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Bowls & fountains: which one to choose for your dog or cat?
Properly hydrating and feeding your pet is simple… if you choose the right equipment. In this guide, we compare bowls (materials, height, non-slip) and fountains (flow rate, filters, noise, maintenance) to help you make the right choice based on your pet, your home, and your routine.
Summary
- Bowl or fountain: which to choose?
- Bowl materials: stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, bamboo
- Size, capacity & height: properly sized
- Fountains: flow rate, filters, noise, maintenance
- Quick reference guide: 6 profiles → 6 recommendations
- Care & hygiene: the routine that works
- FAQ
1) Bowl or fountain: which to choose?
Bowl = simplicity, low cost, easy maintenance. Fountain = circulating water that stimulates consumption (useful for cats or dogs that drink little) + filtration of impurities.
- Choose a bowl if: tight budget, pet already drinks well, you change the water 1–2 times/day, need a compact meal set .
- Choose a fountain if: cat is “fussy” with stagnant water, dog doesn’t drink much, needs a continuous flow and filtered water.
👉 Tip: many households combine a fountain (water) + a bowl (kibble) to limit crumbs in the water.
2) Bowl materials: advantages & disadvantages
| Matter | Benefits | Points to be aware of | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Hygienic, robust, lightweight, non-porous, customizable . | May slip → prefer anti-slip ring . | Dogs/cats of all ages, for daily use. |
| Ceramic | Heavy (stable), designer look, odor-neutral. | Brittle, glaze joint to monitor (micro-cracks). | Calm cats/dogs, well-kept interiors. |
| Plastic | Lightweight, economical, non-slip varieties. | Porous depending on quality, scratches easily (bacterial pockets) → regular replacement . | Temporary travel solutions. |
| Bamboo/wood | Natural look, elegant supports. | Avoid prolonged contact with water (swelling), prefer to use an inserted stainless steel bowl. | Dining area “furniture” + removable stainless steel bowl. |
👉 To limit water splashes: add a diatomaceous earth mat under the feeding area.
3) Size, capacity & height: properly dimensioned
Recommended capacity (guidelines)
- Cats / small dogs (<10 kg) : 200–400 ml (water) • 300–500 ml (kibble).
- Medium dogs (10–25 kg) : 500–1000 ml (water) • 700–1200 ml (kibble).
- Large dogs (25–45 kg+) : 1000–2000 ml (water) • 1.5–2.5 L (kibble according to ration).
Height & comfort
- Elevated bowl : more comfort for senior/arthritic and large breed dogs. Keep it reasonable (elbow height ≈ bowl height).
- Non-slip : silicone ring or rubber base = stability & less noise.
👉 Our custom stainless steel bowls are available in several sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) to suit different sizes.
4) Fountains: the criteria that matter
Flow rate & flow patterns
- Jet/cascade : attracts curious cats, oxygenates the water.
- Laminar flow : quieter, less splashing.
Filtration
- Activated charcoal : reduces tastes/odors.
- Pre-filter : traps hair/dust.
- Cartridges : to be replaced every 2–4 weeks depending on usage/water.
Noise & maintenance
- Silent pump & rubber feet = auditory comfort.
- Weekly cleaning: tank + pump propeller (often a small cap to remove).
Example of a popular fountain: our selected fountains (adjustable flow rates, replacement filters).
5) Quick reference guide: 6 profiles → 6 recommendations
- Picky cat (drinks little) → Silent fountain + carbon filter, low to medium flow.
- Dog “splashes” → Heavy stainless steel bowl + diatomaceous earth mat .
- Puppy/mini breed → non-slip stainless steel bowl, not too high a rim.
- Large dog/senior → raised stand + large capacity stainless steel bowl.
- Mixed household (cat + dog) → separate fountain + food bowl , distinct zones.
- Nomad → collapsible bowl + small bottle, to be supplemented at home with a fountain.
6) Maintenance & hygiene: the routine that works
- Water : renew 1–2 times/day (bowl) • check the level (fountain).
- Washing : stainless steel/ceramic bowl → hot water + mild soap; plastics → avoid abrasive sponges.
- Fountain : disassemble the pump every week, clean the propeller, rinse the filter (then replace according to instructions).
- Dining area : place an absorbent mat to catch splashes & crumbs.
FAQ – Bowls & Water Fountains
Is a fountain always better than a bowl?
Not necessarily. It often encourages water intake (especially in cats), but requires maintenance and filters . If your pet drinks well, a well-maintained water bowl is sufficient.
What material can help prevent allergies/chin rash in cats?
Opt for stainless steel or ceramic (less porous than basic plastic) and clean daily .
How often should the filters of a fountain be changed?
Generally every 2–4 weeks depending on usage, water hardness and the amount of hair/dust.
My dog knocks over his food bowl:
Opt for a heavy/stable model (ceramic or thick stainless steel) + non-slip base, or for a splash-proof bowl .