Bamboo is a fairly new material to enter the pet market so you’re probably wondering if bamboo is safe for your dogs and other pets to eat and drink out of.
The good news is that bamboo bowls are a great, sustainable alternative to buying plastic, and the risk of any nasty chemicals leaching into their food or water is far less.
Bamboo dog bowls can be safe for dogs, but it depends on the specific product and how it is used and cared for.
Bamboo is a natural material that is often used in eco-friendly products, including dog bowls. It is lightweight, durable, and biodegradable, which makes it an attractive alternative to plastic or metal bowls.
However, some bamboo dog bowls may contain adhesives or coatings that could be harmful to dogs if ingested. It’s important to read the label or product description carefully to ensure that the bowl is free of any toxic materials.
In addition, bamboo dog bowls can be prone to bacterial growth if not cleaned properly. It’s important to clean the bowl regularly with soap and hot water and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
Overall, if you choose a high-quality bamboo dog bowl and care for it properly, it can be a safe and eco-friendly option for your furry friend.
We looked into how the bamboo plant itself might affect your pets in this previous article but what about bamboo products? Are bamboo dog bowls safe?
How are bamboo bowls made?
Most bamboo bowl manufacturers start with ground down bamboo fibres.
Bamboo stems (or culms to use their proper name) are harvested in the dry season and then ground into something looking similar to wood chips.
These wood chips are soaked to make them softer. The soaking solution can either be a natural enzyme or a harsh chemical and this is where the process can potentially become less eco-friendly.
Mechanical processing which uses enzymes is a better choice when aiming to be more eco-aware.
Once the chips are soaked, they are ground into even smaller pieces, rinsed of chemicals/enzymes and then laid out in sheets and dried.
Once the sheets are dried they are ground up once again to produce the soft fluffy fibres which can then either be spun into fabric or processed into other items.
There are no traces of the chemicals or enzymes used at this stage so both methods produce a perfectly safe bamboo fibre to be used as the manufacturer wishes.
The next stage in taking these fibres and making them into a useable plastic replacement is to combine them with a material which can be moulded.
This turns the bamboo into BPC, or bamboo plastic composites.
Some bamboo composites are unfortunately non-biodegradable because of the material it’s mixed with.
Others use materials such as corn or rice starch to mix in with the bamboo making it a far more sustainable and eco-friendly product.
Both methods are free from BPA (Bisphenol A – Research has shown that exposure to BPA can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system )
Are bamboo dog bowls dishwasher safe?
Whether or not bamboo dog bowls are dishwasher safe depends on the specific product. Some bamboo dog bowls are labeled as dishwasher safe, while others are not.
It’s important to read the label or product description carefully to determine whether the bowl can be safely washed in a dishwasher. If the bowl is not labeled as dishwasher safe, it’s best to hand wash it to prevent any damage to the bowl or its finish.
In general, hand washing bamboo dog bowls is recommended to ensure their longevity and prevent any potential damage from the high heat and harsh detergents used in dishwashers. When hand washing, use mild soap and warm water, and allow the bowl to dry completely before using it again.
If you do choose to wash a bamboo dog bowl in the dishwasher, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any damage to the bowl or any potential harm to your pet.
Are bamboo dog bowls suitable for wet or dry food?
Bamboo dog bowls can be suitable for both wet and dry food, but it depends on the specific product and its design.
Some bamboo dog bowls are specifically designed for wet food and have a shallower depth to prevent spills and make it easier for dogs to eat. Other bamboo dog bowls are better suited for dry food, as they may have a deeper well to hold larger portions of kibble.
When choosing a bamboo dog bowl, it’s important to consider your pet’s eating habits and preferences. If your dog primarily eats wet food, look for a bowl with a shallow design that is easy to clean and doesn’t retain moisture. If your dog eats dry food, a deeper bowl with a non-slip base may be a better option to prevent spills.
In general, bamboo dog bowls are a versatile option that can be used for both wet and dry food, as long as the specific product is designed for the type of food your dog eats. It’s important to choose a high-quality bamboo dog bowl that is durable, safe, and easy to clean to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.
Fully Biodegradeable dog bowls made from bamboo.
We’ve searched high and low in order to find bamboo dog bowls which are also fully biodegradable and contain zero plastic making them not only safe for your dog but great for the environment also.
Beco Bamboo Dog Bowl
Beco make its bowls from bamboo fibres, corn starch and rice husks which makes them 100% biodegradable.
However, these bowls are built to last. Sturdy, dishwasher safe and have a non-slip base.
The Green PetShop Bamboo Dog Bowl
Made from bamboo and rice husks bonded together under pressure and heat this makes them 100% biodegradable.
This dishwasher-safe bowl is safe for people, pets and the planet.
Bamboo Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Designed by veterinarians and made from bamboo and corn starch, this bowl is ideal if you need to reduce your dog from gulping down their food.
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