Great thread! I used to have parrots and used the Lixit bottle all the time because the birds were "dunkers" with their food and then the water would get full of bacteria and such.
I never thought of doing that for the doggies since they are not in the crates all the time but that holder is amazing. Do you really like yours?? I might have to get one for the home and then the Lixit for their crates.
Oh one thing I also used for the parrots in their bottle was to add a few drops of the GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)..it's amazing and it helps prevent bacteria from getting in the bottle and keeping that slimy feel out of the bottle.
Here is a link explaining it's benefits. You can get it on line or any good healthfood store or a Whole Foods Market.
Grapefruit Seed Extract