We never even considered our dog’s breed, size, mouth shape and eating style.
But now we know better.
We understand that different breeds of dogs have different needs during mealtime.
Using the wrong bowl could potentially have serious consequences.
You want to make sure you get the right size, shape and style of bowl for your dog.
Keep reading to learn the different sizes and types of dog bowls, along with which is best for Yorkshire Terriers.
Contents
Best Bowl Size And Type For Yorkies
Small sized bowls are perfect for your Yorkie. As for the style, shallow bowls tent to be best for smaller dogs like Yorkshire Terriers.
There are other things to consider as well, like the material from which the bowl is made. We’ll cover all the different bowl types and materials next After that, we’ll let you know exactly which bowl is best for Yorkies.
Different Bowl Types For Different Dog Breeds
The following are the common types of bowls. They each offer advantages to different types of dogs.
Shallow Bowl
The shallow bowl is just like it sounds. It has a low edge, so the dog’s snout does not have to go far into the bowl to get at the food in the bottom.
This type of bowl is good for small dogs, and also somewhat larger dogs with short snouts. It allows dogs like this to get to the bottom of the bowl, without their necks hitting the edge of the bowl and applying pressure against their throats.
Deep Bowl
This is the most commonly used type of bowl. It is appropriate bowls for dogs with long, thin snouts, because it allows them to feel more comfortable accessing their food without chasing it around.
Breeds with long-thin snouts include Dachshunds, Collies, and Greyhounds. Naturally, a Dachshund will need a smaller bowl than the other two, but a small bowl can still be deep.
Steep-Sided Bowl
These types of bowls are deep, with a narrower opening at the top and sides, which are inwardly angled. It is the best choice for long-eared dogs like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles. Its unique shape allows those dogs to eat comfortably, while making sure their ears stay dry and clean.
Elevated Bowls
This type of bowl is a perfect choice for large breed dogs like the Labradors, Huskies, and Retrievers. Giant dogs like Great Danes and Mastiffs can also use this bowl.
Its design is perfect for those dogs, allowing them to eat comfortably without having to bend down too much. Elevated bowls are also recommended for senior dogs and dogs with physical limitations following surgery.
But there are issues in using this type of bowl, especially for dogs that are prone to bloating. This includes dogs like German Shepherds and Boxers, that have a large chest-ratio. If you have such a breed, you should consult a veterinarian before using this bowl.
Slow-Feed Bowl
This type of bowl isn’t designed for a specific breed of dogs. It is great for any dogs that tend to eat too fast, no matter the breed.
A dog that eats faster than usual makes it harder for you as the pet owner to manage its weight. Eating too fast can also cause a dog to be bloated, because it takes in more air when eating, which can lead to gas.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Bowl
These are the most important things to take into consideration when deciding on a bowl for your dog. Naturally, there will be some overlap here with the previous section.
Bowl Height
Bowls vary in height. For Yorkies you generally want a low bowl, but larger breeds might be better off with an elevated bowl, as mentioned above.
What we didn’t touch on is the fact that large breeds start off small. That means buying a low bowl to begin with and then upgrading, likely a few times, as your dog grows.
But there is a better option. You could consider buying a bowl with an adjustable height.
Here is a great option for an adjustable height dog dish set:
With this kind of bowl, you can adjust the height as your puppy grows taller. This gives you the best of both worlds.
When your dog is smaller, it won’t have to strain to reach inside a bowl that is too large. And when it grows larger, it won’t have to strain its neck to eat from a lower bowl, or bend its body down.
Small breeds don’t have to strain to reach the bowl. Therefore, there’s no need to buy adjustable height bowls.
Bowl Size
It’s not just about the height. The overall size is important, too. Experts say that the size of the bowl should never be too large for the dog.
Dogs should feel comfortable while opening and closing their mouths. Get a bowl large enough to accommodate this, but not much larger.
Volume Of Food
One problem with bowls that are too large is overfeeding. It is common for pet owners to misjudge the amount of food they are giving their pet, when the bowl is on the larger side.
Naturally, this can lead to pet obesity. That’s why it’s always best if you choose the right size bowl for your dog. You should also use a measuring cup, to ensure you feed the appropriate amount of dog food for your Yorkie.
Bowl Material
The materials that are used in a bowl also make a difference, with some materials being much more suitable for certain types of dogs. Hera are the most common materials used.
Stainless Steel Bowls
Stainless Steel is the best choice for a material overall. It is especially an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin. But it is not a good choice for outdoor use. The steel can get very hot in hot weather and very cold in cold weather.
Ceramic Bowls
Many fur parents like ceramic bowls, because they come in many different colors and designs. The main disadvantage is that ceramic bowls are porous. You need to wash them immediately after every meal.
Plastic Dog Bowls
Plastic bowls are lightweight, easy to clean, and inexpensive. But the plastic can be dangerous for some dogs with sensitive skin. Moreover, the jury is still out on whether chemicals from plastic can leach into the food, so it might be best to avoid these, if possible.
Best Bowls For Yorkies
Yorkies are a small dog breed. That is why they need a small bowl. Stainless steel bowls are best, because they do not tip over easily and they are easier to clean.
Shallow bowls are perfect for Yorkies because they make it possible for them to reach their meal comfortably without putting any pressure on their throats, due to a high rim.
This type of bowl is also an ideal match for other small dogs like chihuahuas and Pomeranians. It is also good for Medium dogs with shorter throats and snouts, like corgis and beagles.
Get Two Bowls
It is also essential to buy your Yorkie two bowls: one for food and one for water. And make sure that you clean them every day, so there’s no chance for bacteria to build up.
There are actually a lot of sets that come with two bowls plus a holder. These are great, because they make it harder for the bowls to move and almost impossible for them to tip.
We recommend this set from Hubulk.
It offers exactly what you need and is incredibly cheap. It also comes in 4 different sizes and 8 different colors.
Which Bowl To Get For Your Yorkie: Conclusion
In general, small sized, shallow bowls are the perfect match for your Yorkshire Terrier. Aside from the size, you also need to consider the materials used before buying a dog bowl.
In general, stainless steel bowls are best, but there are dogs that need special care, and there are also dogs that have sensitive skin. If your pup needs a special material, make sure you get it.
Also, remember that you can always get recommendations from your vet before buying a bowl, if you are still unsure which one to get.
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