Review: Trot Pet Bowls

We all know that despite their ubiquity, plastic containers are awful—for the environment and for our own personal health. So as conscientious consumers, we do our best to use alternatives: glass tupperware, paper cups, etc. And yet, how many of us still feed our dogs in plastic bowls? Our loyal canine companions, beloved best friends, always there with us, through thick and thin... doesn't their health deserve the same regard?

I'm ashamed to admit how long I poisoned my own pups in plastic bowls, but it's never too late to do the right thing. Which is why I picked up a Complete Bowl Set with Mat from Trot. The bowls are stainless steel, so no more microplastic toxins going into my little buddy's digestive system—just the clean, pure water and high-quality kibble (spiked with game-meat scraps, of course) he needs to be happy and healthy. And for me, no more guilt crippling my psyche.

Trot's Complete Bowl Set with Mat is one of those products you don't realize you need until you have it—but afterward, you're damn glad that you do. 

But the benefits don't stop there. Trot's bowls aren't just safe, they're designed to eliminate all the usual hassles involved in feeding, cleanup, transport, and storage. There's a tacky ring on the bottom, to prevent sliding around on smooth or slick surfaces. Secure lids make them self-contained for a quick overnighter; just load up the bowl and go. The silicone mat catches spills and cleans up easy. Placed on the mat, the bowls don't budge—a magnetic snap-fit joint keeps them in place. (Under normal circumstances, anyway; no promises for folks with rough & ravenous chompers.)

The Complete Bowl Set with Mat is one of those products you don't realize you need until you have it—but afterward, you're damn glad that you do. Trot clearly put some serious thought into the design, and the result is a whole new standard in canine feeding.

The set runs $145 to $155, depending on size, and you can choose either a puzzle bowl, if you've got an overeager eater, or a second water bowl, for a more controlled diner like my own pup. Available at trotpets.com.