[Rachael Polachek]

I think stainless steel bowls should be o.k. for both water and food. I had a set of stainless steel bowls I used for years, with no problems. I use ceramic bowls now.

I think the danger from the metal bowls comes from the aluminim bowls and pans. I'm not sure of the scientific aspect of it, but I think it has something to do with interaction between the metal and bacteria. It has always been my understanding that stainless steel is safe, and does not pose this hazard.

I think you're absolutely right about stainless steel vs aluminum. I know there are recipes that call for using "nonreactive" bowls or cookware. Stainless is always fine, aluminum can be a problem. I use ceramic for Lily only because when I first got her, she was real scared of shiny things. She's gotten over that to a large extent but I kinda like the look of ceramic. Plus, her water bowl was my Gracie's old food bowl and I like having that around.