The Best Dog Bowl Mats
As much as we love our four-legged friends, we all know that they can be a little bit messy, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. Dogs can do a lot of things gently, but consuming food and water simply isn't one of them. That’s why it’s important to have the right mat underneath your dog’s bowl. Not only do these protect your floor, but they can prevent you and your family from slipping on any spills, especially if your home is lined with hardwood. And everyone knows that it's not a fun feeling when you—in your warm, comfy socks—step into a small puddle of water. So with that in mind, let’s explore some of the best dog bowl mats that are out there.
Reopet Silicon Dog Bowl Mat
A mat made in heaven
Simple yet perfect, this really is the best overall mat you can get for your dog bowls. Made from non-toxic silicone and available in a variety of colors, it can either blend in or stand out, depending on your preference. And the best part is that it’s big enough to accommodate both food and water bowls, allowing enough space to catch the inevitable spillage with its raised border. Adding to the appeal is the fact that it’s easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. With this mat from Reopet, simplicity equals perfection.
Pros:
- The flexible rubber of this mat helps it to lay flat on virtually any surface, unlike other models that tend to curl up at the corners,
- While many other mats only sop up liquids, this one actually contains them since the material is fully waterproof.
- We generally prefer mats of this sort because the smooth silicone surface is extremely easy to wipe clean with a sponge or a rag.
Cons:
- Though it comes in a range of colors, we don’t find this mat to be very aesthetically pleasing.
Dogbuddy Dog Bowl Mat
Great for both pets and floors
Dogbuddy keeps it simple with these highly effective dog bowl mats. Available in 4 bold colors, these mats have a high outer lip that keeps excess food and water from spilling onto your floor. Each silicone mat is 100% free of chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates, and this is certified by reliable third-party laboratories. With the mats’ smooth surface, they’re a piece of cake to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Each mat has a high outer lip that catches food and water spills.
- The rubber material is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, making it very safe.
- Each Dogbuddy mat is certified by world-leading third-party laboratories.
Cons:
- The material is somewhat flimsy, so water can sometimes get trapped underneath
Gorilla Grip Original Silicone Dog Bowl Mat
Gorilla strong
No matter how much we love our pets, we all know that no matter the size, they can make a real mess. Of course, they don’t mean to do it, but it’s still a good idea for us to take precautionary measures. That’s where Gorilla Grip comes into play. With their original BPA-free silicone dog bowl mat, durability is key. It includes thick raised edges that keep food and water contained, no matter how messy your dog may be. And with raised dots on the top surface of these mats, dog bowls are bound to stay in place, helping to keep your floors clean and dry.
Pros:
- Not only is the bottom super grippy, but the top incorporates a textured surface that helps bowls stay in place as well.
- We appreciate that this comes in different sizes and colors, so we can find one perfect for our home.
Cons:
- Despite coming in different sizes, this mat can still run small.
Super Design Bone-Shaped Silicone Placemat
Not a single bone to pick
This bone-shaped waterproof placemat from Super Design is the ideal choice for all you dog lovers out there. While most dog bowl mats tend to look the same, Super Design raises the bar with this fun piece of furniture that’s sure to stand out and grab the attention of all your friends. With an anti-skid surface, you won’t have to worry about Spot moving the bowls all over the place. That being said, the mat itself is indeed the perfect size for two bowls or one very large bowl. So rest assured that your floors will stay safe while looking pet-chic at the same time.
Pros:
- We love the cute bone shape and the fact that it comes in a variety of colors.
- This is an ideal size for two medium bowls or one large bowl.
Cons:
- The surface tends to show watermarks, even after cleaning.
Vivaglory Skid-Resistant Silicone Mat
The stay-put mat
Taking things up a notch when it comes to dog bowl mats, Vivaglory provides holders for both food and water bowls, allowing them to stay in place when your pup is ready to chow down or slurp away. Adding to the charm is the fact that these mats are shaped like dog bones, are easy to clean, and are simple enough to store away if need be. They can even be folded into a backpack for those pup-friendly hikes.
Pros:
- This ingenious design comes with holders for both food and water bowls, so you don’t need a separate mat for each.
- With the bowls removed, the smooth, flexible rubber is easy to clean, store, and transport.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to lay the mat flat after being folded during shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are certain things I should look out for when purchasing a dog bowl mat?
As a lot of dog bowl mats come in different sizes, check the measurements, and make sure you’re purchasing the right one for your dog. You also want to make sure that the mat is waterproof (most are), as your dog will inevitably drool and slobber. Yes, it’s part of their loveable charm, but it can also ruin your floors. You want that spillage to end up right on the waterproof mat. The same applies to food. Dogs can be messy eaters, so the ideal mat will catch any wet food or kibble that tumbles from Spot’s mouth.
Should I factor in durability when purchasing a dog bowl mat?
Definitely. Dogs like to chew, and most of their chew toys are made of rubber — just like these mats. Luckily, most mats are free of toxins and chemicals that can harm your best friend.
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