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Dogs drink up to an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, so it’s essential to have plenty of fresh water on hand. Dog water bowls come in a variety of styles and models, and the best one will suit your dog’s individual needs—as well as your own.
Choosing a dog water bowl seems like a simple enough task until you realize how many options are out there. From metal and ceramic to plastic and melamine, large to small, elevated or not, there’s an option for every need.
We spoke to veterinary experts to learn about the qualities of the best dog water bowls, how to choose one, and how to clean them properly. Drawing on this expert advice, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market.
Best Stainless Steel: Loving Pets Bella Bowl
Unlimited access to fresh, clean water is the best way to keep your dog hydrated. Dr. Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS, veterinarian at Fetched, recommends “a bowl that can keep your dog going for at least 24 hours when filled.”
The Bella Bowl from Loving Pets is available in sizes ranging up to a 7.75-cup volume, which makes it appropriate for dogs of all sizes. The bowl features a stainless-steel interior and a printed poly-resin exterior. A removable rubber base prevents skidding, spilling, and noise.
Dr. Simon reminds dog parents that “having an easy-to-clean bowl is crucial, as a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria.” Stainless steel is considered one of the most hygienic materials for dog bowls. The non-porous surface resists bacteria and is dishwasher-safe.
Key Takeaways:
- Hygienic stainless-steel interior
- Attractive printed poly-resin exterior
- Wide range of size choices
- Removable rubber base prevents spills
Best Ceramic: Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Ceramic Pet Bowl
While stainless steel is the most common material for dog bowls, Dr. Simon suggests ceramic as an upgraded investment. “They’re non-porous, so easy to clean,” she says, “and many dogs prefer it to other options as it won’t tend to move about or make clanging metal noises.”
This stoneware dish from Ethical Pet is made from heavyweight stoneware. Not only does its sturdy design prevent slipping and sliding, but the high-gloss glazed interior resists bacteria. The bowl is easy to clean and comes in three sizes ranging from a 1.5-cup to 9-cup capacity.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from heavyweight ceramic
- High-gloss finish protects against bacteria
- Available in five different sizes
- Dishwasher safe for easy clean-up
Best No-Spill: Kurgo No Spill Dog Travel Bowl
Hydration is essential whether your dog is at home or on the go. A portable dog bowl is a must-have for hiking trips, road trips, and other activities.
This Kurgo spill-proof dog bowl works well for car trips, but its portable design makes it ideal for just about any kind of travel. It’s made from food-grade silicone with a tapered lip to prevent splashing. The angled shape keeps the bowl level on car seats. It comes in two colors and holds up to 24 ounces of water or food.
Silicone is a dog-friendly material that is very easy to clean. Dr. Simon recommends it as an alternative to plastic—which some dogs will actually eat when bored or teething.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from food-grade silicone
- Angled design and tapered lip prevents spills
- Holds up to 24 ounces
- Available in two colors (red and blue)
Best Outdoor: Coldest Dog Bowl
Access to fresh, cool water and shade are key to keeping your dog from overheating outdoors. The Coldest Dog Bowl is insulated and super durable, making it ideal for outdoor use. Choose from five sizes up to 200 ounces and over a dozen different colors.
The Coldest Dog Bowl features a triple-wall design, made from food-grade stainless steel. Not only is it insulated to keep your dog’s water cool, but the non-porous finish helps resist bacteria. A durable rubber-grip bottom keeps the bowl from slipping and sliding.
Key Takeaways:
- Insulated to keep water cool
- Durable stainless-steel materials
- Rubber-grip bottom prevents slipping
- Wide range of sizes and colors
Puppy and Small Breed Pick: OurPets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Dr. Sara Ochoa, DSM, veterinarian and co-founder of How To Pets, explains, “The size of your dog can play a role in choosing the right bowl.” She suggests that puppies and small breeds may prefer a shallower, narrower bowl that is easier for them to reach into.
The Durapet bowl from OurPets comes in several sizes. The smallest size holds 0.75 cups and stands just 1.25 inches high. The bowl is made from premium stainless-steel materials, so it’s very hygienic and easy to clean. As an added bonus for eager puppies, the bowl has a rubber bottom to prevent sliding.
Key Takeaways:
- Hygienic stainless-steel materials
- Available in five different sizes
- Permanently bonded anti-slip rubber bottom
- Dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up
Best for Seniors: Frisco Slanted Stainless Steel Bowl
As your dog ages, their risk for developing arthritis and other joint conditions increases. Dr. Ochoa suggests “providing a shallow or wide bowl can make it easier for them to access their food.” Non-slip features are also important to prevent spills. In some cases, an elevated or slanted bowl may be appropriate to “reduce the strain on the bones and joints during mealtime.”
