A. BEST DOG BOWLS FOR ALL SITUATIONS WILL MAKE YOUR DOG FEEL RIGHT AT HOME
Making your dog a part of the family is an important step in helping to raise a well behaved dog. While dogs are pack animals they also like to have their own “things” – Best dog bowls for your dog at home.
Dogs thrive in environments where there are clear rules and clear boundaries. Your dog needs a few things to make them feel right at home. They need:
- A sleeping area
- Bowls for food and water
- A location where they eat
- A location where they go to the bathroom
Consider when you are raising a child. You show them where they sleep (their bed). You show them where they eat (their high chair, table). You show them what they eat out of and what tools they use to eat with.
You show them where to go to the bathroom. Dogs need the same information to successfully integrate into their human pack.
The best dog bowls will provide your dog with their special eating and drinking place, they will be sturdy and be able to hold enough food and water for your dogs breed size.
Some dog owners make the mistake of using any bowl for their dog’s food and water. It is important that they use “their” bowls so that they get the idea that while they are a part of the family they do have their own things. Shouldn’t every member of the family have all the basics at least?
In some cases the wrong dog bowl can wind up being a headache for you and in other cases the wrong dog bowl can turn into a health concern for your dog. Choosing wisely will ensure that both you and your dog look forward to meal time every day.
The best dog bowl is safe for your dogs, safe for your floors and stays upright. It sounds like a tall order but there are actually quite a few bowls that will meet the full range of needs without breaking the budget.
We are going to review some of the dog bowl options for you so that you can choose the best option for your dog. We looked at some of the most popular options and found a few less known options. Using these reviews as your guideline will make quick work of finding the perfect dog bowls for your fur baby.
Keep in mind when you are going through the reviews that you want to choose bowls that:
- Suit the size of your dog
- Suit your goals (i.e.; slow down the pace that your dog is eating at)
- Falls in line with your space availability
- Meets your budget constraints
We looked at dog bowls that would meet a wide range of needs and wants to make your shopping experience easier. The biggest factor in choosing a dog bowl is the size of the dog that is going to be using the bowls so we set our parameters accordingly. Of course we looked only at high quality options that got great reviews, we left out the ones that were iffy or that were not functioning as promised.
We tried to find bowls that would work well in any space but if we thought they would not we mention that so you can get a really good picture of what you are considering.
It can be time consuming to go through all the offerings on your own and you certainly do not want to get stuck with bowls that will not work for you.
Our reviews make finding the perfect dog bowls so much easier! You can save time by not having to go through all the options on your own. Take it from us, it can be time consuming.
Best Dog Water Bowl
There are three different types of dog water bowls. There are the traditional bowls that are stationary that you fill by hand. There are the automatic water bowls that gravity feed water into the bowl and finally there are electronic automatic feeders that constantly circulate and filter the water.
We recommend automatic water bowls. If you have a job that takes you away from home for long hours it is important that your pooch has access to fresh water while you are gone. We have found that the automatic dog water bowls are best because you can fill them up and not have to worry about it.
The best dog water bowl we found is the:
Automatic Dog Waterer Capacity: 10 Liters
We loved it because it holds a great deal of water and it is easy to use. You do not have to worry about an electric supply. You just fill it up and go. It is a great option because it is not too large and has an easy access bowl so it is great for all size dogs.
The price is right and it is affordable for everyone. We think this is easily one of the best waterers on the market. It comes in two sizes and has handles for easy pick up. It uses a no spill technology that ensures that the water stays in the bowl and not on the floor! This is a great choice. We also really liked!
Petmate Pet Cafe Pet Waterer
We liked the simple design of this automatic waterer. We also liked that it is PBA free plastic and easy to use. It is a gravity fed watering system that holds about 3 gallons of water.
It is large enough for big dogs but safe enough for small dogs. It is sturdy and tip proof. It would be a great option.
