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Last Updated on October 30, 2023
When we own a dog, one of the very first items we would buy is a dog bowl. For the uninformed, usually, they will just pick a bowl that is visually pleasing for them. However, there are many different types of dog bowls and each of them has its unique characteristic.
Best Dog Bowls for Labrador Retrievers
You may wonder why is there a need to write an article about the best dog bowls for Labrador Retrievers. Just in case you are not sure, there are many variations of dog bowls out there. We have elevated dog bowls (which is not recommended by us. Read here to find out more), we have slow feed dog bowls. automatic dog feeders, portable dog bowls or even the plain-old dog bowls. We will review some of the best dog bowls for Labrador Retrievers in its various categories.
First, let us talk about the 3 main materials used for dog bowls, namely plastic, ceramic and stainless steel dog bowls.
Plastic Dog Bowls
Plastic bowls are perhaps the most attractive of all dog bowls. It comes in many colors and are extremely light in weight. The most inexpensive of the lot, they can be dangerous if your dog is a big chewer. These plastic bowls are usually made of soft plastic, and it can be easily scratched or chewed off by large dogs. It is also unhygienic of them because bacteria can accumulate in those scratches or cracks. Usually, these are not recommended for large dogs, so it doesn’t qualify to be the best dog bowls for Labrador Retrievers. However, if you want a dog bowl for your other smaller sized dog, then we recommend the Bergan Easy Diner Pet Feeder.
Bergan Easy Diner Pet Feeder
Bergan’s Easy Diner is an excellent feeding solution for small pets. The design of this feeder is practical and functional. It features two removable cups, which makes filling your dog’s food and water bowls a breeze. To do so, you can just remove the cups and fill them with your pet’s food and water. This feature makes it easy to keep your pet’s bowls full and ready for mealtime.
The Easy Diner is made from durable and BPA-free materials, which makes it safe for your pet to use and also easy to clean. It is top-rack dishwasher safe, which means you can easily clean the feeder and the bowls in a dishwasher. This feature helps to keep the feeder hygienic and free from bacteria, which can be harmful to your pet’s health.
The Easy Diner has a compact design, measuring 16” x 7” x 13” and it comes with a base and two removable 2-1/2 cup capacity bowls. This makes it perfect for small to medium-sized pets. The Bergan brand is known for creating products that make life easier for pet owners and the Easy Diner is no exception. It’s functional and easy to use, which makes mealtime a breeze for both you and your furry friend.
Pros: Meant for smaller dogs.
Cons: Not meant for chewers
Our Rating: [usr 4.7]
Petego United Pets Pappy Pet Food and Water Bowl
Petego United Pets Pappy Pet Food and Water Bowl is made from durable polypropylene that is chew resistant and dishwasher safe. What make this bowl attractive is it ergonomically-designed handles that makes it easier for owners to handle them.
In addition, if your pet dog loves to push their bowl around while consuming their food/water, this bowl has rubber anti-skid feet that ensures the bowl stays in place! This is highly recommended as the best Labrador dog bowl.
Pros: Chew resistant. Anti-skid feet.
Cons: Simple design.
Our Rating: [usr 4.8]
Ceramic dog bowls
Ceramic dog bowls are generally heavier than plastic bowls. They too have many designs and colors to choose from. You could even handcraft your pet’s name onto the bowl. They are strong but brittle, and if there are chips in the bowl, then it can be a potential hazard to your dog. In addition, hairline cracks in the bowl are potential breeding ground for bacteria. Note that you might want to check the glaze to ensure that it is food-based. We recommend Ethical Stoneware Crock Dog Dish as one of the best dog bowls for Labrador Retrievers that is ceramic-based.
Ethical Stoneware Crock Dog Dish
Ethical Stoneware Crock Dog Dish is a very sturdy Labrador dog bowl. Its heavy-weight design eradicates movement and spillage. It is also perfect for outdoors too. One reason why we choose this bowl is because of its design, making it tough for large dogs to grab it by its teeth and hence spilling all the food around the house or backyard.
What we love about the company behind this product is that they offer an ethical product promise: if you or your pet are not satisfied with the product, they want to hear from you. They are committed to providing quality products that are safe and comfortable for your pet.
