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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Let’s face it, our dogs approach the water bowl with haphazard priorities: They might grab a drink while chasing the cat, drop a toy in it, try to clean a paw or two, or go Jackson Pollock on the hardwood floors. Precision isn’t their strong suit. If you’ve got one of these drooling, splashing love bugs in your house, you’re probably intrigued by the notion of a no-spill dog water bowl.
After testing a few models we found that, while some of these dog water bowls have clever designs and unique approaches to the problem, none are really foolproof against all kinds of mess-maker. (We’re hoping the manufacturers keep working on it!)
As a result, finding the best no-spill dog water bowl requires a targeted approach. For example, bowl flippers can often be defeated with a heavy model with a non-skid bottom, while droolers and slobberers can benefit from angled lids that help water drain back into the bowl.
Splashers who view the water bowl as their own mini water park are a difficult case. You might look for bowls with small openings or those that release a limited amount of water as your dog drinks. And if all else fails, we’ve also added a few non-bowl options to help contain your dog’s drinking habits at least a little bit.
The good news is these no-spill bowls are relatively low-cost—which we found encouraging in our quest for puddle-free floors.
Overall Best: Upsky No-Spill Dog Water Bowl (Verified Review)
In this popular no-spill water bowl, a floating plate rests on top of the water and requires your dog to push down slightly with their nose or tongue to drink.
We tested this model with a few dogs, and all of them were able to figure out the mechanism quickly. For dogs not prone to playing, the bowl did lessen the mess around it. If your dog is prone to playing, beware—this design might just be too entertaining, since the floating plate is a really fun way to splash.
If you want to give this bowl a try, be sure to buy a model that holds enough water for your dog. A too-small bowl will mean lots of refills, as your dog won’t be able to access all of the water in the same way they could in a traditional bowl.
Key Features:
- Uses a floating plate design to keep spills at bay
- Has a non-skid bottom
- Mechanism is easy for dogs to learn
- Available in multiple colors and in sizes from 35 ounces to 70 ounces
Consider:
- May not be suitable for dogs who like to play in their bowls
- Lightweight and easy to flip
- May require frequent refills
Best for Small Breeds: PetMate No-Spill Bowl (Verified Review)
This lightweight and low-cost no-spill bowl from PetMate keeps messes to a minimum by having only a small opening—just the right size for a small dog’s snout. We found it remarkably successful at limiting spills, though it also required frequent refilling.
This bowl itself is lightweight, without a non-skid bottom, which makes it vulnerable to flippers. We think its best use is as a travel bowl, especially if your dog will need water while traveling in a vehicle. If it’s on a flat surface and you don’t have a bowl flipper, it works well to prevent spills.
In our tests, we found that larger dogs had a hard time accessing the water with their larger snouts; all dogs were only able to get to the top layer of the water.
Key Features:
- Design limits spills by having only a small opening
- Low-cost bowl
- A good travel bowl option
- Holds 48 ounces
Consider:
- Easy for a dog to flip
- Larger dogs may have issues accessing water
- Requires frequent refills
Best for Large Dogs: Lidlok Elevated No-Spill Dog Water Bowl
Larger dog breeds may find it uncomfortable to drink from a low bowl, but this model solves that issue. This no-spill dog bowl features an elevated design with adjustable height. It’s also available in large-volume sizes for bigger dogs. This model holds 1.1 gallons (4.4 liters).
The Liklok bowl prevents spills and splashes with its slow-feed mechanism: a floating cover that your dog must press with their nose or tongue in order to drink. As an added bonus, the cover also helps keep pet hair and other debris out of the water.
For added anti-spill protection, the bottom of the bowl is non-skid. This is a helpful feature for dogs who like to push their bowls around. Plus, it’s stainless steel and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Key Features:
- Adjustable elevation and non-skid bottom
- Ideal for large dogs
- Uses a floating cover mechanism to prevent spills and splashes
- Large capacity
Consider:
- A more expensive model
- Not for smaller breeds (manufacturer notes that it is also not suitable for Schnauzers)
Portable Pick: Franklin Sports No-Spill Travel Dog Bowl
The Franklin Sports No-Spill dog bowl is designed for portability. It features a simple inverted design and an extended lip that prevents water from spilling in a jostling car, truck, or boat. Plus, the silicone material makes it lightweight and heavy-duty. Just toss it in the car and you’re ready to go.
The Franklin Sports travel bowl comes in two sizes: 16 ounces and 27 ounces. It’s certified BPA-free and easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
The caveat with this no-spill bowl is that it may be easy for a determined dog to flip over. Its shallow design may also make it more comfortable for short-faced breeds to use than long-snouted dogs.
Key Features:
- Designed to prevent spills while on the go
- Made from BPA-free plastic
- Holds 16 or 27 ounces of water
- Low cost
- Can also be used for kibble
Consider:
- Easy for a determined dog to flip
- May be uncomfortable for long-snouted dogs
Best for Bowl Flippers: Coldest Dog Bowl
While the previous model may be easy to flip, the Coldest dog bowl is specifically designed to stay where you put it. It doesn’t have a tapered lip, but it’s darn heavy. The addition of a skid-proof base keeps the bowl from sliding around and splashing.
