Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Ditch the boring mealtime routine and try building a balanced bowl for your pet.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Learn how to care for your dog, recommended diet and training. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Do you top your cat or dog's food? Find out how pet food toppers can help round out your pet's bowl.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Get insights into natural dog food ingredients and learn how they support your pup’s overall health and well-being.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Learn how to help your picky eater dog like his or her food.
Updated on October 21st, 2025

Hello, and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It's great that you're being conscientious about this! I recommend ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowls. They tend to be cleaner, and are safe to throw in a dishwasher cycle now and then. I'd specifically avoid plastic. Hope that helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! I would recommend using a dog food bowl stand, which you can find quite easily online. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

There are so many differing opinions on this topic. I feel like they don't help or hurt the average large breed dog. They may be needed in dogs that have megaesophagus or neck or back issues. Some large dogs will decide that laying next to the bowl is more comfortable. The only thing I would watch for is Thor eating too quickly. If he gulps his food, you may want to get a bowl with partitions to make him slow down a bit.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

I would try to feed him off a plate to see if this makes a difference. If you feel like he is thin, he likely needs more calories. There isn't a good option for the water except a bowl. There are some water fountain made for dogs that he may prefer that you could try. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Stop hand feeding your puppy, as he might get used to it and then generally refuse any food that is not being fed to him by hand. Depending on what type of bowl you are using, there may be an odor that he does not like. Plastic bowls often emit chemicals which could be uncomfortable for the dog (and also can cause skin problems). Change his food bowl to either ceramics or metal and keep it meticulously clean, ie wash it and rinse it well after each meal. Make sure he is hungry when you feed him, ie feed small amounts more often. Take away any food he has not eaten within ten minutes.
Updated on September 24th, 2025