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If you have a baby and a dog, you’ve probably witnessed the ultimate battle of curiosity vs. survival—your baby beelining for the dog’s food and water bowls like a tiny, determined explorer.
Meanwhile, your dog watches in pure horror, realizing their dinner is about to be fistfuls of soggy kibble and backwash.
No matter how many fancy baby toys you buy, nothing is more exciting to a crawling toddler than a bowl of dog food that definitely does NOT belong to them.
The splashing, the chewing, the inevitable full-body dive into the water dish. It’s all fun and games until someone (you) has to mop the floor for the fifth time today.
So, how do you stop your baby from turning the dog’s meal into a personal sensory bin? That’s where these 7 genius hacks come in.
Whether you need a quick fix or a long-term strategy, I’ve got solutions to keep your baby out of the dog bowl – and your dog from considering packing their bag and taking a trip to the local rescue shelter. So, let’s dive in (but, you know… not like your baby does).
So, you think you completely baby-proofed your house, huh?
Let’s see…
- Electrical outlets… Check
- Bathtub… Check
- Stove… Check
- Dog bowl…
Dog bowl…?
Yep, I know it sounds strange, but your dog’s bowl is dangerous. Well, to your child, anyway.
But don’t worry! I’m here to help.
Why Do You Need To Baby-Proof Your Dog Bowls?
It’s a fact: Your dog needs to eat and drink.
Because of this, you likely leave bowls of food and water on the floor, within easy reach of your dog.
Just one problem…
If your dog can reach it, so can your baby!
And trust me, that’s something you don’t want.
As you will soon learn, both your dog’s food and water bowls are dangerous to babies, but for very different reasons.
Food Bowls: A Disaster Waiting To Happen For Babies
It doesn’t matter what it is. If it’s small, it will end up in your baby’s mouth. This is normal behavior – it’s how young children test new things. And that’s exactly where those pieces of kibble are going to end up if you are not careful.
Let’s take a look at why dog food bowls are dangerous for babies.
A dog food bowl might seem harmless. But for a baby, it’s a tiny hazard zone. Here are six reasons why:
- Choking Hazard. Dog kibble is the perfect size to block a tiny windpipe. Babies love shoving things into their mouths. Dry dog food? Irresistible.
- Bacteria Galore. Dog bowls are germ magnets. Even if you clean them, bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli stick around. Now imagine your baby’s hands going from dog bowl → mouth → every surface in your house.
- Slippery When Wet. Food bowls with wet or fresh food turn your floor into a baby slip ‘n slide. The second they start splashing, you’re dealing with puddles, tumbles, and lots of crying (from both of you).
- Dog Aggression Risks. Even the sweetest dog has limits. Some are territorial about their food. If a baby grabs their bowl, they may react. Not worth the risk.
- Allergic Reactions. Dog food contains common allergens like chicken, beef, and grains. A baby’s immune system is still developing. Even a small amount could cause rashes or tummy troubles.
- Chewing On The Bowl. Because, of course, babies don’t stop at the food. They gnaw on the bowl too. If it’s plastic, they might swallow pieces or chemicals. Next thing you know, you’re asking, “Why is my baby’s diaper full of blue plastic?”
Let’s be real, it’s exhausting. You’re constantly rescuing kibble from baby fists, cleaning up spilled water, and prying your kid away from the dog’s bowl. Baby-proofing isn’t just for safety; it’s also for your own survival.
But even an empty dog bowl can be deadly to your baby.
A study by NSF International found that pet food dishes are the 4th germiest product in the average home.
During eating, bacteria from your dog’s saliva are transferred to the bowl, creating a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to build up. This is why you should regularly clean your dog bowls.
Those are compelling reasons for baby-proofing your dog’s food bowl, right?
Well, your dog’s water bowl is just as dangerous…
Water Bowls: A Life-Endangering Pet Accessory
At first glance, a water bowl seems harmless. It’s just water, right? Wrong.
Water is like a magnet to babies, who love to splash around and make a mess. Unfortunately, the two don’t mix.
Here are the main reasons why you don’t want your baby anywhere near a dog water bowl.
- Choking & Drowning Risk. Babies love splashing. But even a tiny amount of water can be a hazard. A baby can choke or even drown in as little as an inch of water. It happens faster than you think.
- Bacteria And Germs. Dog bowls are germ factories. Even if you clean them, bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and mold thrive in the damp environment. If your baby drinks from it? Germ party in their stomach.
- Slippery Floors = Big Falls. A spilled water bowl turns your floor into a baby skating rink. One wrong step and your little one is face-first on the ground. Even worse? You’re probably holding hot coffee when it happens.
- Dog Contamination. Your dog doesn’t wash their face after sniffing the backyard, licking their butt, or rolling in who-knows-what. Then, they drink from their bowl. Now, your baby is putting those same germs straight into their mouth.
- Cold Weather Danger. In winter, dogs that drink from outdoor bowls may have antifreeze or de-icers on their paws. If those chemicals are in the water, your baby could be exposed to toxic substances.
As you see, baby-proofing your dog’s water bowl is extremely important.