Pros: Chew resistant. Heavy weight. Good for outdoors.
Cons: Simple design.
Our Rating: [usr 4.8]
Since Labrador Retrievers are known to slurp their food and might cause spillage, most people would buy DII Bone Dry Stripe Embroidered Paw Print Pet Mat for Food together with the ceramic bowl.
The DII’s super absorbent microfiber pet mat is perfect for messy dogs. It absorbs a lot of water thus keeping their eating area dry. It protects your floor from water spills or food stains.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel dog bowls is by far the most durable all of materials as it will not crack or break, hence making it safe even for the strongest jaw. It is easy to sanitize it as well as washing in the dishwasher. It is rust-free hence it can be used for the outdoors too. Most of the stainless steel dog bowls are not too expensive too, making it the best buy for budget-constrained owners.
One of the more popular stainless steel Labrador dog bowl is MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Water and Feed Bowl.
MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Water and Feed Bowl
The Snap’y Fit Water and Feed Bowl by Midwest Homes for Pets is an innovative feeding solution for dogs that promises to keep mealtime mess-free. The patented design of the bowl holds it firmly in place, yet still allows for easy removal for cleaning. The bowl comes with a rust-resistant e-coated bracket that attaches to the crate or cage with two wing nuts. This design promotes healthy elevated eating and prevents the bowl from being knocked over, eliminating potential mealtime messes.
One of the best features of this bowl is that it comes in 4 different sizes; 10 oz. (1.25 cups), 20 oz. (2.5 cups), 1 qt. (4 cups), 2 qt. (8 cups) making it versatile and suitable for a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals. The stainless steel material of the bowl is dishwasher safe, and it does not hold bad odors or germs like plastic food bowls do.
Overall, this pet bowl is an excellent option for pet owners looking for a bowl that is easy to clean and maintain and that won’t tip over. Additionally, it can be attached to the pet’s cage or crate which makes it an ideal option for pet owners who have pets that are more active or playful. You would need to hinge it to a pet crate and look here for more reviews on pet crates for your dog. It’s also a great option for pet owners who travel frequently with their pets as it is lightweight and easy to carry.
Pros: Can be used for outdoors and indoors. Can secure into place.
Cons: Simple design.
Our Rating: [usr 4.7]
Portable Dog Bowls
If you are looking at taking long hikes with your dog, or you intend to play with the dog for long hours outdoor, then consider getting a portable Labrador dog bowl for it too. This ensures that your dog is properly hydrated when exposed to the elements. One of the more popular portable dog bowls is Travel Collapsible Dog Bowl by For Dog Premium.
Collapsible Dog Bowl by SLSON
This Collapsible Dog Bowl by SLSON comes in a set of 3 mixed colors, and it easy to carry around. It is strong and durable too. Made from 100% food grade silicone, it is perfect for long hikes. Each of the pet bowls is 5 inches in diameter and 0.5 inches when collapsed. When popped up, the height will be at 2 inches.
This Labrador dog bowl is very handy to have. It is BPA free, and the depth of the bowl can be adjusted because it holds its shape well, making it perfect not only for Labrador Retrievers but also dogs of all sizes. Hence, this is the best dog bowls for Labrador Retrievers in the collapsible dog bowl category.
Pros: Portable. Can be used for the outdoors. Collapsible.
Cons: None.
Our Rating: [usr 4.9]
Slow Feed Dog Bowls
Slow Feed Dog Bowls are in the rage now due to a not-so-recent paper revelation of the dangers of bloat. (Click here to find out more)
Slow feed Labrador dog bowls are specially designed for dogs who are known to gulp down their food at the first opportunity. Labrador Retrievers are known to do that too, and hence we decided to find out the best dog bowl for Labrador Retrievers in the slow feed dog bowl category.
Outward Hound Kyjen 51002 Fun Feeder Slow Feed Interactive Bloat Stop Dog Bowl
Outward Hound Kyjen 51002 Fun Feeder Slow Feed Interactive Bloat Stop Dog Bowl is by far the most popular slow feed Labrador dog bowl. It is good because it also provides interactivity for your dog while eating, and hence it is a slow feed dog bowl.
