When it comes to cleaning our dog’s dishes, many of us fall short, potentially putting our four-legged friend’s health at risk, a study has found.
“Pet feeding involves an interplay between the pet, the owner, and the food,” wrote the North Carolina State University team that conducted the research. “This interaction creates the opportunity for mutual exchange of microbial contaminants from food or water, dishes, and the environment of food storage or preparation, which can cause health consequences for both people and pets.”
In general, by not washing our dog’s food and water bowls and/or properly sealing their food, we are putting them at risk for potential foodborne illnesses due to bacterial growth.
And for most of us, we’re not doing a good job.
Related: Do You Know About the Dangers Hidden in Your Dog’s Water and Food Bowls?
The team surveyed 417 dog owners and asked if they were aware of the Food and Drug Administration’s feeding guidelines regarding food safety. Less than 5 percent knew the agency had guidelines, while less than 25 percent said they followed the guidelines of washing hands before handling dog food and washing dishes and scooping after each use.
“It was found that the majority of dog owners in the study were unaware of and did not follow FDA pet food handling and storage guidelines,” said the authors of the study. -student
Twelve percent said they wash their dishes every day, while 22 percent said they wash their dishes, on average, once a week. And a whopping 18 percent reported that they washed their dishes in less than 3 months or not at all.
“Most pet owners are unaware that pet food bowls can be a hidden source of bacteria in the household,” the authors wrote. “Knowing how to mitigate this risk and practicing proper pet food storage and hygiene can make for a happier, healthier household.”
Some of the most common bacteria connected to dog food include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and mold, all of which can cause major health issues. If left untreated, a dog can experience abdominal pain, infections, and can be fatal. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these harmful pathogens.
Related: Before You Start Your Dog on a Raw Diet, Here’s What You Need to Know
Here’s what we recommend for providing the safest feeding and drinking setup for your dog.
Best Practices for Storing Dog Food
Check the food before you buy it: Make sure there are no signs of tears, dents, or damage. And check that the food has not expired or is close to the expiration date. It may also be helpful to bookmark the FDA’s page on recent dog food recalls.
Keep food in original container: By doing this, you have access to the UPC code, lot number, brand, and manufacturer, in the event of an issue. Make sure the dog food is sealed, as this helps with shelf life and ensures that bacteria does not enter.
If you have another container you keep the food in, it’s a good idea to put the whole bag in it or cut out the relevant information and tape it to the container. Wash the container when empty.
Store in a cool place: Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place, as moisture and heat can cause nutrients to deteriorate. Leftover wet food should be refrigerated immediately after use. It should be in a secured, air-tight container to keep it fresh and ensure your dog doesn’t have access to it.
Raw foods can increase the chance of exposure to Salmonella, Listeria, and other bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. According to an FDA study, between 2010 and 2012, it screened more than 1,000 samples of pet food, not including canned, to see which types were more likely to cause foodborne illness. According to their findings, it is raw food. (It should be noted that there are some concerns from dry and wet food manufacturers due to bacterial contamination.)
For raw foods, take extra precautions to ensure that bowls, preparation areas, countertops, cutting boards, and other food contact areas are thoroughly cleaned. As with wet food, keep raw food in a safe storage, and freeze until ready to use. Do not leave out of the refrigerator to thaw.
Dispose of bad dog food the right way: If you have spoiled or expired dog food, keep it in a sealed bag and covered trash can so no other animals can get to it.
Top Tips for Cleaning Your Dog’s Bowl
Clean hands: Wash your hands when you handle dog food and treats — this includes before you feed your puppy and after you handle the food. Count to 20 seconds and use soap and warm water.
Wash food and water bowls daily: Again, use warm water and soap – one that is safe for pets. Make sure you scrub hard, as some food can seep into cracks and crevices. (If you notice cracks in the bowl, get a new bowl.)
Alternatives to soap: The FDA says you can use bleach, but you have to be careful. First clean with soapy water to physically remove germs. Then make a bleach solution by mixing 2 oz, or ¼ cup of water, for every gallon of water. Soak for at least 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly, air dry or towel dry. If the bowl is dishwasher safe, be sure to place it on the top rack.
Scrub: Use a brush or sponge specifically for your dog’s bowls. Scrub all parts, and when complete, make sure you wash the cleaning tool.
Use clean equipment for scooping: Do not use your dog’s food bowl as a scoop. Instead use something specifically for dog food. It can be a scoop, spoon, or cup. Wash after each use.
Thoroughly dry: Bacteria love moisture. Use a towel to soak up all the water and air dry until ready to use again.
Change the water often: Make sure you change your dog’s water regularly (aim daily), to prevent bacterial growth.
Choose the Right Bowl
Not all bowls are created equal, with some being more susceptible to harmful bacteria.
Plastic: Although cheap, it scratches easily, meaning harmful bacteria can get into tiny crevices and stay there, even after washing. Plush, plastic can cause allergic reactions, so if your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to acne, stay away.
ceramics: If glazed correctly and using food-safe paint, it is easy to clean, and provides a range of designs. Although, like plastic, cracks can appear, so be careful.
With this adorable food and water bowl set from German brand MiaCara, your dog’s mealtime is sure to get an upgrade. Made from high-quality porcelain in granite gray, the minimalist, inverted shape is designed to stay firmly in position during mealtimes. Complete the look with a matching tray made of lacquered oak wood.
$175.00
Stainless Steel: Often the go-to for ease of use, it’s durable, cleans in one go, and is less likely to scratch.
Signs of a Dirty Dow Bowl
In addition to cleaning your dog’s bowls regularly, watch out for these signs of an unclean dog bowl.
- Food residue or discoloration from dog food, scraps, or supplement additives.
- A slippery film on the surface of the bowl or on the sides, as this is an indication of bacterial growth.
- A funky smell emanating from the bowl may be an indication that something is not right.
- Your dog avoids eating or drinking from bowls.
If you witness any of the above, make sure you inspect, clean, and if necessary, replace the bowls.
Keeping your dog’s bowls clean goes a long way to ensuring your best friend is happy and healthy.
Related: Meet the Man Obsessed with Dog Food Recalls
