Hidden Dangers In Your Pet’s Bowl

Do you know there are hidden dangers in your pet’s bowl? Shopping for a safe pet food and water bowl is an important decision as the bowls you choose can be the difference between a toxic or non-toxic meal. Many people choose plastic pet food bowls because they are readily available and affordable. However, a plastic bowl might not be the best choice for your pet’s food bowls. Let’s face it. The use of plastic containers and the dangers of plastic have long been a concern for humans and pets.

Are Plastic Bowls Safe?

Plastic bowls may be cheap but they come with a big price – they can be the most dangerous bowls used to feed your pet. Note that they can can get small scratches over time which trap and hold bacteria that cannot be removed even with regular washing.

Plastics can leach BPA into your pet’s food. BPA has only recently been examined for the negative effects it has on all those who come in contact with it. BPA disrupts the endocrine system, creates disorders and impairs brain and neurological function. Moreover, it causes diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular system damage.

Plastics also have Phthalates in them. Phthalates are dangerous chemicals that can also be emitted by plastic products – they are known to cause cancer in humans and are listed as one of the 10 most toxic chemicals causing harm to the human body.

What About Others?

Other choices include glass, ceramic or stoneware pet food bowls. They are better than plastic bowls. If you choose stoneware, make sure the bowls are dishwasher safe and have a lead-free, food-grade glaze. If glass, ceramic or stoneware pet food bowls become chipped or cracked, they should be discarded to ensure your pet’s safety.

Also, it is important to routinely inspect the bowls for cracks and chips because these areas can harbor harmful bacteria. Ceramic pet bowls can be a good choice if you choose carefully and take care of them. The biggest concern is to ensure that the glazes used to coat the dog bowls does not contain lead or other harmful chemicals. Be sure that certified for food use and it is coated with a lead-free glaze. On the other hand, be cautious of using glass bowls outside as, under the right conditions, glass can concentrate the sun’s rays enough to start a fire on a wooden deck.

Stainless Is The Safest

The safest pet food bowls are made of stainless steel. It is made from iron, nickel, chromium and molybdenum. They are unbreakable, durable, dishwasher-safe and easy to keep clean. It is generally safe and doesn’t hold germs. You can remove bacteria from a stainless steel bowl with hot hand washing or in your dishwasher.

Stainless steel bowls win paws down! Get your safest pet bowl now!