How Often You Need to Wash Your Dog's Food Bowl

Ask five people with dogs how often they wash their pet's food bowl, and you will probably get different answers. Despite the fact that the FDA has issued hygiene protocols on dog food dish contamination, not many people are familiar with them.

If you fall into that category, here is what to know about the importance of washing your dog's food bowl and how often you should be doing it.

Why is it important to wash your dog’s food bowl?

According to the FDA, dog food and treats can be contaminated with harmfulbacteria that cause food-borne illnesses like salmonellosis and listeriosis. Humans who are exposed to E. coli can also get sick from eating dog food.

Jamie Whittenburg, a vet with SeniorTailWaggers.com, says that dirty dog food bowls can be harmful to your pet.

How often should you wash your dog’s food bowl?

It's time for a change if you've gotten in the habit of going weeks without washing your dog's food bowl.