Feeding a dog with long ears: how to stop the mess (and the ear infections)
You’ve just put your Cocker Spaniel’s dinner down, and 30 seconds later their ears are coated in wet food. You wipe them, towel the floor, and move on. By tomorrow night, it’s the same routine.
It seems harmless enough – just messy. But those wet, food-caked ears are doing more than staining your towels. They’re creating the conditions for recurring ear infections.
The fix is simpler than most long-eared dog owners expect. A conical-shaped bowl like the BUSTER IncrediBowl keeps your dog’s ears outside the bowl while they eat. No snoods, no scrunchies, no post-dinner wipedowns.
Why long ears and standard bowls don’t mix
Dogs with pendant ears – ears that hang below the jaw line – can’t keep them out of a flat or wide bowl. Every time they lower their head to eat, their ears fall forward into the food.
With dry kibble, this is mostly cosmetic. But with wet food, raw diets, or water, the ear leather gets soaked. Food residue dries in the folds of the ear, and that warm, damp environment becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Over time, this leads to staining, a persistent smell that won’t wash out, and otitis externa – inflammation of the outer ear canal.
Otitis externa is one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. A large UK veterinary study found that dogs with pendulous ears were 1.76 times more likely to develop ear infections than dogs with erect ears. Cocker Spaniels are among the most affected breeds, partly because of their long ears and partly due to narrower ear canals and a higher density of wax-producing glands.
The takeaway: keeping ears out of the food bowl isn’t just about keeping your dog clean. It’s a genuine health measure.
Which breeds need a long-eared dog bowl?
| Breed | Why they’re affected |
|---|---|
| Cocker Spaniel (English and American) | Long, heavy ears with dense fur. Among the highest rates of otitis externa of any breed. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Fine, silky ear hair picks up moisture and food easily. Very popular across Melbourne’s inner suburbs. |
| Basset Hound | Some of the longest ears of any breed. Ears routinely drag in food and water bowls. |
| Beagle | Moderate-length pendant ears that fall forward during eating. |
| Springer Spaniel (English and Welsh) | Active breed with long ears. Welsh Springers show particularly high otitis prevalence. |
| Dachshund | Low to the ground with ears that sit right at bowl height. |
| Bloodhound | Extremely long ears. Chronic ear issues are common in the breed. |
Crossbreeds with one long-eared parent – Cavoodles, Cockapoos, Spoodles – are just as likely to inherit pendant ears and the problems that come with them.
Worth knowing: some owners don’t connect their dog’s recurring ear infections to mealtimes. If your vet keeps treating ear infections that come back, it’s worth checking whether food and water are reaching the ears twice a day.
How the BUSTER IncrediBowl works
The IncrediBowl has a conical shape – narrower at the top and wider at the base. When your dog lowers their muzzle into the bowl, the tapered opening keeps their ears sitting outside the rim instead of falling in. It works with both wet and dry food, though owners feeding wet diets will notice the biggest difference.
Design details that matter:
- Slow feeding built in. The conical shape forces your dog to pick food from the inner corners rather than gulping. This slows eating naturally, without needing a separate slow feeder bowl.
- Floor stabilisers. Built-in stabilisers on the base stop the bowl from sliding across tiles or floorboards while your dog eats.
- Soft polymer material. Easy to clean and gentle on your dog’s muzzle. Dishwasher safe.
| Size | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 litre | Daily food portions for small to medium long-eared breeds (Cavaliers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Dachshunds) |
| Large | 2 litres | Larger breeds (Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels, Bloodhounds) or use as a water bowl |
Belvedere’s Pet Supplies stocks the BUSTER IncrediBowl in Grey and Blue, available in the online store and in store at Ivanhoe.
Other ways to protect long ears at mealtimes
The IncrediBowl is the most practical everyday solution because it doesn’t require your dog to wear anything. But there are other approaches worth knowing about:
- Snoods: A fabric tube worn over the dog’s head that holds the ears back during meals. Works well, but many dogs resist wearing them, and they need regular washing.
- Ear bands or scrunchies: A simpler version of a snood – just a band that holds the ears on top of the head. Less intrusive, but can slip off mid-meal.
- Raised feeders: Elevating the bowl reduces neck strain for larger breeds, but it doesn’t stop long ears from falling into the food. A raised feeder paired with an IncrediBowl is a good combination for bigger dogs.
- Post-meal ear cleaning: Wiping the inside of the ear flaps after every meal with a vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Effective, but relies on you being consistent twice a day, every day.
For most owners, switching to a bowl designed for the problem is the simplest first step. The alternatives work best as extras, not replacements.
Don’t forget the water bowl
Long ears get just as wet in water bowls as food bowls – sometimes worse, because dogs drink more often and water soaks into the ear leather faster than food residue.
The BUSTER IncrediBowl Large (2L) works well as a water bowl for most medium-sized long-eared breeds. For bigger dogs or multi-pet households, using a second IncrediBowl for water alongside the food bowl keeps ears dry across the whole day.
The BUSTER IncrediBowl is available from Belvedere’s Pet Supplies – order the IncrediBowl online here or visit the store at 93 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe. If you’re not sure which size suits your dog, the team at Belvedere’s can help – call (03) 9499 4439 or drop in during trading hours, Monday to Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
Does the IncrediBowl work with dry food?
Yes. The conical shape keeps ears out of the bowl regardless of what’s in it. That said, owners feeding wet food, raw diets, or water tend to notice the biggest difference because those are what soak into the ear leather and cause staining, smell, and infections.
What size IncrediBowl should I get?
The Small (1L) suits most small to medium long-eared breeds for food portions – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Dachshunds. The Large (2L) is better for bigger breeds like Basset Hounds and Springer Spaniels, or as a water bowl for any size dog. If you’re unsure, check the product page or ask the team at Belvedere’s.
Can I use it as a water bowl too?
Yes. The Large (2L) works well as a dedicated water bowl. Long ears get just as wet from drinking as from eating, so using an IncrediBowl for both food and water gives the best protection.
Will it slow down my dog’s eating?
It will. The conical shape means your dog has to pick food from the inner corners rather than gulping from a flat surface. This makes it a natural slow feeder as well as an ear-protection bowl – two benefits from one product.
My dog’s ears are short but they still get food on their face. Will this help?
The IncrediBowl is designed specifically for dogs with pendant (hanging) ears. If your dog has short or erect ears but eats messily, a standard slow feeder bowl is probably a better fit. Belvedere’s stocks a range of slow feeders – browse the Eat & Drink collection for options.
Do I still need to clean my dog’s ears?
Yes. The IncrediBowl reduces how much food and water contact the ears during meals, but it doesn’t replace regular ear care. Long-eared breeds should still have their ears checked and cleaned regularly, especially breeds prone to wax build-up like Cocker Spaniels. Your vet can recommend a cleaning routine that suits your dog.