Pet parents know how hard to clean the floor after their pet has their meal of the day. No matter how well trained their pets are, while eating they could be a mini disaster. They can spill their food and water everywhere. That spill causes stains on the floors and it is hard to remove these stains. It not only messes up the floors but also becomes frustrating for a pet parent. A good quality mat creates a designated feeding zone for your pet containing spills and food leftovers, while keeping your floors neat and clean. These mats are easy to wash and need less scrubbing time. From preventing food messes and bad smells to improving home hygiene while protecting the surface, a pet food mat is a simple and effective tool for your pet.
Why Do You Need a Pet Food Mat?
A pet food mat is necessary to use because it helps pet parents in various ways. The biggest of them is not to clean the floor after every feeding. These food mats are specially designed with special properties like sticking to the floor, non-slippage and durability to avoid all the mess that your pet creates while eating. You can use these mat to your furry friends after surgery. Pet food mats are designed to stabilize the meal bowls to avoid the spillage of food. It also reduces the noise of your pet eating food and makes your pet to feel comfortable and secure while eating. These mats play a role in home hygiene. The food left on floors causes bacterial growth but a food mat makes cleaning easier and faster. Pet food mats are designed to support clean meal times and better pet nutrition. Adding food mats for your pets is a small but essential step that makes a huge difference in your home’s cleanliness.
Types of Pet Food Mat
Pet food mats are mainly of three types, depending on the material from which they are made. These are silicone pet food mats, rubber or PVC mats and pet food mats with a lip. These mats are not only spill-proof or waterproof but also slip-proof. Pet food mats also have absorbent properties. These are given as:
Silicone Pet Food Mat
Silicone pet food mat is a reliable option for pet owners. The pet food mat adheres the food bowls to the floor, which avoids the spilling of food. Pets like cats and dogs spill their food while eating. Cats do so to check if the food is safe to eat, and dogs playfully spill their food. This keeps the feeding area tidy. That is quite stressful for pet parents. Silicone mats are flexible, durable and easy to clean even though they can be washed in a dishwasher. These are some reasons that pet parents prefer to use a silicone pet food mat.
Rubber Or PVC Mats
Rubber or PVC pet food mats are an affordable option to explore if you are on a budget. These are flexible mats used by pets that do not make a great mess and just need a specified eating space. Rubber or PVC mats are an option for them. It is less durable than silicone ones, but they still provide spill protection.
Pet Food Mat With Lip
These mats are especially for large dogs and the puppies that are just learning to drink water properly. A pet mat with a lip provides a barrier and stops liquid from spilling out. It helps to keep the feeding place neat and clean. It is also used for messy eaters.
Features to Look for
A pet food mat should have a non-slip base to prevent your pet’s food bowl from spilling. These mats should be easy to wash. The edges should be spill-proof. Ensure the mat can comfortably hold both food and water bowls without overcrowding. The materials used to make these mats should be non-toxic and BPA-free. Make sure these mats are safe for your pets.
Choosing the Right Option for a Pet Food Mat
Choosing a pet food mat depends on the size, personality and daily habits of your pet. It also depends on how many pets you have. Like if you have a single dog, you would choose a small mat, but if you have three or more dogs, you would require a large mat so their food bowls would not be overcrowded. A silicone material food mat would be an option if you need a long lasting and easy to clean mat. If you want a lightweight and affordable option, go for a rubber or PVC mat. Opt for a textured surface mat if your pet pushes the food bowls. And if your pet is a messy drinker, choose a food mat with raised edges. These mats can also be used while your pets are away during boarding for maintaining a mess free living space.
Best Food Mat
Food mats differ from one another based on the materials they are made of. Mainly, these are made of rubber, silicone and PVC material. Here are some of the best food mats
- Premium silicone pet food mat
- Extra-large pet food mat with lip
- Eco-friendly PVC mats
- Textured rubber mat
- Foldable Travel Mats
These pet food mats are available on Gorilla Grip, Petfusion, SMILOOL and Amazon.
Tips for Keeping the Feeding Area Clean
To keep the feeding area clean, wipe the mat daily to remove the food stains easily. Wash and sanitize the mats every week to prevent any bacterial growth. Then, completely dry the food mats so the moisture does not get trapped in the textured surface. Wash and dry the bowls. Remove the cracked or damaged ones. Protect wooden or tile floors from scratches and permanent stains. These are some tips to keep the feeding area clean in your home.
Conclusion
Choosing a good pet food mat for mess-free feeding can make your daily routine very easy. It not only protects your floors but also improves your home hygiene and helps monitor their dental care routine. Whether you are choosing a silicone mat or a mat with a lip to avoid spillage of food and water, the right choice can completely transform your feeding area. If you are unsure about the food mat to take, visit your local veterinarian for guidance. Many pet owners at Park Hills Animal Hospital mention how the cleaner and stress free feeding time has become once they have started feeding their pets on the food mat. Choose the best pet food mat for truly mess free feeding.
FAQs
Does the Pet Food Mat Really Help to Reduce the Mess Around the Feeding Area?
Yes, it does. A pet food mat helps to avoid food spills and water dribbling around the feeding area. It reduces the overall efforts of the pet parent to clean the mess.
Is a Pet Food Mat Made Up of Silicone Material Safe for My Pet?
Yes. Pet food mats are made with high-quality, durable material that is safe to use for pets. These mats can even be heated and are easy to wash. That is why silicone mats are preferred by pet parents.
Can I Wash a Pet Food Mat in the Dishwasher?
Yes, you can. If you have a silicone-based pet food mat, you can wash it in a dishwasher. It is easy to clean the stains in the dishwasher and a faster way is possible.
Which Pet Food Mat Size is Good to Use?
It depends on your pet’s habits and how many pets you have. If you have one pet, you would need a small one. But if you have more than one pet, you would require a large or an extra-large mat for them.
Can I Use the Same Pet Food Mat for Both Cats and Dogs?
Yes, you can use the same food mat for both of them. Just choose the right size and material of the food mat.