This dog bowl is made from sturdy stainless steel, making it both a hygienic and durable choice. It’s also insulated, so it will help keep your dog’s water cool on a hot day. Choose from six sizes ranging up to 200 ounces and over a dozen different colors.
Because it’s heavy, this bowl may be tricky for flippers topple. Its open design, however, means it may not do much to contain drool and slobber from messy drinkers.
Key Features:
- Heavy, skid-proof design
- Insulated to keep water cool
- Six sizes up to 200 ounces
- Stainless-steel materials are hygienic
Consider:
- Open design won’t contain drool
- Heavier than many dog bowls
Best for Droolers and Slobberers: Road Refresher Slobber Stopper
The Road Refresher Slobber Stopper is designed to help contain the post-drink slobber and the drips from furry snouts. Choose from three sizes: small, large, or extra-large.
This bowl combines a few techniques for keeping spills at bay, including the rounded shape of the bowl’s lip. It also contains a floating disk that controls the amount of water available for consumption. This prevents your dog from taking in big gulps of water and helps keep debris from getting into the bowl.
The bottom of the bowl has Velcro strips, which you can use to secure it to some surfaces. Human ingenuity 1, bowl flippers 0!
Key Features:
- Reduces spillage with bowl and lip shape
- Floating disk design dispenses water as needed and keeps debris out
- Ideal for slobberers and furry-muzzled drinkers
- Comes in three sizes
- Optional Velcro anchors to prevent bowl flipping and sliding
Consider:
- Lid may be hard to remove for refills
- Multi-part design makes cleaning tricky
Best for Splashers: Slopper Stopper Dripless Water Bowl
Stop your slurper from splashing water everywhere as they drink. This dripless water bowl features a patented design that keeps your dog’s face dry when they drink. It utilizes a pressure plug that dispenses a limited amount of water at a time.
The Slopper Stopper is made from durable stainless steel with a Triton CoPolyester lid. While the lid certainly keeps water in the bowl where it belongs, it can be tricky to remove for cleaning. Users recommend sliding a narrow tool into the gap to pop it off.
This bowl comes in five models for different breed sizes. Note that while the bowl is the same size for all models, the depth of the insert varies. Consider your dog’s size and the length/shape of their snout in making your selection.
Key Features:
- Pressure plug controls access to water
- Bowl is made from hygienic stainless steel
- Variety of sizes for different breeds
- Prevents splashing and spilling
Consider:
- Lid may be tricky to remove for cleaning
- Larger sizes may work best for short-faced breeds
Travel-Friendly Pick: Kurgo Splash-Free Wander Bowl
Similar in design to the Franklin Sports travel bowl reviewed earlier, the Kurgo Wander Bowl is another travel-friendly pick. What makes this bowl unique is its slanted design which helps keep it in place on car seats during doggie road trips.
The Wander Bowl is made from food-grade silicone with a tapered lip to prevent splashing. The materials are lightweight but ultra-durable. For cleaning, throw the bowl in the dishwasher or use a soft bristle brush to reach in and clean inside the lip.
This travel bowl for dogs holds up to 24 ounces of water and comes in two colors. Though durable, it may not be the best pick for strong chewers.
Key Features:
- Made from durable food-grade silicone
- Slanted design keeps it steady on car seats
- Tapered lip prevents splashing
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Consider:
- Only available in one size
- Might not be a good pick for strong chewers
Best Elevated: Neater Feeder Mess Proof Feeder
If you have an older dog who tends to splash but is otherwise gentle with their bowls, the Neater Feeder elevated feeding station may be a good pick. It features a mess-proof design with two stainless-steel bowls set into a high-walled feeder. Spilled water drains into a catch basin beneath the bowls to keep the feeding area clean and dry.
This elevated dog bowl is available in a variety of sizes and styles. All models feature non-slip feet to prevent skidding. Due to the high-walled design, however, determined dogs may be able to tip the feeder over.
With its elevated design, the Neater Feeder may be a comfortable alternative for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues. It keeps them from bending down to drink. The feeder isn’t height adjustable, however, so take your dog’s measurements before buying.
Key Features:
- High walls help contain mess
- Spilled water drains into a catch basin
- Includes two stainless-steel bowls
- Elevated feeder enables comfortable feeding posture
Consider:
- Determined flippers may knock it over
- Height is not adjustable
Best for Crates: Ray Allen Original Buddy Bowl
Traditional crate bowls attach to the crate itself, creating the potential for a messy situation with splashers and slobberers. The Buddy Bowl is a unique alternative.
This spill-proof dog bowl features a cup-like design with a rounded lip. The bottom of the bowl is flat, but water will simply pool in the lip if it gets tipped over. It might not be completely spill-proof for determined dogs, but it helps contain splashing.
The Buddy Bowl is made in the USA from non-toxic polyethylene materials. It’s available in a range of sizes and colors for different dog breeds. The downside? It’s not dishwasher-safe.
Key Features:
- Helps contain spills and splashes
- Ideal for use in crates
- Range of sizes and colors
- Made from non-toxic materials
Consider:
- Determined dogs may still make a mess
- Design limits the amount of water accessible
- Must be washed by hand
How We Chose
The no-spill dog water bowls featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized no-spill bowls made from safe materials, that incorporated creative designs, and that could provide the best solutions for the many different causes of spills.
We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
