what is the best dog food bowls

The 28 Best Dog Bowls for Every Type of Hungry Pup

Finding the best dog bowls for your pups is not as simple as finding something thatll hold their kibble (or wet food, freeze-dried food, or boutique refrigerated food). Rather, theres a lot of functionality that goes into a decent dog food bowl: Most importantly it should be the right size, and it should be designed to prevent skidding and spilling.

In addition to those must-haves, you may also need to take into account your beloved poochs specific needs. Maybe they have digestive issues that call for a special slow-feeding bowl; or perhaps theyre a larger breed that needs an extra-sturdy, heavyweight bowl. And, beyond even these essential qualities, its fair to consider how your new dog dishes will look in your home.

Whether youre shopping for the most basic dog bowl out there, a matching food and water bowl set thatll look great in your kitchen, or one with an innovative design, remember that the best bowls are the ones that will make mealtime an even more exciting part of your furry friends daymore than it already is. In the spirit of upgrading your loving pets feeding time, weve highlighted the very best dog bowls for a variety of needs and preferences below.

Best Standard Dog Bowls

From stainless steel dog bowls to ceramic dog bowls, these options are basic in the absolute best way. Dishwasher-safe and hard to tip over (either thanks to its rubber base or sturdy stoneware construction), these pet bowls check all the necessary boxes to feed your pup with minimal mess and easy cleaning.

Boots & Barkley Non-skid Stainless Steel Dog Bowl

Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish

Frisco Colorful Geometric Melamine Bowl

Best Bowls for Small Dogs

These top-rated, toy-friendly bowls hold between 1.25 and 3 cups of food and feature non-slip bases to keep them in place, even if your pup is prone to flipping their bowl.

Frisco Slanted Stainless Steel Bowl

Frisco Colorful Geometric Melamine Bowl

Best Bowls for Large Dogs

We love these bowls for big dogs because they feature weighted bottomseven the most enthusiastic eaters will have a hard time knocking these dishes over. Plus, this extra-large version of the beloved Yeti Boomer bowl is puncture- and rust-resistant, making it a serious candidate for buy-it-for-life status.

HeavyBowl Weighted Dog Bowl

Best Slow-Feeder Dog Bowls

If your dog eats their food in the blink of an eye, one of these slow-feeding bowls might be worth a try. Designed with raised and ridged patterns (or in the case of the Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat, grass-like fibers) along the base of the bowl, a slow-feeder dish makes it harder for your dog to wolf down their food in a few chomps. Instead, they have to navigate the pattern in order to reach all their kibble, leading them to eat at a more moderate pace and avoid bloating and indigestion.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl

Susan O Hanlon Pottery The Original Ceramic Slow Feeder

Iris Slow Feeding Dog & Cat Bowl

Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat

Best Elevated Dog Bowls

Elevated bowls are a great solution for dogs that get uncomfortable and deal with neck strain when eating out of bowls placed on the ground. Some reviewers report improved digestion using these bowls, and some of them even come in different sizes and heights, so all types of dogs can enjoy their benefits. And we specifically recommend the high-walled Neater Feeder for pet parents with messy eaters.

Frisco Stainless Steel Bowls With Adjustable Elevated Holder

Ozarks Fehr Trade Originals Elevated Single Dog & Cat Bowl

Dexas Popware Single Elevated Pet Feeder

Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls

Best Travel Dog Bowls

Collapsible dog bowls made with food-grade silicone or durable water-resistant fabric are great to have on hand during camping trips, long hikes, or weekend trips when you want to pack light. For meals and drinks on the go, opt for one with a carabiner to clip onto your dogs leash or utility belt.

Mountainsmith K-9 Backbowl

Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl With Carabiner

Pawtitas Dog Travel Bowls

Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl

Best Dog Bowl Sets

From classic, utilitarian stainless steel to sleek and modern ceramic, theres a high-quality bowl set for every style. If the set you choose comes with a stand or silicone mat, make sure the bowls are removable, to make cleaning quick and easy.

Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl

Spunkyjunky Ceramic Dog And Cat Bowl

Yamazaki Modern Dog Bowl Stand

Best Personalized Dog Bowls

Buying a customized bowl for your pup is a sweet way to make it their ownfor people with multiple pets, its a smart way to keep track of everyones meals. With options ranging from homey ceramic bowls to bold stainless steel and plastic bowls, youre sure to find one that suits your canine companion.

ShouldWeGo Personalized Dog Bowl

Little Blue Gallery Personalized Pet Bowls

MegAndShawn Custom Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

The Best Dog Bowls in 2022

Best Dog Bowl Buying Guide & FAQ

So what goes into the best dog bowls? Thats what were here to tell you. Pet bowls can have more than one functionality, they come in a crazy variety of materials, and it can get a bit confusing. Were here to shed some light on the structural differences between large dog bowls and no-slip bottoms, explain our top picks, and help you decide on the best bowl for your dog.

What to Consider When Buying a Dog Bowl

Well say it time and time again: stainless steel is always going to be your best option. Weve listed some plastic and silicone dog bowls in this list, and they are absolutely great picks that we stand behind. That being said, youll find that a vast majority of cheap plastic dog bowls arent designed with BPA-free guarantees or Prop 65 compliance. Look at the materials, and side with steel when available.

The design dictates use. Look for collapsible bowls if youre a traveller, folding trays if you want the bowls out of sight when guests are over. Most importantly, look for digestion-helping designs that cut down on overeating. Youll notice our top pick has a series of rings designed to help your dog slow down, which promotes a better digestive system, and reduces stress or discomfort, as well as constipation.

This is essential if you have a bigger dog. Weve all seen the bowl in the middle of the floor before and wondered, Just how did it get there? Your bigger pup is having a fun time skidding their bowl around while they chow down. No-slip grips are also going to help cut down on wasted food and water.

