Estimated read time: 5 minutes
The short answer
The best everyday bowl for most dogs and cats is stainless steel with a non-slip base: it doesn't rust, doesn't hold smells, doesn't scratch easily and can go in the dishwasher. The MessMate Stainless Steel Pet Bowl is about 7.9" across the outer top rim, 6.5" across the base and 2.56" tall, with a food-grade stainless interior and a rubber base that keeps it put on hard floors.
In this article: Four bowl problems · Stainless vs plastic vs ceramic · The sliding bowl · Cats and bowls · The MessMate bowl · Cleaning · FAQ
Four bowl problems you may not blame on the bowl
Most owners put up with their pet's bowl for years without questioning it. If any of these sound familiar, the bowl is probably part of the story:
- It skates across the floor every time your pet eats, and ends up against a cabinet.
- It smells, even after washing, especially if it's plastic and you feed wet food.
- The surface looks scratched or cloudy, and no amount of scrubbing makes it look clean.
- It rusts or pits at the rim or base after a few months in a damp spot.
Stainless steel vs plastic vs ceramic
| Stainless steel | Plastic | Ceramic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratches | Resists them | Scratches easily | Glaze can chip |
| Smells and stains | Non-porous, holds little | Can hold both | Fine while glaze is intact |
| Weight | Light unless it has a base | Very light | Heavy |
| Dishwasher | Yes | Often, but it can warp | Usually |
Many veterinarians suggest stainless steel or ceramic over plastic, partly because scratched plastic is harder to get truly clean. Some cats are also prone to chin breakouts that vets sometimes link to dirty bowls. If your pet has skin or chin problems, ask your vet; a bowl change is an easy, low-risk thing to try, but it isn't a diagnosis.
The sliding bowl: a bigger deal than it sounds
A light bowl on tile or hardwood moves every time your pet pushes it. Your dog then chases it, food flies out along the way, and water ends up over a wider area than it should. A non-slip base solves most of this. It's also the cheapest mess fix there is, because it works for every meal and every pet.
The MessMate bowl has a non-slip rubber base so it stays where you put it on hard floors.
Dogs and cats: does one bowl work for both?
Yes, the MessMate bowl is made for both dogs and cats, for food or water. A few honest notes on cats:
- Some cats prefer wider, shallower bowls with less whisker contact. We haven't verified the bowl's usable depth precisely, so we can't promise a particular level of whisker clearance.
- The listed measurements are exterior ones: about 7.9" across the outer top rim, 6.5" across the outer base and 2.56" tall.
- If your cat is fussy, watch how they approach the bowl for the first few meals. Our 30-day return policy covers unused items in their original packaging.
What you get with the MessMate bowl
- Food-grade stainless steel interior. No rust, no lingering smells, no plastic taste.
- Non-slip rubber base. It stays put on tile, hardwood and laminate.
- For food or water. Dry food, wet food and water.
- Top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Two colors: Blue and Green.
Size, in short: about 7.9" across the outer top rim, 6.5" across the base and 2.56" tall.
Keeping a bowl clean (it matters more than the material)
- Wash it every day. Warm, soapy water or the top rack of the dishwasher. A film builds up fast, especially with wet food or in a water bowl.
- Dry the area around it. Damp floors grow mold; wipe up any water.
- Replace anything scratched, chipped or cracked. Damaged surfaces are harder to clean.
Still dealing with food on the floor? How to stop dog food from spilling on the floor covers the other half of the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel better than plastic for dogs and cats?
For most pets it's the easier material to keep clean: it resists scratches, doesn't hold smells and goes in the dishwasher. If your pet has a skin condition, ask your vet.
How big is the MessMate stainless steel bowl?
About 7.9 inches across the outer top rim, 6.5 inches across the outer base and 2.56 inches tall.
Can I use it for both food and water?
Yes.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes, on the top rack.
Will it slide on my floor?
The rubber base is designed to keep it in place on hard floors. Wipe the floor dry first; a film of water or grease reduces grip.
A plain, well-made bowl that stays put.
Stainless steel, non-slip base, dishwasher safe. Free U.S. shipping and 30-day returns.
A portion of every MessMate sale goes to dog rescue organizations, in memory of Spud.