The Best Dog Bowl Mats
Does Fido drag their bowl around at mealtime, scratching up your floors and throwing food and water about? A dog bowl mat can be the answer to all of your problems. Dog bowl mats protect your floor from your mischievous and messy pup, keeping food and water off the floor. Make mealtime a breeze with your very own dog bowl mat. We've rounded up the best options out there and created a curated list just for you. Read on to find the perfect mat for you and your furry friend.
What to Look For
Though many are simple enough, the best dog bowl mats are more than just pieces of plastic or rubber that you slip under your pup’s food bowl. Many models include features meant to better protect your floors from the inevitable mess your pup can make, including raised edges, non-slip backing, and even absorbent materials designed to catch food and sop up water. Such is the case with Reopet’s dog bowl mat, which ranks as one of our favorites thanks to its recessed shape and easy-to-clean silicone construction. But we also love the pet mat from Bone Dry, which is constructed of absorbent microfiber that soaks up any water or saliva that drips from your pup’s mouth while eating. For more of our favorite dog bowl mats and to find one that’s right for your canine companion, read on.
Reopet Silicone Dog Bowl Mat
No more mess
Mealtime can be messy for many dogs. This dog bowl mat has raised edges to keep water and food from spilling, protecting your floor and keeping your mess contained. After mealtime is over, the silicone mat is easy to clean with a wet rag. You can even toss it in the dishwasher. It’s also waterproof, meaning prolonged contact with water will not cause damage, keeping your mat like new for longer. Since the mat is lightweight, it can be easily rolled up and stored, should you be on the go or if space is a concern for you. If you’re looking for a quick fix for your messy pup, the Reopet Silicone Dog Bowl Mat is sure to do the trick.
Pros
- This mat is a great deterrent for dogs and cats that like to nudge their bowls around (and spill food and water everywhere). It stays in place on hard floors and even keeps the bowls from shifting around.
- Considering the price, this is a very affordable solution to a common problem.
- The material is thin, but the corners don’t roll or lift up. That way, it stays flush with the floor so food and debris don’t get trapped underneath it.
Cons
- You have to be careful when moving it to the sink for cleaning since food and water can roll right off. We recommend giving it a lengthwise fold before lifting it.
DogBuddy Dog Food Mat
Keeping your dog safe is always a priority. This dog food mat is made of food-grade silicone, so it’s BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free. The smooth surface of the mat allows for better adherence to the bowls, keeping them in place during mealtime. Just wipe it down with a wet rag or throw it in the dishwasher when it’s time for a cleaning. The larger size options are perfect for your big furry friend. The classic color options, including black and taupe, are sure to fit in with any aesthetic, making your pup’s mealtime corner no longer an eyesore. With raised edges, you can rest assured that your sloppy eater will be under control while using DogBuddy’s mat.
Pros
- The raised edges do a great job of protecting the floor from spills and food.
- These large mats are also great for messy puppies since the silicone material has a rubbery texture that keeps bowls from sliding around.
Cons
- Although it’s easy to clean off, it picks up dirty paw prints really easily.
The Navy Knot Pet Mat
For your special pup
Every dog has their own personality, so why not match their dog bowl mat to them? The Navy Knot offers a wide array of patterns, including plaid, gingham, marble, stripes with a cactus, and even a few with cartoon dogs. The customization doesn’t stop there, either. You can get the mat customized with your dog’s name for added pizzaz. The mat is functional as well, with a non-slip rubber backing. This will keep the mat in place while your dog eats or drinks, lessening the chances of a spill. If you’re searching for a special, customized mat, this is the best mat for you.
Pros
- This is a great option for those with multiple pets since it also helps identify whose bowl is whose.
- The material is similar to that of mousepads, so it stays flat against the ground without curling or flipping up. It’s also pleasantly soft, providing a little cushioning for your pet.
Cons
- The edges aren’t raised, so it doesn’t keep big splashes contained.
Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Mat
Make mealtime stylish
The microfiber mat is highly absorbent, preventing your pup from dragging water around the house on their paws or sloshing it onto the floor. With non-slip backing, it won’t slide across the floor during mealtime. Beyond function, DII Bone Dry also offers many pattern options, including a lattice paw print, stars and stripes, and stripes with a paw print or dog bone. Many of the patterns even have different color options as well. If you feel like you’re at a water park when your dog drinks, this durable and absorbent dog bowl mat is the one for you.
Pros
- A lot of pet products are pretty garish, so we were thrilled to find this selection of stylish mats that don’t clash with our kitchen aesthetic.
- Unlike the silicone options, this one absorbs water to prevent spills from leaking onto the floor. It’s also machine-washable, so preventing mold and funky smells is easy with the occasional cleaning.
Cons
- If it dries while folded, it will get wrinkled.
Loving Pets Bella Pet Mat
This bone-shaped dog mat is sure to catch Fido’s attention. Cute and functional, you can’t ask for more with this mat. With raised edges, spills stay on the mat and off your floors. It has anti-skid feet to prevent the mat from slipping or sliding along the floor, which is perfect for a messy or aggressive eater. It even has a bone pattern on the mat for added style. Make mealtime all about your pup with this bone-shaped dog bowl mat.
Pros
- If you want a really simple, spill-proof mat, go with this one. The design makes cleaning up after your messy eater as easy as could be.
- Unlike most flimsy mats, this one is much harder and more rigid. That way, you can lift it without spilling its contents all over the floor.
Cons
- The sticker can be a pain to remove in one piece.
Why do I need a dog bowl mat?
Whether you have wood or tile floors, spills can be your worst enemy. Dog bowl mats protect your floors from potential damage. Water damage can be very costly to repair and can even lead to issues like mold, warping, or loss of color. Scraping from bowls being pushed around can leave marks on tile or wood floors as well. Make mealtime worry-free with a simple dog bowl mat.
What should I look for when choosing a dog bowl mat?
The three things you should keep in mind when searching for the perfect dog bowl mat are absorbency, easy cleaning, and waterproof material. If your pup spills water frequently, you will want a highly absorbent mat or one with raised edges to prevent spills. Whether you can throw a cloth mat in the washing machine, or wipe down a silicone mat, you’ll want to be sure you can clean the mat easily, since it is bound to get dirty often. Waterproof mats are ideal, as they will last longer. You know your dog best and what they need, so keep your furry friend in mind when you’re looking.
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