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
We really liked this but realize because it is electric it may not be right for everyone. We liked the idea of constant filtered water for a dog but also realize that it may not be practical for large dogs and the fact that you have to have an electric outlet nearby may prove inconvenient for a lot of people but we are presenting it because it is a great option if you can work it out.
Best Slow Feed Dog Bowl
Dogs can tend to eat too quickly especially if they have resource issues. Eating too quickly can cause a host of digestive issues that can really affect your dog’s health. The best way to help them slow down some is to use a dog food bowl that is designed to help your dog to slow it down a bit.
Overeating or eating too quickly most often occurs in young dogs as well. Puppies especially like to do everything fast including eating. We found 2 bowls that will help your dog slow down.
The first bowl is for small to medium sized dogs and would be great for puppies. The second bowl is geared toward larger dogs. We also included a stainless steel option as well.
We like stainless for feeding but the other two options are great options as well. It is hard to find a stainless steel option to slow down feeding because it can be difficult to model the steel into the shape that is needed AND keep it affordable.
The 3rd option may be something you may want to consider if your dog is and overzealous eater that also happens to like to chew their bowl.
» Top 10 Best Automatic Dog Feeder Reviews
Color you Puppy Dog Anti-Gulping Food Bowl Dish Slow Feeding Dish Ease Bloating for Small & Medium Pet
We choose this bowl because it has a non-slip rubber base, it is lightweight which makes it a great travel bowl and we liked the color. This bowl is designed with raised edge design to help your dog slow down while they eat or drink.
It can help reduce digestive upset. It is really an inexpensive solution to a very common problem. Investing a small amount of money in the right dog bowl can help you to save on vet bills.
Slow Feed Non-Skid Dog Bowl Large
This is a great option that we found for large dogs. It has non-skid rubberized feet and a really durable construction which can stand up to a big brut that likes to toss their bowl around a bit. We also liked that it was large enough to hold a good sized portion of food.
Some reviewers have said that this little investment has slowed down their dog’s consumption time by as much as three times slower. It is cheap, well made and a good choice for any large dog.
Another one of the best dog food bowl to slow down eating is the
OurPets Premium DuraPet Slow Feed Dog Bowl
This bowl is stainless which we love but it may not be enough when it comes to design for a dog that is really committed to shoveling in their food too quickly. It will work well for dogs that can sometimes eat too quickly.
Best Dog Food Bowls
We looked at quite a few dog bowls and have decided that we did not like the automatic feeders. A lot of people leave dog food (kibble) out for their dogs to feed on demand. We are not big fans of feeding on demand.
We think it promotes obesity in dogs and just like humans dogs learn to eat when they are bored instead of hungry. We looked at other feeding bowls that we thought were best and came up with these two bowls.
Gpet Dog Bowl 16 Ounce
We liked this bowl (it is sold in a set of two) for little dogs. We liked the stainless construction (it comes with a lifetime guaranteed from the manufacturer).
It has a rubber base so it stays firmly put and holds a full 16 ounces of food. It is a good choice for anyone with a small sized dog.
4LoveDogs Stainless Steel Dog Bowls, 32 Oz (Set of 2)
We liked these bowls for the same reason we liked the smaller versions. Stainless steel is a good choice for serving food. We always worry about plastic bowls when it comes to serving food to dogs because an overzealous eater can easily chew off a piece of the bowl.
These stainless bowls are tough. They have a rubber base so they do not slide around. They have a nice large capacity so they are ideal for large dogs.
Best Elevated Dog Bowls
Most vets recommend that your dog’s bowls are elevated at a height that makes it comfortable for them to eat and that does not require that they hunch down over their bowls. Hunching over their dog bowls can cause damage to their neck, back and shoulders.
Elevated bowls are almost always used by professional show dogs to prevent that “shoulder roll” in the front. Elevated bowls are not really much more expensive than other dog bowl options and they can help to make your dog’s life more comfortable.
These types of bowls are used for larger breeds.
We found quite a few that we thought would be best. One of the things that we like about these types of feeders are that they are stylish as well as being functional.
