A bowl seems like the simplest thing on the shopping list, but the right one can make mealtimes cleaner, calmer and more comfortable. Here is how to choose.

Start with the material

Stainless steel is the easiest to keep clean. It does not hold odours, resists scratches where bacteria can hide, and goes straight in the dishwasher. Look for a removable steel insert so you can wash it daily.

Pick the right size

A bowl should hold a full meal with room to spare, so food is not pushed over the edge. As a rough guide, 350 to 400 ml suits cats and toy breeds, 750 ml suits small to medium dogs, and 850 ml or more suits medium to large dogs.

Flat or raised?

Floor-level bowls work well for most healthy dogs, and low, wide bowls are especially comfortable for flat-faced breeds. A raised bowl can make eating easier for older dogs and those with stiff joints, because they do not have to bend as far. If you have a large, deep-chested breed, ask your vet which height is best.

Look for a non-slip base

A rubber rim or weighted base stops the bowl from sliding across the floor, which means less noise, less mess and less frustration for enthusiastic eaters.

One bowl or two?

A double diner keeps food and water together and tidy, which is handy in small kitchens. Separate bowls give you more flexibility if your dog is a messy drinker.

Whatever you choose, wash food bowls after every meal and refresh water at least once a day.