6 Important Things to Look for in a Dog Food Mat

Dealing with a messy eater? As a lazy dog owner myself, constantly having to follow my dog around with a rug as he likes to submerge his floofy face in his water bowl whenever he drinks can be quite a chore.

Thankfully, I have tiled floors, but imagine what that does to wood! And while my floors are fine after a little mopping, I have slipped several times before I addressed the problem.

Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this issue: a dog food mat. Listed below are things to consider when getting one for your pooch.

Function

Before you go choosing that cute mat that would go well with your throw pillows, remind yourself why you’re getting a dog food mat in the first place. Make sure whatever you do choose does its job well in protecting your floors and minimizing the mess your furry friends leave behind. After all, there’s no point in having a cute mat if it still leaves the floor a mess.

Material

One purpose of having a dog food mat is to catch food that manages to escape your dog’s bowl.

With that said, there’s a big chance your dog is going to be eating off the mat as well. Make sure your mats are made of dog-safe materials like silicone, plastic, rubber, cotton, or polyester. Get something that is easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria to make it safe for both you and your dog.

Size

The bigger the dog, the bigger the mess, the bigger the mat.

A good food mat should be large enough not only for your dog’s food and water bowl, but for any spills and food droppings as well. Make sure to observe your dog’s eating and drinking habits so you can picture out just how much space is actually needed.

Also, take into consideration where you are planning to keep the mat so you can measure out if it fits the area well.

Durability

It would be best to get a mat that will last you a long time as your dog will be using it on a daily basis. A non-slip base and surface would be ideal to keep everything in place even for the most active dogs.

Convenience

Look for a mat that would be easy to clean. A waterproof material that is dishwasher-safe would be most convenient though there are also mats made of absorbent materials that easily dry and are machine-washable.

Style

Although not the most important aspect, dog food mats can be both functional and stylish. There are many colors and patterns available in the market, so you’re sure to find one that complements the room or your dog.

The Bottom Line

Most dog food mats are quite affordable, but it doesn’t hurt to spend a couple extra bucks just to make sure to get the right one for your best bud. They will be using it for their entire lifetime after all.

Keep in mind to stay away from mats made of questionable materials and those that would be hard to clean or would not last with repeated washing. They may keep the mess at bay, but you still do need to clean them. Check out our available food mats for your furry pals.

For certainty, check out our food mats for dogs. They are definitely safe for dogs and anti-slip.