The Importance of Cleaning Your Pet's Bowl: A Guide for Pet Parents

As pet owners, we’d do pretty much anything for our furry friends. We make sure they get enough exercise, have the best food (and tasty treats), give them love, and more. But there’s one part of pet parenting that’s seriously overlooked—pet bowls. 

Sure, they may seem clean after mealtime, but skipping cleaning leaves your furry friend dining on a side of bacteria with every meal. Yikes. From biofilm build-up (sounds gross, right?) to hidden germs like Salmonella and E. coli, those seemingly harmless leftovers can turn their bowls into a germ buffet. Luckily, we’ve got all the info you need to prevent illness and keep your pets living healthier lives. Let’s dive into why and how to clean dog bowls. 

Why Cleaning Your Pet's Bowls Is a Big Deal

You wouldn’t eat off the same plate for days, so why would you let your pet? Reusing unclean bowls can lead to infections, digestive issues, and cross-contamination. Even if your pet licks their bowl clean (an A+ cleaning effort), it still doesn’t get rid of biofilm. 

Biofilm is a slimy layer that forms when bacteria combine with food oils and saliva, and it can be found in both food and water bowls. Biofilm in pet bowls can cause tummy troubles, infections, or worse. Additionally, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can breed in unclean bowls, making it absolutely essential to clean your pet's bowls regularly to reduce health risks. To help your pet avoid serious illness—and you avoid the vet bill for it—all it takes it a few minutes of your time. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Pet's Bowls?

Here’s a breakdown of how often to clean each type of bowl:

• Food bowls: After every meal. Yes, every single one. Especially for raw food eaters—things get real gross, real fast. 
• Water bowls: Daily, without fail. Pets aren’t picky, but do you really want them drinking yesterday’s backwash? 

In addition to cleaning daily, it’s good practice to disinfect your pet’s bowls weekly for a deeper clean and to prevent bacteria build-up. 

How to Clean Your Pet’s Food and Water Bowls

Here’s the good news: Cleaning your pet’s bowls is really simple. Here’s how to clean dog bowls.

1. Wash your hands. Bacteria spreads faster than a dog chasing a squirrel, so make sure you get rid of any on your hands.
2. Empty the bowl. Time to ditch any leftovers.
3. Use hot, soapy water. Wash with warm to hot water and mild dish soap. This will help break down oils and food residue left behind after meals.
4. Scrub thoroughly. Use a dedicated sponge to remove any leftover food or biofilm.
5. Rinse completely. Because no one wants soapy kibble.
6. Dry completely. Air dry the bowls or use a clean towel to dry them completely before refilling them with food or water.

You also want to deep clean once a week. Here’s how to sanitize dog bowls:

• Soak your pet’s bowl in a solution of diluted white vinegar (about 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water).
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. 

That’s it! Easy peasy. This helps disinfect and remove any stubborn bacteria or stains. 

Can You Wash Dog Bowls in the Dishwasher?

Many pet owners ask, "Is it safe to wash dog bowls in the dishwasher?" The answer is yes, in most cases. If your dog’s bowl is dishwasher safe, it can be a lifesaver for your busy schedule. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure your bowl won’t get damaged. 

But what about washing dog bowls with other dishes? The answer totally depends on you and your comfort level. 

Choosing the Best Material for Pet Bowls

Not all pet bowls are created equal. The material your pet’s bowl is made from makes all the difference in keeping it clean and free of harmful bacteria. Here’s a quick rundown of the best options:

• Stainless steel: The most hygienic and easy-to-clean material, stainless steel is non-porous, making it resistant to bacteria growth. The Owala pet bowls are made from stainless steel, ensuring they are not only easy to clean but also durable and safe for your pet.
• Plastic: While plastic bowls are lightweight and affordable, they can be problematic because they scratch easily. These scratches create places where bacteria can hide, making them harder to clean thoroughly. Over time, plastic can also absorb oils from food, which promotes bacterial growth.
• Ceramic: Ceramic bowls are generally safe, but they can chip or crack, which leads to bacteria buildup in those cracks. Be sure to check ceramic bowls regularly for damage.

In sum: Plastic scratches, ceramic chips, but stainless steel is built to last.

Bonus Ways to Keep Pet Bowls Germ-Free

Want to earn extra credit in cleaning? These tips will help banish even more bacteria. 

• Clean the feeding area: Don’t forget to wipe down the surface where your pet’s bowls sit. Food particles and spills can create additional breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Wipe your pet’s face after meals: After eating, clean your pet’s face or beard (if they have one) to prevent food particles from transferring back to the bowl or spreading bacteria around.

Conclusion

The bottom line: Cleaning dog bowls is easy to do and means a happy, healthy pet. To give your pet a five-star dining experience every time, set up a daily cleaning and weekly disinfecting routine. Also, choose bowls made from durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel—like the Owala pet bowls, which come in all kinds of bright, fun colors—make cleaning easier (and less gross). This simple act will show your pet how much you love them. Plus, clean bowls mean fewer germs, fewer health risks, and more happy moments with your best friend.