If you’re thinking, “That will never happen to my baby,” please reconsider. There are many reported incidents of babies drowning in the shallow waters of dog bowls all over the world.
You see, your baby can drown in less than an inch of water.
Have a look at how much water is currently sitting in your dog’s water dish. Go on! I’ll wait…
Too much for a baby, right? Well, that’s why you need to baby-proof it!
Bottom Line?
A dog’s food and water bowls are more than just messy – they are an actual safety risk. But don’t worry. I’ve got 7 genius hacks to keep your baby out of it (and your sanity intact). Let’s get started.
7 Simple Tricks To Babyproofing Dog Bowls
Does your baby have an odd obsession with dog food?
Maybe you are sick and tired of cleaning up after your toddler splashes in the water bowl.
These simple baby-proofing tricks are just what you need – tried, tested, and approved by moms across the world!
1. Say No!
I’m going to start with the most obvious solution:
Teach your baby not to go near the dog bowls.
Every time your baby speeds toward the dog bowl, remind them that those are not toys, pick them up, and move them to another area.
Be mindful that this method requires a lot of patience. Your little baby will probably think it’s a game at first – every time they go near the dog bowls, they get a free ride!
You need to be attentive and expect to repeat this hundreds of times, and even then, your baby may not listen.
But if you can teach your little one that mommy or daddy doesn’t approve of them playing with the dog’s bowl and they stay clear on their own accord, the battle is won.
If you don’t have the patience or your cheeky little toddler just won’t listen, don’t despair – I have plenty more solutions for you.
However, I recommend not relying on this hack alone. Remember, it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown in less than an inch of water…
2. Separate Your Baby From The Dog Bowl
The easiest way to protect your baby from dog bowl danger is to prevent them from reaching it in the first place.
And the easiest way to do that?
Create a designated doggy feeding area in another room – one with a door, like your laundry room.
Simply keep the door closed, and your little one cannot reach your dog’s bowls.
Alternatively, use a baby or dog gate to restrict your child from reaching your dog’s feeding area.
The only downside to this method is that you have to open the door for your dog whenever your pup wants to eat or drink.
3. Buy A Baby-Safe Dog Bowl
While no dog bowl is designed explicitly with childproofing in mind, there is no arguing that specific dog bowls keep your child safer than others.
The following bowls have features that make it safe to leave out while your baby is roaming around.
Best Baby-Safe Water Bowl: Ray Allan Buddy Bowl Review
Made right here in the United States, the Ray Allen No-Spill Bowl is nothing short of amazing. Its unique three-piece design only allows a certain amount of water into the bowl at a time.
Best of all, if your baby flips the bowl upside down, all the water will remain inside. Yep, once assembled, this dog bowl locks the water inside. Even if your toddler throws it across the room, it won’t spill a drop.
Price
Best Baby-Safe Food Bowl: SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Review
Although dog food bowls are a little more challenging to baby-proof, I’ve found a parent-approved answer …
Simply attach a tag to your dog’s collar and the bowl. As your dog approaches, the bowl will read their tag and open the lid. Once your dog finishes their meal and walks away, the lid closes.
Because your baby doesn’t have this tag, the lid will remain locked, preventing your baby from reaching inside and stealing food.
Price
4. Change Your Dog’s Feeding Time
When a baby comes along, we all have to change our daily routines – even your dog!
Is your toddler safely secure in their highchair, distracted by their meal, and making a mess?
That’s the perfect time to feed your dog.
Give your dog their meal and remove the bowls before your baby finishes eating.
Try not to feed your dog in view of your baby – you don’t want them to become interested.
5. Feed Your Dog Throughout The Day
If you leave kibble and water out for your dog, your four-legged friend is probably used to grazing – eating small amounts whenever they want.
In this case, swapping out to one meal a day will come as quite a shock.
The best solution in this instance is to keep your dog’s food bowl and water bowl on a table, out of your baby’s reach.
Offer these bowls to your dog multiple times daily, returning them to the table once they are finished.
Being a busy parent with a baby is hard work. In fact, you might initially forget to offer your dog food. For this reason, I suggest setting multiple alarms on your phone to remind you to feed your dog until you get into the habit.
6. Distract Your Baby
I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say:
Your baby can only focus on one thing at a time.
When it comes to babyproofing, we can use this to our advantage.
As soon as your baby shows interest in the dog’s bowls, pull out their favorite toy, book, or anything else that captures your baby’s attention – you know your little one best!
By the time the activity is over, your baby will have forgotten all about the dog bowls.
7. Use An Elevated Dog Feeder
Okay, so this method only works if you have a large dog and a crawling baby.
But if you have tried everything else on this list and still can’t keep your baby away from the dog bowls, then it’s worth a shot, right?
Best Elevated Dog Feeder: Pawfect Pet Store Large Raised Dog Bowl Stand Review
At 12 inches tall, this elevated dog feeder will keep both of your dog’s bowls out of reach from your curious infant. It comes with two stainless steel bowls.
