Why Plastic Bowls Can Be Harmful for Dogs and Cats (and What to Use Instead)

Walk into any pet shop and the shelf of colourful plastic bowls is hard to miss. They are light, cheap and come in every colour. But as many vets and pet parents have noticed, a plastic bowl is not always the best place for your pet to eat and drink every day.

The problem with scratches

Plastic is softer than steel or ceramic. Every wash, every bite and every bit of crunchy kibble leaves tiny scratches on the surface. Those scratches look harmless, but they hold food residue, saliva and water, which is exactly where bacteria like to settle. Even a bowl that looks clean can carry a thin film that is hard to scrub out.

Chin acne and skin irritation

Some cats and dogs develop small black spots or red bumps around the chin, often called feline acne. Bacteria in scratched plastic and a reaction to some plastics are common suspects. Switching to a smooth bowl is one of the first things many vets suggest.

Smells and stains

Plastic absorbs oils from food and can hold on to smells even after washing. Pets with a sensitive nose may avoid a bowl that smells stale, and you may notice they eat less from it.

What to look for in a safer bowl

• Smooth, non-porous material such as stainless steel or glazed ceramic
• A heavy or non-slip base so it does not slide while your pet eats
• A wide, shallow shape that is comfortable for whiskers
• Dishwasher-safe or very easy to rinse and dry

The easy fix

Stainless steel is hard to scratch, does not hold odours and can be washed in seconds. Pair it with a silicone base and you get a bowl that stays put and stays clean. You can browse our feeding and water range for stainless steel bowls, floating bowls and raised stands.

If you are not ready to replace everything at once, start by washing plastic bowls daily with hot water and mild soap, and replace any bowl that looks cloudy or deeply scratched.