This slanted bowl from Frisco is angled at a 15-degree tilt for ergonomic accessibility. The melamine stand is lightweight but durable and it comes with a stainless-steel bowl. For added stability, the stand has a non-skid rubber bottom. Choose from a 1-cup or 2-cup capacity and buy it singly or as a set of two.
Key Takeaways:
- Ergonomically angled at 15 degrees
- Comes with a stainless-steel bowl
- Available in two sizes
- Non-skid rubber bottom for stability
Best Elevated: OurPets Comfort Elevated Dog Bowl
Some dogs may appreciate having their bowl raised off the ground to enable a more natural eating posture. Dr. Ochoa notes that these bowls are “particularly useful for dogs with arthritis or joint problems.”
The OurPets Comfort elevated dog bowl features two stainless-steel bowls set in a raised feeding station. The bowls are rust-resistant and dishwasher-safe, which makes them easy to clean. This set comes in three sizes, elevating the bowls 4, 8, or 12 inches off the ground. What makes this elevated feeder unique is that it doubles as an auto-fill water bowl. It has two slots to add water bottles which use gravity to keep the bowl full.
Be mindful of using elevated bowls for large or giant breeds prone to bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV). Though the exact cause of bloat is unknown, some research links elevated feeding to a higher risk of bloat in dogs.
Key Takeaways:
- Elevated design eases stress on joints
- Comes with two stainless-steel bowls
- Choose from 4-, 8-, or 12-inch height
- Doubles as an auto-fill water bowl
Best Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Water Fountain
If your dog is a reluctant drinker, some evidence suggests fountain-style bowls can help attract their interest. The PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier fountain is a popular pick, especially among multi-pet households.
This pet fountain features a free-falling water stream powered by a submersible pump. A replaceable carbon filter eliminates unpleasant tastes and odors, keeping the water super-fresh. Excluding the pump, all parts are dishwasher-safe. This fountain comes in five sizes up to 450 ounces in capacity.
Our Rover canine (and feline) testers give this fountain four paws up. It was a hit in a multi-pet household consisting of two dogs and two cats.
Key Takeaways:
- Submersible pump constantly refreshes water
- Available in capacities up to 450 ounces
- Plastic parts are dishwasher-safe
- Carbon filter removes odor and bad tastes
Best Gravity: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer
While pet water fountains are convenient, they can be both pricey (depending on how often the filter needs to be changed) and noisy. A practical alternative is the gravity waterer which refills a bowl from a large reservoir. The Replendish from Petmate comes in three colors and four sizes with up to a 4-gallon capacity.
This gravity waterer is made from recycled plastic materials with a Microban coating to resist bacteria. It also comes with a replaceable charcoal filter to help keep the water fresh. The wide-mouth reservoir bottle is easy to clean by hand and the base is dishwasher-safe.
When using plastic food and water dishes, cleanliness is key. Dr. Ochoa recommends washing the bowl daily with warm, soapy water. “Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads,” she says, “as they can leave scratches on the surface of the bowl which can harbor bacteria.”
Key Takeaways:
- Gravity-fed design keeps bowl full
- Available in three colors
- Holds up to 4 gallons of water
- Microban coating resists bacteria
Best for Travel: Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl
When you’re on the road with your dog, it’s important to take regular breaks. Not only should you give your dog a chance to stretch their legs but offer them a drink of water. This is where a travel bowl comes in handy. Dr. Ochoa recommends silicone bowls because they are “lightweight and collapsible, making them an excellent choice for travel.”
The Prima Pets collapsible travel bowl is made from food-grade silicone. It’s non-porous to resist bacteria and the plastic rim is BPA-free. The bowl is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and comes with a carabiner to attach it to a leash, backpack, or belt. Choose from four colors in a 1.5-cup or 5-cup capacity.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from food-grade silicone
- BPA-free plastic rim for durability
- Comes with a carabiner
- Available in 1.5-cup and 5-cup capacity
Best Water Bottle: MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle (Verified Review)
As an alternative to a travel bowl you have to carry separate water for, a dog water bottle offers two-in-one convenience. After trying out several popular models, our Rover testers put their confidence in the MalsiPree dog water bottle.
The MalsiPree consists of a compact food-grade plastic water bottle with a cup-shaped top. A silica gel seal ring prevents leaks during use and travel. To use it, you simply tilt the bottle and press the button on the top to dispense water. When you’re done, you can recycle the water back into the bottle for later use.
The MalsiPree dog water bottle comes in a 12-ounce and 19-ounce capacity and has a wrist strap for easy carry. While its compactness is certainly a benefit, it may not be the best choice for large dogs (big pups, check out the Gulpy).
Key Takeaways:
- Compact design with wrist strap
- Carry and dispense water for your dog
- Silica seal ring prevents leaks
- Available in 12-ounce and 19-ounce capacity
How We Chose
We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
We prioritized dog water bowls made with hygienic materials and convenient, easy-to-clean designs. We included options for a variety of dog breeds, ages, and sizes.