While we do not know why dogs love to gulp down their food, it is not really an issue if we use the slow feed dog bowl. The ridges and mazes are meant to lengthen the meal times of the dog, and it keeps the dog engaged to a whopping 10 times longer! It certainly improves digestion while allowing our dogs to eat at a good pace. It is available in 3 unique colors and designs. The base is slip-resistant and is BPA, PVC & phthalate free too.
Pros: Fun while playing with the interactive dog bowl.
Cons: It can be tough for your dog to reach for food.
Our Rating: [usr 4.7]
What To Look For When Buying Dog Bowl For Your Labrador Retriever
When selecting a dog bowl for a Labrador Retriever, there are several key factors to take into consideration in order to ensure that the bowl is the best fit for your Labrador Retriever.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the size of the bowl. Labrador Retrievers are large dogs, so they will need a bowl that can comfortably accommodate their size. A bowl that is too small can make eating and drinking difficult and insufficient for them, while a bowl that is too large may be too cumbersome for them to use.
Another important factor to consider is the material of the bowl. Stainless steel bowls are a great option as they are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic bowls are also a good choice as they are easy to clean and do not hold odors, however, they can be prone to cracks and damage. Silicon-based dog bowls are awesome for Labrador Retrievers since they are lightweight.
The height of the bowl can also be an important factor to consider. A raised bowl can be easier for a Labrador Retriever to eat from, particularly if they have arthritis or other joint issues. A raised bowl may also help reduce the strain on their neck and shoulders.
Additionally, it’s important to look for a bowl that has a non-slip bottom. This will prevent the bowl from sliding around while your dog is eating, which can be particularly important for older dogs or those with mobility issues.
Lastly, it’s important to choose a high-quality bowl that is built to last. Look for a bowl that is made from durable materials and has a solid construction.
The benefits of using a slow feeder dog bowl for your Labrador retriever
Using a slow feeder dog bowl for your Labrador Retriever can offer several benefits. Labrador Retrievers are known for their hearty appetites and enthusiastic eating habits, but fast eating can lead to various health issues. Here are some advantages of using a slow feeder dog bowl for your Labrador:
- Prevents Bloat: Rapid eating can cause your Labrador to ingest air along with their food, increasing the risk of bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition. Slow feeders can help reduce the chances of this happening.
- Weight Management: Slowing down mealtime can aid in weight management. By eating more slowly, your Labrador is more likely to feel full and satisfied with smaller portions, which can help prevent overeating.
- Digestive Health: Eating too quickly can lead to indigestion and upset stomach. A slow feeder can promote better digestion by allowing the food to be broken down more effectively in the stomach.
- Mental Stimulation: Slow feeder bowls often have intricate designs that require your Labrador to work for their food. This mental stimulation can be a great enrichment activity and prevent boredom.
- Reduced Choking Hazard: Fast eating can result in choking or coughing as larger pieces of food are swallowed without proper chewing. A slow feeder encourages your Labrador to chew their food thoroughly, reducing the choking risk.
- Slows Down Competitive Eaters: If you have multiple dogs and one is a faster eater, a slow feeder bowl can level the playing field during mealtime, preventing food aggression or rivalry.
- Promotes Healthy Eating Habits: Using a slow feeder can help your Labrador develop better eating habits by teaching them patience and self-control.
- Extended Mealtime: A slow feeder bowl can make mealtime last longer, which is particularly helpful for Labradors prone to inhaling their food. Longer meals can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction for your dog.
- Better Dental Health: Chewing food slowly can help maintain your Labrador’s dental health by reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar.
- Weight Maintenance: Slow feeding can help prevent rapid weight gain or obesity, which can be a concern for Labradors due to their love for food.
When introducing a slow feeder bowl, make sure to supervise your Labrador initially to ensure they adapt well to the new eating routine. Overall, using a slow feeder dog bowl can contribute to your Labrador’s overall well-being and help them lead a healthier and happier life.
Conclusion
There are so many choices that you can make. Do check carefully, as your dog’s needs might be different from others. Also, for reviews on the best automatic dog feeder for large breeds, click here.
