Feeding dishes

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I was curious as to what type of feeding dishes everyone uses. I used to use plastic, but when I got Rory, I switched to metal. But the dog nutritionist that I buy my kibble from, said he only uses rubber bowls. He said that the plastic releases estrogens. Therefore, I am interested to find out what everyone uses.

 

[dmcgynn]

I use the metal bowls, hadn't heard about them releasing anything, now I am curious too.

Diane

 

[sarnewfie]

I use the metal bowls, plastic and rubber can make them break out in the chin area into acne.
i put the metal bowls inside of the flexi feeders mostly set at the highest setting.
i also noticed that plastic can discolor white coat.

 

[brady]

We use metal as well in one of those elevated feeders.

 

[Annie Milliron]

We use strictly stainless steel. This was our breeder's recommendation when we got Cora, and we've stuck to it ever since.

 

[Summer]

I use a raised stand with stainless steel for water and kibble. I also have large heavy glass bowls I put down with special food I know they will eat right down. I tried plastic, only cause I had one from years prior, but my newf would carry it around and try chewing on it. She can't get her teeth to grab glass so it stays put. Also the glass doesn't have a corner for the food to get stuck. She has dragged the stand over to me when she wants the water fresh. Actually, after she's dragged the stand around, it just plain needs water.

 

[Kodiak]

Lynn, my husband followed GAD's instructions from his website and built the elevated feeder but added 2 inches on the height. I use the 5 qt stainless bowls and it works great for Kodi.

Brenda and Kodi

 

[Jeannie]

I, too, use stainless steel bowls and raised feeders. I used plastic when I for awhile, but Samantha kept having raw spots on her mouth. My vet said she was allergic to the plastic to I switched to stainless steel. He also said crock would be ok too but I was afraid they would break to easily. OH her sores cleared right up after switching.

------------------
Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[Cathy Nelson]

I thought GAD's FAQ said no raised dishes. I am getting very confused.
Cathy and Odin

 

[ekurek]

NewfYork,

I'm a product design engineer for a med. device and med. implant mfger. Based on my experience with different materials and their biologic impact - I would say there's nothing good in plastic bowls that anyone should ever want to leach out into their dog's diet. HOWEVER, plastic bowls are typically inert and usually the plastic material itself is not always the cause of skin reactions, etc.... In fact people with sensitive skin and/or specific allergies sometimes need to use plastic razors over steel for shaving.

Regarding "Rubber".... I would guess your nutritionist actually means plastized rubber or most probably "Plastic" when they talk about what they're using. Because actual rubber is not a material that you (typically) want to make food bowls out of. Check out your tires on your car.....

To summarize; Stainless Steel bowls (specifically 18-8 SS) are probably the safest thing for your dog's health. BUT PLEASE , ANYONE WHO HAS PLASTIC BOWLS - Please don't feel like you need to throw them out.

The only thing I personally prefer about stainless steel is the fact that the material doesn't absorb food, germs, etc, hence it's easier (in my opinion) to keep sanitary.

I hope this helps a little.

Regards,
The Kureks
and their new Newf Pup (Angel)

 

[Luca's Dad]

i built an elevated paltform for luca and he eats out of nice marble bowls both for water and food.....he is one spoiled puppy.....

Rudy

 

[Jeannie]

Ekurek,
Thank you for the expert advice. So tell my could have Sam be allergic to the plastic causing the sores along her flews? It cleared up once I stopped using plastic!! Was it just a coincedence?

It is best to feed using a raised feeder. (I don't think GAD said not to feed on a raised feeder) Newfs are prone to bloat as any deep chested dog is. Feeding at a raised level helps stop them from gulping air, this reducing the risk for bloat. I always feed on a raised feeder.

------------------
Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[mollysmom]

What I find very interesting in this study is the bowl placement. For years it's been the right thing to raise their bowls. Now it's the wrong thing to do. Everyone at my house will be eating on the floor now.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I saw a vet on TV a few months ago talking about bloat, and he said that they really did not know how it is caused and that there was not a lot one could do to prevent it. He said that Danes were the most susceptable.
But he basically said not to knock yourself out trying to prevent it since there is not much one can do and it is difficult to pin point which dog is at a risk. But I too have heard that feeding elevated can be a contributing factor as well as a preventative. My 5 mo old, Rory, won't eat when I elevate her dish, when she sees my other dogs eating on the floor, that's where she wants to eat too.