Lickimat OH Bowl vs. Standard Dog Bowls: Which Supports Better Oral Health?

Quick Answer

The Lickimat OH Bowl is designed to encourage licking, which can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup by stimulating saliva production. Standard dog bowls are simpler and easier to clean but don't offer the same oral health benefits. For most dogs, the Lickimat OH Bowl is a better choice for daily feeding, but standard bowls remain practical for water, wet food, or travel.

When it comes to your dog's dental care, the bowl you choose can make a difference. The Lickimat OH Bowl is designed to promote licking, which helps clean teeth and gums by increasing saliva flow. Standard dog bowls simply hold food and water without any added oral health benefits.

In this comparison, we'll look at how the Lickimat OH Bowl works, what it offers over a standard bowl, and when you might still want a regular bowl in your rotation. We'll also touch on other products that can support your dog's overall well-being.

What Makes the Lickimat OH Bowl Different?

The Lickimat OH Bowl is part of the Lickimat range, which is known for its textured surfaces that encourage licking. The OH (oral health) version is specifically designed to support dental hygiene. When your dog licks the grooves, it helps remove food particles and stimulates saliva, which can reduce plaque and tartar buildup. It's a simple, passive way to support oral health during mealtime.

Standard dog bowls don't have this textured surface. They're typically smooth and just hold food or water. While they're easy to clean and convenient, they don't offer any dental benefits. If your dog is prone to dental issues, switching to a Lickimat OH Bowl could be a low-effort way to help.

• Encourages slower eating, which can reduce bloating and digestive issues.
• Provides mental stimulation and can help with anxiety.
• Easy to spread wet food, yogurt, or peanut butter in the grooves.

Oral Health Benefits of Licking

Licking is a natural behavior for dogs. When they lick a textured surface, it increases saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food debris. This can reduce the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, which are common causes of bad breath and gum disease. While the Lickimat OH Bowl is not a replacement for brushing, it's a helpful addition to your dog's dental care routine.

Standard bowls don't provide this benefit. They simply deliver food without any interaction. If your dog is a fast eater, a standard bowl might also lead to gulping and digestive upset. The Lickimat OH Bowl forces your dog to slow down and work for their food, which is better for both digestion and oral health.

• Use the Lickimat OH Bowl for wet food, bone broth, or pureed treats.
• Freeze the spread to make mealtime last longer and provide extra cooling relief.
• Clean the bowl thoroughly after each use to maintain hygiene.

When a Standard Bowl Still Makes Sense

Standard dog bowls are still useful for water, dry kibble, or when you're traveling. They're lightweight, easy to pack, and simple to clean. If your dog doesn't have dental issues and eats at a reasonable pace, a standard bowl is perfectly fine. The Lickimat OH Bowl is an additional tool, not a complete replacement.

Also, consider the material. Standard bowls come in stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic. Stainless steel is durable and easy to sanitize, while ceramic can be heavy and breakable. The Lickimat OH Bowl is made from food-grade materials, but it's not designed for water or dry food. It's best used for wet or semi-moist foods that can be spread.

• Keep a standard bowl for water and dry food.
• Use the Lickimat OH Bowl for meals or treats that benefit from licking.
• If your dog is a messy eater, the Lickimat OH Bowl can help contain the mess.

Other Products That Support Oral Health

Besides the Lickimat OH Bowl, there are other products that can help maintain your dog's oral health. For example, the Starmark GripCord Chew Ball - Soft Ball is a tough toy that also encourages chewing, which can help reduce plaque. Chewing on durable toys is another natural way to clean teeth.

You can also consider dental chews and treats that are specifically designed to reduce tartar. However, always check with your vet before introducing new dental products, especially if your dog has existing dental conditions.

• Rotate chew toys like the Starmark GripCord Chew Ball to keep your dog engaged.
• Regular brushing is still the gold standard for dental care.
• Schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet.

Trade-offs at a Glance

• Oral Health Support: Lickimat OH Bowl promotes licking, which increases saliva and helps reduce plaque. Standard bowls offer no such benefit. Choose the Lickimat OH Bowl if dental hygiene is a priority.
• Ease of Cleaning: Standard bowls are typically dishwasher-safe and easy to wipe clean. The Lickimat OH Bowl has grooves that require more thorough cleaning. If convenience is key, a standard bowl may be simpler for daily use.
• Versatility: Standard bowls can be used for water, dry food, and wet food. The Lickimat OH Bowl is best for wet or semi-moist foods that can be spread. Keep both types to cover all feeding needs.

Products That Support Your Dog's Health

• Starmark GripCord Chew Ball - Soft Ball: Starmark GripCord Chew Ball Green With Loop Medium Tough Toy For Dogs Is Super Tough & Is Great For Interactive Play. It features an easy-grip loop for versatile play and is a great SOFT BALL that gives a lot of feedback to use for fun engagement games or in your training toolbox. Chewing on this ball can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, complementing the oral health benefits of the Lickimat OH Bowl. It's also great for interactive play and training.
• Heating Pad by Warm a Pet: The Warm a Pet under bed heating pad is great for a number of uses, first and foremost, when it is cold these are great to keep your dog warm! They are also a must for your older pets in winter time and perhaps other times too. Many people also use these when their dogs have litters rather than running a heat lamp (which only heats from above) or are recovering from surgery, less activity means less body heat. A comfortable and warm dog is more likely to relax and enjoy licking activities. This pad supports recovery and comfort, which indirectly helps maintain a calm environment for mealtime and training.

Which Bowl Fits Your Dog's Needs?

Best For

• Dogs with dental issues or prone to plaque buildup
• Dogs that eat too quickly and need to slow down
• Dogs that enjoy licking and benefit from mental stimulation

Not For

• Dogs that primarily eat dry kibble and prefer a simple bowl
• Owners who prioritize ultra-easy cleaning over oral health benefits

The Lickimat OH Bowl offers a simple way to support your dog's oral health during mealtime, while standard bowls remain practical for everyday use. Consider your dog's eating habits and dental needs to make the right choice. Pairing the Lickimat OH Bowl with chew toys and regular brushing gives your dog the best chance at a healthy smile.