Why Pottery Pet Bowls Are Better
Plastic pet bowls scratch over time, and those scratches harbor bacteria that can cause chin acne in cats and skin irritation in dogs. Stainless steel bowls are hygienic but light — dogs push them across the floor. Handmade pottery pet bowls solve both problems. The smooth, glazed surface is non-porous and easy to sanitize. The weight keeps the bowl firmly in place.
Stephen Jepson has always made pottery bowls for his own pets. He appreciates the intersection of function and craft — a pet bowl must be practical above all else.
Pet Bowl Designs
Standard Dog Bowl
Wide, deep, and heavy. For a medium dog, about six to seven inches in diameter and three inches deep, using two to three pounds of clay. Large dogs need eight inches or more. Thick walls for weight and durability. A wide base prevents tipping.
Elevated Cat Bowl
Cats prefer eating from a slightly elevated position — it reduces neck strain. Make a bowl mounted on a short pedestal, raising the food surface three to four inches. The bowl should be wide and shallow — about five inches across — so whiskers do not touch the sides.
Slow Feeder Bowl
For dogs that eat too fast, add obstacles inside the bowl — ridges, knobs, or a central dome. The dog must push food around the obstacles, which slows eating and reduces the risk of bloat. Make the obstacles rounded and smooth. Glaze everything with food-safe glaze.
Water Bowl with Splash Guard
For messy drinkers, make a deeper bowl with an inward-curving rim that reduces splashing. Heavy enough to resist tipping when a large dog drinks vigorously.
Making Pet Bowls
Sizing for Your Pet
- Small dogs and cats: 4-5 inch diameter, 1.5-2 inches deep.
- Medium dogs: 6-7 inch diameter, 2.5-3 inches deep.
- Large dogs: 8-10 inch diameter, 3-4 inches deep.
- Water bowls: Same diameter as food bowls but deeper.
Weight and Stability
The single most important design factor. The bowl must not slide, tip, or move when the pet eats. Throw with thick walls and a heavy floor. A wide, flat base provides stability.
Food-Safe Glazing
Pet bowls must be glazed with food-safe glaze on all interior surfaces. Pets eat from these bowls multiple times a day for years. Use commercially tested food-safe glazes fired to their recommended temperature.
Pet Bowls as Gifts and Products
Personalized pottery pet bowls — with the pet's name carved or painted on the side — are extremely popular gifts. Price at twenty to forty-five dollars. They sell well at craft fairs, pet boutiques, and online.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's pottery video lessons cover bowl throwing, trimming, and food-safe glazing — all the skills you need for pet bowls. One-time purchase, lifetime access to all lessons.