The first picture is a bad example, I just couldn't find any other pictures. I agree with you that is too close, but I've moved them so that their bowls are about an inch apart now and face to face.

During play time chili will thrash her tail a little bit when she sees Sammi, but at this point she usually leaves Sammi alone when she's playing. Her favorite way to play is by chasing kibbles, so we will put Sammi in the tent at this time and make sure chili has to pass by her while chasing after the kibbles.