Platinum Pets Modern Double Diner Stand with Two 8 Cup Rimmed Bowls, Black
We loved this set. It has a very utilitarian look to it but is highly functional. The black powder coated stand and bowls look sophisticated. It offers a durable FDA and EU compliant finish that is certified safe for your dog.
The bowls are a generous size which makes it great for even the largest dog. The stand is hand forged wrought iron so you know that it is tough and stable. It is a great option.
PetFusion Elevated Pet Feeder in Solid Wood
If wood is more your style than you will really appreciate this model. It is available in two different sizes which makes it great for either medium sized or large sized dogs.
It has slip resistant feet and is crafted from New Zealand pine. It is waterproof and would look great with any décor. The bowls are stainless steel and are generous in size.
Dogit Elevated Dish
We liked this because it is a single elevated bowl which is a good option for an older dog that has joint issues. We also liked it because it came up higher than other dog bowls that we looked at.
It is a unique looking bowl and looks more like a one piece arrangement than the other options we looked at. It has a broader base than other options we reviewed as well and looks like it would be very durable.
We agreed that this is easily one of the best raised dog bowls out there.
Best Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
We already mentioned that we thought that stainless steel was the best option for dog bowls so we decided to take things one step further and find the best stainless steel dog bowls. There are different grades of stainless steel and of course different style designs that would play a role in the quality of the bowl.
We wanted to find the BEST of the best. We started our search and realized it was pretty hard to narrow down the options. There is an incredible number of stainless steel dog bowls on the market.
We found a few that could easily compete for the top spot.
Platinum Pets 10 Cup Embossed Non-Tip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl, Copper Vein
This is one of the best stainless steel dog bowls that we found. It has a nice heavy weight, a rubber nonskid base. It holds 12 cups, was powder coated and has a copper vein.
We also liked the design which is embossed with little paws and bones. This is a well-made bowl that is also attractive.
ProSelect Stainless Steel Dog Bowl with Rubber Base, 6-1/2-Inch, 30-Ounce
This is a nice large bowl that has a really sturdy rubber base that is skid proof. We liked the brush look of this bowl and the deep well of the bowl itself. This is an excellent bowl for large to ex large dogs.
Best Dog Bowls for Large Dogs
Large dogs can present a real challenge when it comes to finding the best large dog bowls. They have to be a balance of being large enough to hold a meal for your big baby but you do not want them to be awkwardly large! You also want to make sure that they cannot be shoved around the kitchen during meal time either.
We found a few that fit the bill nicely that would make a perfect addition to your dog’s meals.
OurPets Premium Durapet Gunmetal Dog Bowl
We loved this model because it has a bonded ring around the bottom of the bowl which keeps the bowl from sliding around the floor and causing damage.
It has a nice deep well for food and a decorative motif of bones and paws on the powder coated exterior. It looks great and it is well made.
Loving Pets Spoiled Leopard Milano Bowl for Dogs, Large
We loved this leopard print (exterior) bowl. Usually all the cute bowls are reserved for small dogs but this would be great for your rather large princess.
The anti-tip design and removable base provide a great secure food bowl for your big baby. It has a nice deep well for food and a super cute “spoiled” design in a leopard print pattern.
Loving Pets I Love My Dog Bella Bowl for Dogs, Large, 2-Quart, Steel Blue
This bowl has a stainless interior and a decorative exterior it is available in 8 different designer styles. The non-skid ring is soy based which is a nice option since if your dog should be a chewer and get a hold of the bowl when you are not around the soy based non-skid ring will not harm them. The food well is nice and deep and it is an adorable looking bowl.
B. Best Collapsible Dog Bowls For Easy Travel
Traveling with your dog is a lot of fun, but you have to bring the proper dog supplies along to make the trip easy and safe for your Fido. If you manage to get the best collapsible dog bowl into your backpack, that makes it easy to feed or hydrate your pet anywhere. Collapsible dog bog bowls are generally great for car travel, hiking, camping, cycling, or any other outing that you may take with your pup outdoors.
