Steffens Law Office - September 2025

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Can You Put Your Pet’s Bowl in the Dishwasher?

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W H A

If your pet is practically a family member, you likely care a lot about what goes into their food bowl. But here’s a question many pet owners forget to ask: “How clean is that bowl, really?” And more importantly, “Can you just toss it in the dishwasher?”

–Bill Steffens

The short answer is yes, most pet bowls can be safely washed in the dishwasher — and they probably should.

According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are among the germiest items in the home, often ranking alongside kitchen sponges and bathroom faucets. When left unwashed, pet bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and salmonella, which can pose health risks to pets and families. That’s where your dishwasher comes in. Modern dishwashers can handle more than dinner plates — they reach high enough temperatures to sanitize pet bowls and kill harmful bacteria effectively. Just check the bottom of the bowl or the manufacturer’s instructions for a dishwasher-safe symbol, especially for plastic bowls, which can warp or degrade in high heat. If you still use a plastic pet bowl, consider finding a new one. Veterinarians and pet care experts recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Not only are they more durable and hygienic, but they’re also far less likely to harbor bacteria in scratches or porous surfaces. If you’re hand-washing your pet’s bowl, use hot, soapy water, and scrub every part of the bowl. The FDA recommends cleaning pet bowls after each use and even more frequently if you feed wet or raw food. If your pet eats from their bowl multiple times a day, consider having a second clean set on hand so a fresh one is always available. So, if your pet’s bowl is dishwasher-safe, go ahead and give it a spin — preferably on the top rack. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and safe.

Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com

Ingredients

Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large,

• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!

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