As a professional pet sitter, much of my role involves visiting clients' homes to care for their beloved pets, primarily dogs. Our clients range from those with average incomes to individuals earning millions annually. One recurring issue I’ve noticed in many households is overlooked pet hygiene—specifically, dirty dog bowls. I’m talking about unwashed food dishes, murky water bowls, and grimy food mats. It’s surprising to see such neglect in otherwise pristine and luxurious homes. Taking just a minute to scrub a dog’s dish can make a big difference, yet it’s often overlooked. As part of our service, we always make sure to clean these items for our clients. It’s not uncommon for them to return home and assume we’ve deep-cleaned their house because even small touches like this can dramatically improve their pet’s space. But we mostly do it for the safety of their dogs and I always think to myself… Would they eat off of that?
You wouldn’t serve dinner on a dirty plate, so why pour your dog’s kibble into a bacteria-filled bowl?
“Previous studies have identified medically significant and potentially harmful bacteria in pet food bowls, which can easily spread throughout the home,” explains Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist and lead author of a recent study on pet food handling and hygiene practices. “The bacteria in your pet’s bowl doesn’t stay confined to it—it can affect the entire household.”
Despite the health risks for both pets and their owners, Dr. Luisana’s research revealed that only 22% of pet parents clean their dog's food and water bowls once a week, while 18% clean them less than once every three months—or not at all.
The study also found that fewer than 25% of dog owners wash the scoops used to serve food or their hands before and after feeding their dogs. This behavior increases the risk of spreading bacteria such as MRSA, Salmonella, and E. coli. Alarmingly, less than 5% of participants knew about the federal guidelines recommending regular washing of pet food bowls.
According to Dr. Luisana, cleaning your dog’s bowl after every meal—yes, every meal—is critical for reducing your pet’s exposure to harmful bacteria. In the study, 417 dog owners were divided into three groups: Group A followed FDA guidelines for pet food handling and dish hygiene, Group B followed FDA guidelines for both pet and human food hygiene, and Group C continued their usual feeding practices.
Food dish swabs showed significantly less bacteria in the bowls of Groups A and B compared to Group C. “The data clearly showed that infrequent washing contributed to bacterial growth,” Dr. Luisana notes. This result was consistent across different types of food—wet or dry—and bowl materials, including plastic and stainless steel. However, she acknowledged that a larger sample size could refine these findings further.
Integrative veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker adds that pet parents who feed kibble may underestimate the contamination risks. In an article on Mercola’s Healthy Pets website, Dr. Becker explained, “Dry food may not leave visible residue like canned or fresh food, but it’s just as likely—if not more so—to carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Even if the bowl looks clean, washing it after every meal is essential to protect your family’s health.”
To further reduce risks, Dr. Becker recommends using food-safe, 18-gauge stainless steel, porcelain, or glass bowls instead of plastic, which can degrade over time. Separate research has found that harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are more commonly present in ceramic and plastic bowls compared to stainless steel ones.
Regardless of whether you use plastic or stainless steel bowls or feed kibble or canned food, Dr. Luisana emphasizes the importance of following FDA guidelines for safe pet food handling, which include:
- Washing your hands before and after handling pet food and treats.
- Cleaning pet food bowls and scoops with soap and hot water after each use.
- Using a scoop or spoon to serve food instead of the pet’s bowl.
- Storing pet food in its original packaging.
“At first glance, the FDA’s recommendations might feel overwhelming, but like any habit, it’s about consistency and making it part of your routine,” Dr. Luisana shares. “Keeping pet dishes clean can greatly reduce risks, and small steps—like keeping multiple bowls on hand—can make it easier to maintain these practices in the long run.”
Another key consideration is the type of dish you use for your pet’s food and water. Materials like stainless steel and ceramic are often recommended over plastic, as they are less likely to harbor bacteria and are easier to sanitize. Dr. Luisana emphasizes that choosing durable, non-porous materials can further reduce contamination risks and ensure your pet’s well-being. Regularly inspecting these dishes for cracks or damage is just as crucial, as even the smallest imperfections can create hidden spaces for bacteria to grow.
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