A Clean Bowl a Day Keeps the Vet Away: The Surprising Impact of Dog Dish Hygiene

Your pup’s food bowl might not seem like a big deal—but it’s actually a hotspot for germs! Think about it: would you eat off the same unwashed plate every day? (Gross, right?)

Keeping your dog’s bowl clean isn’t just about appearances; it’s about protecting their health. From preventing tummy troubles to avoiding harmful bacteria, proper dish hygiene is an easy way to keep your furry friend feeling their best.

Let’s dive into why a sparkling bowl is more than just shiny—it’s key to a healthier, happier pup!

The Hidden Risks of Dirty Dog Bowls

Did you know your dog’s food bowl could be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria?

Research found that only 22% of dog parents wash their dog’s bowls once a week, and a worrying 18% wash them less than once every three months—or not at all!

Even fewer dog parents wash the scoops used to serve food or their hands before and after feeding, increasing the risk of spreading bacteria like MRSA, salmonella, and E. coli. And here’s a surprise: less than 5% of dog parents are aware that federal guidelines recommend washing pet bowls daily.

In fact, washing your dog’s bowl after every meal is a simple yet vital step to keep harmful bacteria at bay. While many assume the bathroom is the germiest place in the house, a study by the NSF found that most of the top 10 germiest household items are in the kitchen—with pet food bowls ranking at number 4.

Keeping those bowls clean isn’t just about sparkle; it’s about safeguarding your dog’s health—and yours, too!

What Bacteria Lurk in Your Dog's Food and Water Bowls?

Your dog’s bowls may look harmless, but they can become a home for bacteria that could harm your furry friend—and even your family.

Here are some of the most common culprits and what they can do:

• Staphylococcus aureus (Staph): This bacteria can cause skin infections, gastrointestinal upset, and more serious issues like abscesses if ingested or transmitted through cuts.
• Salmonella: A well-known foodborne bacteria that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy in dogs—and can easily spread to humans through contact.
• Pasteurella multocida: Commonly found in animals' mouths, this bacteria can cause infections if it enters the body through a wound or mucous membranes.
• Streptococcus: Often associated with throat and respiratory infections, this bacteria can also lead to painful sores or even more severe infections.
• Pseudomonas: Known for thriving in moist environments, this bacteria can cause ear infections and other skin-related issues.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Bowls?

The answer is simple: after every meal.

Bacteria multiply in your dog’s bowl within hours, especially if there’s leftover food or saliva. By washing their bowls, you’re protecting your pet’s health and reducing the risk of bacteria spreading to your home.

Although daily bowl cleaning may seem cumbersome, it’s a huge step toward ensuring your pup stays happy, healthy, and free from unwanted germs.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Bowl

Cleaning your dog’s bowls isn’t complicated, but doing it right makes all the difference. Experts recommend:

1. Wash Food Bowls After Every Meal: Whether your pet eats kibble, fresh food, or raw, food bowls should be scrubbed with hot, soapy water after each meal to remove residue and bacteria.
2. Clean Water Bowls Daily: Rinse and wipe water bowls thoroughly before refilling, and clean them more often if you notice slime or dirt buildup.
3. Choose a Gentle Soap: Use a pet-safe soap like Castile soap to ensure no harmful residues are left behind.

Dishwasher vs. Hand Washing: What’s More Effective?

When it comes to cleaning your dog’s bowls, both the dishwasher and hand washing can get the job done—it’s just about finding what works best for you.

• Dishwasher: A dishwasher is a great option for deep cleaning your dog’s bowls, especially if you wash them after every meal. However, you might want to invest in a few extra bowls so you don’t have to run the dishwasher multiple times a day. Whether you wash your dog's bowls alongside your own dishes is a personal choice, but if you do, opt for a high-temperature setting to kill bacteria effectively.
• Handwashing: Handwashing is just as effective if done correctly. Use hot, soapy water and scrub the bowl thoroughly inside and out. Pay close attention to removing any grease or residue, as these can attract bacteria.

Both methods work as long as you’re consistent and thorough in keeping those bowls clean!

Should I Avoid Harsh Chemicals Like Bleach?

Some cleaning guides suggest using bleach to sanitize dog bowls, but it’s usually unnecessary—and it can pose risks if not handled correctly. Bleach is a harsh chemical, and even trace amounts left behind after rinsing could harm your dog.

If you keep up with regular cleaning after every meal, there’s no need to resort to bleach.

However, if you must use it, follow these steps cautiously:

• Add ½ cup of regular bleach to a gallon of water.
• Let the bowl soak for 10 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all traces of bleach.
• Allow the bowl to air dry completely.

Choosing the Right Bowl for Your Dog

• Plastic Bowls: While inexpensive and convenient, plastic bowls are tough to sanitize. They can trap bacteria in cracks, leach harmful chemicals, and even cause skin issues like Plastic Dish Nasal Dermatitis. Plus, aggressive chewers might swallow plastic fragments—another reason to avoid them.
• Ceramic Bowls: Though stylish, ceramic bowls are porous and can be risky. They’ve been found to host dangerous bacteria and may contain lead in their glaze.
• Stainless Steel Bowls: Stainless steel resists bacteria and is durable, but be cautious—some products have been recalled for chemical contamination.
• 100% Borosilicate (Pyrex) Glass Bowls (Best Option): Glass is non-porous, easy to clean, and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals. It’s the safest option for your dog’s food and water when cleaned properly after every use.

How to Prevent Cross-Contamination at Mealtime

Keeping your pet’s mealtime safe and sanitary is simple with a few easy steps:

• Wash Your Hands: To minimize the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands before and after handling pet food or treats.
• Use a Scoop or Spoon: Do not use your hands or your dog’s bowl to scoop food. Instead, use a clean scoop or spoon to prevent contamination.
• Store Food Properly: Keep pet food in its original bag to protect it from exposure to bacteria and maintain freshness.
• Clean Bowls and Scoops: Use hot, soapy water to wash food bowls and scoops after every use.

Keep Your Pup Healthy with Clean Bowls and Volhard’s Nutritional Support!

At Volhard Dog Nutrition, we’re committed to supporting your dog’s health from bowl to belly. With our balanced, species-appropriate diets and tips for safe feeding practices, you can ensure every meal is both nutritious and clean!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Luisana, Emily, et al. “Survey evaluation of dog owners’ feeding practices and dog bowls’ hygiene assessment in domestic settings.” PLOS ONE, vol. 17, no. 4, 6 Apr. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259478. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
2. Raspa, Federica, et al. “Pet feeding habits and the microbiological contamination of dog food bowls: Effect of feed type, cleaning method and bowl material.” BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 19, no. 1, 7 Dec. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-023-03823-w. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
3. “8 Tips on How to Clean Dog Bowls-and Why.” Buddy Bites HK, buddybites.dog/blogs/health-wellness/8-tips-on-how-to-clean-dog-bowls-and-why. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
4. Brownlow, Chris. “How to Clean Your Dog’s Bowl the Right Way.” BeChewy, Chewy, 26 Apr. 2023, be.chewy.com/clean-dog-bowls-right-way/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.