The first thing most pet owners opt for is a portable dog water bottle, which is perfect for hydrating dogs, but what about feeding them? This is where a collapsible dog bowl has the advantage: it’s very portable, takes little to no space in your backpack and you can feed and water your dog from this bowl.
There are many different types of travel dog bowls on the market, but collapsible bowls for pets with their unique advantage are hard to beat. Usually hikers, backpackers and other travelers are trying to conserve space, and these bowls fold flat for easy storage.
I have one of these myself, and I usually fold mine up and stick it into a hiking pack or collapse them and slide them under the seat of a vehicle. No matter where I’m going with my three dogs, having a portable dog travel bowl always comes in handy. So I picked five best collapsible dog bowls for you all to choose from before your next puppy outing.
Top 5 Best Collapsible Dog Bowls Comparison
#1. Stainless Steel Travel Dog Pet Bowl by Healthy Human
These stainless steel, collapsible dog bowls are available in small (two bowls), medium (three bowls), and large (four bowls). These bowls from Healthy Human are available in three vibrant colors – blue, green, and pink. They are safe (made with human grade stainless steel unlike some other options available on the market), eco-friendly, non-toxic, and non-stick, and much more!
They can be placed safely in the dishwasher and are extremely durable. These bowls can be used for either food or water, and are a great alternative to lugging around bulky bowls while traveling or hiking.
Customers attest to the fact that this best collapsible dog bowl is great for quick trips. The handle and design (they stack nice and securely) are convenient and user friendly, and the attractive appearance is just a nice bonus! Leaking is not an issue with the Stainless Steel Travel Dog Pet Bowl by Healthy Human, and all parts are easy to clean. Most pet owners who have purchased this product highly recommend it to others, as these bowls are everything they had hoped!
Be sure to read the product description, as the small, medium, and large options are in reference to the number of bowls, not the size of the bowls. If you have an extremely large breed, these bowls may not be large enough (although they are not meant for regular feedings in the first place). Please note that these bowls must be stacked to seal together. Individual lids for each bowl are not included.
#2. Prima Pet Collapsible Silicone Food & Water Travel Bowl
Prima Pets collapsible travel bowls are made from silicone and are available in two sizes and many different colors. The small option holds 1.5 cups of food, and the large option holds 5 cups. It is 100% pet safe, as it is made from food grade silicone and has a BPA free plastic rim.
It comes with a carabiner so that it can easily attach to a leash for long walks or hikes. It is dishwasher safe (on the top rack), which allows for easy cleaning!
Customers love that this product is priced reasonably on Amazon, especially when compared with the other best collapsible dog bowl products sold in stores. They are convenient for travel or on long hikes due to their light weight and clip on feature. Pet owners appreciate the hard plastic ring that prevents the Prima Pets Silicone Food and Water Travel Bowl with Clip from collapsing if it needs to be moved during use.
Most pet owners agree that there is not one negative aspect when it comes to their satisfaction with these bowls. Occasionally, there has been an issue with the bowl cracking at one of the folds, but, for the most part they are known to be extremely durable over time.
#3. Alfie Pet by Petoga Couture – Fabric Expandable/Collapsible Travel Bowl
The durable fabric and waterproof interior of this bowl from Alfie can be folded to easily pack and carry. It is still strong enough to stay upright, even when your pet accidentally bumps the bowl. This best collapsible dog bowl is eight inches across and four inches high when expanded, but it collapses to less than one inch to take up hardly any space.
It holds around 50 ounces or 6.25 cups of water and is said to be great both indoors and out. Thanks to the leak-proof interior, these bowls are ideal for food or water. Customers agree that this product holds up to its promises. The color camouflages dirt nicely, and they dry quickly when they do need to be washed.
Many pet owners like to keep these (along with a bottle of water) handy for car rides, as they are nice and compact when not in use. The Alfie Pet by Petoga Couture – Fabric Expandable/Collapsible Travel Bowl is easy to pop up when needed. They stay upright and do not tip over easily. The price point is a major plus for many, as it delivers what is promised and doesn’t break the bank.
