Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

Filed in Dog Products by on September 6, 2021

Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

When you’re a pup parent, you want to make sure your faithful friend has the very best. Whether it’s the food they eat or their dog bowls, quality matters, and different things possess various advantages and drawbacks.

Dog bowls come in countless materials and sizes, from plastic to glass and everything in between. Two of the most popular types of dog bowls are stainless steel and ceramic, but is one better than the other?

Check out the pros and cons of ceramic vs stainless steel dog bowls to determine the best for your pooch.

Ceramic Dog Bowls

Ceramic dog bowls are a great way to express your pup’s style. They come in all sorts of colors, sizes, and patterns, and many feature decorative glazes.

On average, ceramic dog bowls cost between $12 and $20, with the price typically reflecting the size of the bowl.

However, you can also pay more for uniquely designed bowls, name brands, and specialty bowls that feature your dog’s name. Bowls like this can cost upward of $30 or $40.

Pros

● Ceramic bowls are typically very easy to clean, and many are dishwasher-safe.

● You can find endless design options, making this a perfect bowl for showcasing your pup’s personality. If it’s important that your dog’s belongings match with your home decor, ceramic bowls are an excellent option.

● Ceramic bowls will also be very bacteria-resistant (as long as they aren’t cracked).

● Ceramic bowls have a bit of weight to them, making them relatively sturdy. Small ceramic bowls weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds, while larger ones can weigh over 3.5 pounds.

Cons

● Ceramic bowls are susceptible to cracks, chips, and breakage. So, if your dog tends to kick around their dish or knock it about, expect some damage.

● As soon as a ceramic dog bowl chips, it opens the door to bacteria, even if it’s just a hairline crack. Therefore, you need to replace the bowl as soon as this happens.

● Ceramic bowls aren’t the least expensive option when it comes to dog bowls, so be prepared to shell out extra dough. They can get pricey if you insist on a ceramic bowl for a rough-eating dog since you may need to replace the bowl often.

Considering all the pros and cons of ceramic dog bowls, they’re best for gentle eaters and drinkers. If you want to express your dog’s style, ceramic bowls provide you many options at a slightly higher price.

Stainless Steel Bowls

yeti bowl with water

My Yeti dog bowl

When it comes to durability and easy maintenance, you really can’t beat stainless steel dog bowls. They’re super easy to wash, many are dishwasher-safe, and the majority of them are very affordable.

Depending on the size, you can find many stainless steel bowls for between $4 and $11. You will only start to pay more for this if you opt for heavier bowls and name brands.

For example, L.L. Bean has a stainless steel dog bowl for $39.99, and YETI has some for $49.99.

Check out my review of the Yeti Dog Bowl.

Pros

● Stainless steel bowls are non-porous, won’t chip or crack, and they’re rust-resistant. Plus, no cracks means no nasty bacteria.

● These bowls are a perfect match for overly rambunctious eaters. If your dog loves to knock their dish around, a stainless steel bowl is up to the task.

● Not only are stainless steel bowls affordable, but since they’re so long-lasting, you can really save some money. Just make sure to keep your pup’s bowl clean.

● The majority of stainless steel bowls are lightweight but feature non-skid bottoms. This way, if your dog does get overzealous while eating, the bowl stays in place.

Cons

● Unlike the endless styles of ceramic dog bowls, stainless steel options don’t offer much in the way of design. You can find some with enamel coatings, but beware; these coatings can easily chip and peel. Once this happens, you need to toss the bowl.

● The lightness in weight of stainless steel bowls, while making them easier to handle, can lead to tipping. So, look for ones with the non-skid bottom mentioned above or place them on a non-skid mat. Some stainless bowls are heavier, like the YETI weighing just under two pounds, and therefore, can offer extra sturdiness.

Stainless steel bowls are great for rough-and-tumble eaters, easy cleaning, and affordability. But if you can’t resist getting those colorful and cute designs on your pup’s dish, you won’t find them on stainless steel bowls.

Conclusion

Overall, when choosing between ceramic vs stainless steel dog bowls, consider your dog’s personality, eating habits, and your lifestyle. Both bowls offer some upsides and downsides, so it’s all about what works best for you and your pup.

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