The Best Dog Food Mats
While a dog food mat isn't a necessity, it works wonders to protect your floors during mealtimes. This is especially important if your pup tends to be messy while eating and drinking. Some mats have raised sides to catch spills, and others soak up moisture until you're ready to wash them. Whatever design you choose, the mat will be protective and add a splash of style to your dog's dining area. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog food mats to help you pick.
What to Look For
After researching dog food mats, we found the best ones are durable, non-slip, and easy to clean. With these things in mind, our top pick is the Reopet silicone dog food mat. This heavy-duty mat has a slight lip around the edge to prevent food and water from sliding onto the floor. The silicone material is non-slip on both sides, so it will stay in place on the floor and keep your pet’s bowls from shifting during mealtimes. We also love the Bone Dry dog food mat because it is machine washable. The mat will absorb any major spills and ensure moisture doesn’t soak through to the floor below. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog food mat.
Reopet Silicone Dog Food Mat
Catch it all
If you have a messy dog, you know how challenging it can be to keep your floors from getting grimy and soaked throughout the day. Reopet’s dog food mat is made from a single piece of silicone with a slight lip to keep food and water on the tray. This mat is available in five sizes to fit your dog’s specific bowls. And the non-slip material will stay on the floor and prevent your pup’s bowls from moving while they eat and drink. You can easily roll up the mat to store or take with you when you travel.
Pros:
- Waterproof material
- Dishwasher-safe
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- It isn’t sturdy enough to carry with full bowls on top
Gorilla Grip Silicone Dog Food Mat
No slipping allowed
When you have an active pup in your life, anything they lay their eyes on can become a toy, even their food and water bowls. This silicone mat from Gorilla Grip has a slightly tacky surface that adheres it to tile, laminate, or hardwood floors, preventing it from shifting. And when you set your dog’s bowls down on the surface, they won’t be able to nudge or tip them over easily. Plus, this mat is available in multiple fun colors to spruce up your pet’s dining area.
Pros:
- Multiple size options
- BPA-free material
- Raised edges to keep spills on the mat
Cons:
- Puppies may be tempted to chew on the soft silicone mat
Ptlom Silicone Dog Food Mat
Cute and convenient
Practical and decorative, this dog food mat from Ptlom will make the perfect addition to your dog’s feeding area. The food-grade silicone is waterproof and has an adorable pawprint design that doubles as a non-slip grip for your pet’s bowls. When the mat gets dirty, you can either wipe it with a cloth or stick it in the dishwasher to clean it up. But the best part is the raised lip around the edge, which is tall and thick enough to keep spills contained on the mat.
Pros:
- The edge is almost an inch tall
- Flexible material
- Heavy-duty silicone won’t crack or tear
Cons:
- It is challenging to lift the mat to dump excess water that collects
Aechy Large Dog Food Mat
Ready for anything
Available in larger sizes than most, this dog food mat from Aechy will keep the mess off your floors, even if you have a clumsy or slobbery pup. The heavy-duty silicone mat has grooves along the surface that provide additional grip for your dog’s bowls. And leftover food and water will stay on the mat thanks to the raised lip around the edge. Plus, when you’re ready to clean it off, you can tip the mat one way to collect everything in the convenient built-in pocket. From there, you can rinse it and give it a good scrub before returning it to its home.
Pros:
- The heavy mat won’t budge once placed
- Ideal for one large dog or two small dogs
- The thick edges discourage dogs from chewing and biting
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Bone Dry Ultra Absorbent Pet Mat
Squeaky clean
If you aren’t a fan of silicone or want a machine-washable option, you’ll love this dog food mat from Bone Dry. The microfiber mat is soft and thick, making it ideal for soaking up water and other messes as they happen. And when it’s time to clean, you can toss it in the washing machine and let it air dry for the best results. This mat is available in a wide range of patterns and sizes that your entire family will love.
Pros:
- Non-slip backing
- Lightweight material
- Stylish designs
Cons:
- It doesn’t dry quickly when fully soaked
What is the purpose of a dog food mat?
Since most dogs make at least some mess while they eat and drink, dog food mats are designed to catch spills. Whether you get a silicone or microfiber mat, they will catch excess food and water, preventing it from getting on your floors and staining them. They are also a great option if you have a dog that drools or tends to drip a lot of water after taking a sip as it will ensure the floor doesn’t become a slippery mess.
How often should you clean a dog food mat?
This will depend on your pet and how much food and water they spill during mealtimes. If the mat collects a lot of water, you can wipe it down or wring it out daily to keep it fresh. But we recommend washing your mat thoroughly at least once a week to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria. Follow the instructions for your specific mat to keep it looking its best.
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