These bowls may smell strong right out of the package, but it seems to dissipate over time. Please notice that the description says this bowl is ideal for small or medium breeds, so large dogs may need a bigger bowl. Some customers say this product leaks if water is left in it for an extended amount of time, but only few have had this issue.
#4. SiliPet Large Collapsible Dog Bowl
The SiliPet Collapsible Dog Bowl is a great option for small, medium, or large breed dogs, thanks to its adjustable two or five cup capacity. It is available in green, blue, and red, and is made with lightweight, eco-friendly material that is FDA approved and 100% BPA free.
These sturdy dog bowls take up virtually no room, making it easy to feed and water your dog on the go, whether hiking, traveling, or even simply going for a walk on a hot summer day! It is also dishwasher safe, making cleaning these bowls a breeze. Many customers claimed that they have tried numerous collapsible bowls in the past, and these are their favorite by far.
The convenience of the water bottle holder is appreciated, as its design works great. Larger breed dogs are able to get enough food or water, unlike with many of the best collapsible dog bowl products that have a much smaller capacity. Whether used for hiking, traveling, running, or going on errands, pet owners love that the SiliPet Collapsible Dog Bowl keep food and water accessible.
A couple of reviewers have had issues with this product tearing or breaking, but the company provides great customer service and sends a replacement when they see fit. Some say these bowls are too bulky to walk with, but they are no larger than other collapsible bowls when compacted.
#5. Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl Collapsible Travel Dog Food
This “Port A Bowl” from Outward Hound is available in small (24 oz.) or large (48 oz.), folds flat, cleans easily, and dries fast. Its rugged nylon construction is said to add durability, but it is still small enough to fit in a backpack, purse, or even a pocket!
If you prefer to clip this product on your belt, backpack, or leash, it has a loop as well. Customers and their pet(s) are extremely happy with all aspects of this best collapsible dog bowl, claiming it is well made, convenient, and great for any outing.
They are also great in the car, as the design is wider on the bottom, which keeps it from tipping over through stops and turns. The durability of this bowl comes as a surprise to many, as it holds up to even the most aggressive chewers! It folds up much smaller than most collapsible bowls that are available, so their convenience is unbeatable.
If you are looking for a full-time dog bowl or one that you can use for several hours, this is not for you. It is not made for holding water over long periods, but as a quick solution for a thirsty pup. Extra-large breeds may not be satisfied with the amount of water this holds or its design, as it is smaller at the top.
Some Dog Bowl Tips
Once you have found the ideal dog bowls for your dog/s there are a few things you can do to ensure that your bowls stay in great condition.
Even when a bowl say’s that it is dishwasher safe if it has a rubber ring or rubberized bottom you may want to avoid the dishwasher and just wash the bowl by hand to avoid any melting issues.
Dishwasher temperatures can get very high and constantly washing the dog bowls in the dishwasher can wear away the rubber and cause it to age prematurely. Wash with sudsy water and let air dry before using it again to extend the life of the bowl.
We talked about stainless steel several times in the reviews so we wanted to expand on the stainless and why it is a good choice. Stainless of course does not corrode (other metals will especially when exposed to the acids in food and in your dog’s mouth) which of course is important but more importantly stainless steel can also keep the bacteria down. Other materials can scratch and bacteria can get up in these little scratches and breed.
It is important that you keep your dog’s food and water bowls clean and washed after every feeding to help ensure the good health of your dog.
It can be tempting to put style before function but you will be happier with dog bowls that function highly.
Choosing the bowls that your dog will use for meals is an important choice to make. You want to live in harmony with your pet and ensuring that they have a nice place to eat from that will not cause any damage in your home is important. There is nothing more frustrating for you both than having to deal with meal time and a bowl scraping around the floor and causing damage.
Making the right choice will reduce meal time stress for you both. Meals are very important to dogs and the more positive you feel about them the more positive your dog will feel about you!
