Sprocket is a picky eater, so I am very watchful about how much he eats to make sure he is eating, also I worry about him not drinking enough water, we have some really crazy weather spells and he just pants and pants, I think he hasn't had enough water but I change the water in his dish all the time, making sure I know how much is gone. As for the feeding, I just use regular clear dishes the pryrex (sp) ones, I got 3 different ones at the DAV store for about $1 total. One for free feed, the dry kibble, one for water and one for natures balance or what ever he is eating at that meal. Being the brand they are dog can't hardly break them, I can see how much he really does eat and I can throw them in the dish washer every night. This to me is a big winner especially the dishwasher part, I fuss about things being cleaned up, I know OCD
on top of being the crazy dog lady. Anyway hope this helps.