An essential part of your dog’s routine is a regular feeding schedule. This helps your dog feel secure and cared for. Many owners think a simple water bowl and food dish are sufficient for feeding time. However, it’s important to find the right setup for your dog based on their needs. What works for one dog, may not work for another. Here’s how to set up a feeding station for your dog:

1. Find the Right Spot

Your dog needs to have easy access to food and water. But you also don’t want their spot to be in a high-traffic area, either. The business of a high-traffic area can be distracting and overwhelming for your dog as they eat. This can also be one of the reasons why dogs carry food away from their bowl to eat it.

A quiet corner of your kitchen, mudroom, or pantry is a nice option. These are also good pet nook ideas. An uncarpeted area is advisable for easy cleanup. Make sure your dog’s feeding area is away from areas children tend to frequent. Also, be sure children know not to bother your dog while eating. Dogs do not like to be bothered while eating and can even become aggressive.

Although you want to socialize and train your dog properly, guarding resources, like food, can be one of the causes of aggression in dogs. Training and socialization work aside, it’s best to make sure your dog has an area they feel safe in and can eat in peace.

2. Figure Out Your Dog’s Needs

When looking for the right food and water dishes, you need to take into account what kind of dog you have, the size of your dog, and the type of dog food they eat. Additionally, determine whether your dog should drink or eat out of shared bowls. If your dog has food-related behavior issues, now is also the time to look into solutions.

Different dogs require different types of dog food bowls, both for food and water. A dog with a short snout does better with a shallow bowl. If your dog has long, floppy ears, look for a deeper bowl so they avoid dragging their ears through their food and water.

An elderly dog will appreciate an elevated feeding station, which will help keep pressure off their joints as they bend down to eat. And if your pup is a very enthusiastic and fast eater, try a puzzle bowl.

These bowls are designed so dogs have to work for their food, forcing them to slow down, which can help prevent hiccups in dogs that can be caused by eating too quickly. Elevated bowls and slow feeder bowls can also help reduce gulping, which can also help reduce the risk of bloat in dogs.

3. Consider Your Dog’s Foods

It’s also important to take into account the type of dog food your dog eats. Plastic bowls are fine for dry food, but raw or wet food can cause these types of bowls to break down over time. This can mean it may be hard to sanitize these bowls, causing bacteria to grow.

Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are great options for all types of food. They’re easy to sanitize and they won’t break down over time. Stainless steel bowls also are fairly indestructible so they won’t break if dropped or pushed around by your pup.

4. Explore Feeders and Fountains

Feeders can be a nice option for dog owners who are gone at typical feeding times. A regular feeding schedule is important to creating a good daily routine for your dog. Feeders work by keeping food in a reservoir and food is released by gravity. These are not a great choice for all dogs, especially dogs who do not stop eating until their bowl is empty.

If you have a dog who tends to eat until their bowl is empty, automatic pet feeders* can be convenient and helpful *(Amazon Affiliate Link). These feeders typically allow you to schedule several feedings for the day. This will cut back on your dog’s overeating.

5. Think About a Drinking Fountain

Dogs also need to be well-hydrated to keep healthy. They appreciate clean and fresh water and an easy way to provide that is with a fountain. An automatic water dispenser for your dog* can help ensure access to water when your dog needs it *(Amazon Affiliate Link). If your home uses city or well water, opt for a fountain with a filter. This will keep chemicals and dirt out of your dog’s water.

Following these suggestions on how to set up a feeding station for your dog is helpful for creating a good routine for your dog. A dedicated feeding station will give your dog a sense of security and will help you keep things organized and neat.

*Greenfield Puppies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Greenfield Puppies may earn a commission for purchases made through Amazon affiliate links on our site.