Just be mindful that once your baby can pull themself up or toddle around your home, this will no longer be a viable solution – your baby will be able to reach the dog bowls.
Price
Other Ways To Keep A Happy & Safe Household
Baby-proofing dog bowls is just one step toward creating a peaceful home. A happy, safe household means setting clear boundaries and teaching both your baby and your dog how to coexist. Here’s how to make sure your little explorer and furry friend can thrive together without constant chaos.
1. Create Pet-Free Zones
Your dog needs a place to eat, sleep, and relax without a tiny human constantly reaching for them.
Set up a crate, playpen, or gated area where your dog can retreat when they need space. This isn’t just for your dog – it also teaches your baby that some areas are off-limits.
Giving your dog their own spot makes them feel safe and secure, reducing stress and the risk of food-related aggression.
2. Supervise All Baby-Dog Interactions
Even the most patient dog has limits. Babies love to grab, poke, and pull, and not all dogs tolerate that well. Supervision is key to preventing accidental nips, startled reactions, or even just frustration from your dog.
Tips for safe supervision:
- Never leave a baby and dog alone together. Even the gentlest dog can react unexpectedly.
- Watch for stress signals in your dog – yawning, lip licking, stiff body posture, or turning away are all signs they need space.
- Redirect your baby if they get too rough. A firm but calm “gentle hands” reminder can help them learn appropriate behavior.
3. Teach Gentle Petting Early
Babies don’t instinctively know how to be gentle. They grab ears, poke eyes, and pull tails if given the chance. Start teaching gentle petting as soon as they show interest in your dog.
How to teach gentle petting:
- Model the behavior – show your baby how to stroke your dog softly.
- Guide their hands and say things like, “Soft hands, nice pets.”
- Praise and encourage gentle touches while discouraging grabbing.
Some parents find it helpful to use a stuffed animal to teach proper petting before letting their baby touch the real thing. Over time, your baby will learn to be softer and more respectful with your pup.
4. Separate Toys, Food, And Spaces
Babies tend to put everything in their mouths. That includes dog toys covered in slobber or kibble that fell behind the couch weeks ago. Keeping their things separate helps prevent germs, choking hazards, and battles over toys.
Babies and dogs don’t always know what belongs to whom, so keeping their stuff separate avoids confusion and mess.
Here’s how to keep things in their place:
- Store dog toys in a separate bin so your baby isn’t constantly trying to chew on them.
- Keep the dog’s food and water bowls in a specific feeding area, away from your baby’s play space.
- If your baby drops food from their high chair, don’t let the dog clean it up. This can encourage begging and food aggression later.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement For Your Dog
A new baby can disrupt your dog’s routine, which may lead to stress or behavioral changes. Help them adjust by rewarding calm, positive behavior around your baby.
Ways to encourage good behavior:
- Give treats and praise when your dog remains calm around the baby.
- Offer quiet time in a safe space when they seem overwhelmed.
- Use commands like “go to your bed” if they need to give the baby space.
- Never punish curiosity – if your dog sniffs the baby, reward them for being gentle instead of scolding them.
If your dog struggles with the adjustment, consider short training sessions or consulting a professional trainer to reinforce good habits.
Let’s Finish With A Cute Baby & Dog Video
So, who would have thought that a dog bowl could be so dangerous to your baby?
Fortunately, using the tips in this guide, keeping your baby safe from this hidden hazard isn’t too difficult.
A baby and a dog under the same roof can feel like a recipe for chaos, but with a little effort, they can grow up as best friends. Creating clear boundaries, supervising interactions, and teaching gentle behaviors help ensure a safe, happy home for everyone. With the right approach, your baby and your pup can thrive together – without the constant mess, stress, or surprise kibble snacks.
Let’s finish with a cheerier topic …
Is there anything better than the bond between a baby and their furry best friend? Pure love, endless giggles, and just a little bit of mischief. Watch as this adorable duo melts hearts with their playful adventures!
Consider Upgrading To A Better-Quality Doggy Diet
Now you’ve got the bowl situation under wraps, why not consider updating what’s inside the bowl. Not all dog food is created equal, and choosing the right one depends on your pup’s needs. Fresh food diets offer whole, minimally processed ingredients. Freeze-dried options lock in nutrients while providing convenience and a longer shelf life. Raw diets focus on uncooked meats, bones, and organs, mimicking what dogs eat in the wild. Grain-free diets skip wheat, corn, and soy, which may benefit dogs with allergies or sensitivities, though they aren’t necessary for all pups.
How do you baby-proof your dog’s bowl? Do you have any more tips for us or our readers? Let us know in the comments below!
Why Trust Canine Journal
Sara is a practicing veterinarian in a small animal hospital in East Texas. Dr. Sara earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from St. George University and has over 7 years of experience working as a veterinarian for Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital in Whitehouse, TX. Before vet school, she attended Louisiana Tech for her undergraduate degree and returned to LSU for clinical rounds after completing veterinary school. With years of experience in the field, she is a treasure trove of knowledge on all things animal-related. She assists the Canine Journal team in ensuring their readers are up-to-date with the best doggy knowledge.
