Dear Kim, I don't know about the allergy issue, but a lonnnnnng time ago I was involved in breeding Doberman dogs. I still work in the pet industry and see dozens of cats and dogs, as well as a ferret or two, each week. Acne seems to be common to all of them with the use of plastic bowls. Not to say they will all get it, but I've seen enough of them that did over the years, first in the Dobes then later in others, that I discourage their use and recommend either the crockery, my favorite, or the stainless. Hope that helps some, Brenda, Momma to the FurpeopleWeyr FurpeopleWeyr.com [Posted in FML 7904]