after meals, some just give them a quick wipe. That’s exactly how the bacterial party begins 🤢. And that slimy layer that forms in water bowls after a day? That’s biofilm...a coating of bacteria that’s extremely hard to remove. Biofilm can harbor harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and MRSA, making it easy for infections to spread from your dog to your family.🦠⚠️
The type of food matters too. Wet food tends to harbor more bacteria than dry, and the leftover moisture mixed with dog saliva creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
Here's a quick break down of the pros and cons of different types of bowls:
🥣Plastic: Chemicals in plastic can leach over time and interfere with melanin production, potentially causing “Plastic Dish Nasal Dermatitis,” which leaves your dog’s nose and lips pink and irritated.
🫖Ceramic: According to Hartpury scientists, ceramic bowls can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and MRSA, especially if the glaze is cracked and the bowl keeps being used.
🥄Stainless steel: Low-quality steel bowls have occasionally been recalled for heavy metal contamination. Stick to high-grade stainless (18/8 or 304 steel) from trusted brands.
🥛Glass: Durable, borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) is a safe, kitchen-friendly option for both food and water.
🧼 No matter the material, the best way to protect your pet (and your family) is simple: wash bowls after every meal with hot water and soap. Once a week, run them through your dishwasher’s hot cycle. You can also disinfect by coating with hydrogen peroxide, waiting five minutes, then rinsing.
For more on picking nontoxic, safe bowls? Comment FOREVERDOG, and we’ll message you a link to our book The Forever Dog LIFE. Check out part one, The Forever Kitchen, section “Food & Water Bowls,” for all the tips on keeping your dog’s mealtime safe and healthy 🌱⚠️.
