A good feeding station is more than a bowl on the floor. It keeps food and water in one place, prevents slipping and spills, and looks good too. In this guide, you will learn which bowl material is the most hygienic, what size your pet needs, and when an elevated feeding station makes sense.
Which bowl material is best?
- Porcelain and ceramic: smooth, scratch-resistant, and taste-neutral. The heavy material hardly slips and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. A very hygienic material – provided the glaze is undamaged.
- Stainless steel: robust and easy to clean, but light and therefore often slippery without a holder. Some animals do not like the clattering.
- Plastic: affordable, but quickly gets scratches where bacteria can settle. Plastic can also absorb odors.
That is why our feeding stations combine porcelain bowls with a base made of solid olive wood. The heavy wood ensures a stable stand, and the bowls can be removed for cleaning.
What bowl size does my pet need?
- Cats and very small dogs: Bowls with around 0.4 liters are usually sufficient, e.g., the RUSTY feeding station with 2 × 0.4 liters.
- Medium-sized dogs: 0.9-liter bowls offer enough space for food and water, e.g., the RUSTY with 2 × 0.9 liters or the MOUNTAIN with 2 × 0.9 liters.
- Large dogs: Here, 1.5-liter bowls are worth it, such as the MOUNTAIN with 2 × 1.5 liters.
Rule of thumb: The water bowl should be rather too large than too small, so that your pet always has enough fresh water.
Elevated or flat?
Larger dogs often eat more comfortably when the bowl is slightly elevated and they do not have to lower their head all the way to the floor. For this, there is the RUSTY PLUS feeding station, which stands about 10 cm higher. For health questions – such as joint problems or digestive issues – it is best to discuss the appropriate height with your veterinarian.
Tips for cats
Many cats do not like deep, narrow bowls because their sensitive whiskers touch the rim. Flat, wide dishes are therefore ideal. The “Cats only” DUO MOUNTAIN feeding station was made especially for this: two flat porcelain dishes with olive wood splash guards.
Wet food, dry food, and water
Anyone who combines wet and dry food needs three bowls. The RUSTY TRIO feeding station offers two 0.4-liter bowls for food and a 0.9-liter bowl for water.
Cleaning and hygiene
- Rinse food bowls after every meal, especially with wet food.
- Change the water daily and wash out the bowl at the same time.
- Clean porcelain bowls thoroughly with hot water regularly.
- Only wipe the wooden base with a damp cloth, let it dry thoroughly, and oil it occasionally – as described in our care instructions.
If a bowl is damaged or lost, there are suitable replacement porcelain bowls in 0.4, 0.9, and 1.5 liters.
Frequently asked questions
Why is porcelain more hygienic than plastic?
The smooth, glazed surface hardly scratches. In contrast, germs can settle more easily in scratches in plastic bowls.
Where should the feeding station stand?
In a quiet place without through traffic and not directly next to the cat litter box. A fixed place gives your pet security.
Is olive wood suitable for feeding stations?
Yes. Olive wood is very dense, heavy, and absorbs little moisture – ideal as a stable base for the feeding area.
👉 You can find all products for dogs and cats in our pet category.