The Best Dog Bowls
Every dog needs a bowl to hold food and water. Seems simple, right? Sure, it is, but the problem is that there are many (perhaps too many) options out there. As dog owners, you want bowls that make it easy and convenient to feed your dog. You want them to be made of high-quality materials that don't pose a health risk to your dog. You want the bowls to prevent as much of a mess as they can. After all, you would rather not have to spend a long time cleaning up after every meal. You want bowls that will stay put and not get pushed all over the room by your dog. You want bowls that are easy to wash. Well, we did the hard work for you and found the dog bowls that do all that and more. Read on for our reviews of our all-time favorite dog bowls.
Vivaglory Dog Bowls
Keep it Simple, Silly
To combat the mess so often made by dogs during mealtime, Vivaglory has created this feeding station. A silicone mat holds two bowls: one for food, one for water. First of all, the mat is anti-skid. This keeps the bowls in place while your dog is eating or drinking from them; it prevents them from sliding all over the place and spilling food and water everywhere. The mat is waterproof, too, so any spillage on it will remain on top of it and not be absorbed. And the edge of the mat is curled up, so water won’t run off the edge onto your floor; rather, it will be held in by the edges of the mat. The bowls are stainless steel, which is safer for your dog than plastic. Though your floor will remain clean, the bowls and the mat will obviously get dirty. But just toss the bowls and the mat in the dishwasher, or wash with soapy water in the sink, and they’ll be clean as a whistle.
Pros
- Anti-skid mat keeps bowls in place
- Curled edges keep spills off the floor
Cons
- The bowls run small
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl
Canine Mindfulness
For dogs that eat too fast, Outward Hound has designed the Fun Feeder Dog Bowl. The Fun Feeder has a raised maze pattern so the dogs have to work a little to get the food and can’t just scarf it down. The amount of food in each bite is less as well, resulting in much slower eating. Slow eating improves the dog’s digestion and prevents bloat. This bowl is recommended by veterinarians. The bowl is made with ABS plastic, which is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalate and is safe for your dog to eat off of. The bottom of the bowl is non-slip to keep the bowl in place while your dog is eating from it. The bowl is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, and it comes in a variety of fun patterns to choose from.
Pros
- Slower eating improves digestion and reduces bloat
- Maze provides mental exercise
Cons
- Very aggressive dogs may hurt their nose when they switch from a regular bowl
UPSKY Double Dog Bowls
Reduces Neck Pain
Eating and drinking from bowls on the floor have been found to cause strain in the necks of some dogs. Upsky has designed a feeding station to address this problem. The base of this station is a raised platform that holds the bowls 0.8″ above the ground. This reduces the strain in the dog’s neck, makes swallowing easier, and allows food to flow more freely from the dog’s mouth to their stomach. Your dog will certainly appreciate this feature. What you will appreciate is the W-shape design of the base that will hold spills in and prevents food and water from seeping onto your floor. Increase your dog’s comfort and decrease your cleaning time and effort. This double bowl station is a win-win.
Pros
- Raised base reduces neck strain
- W-shaped base prevents spills
Cons
- The base is not dishwasher safe
Loving Pets Bella Bowl
Don't Fix it If it Ain't Broke
For a simple, classic bowl, look no further than the Bella Bowl from Loving Pets. The patented design features a stainless steel inside, which is recommended by veterinarians because it resists bacteria. The outside is poly-resin and comes in five beautiful color options and four size options. Underneath is a removable soy-based rubber ring that prevents the bowl from skidding, slipping, and spilling. The bowl you can wash in the dishwasher, but the rubber base you can’t. So make sure to remove it before putting the bowl in the dishwasher. This award-winning dog bowl comes at an affordable price and does everything you need it to.
Pros
- Stainless steel anti-bacterial interior
- Anti-slip soy-based rubber bottom
Cons
- The sticker might be hard to remove cleanly
- The espresso-colored bowl is actually black
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog bowls only for dogs? Can you use them for other pets?
Dog bowls are not only for dogs. You can use them for other pets, such as cats or rabbits.
How do I clean a dog bowl?
You can clean a dog bowl the same way you clean a regular bowl. If you have a dishwasher, you stick the dog bowl in with the rest of the dishes and wash it with a normal cycle. If you don’t have a dishwasher or don’t want to use it, you can wash the dog bowl with dish soap and water in the sink.
If I use a metal bowl for water, will it rust?
It is possible that a metal bowl could rust from water, but not if it is made of high-quality stainless steel. The metal bowls we reviewed are stainless steel and will not rust, even if you keep water in them all day, every day.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.