Youll find these often coincide with a no-slip grip. These are usually overlapping lips of rubber that encircle the bowl, and prevent it from tipping over when your dog goes to eat from it. If your pup is big and is known to rush at their bowl, this could be your saving grace.

This is a given with just about any stainless steel models, but not all plastic is dishwasher safe. This is a minor benefit, but if you dont hand-wash dishes, you should keep this high on your priority list. Keep in mind that just because a primary material is dishwasher safe, it doesnt mean the rubber on the bottom is.

In 2012, Petco had to order a recall because their steel bowls were radioactive. How does that even happen? One recall in a brands history is good: it means they pay attention and put consumer health and awareness over their brands image. Half-a-dozen recalls in just as many years? Not exactly reassuring.

What Your Dog Bowl Should Be Made of

Certain components that used to be found in plastic, silicone and even ceramic finishes, are normally no longer practiced. Things like BPA, PVC, and other harmful chemicals and components like lead, have all been stricken from the list of acceptable materials. Lets break down the benefits and drawbacks of each material.

• Ceramic dog bowls are safe and extremely effective, but more breakable than a stainless steel bowl. In recent years, resin finishes have become completely eco-friendly, BPA-free and even Prop 65 compliant. Youll find that most ceramic dog dishes are safe to use, and weighted to prevent careless spillage.
• Plastic dog bowls are a bit more volatile. Theyre going to show scratches and damage a lot easier, but theyre also going to save you a pretty penny when it comes to checkout time. Plastic bowls require you to pay far more attention to additives like BPA and other chemical fillers, as well as lead. Just be on the lookout.
• Stainless steel dog bowls have relatively no downside. Most are rust-resistant, dishwasher safe and have no fear of BPA, PVC or other harmful materials. You could also hit these things with a truck and theyre not going to dent, break or show any signs of wear. Stainless steel dog bowls can sometimes cost twice the price of plastic, but will certainly outlast just about everything else that youve purchased for your dog.
• Silicone dog bowls, which are usually collapsible, are okay for camping or travel, but shouldnt be used as a permanent solution. Youll see these for a price that makes you think youre getting away with robbery, but thats exactly when we remember the most important law of finding any product: you get what you pay for. Dont expect them to last forever.

It comes down to preference and playing around with different materials. We recommend going the stainless steel route.

You may also like our articles on Automatic Dog Feeders and Dog Food Containers.

Different Types of Dog Bowls

These work excellently for a quick cleanup, and a way to prevent neck pain and fatigue from your dogs. If they spend a lot of time at the bowl and theyre not fast eaters, then theyre spending three to six minutes, multiple times per day, craning their neck in an uncomfortable position. If you did that at your desk right now, youd cave after about thirty seconds. Elevated dishes work as great dog water bowls and food serving trays, giving them everything they need without the added neck pain. Most of these also have adjustable legs for multiple heights. Take a look at our reviews of heated water bowls and dog water fountains for more options.

These are always going to be made out of silicone, and arent equipped to last for very long. The major benefit behind these comes down to travel and camping. When youre trying to use a set amount of space in a backpack or a suitcase, you can use all the additional room possible, and these fold up small. You dont want to use these as a permanent in-home solution, but they get the job done.

If your dog eats too quickly and suffers digestive issues as a result, this is the blessing youve been looking for. They come in many different designs, but each are created to force your dog to slow down while eating. This can be thanks to grooves found throughout the interior material, or certain ways that the trays are angled, but they are designed to aid in digestion.

Our Top Pick

Finding the best dog bowls can sound a bit subjective. After all, what really goes into a top dog bowl? Outward Hound hit the nail on the head, providing a solution to more than one problem. We chose them for our top pick based on their genuine belief that your dog shouldnt have to compromise on their health in any fashion: slow feeding controls weight and improves digestion, while the actual build itself contains no harmful ingredients, holds up against time, and has the same non-slip grip that we all look for in quality dog bowls. In short, they provided the most innovative and quality solution, and thats a fact that cant be ignored.

15 Best Dog Water Bowls (Reviews Updated 2022)

Looking to buy the best water bowl for your dog? Youve come to the right place.

Weve reviewed dozens of the so-called best dog water bowls in order to find the very best ones. Our rankings are based on a combination of material, sizing options, brand name, quality, price, and Amazon ratings.

Theres a few different types, so scroll through until you find the one youre looking for. Then click on the name or picture to learn more.

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Best Dog Water Bowls

Here are the 15 best water bowls for dogs.

The Petmate Delux Fresh Flow provides a constant source of water to encourage pets to drink. The automatic water dispenser also has a charcoal filter to keep water clean. The electric cord is easily detached for quick cleaning.

• This pet waterfall dispenser offers a continuous flow of fresh water.
• The water reservoir and power cord are easily detachable for convenient hand washing.
• The automatic water bowl is also equipped with a submersible pump and charcoal filter to oxygenate water.

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The AmazonBasics can hold up to one gallon of water and features no-skid rubber feet to keep the pet feeder in place. The extra-wide bottle attachment keeps water flowing. And, the highly rated water dish is easy to wash in the dishwasher.

• The extra-wide-mouth bottle holds up to one gallon of water.
• The non-skid rubber feet keep this bowl easy to secure and to clean.
• The dimensions of the bowl measures 12.4 by 6.9 by 12.1 inches.

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The Bergan Standard Dog Bowl is made up of non-rust stainless steel for extra durability. The wide based bowl is also dishwasher safe to ensure hygiene. And its wide opening and wide base make this dog bowl versatile for nearly any dog size.

• constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, the YETI is puncture resistant, rust resistant, and tough enough to handle any dents and dings.
• The Bergan water bowl as a wide opening and wide base.
• The Bergan is dishwasher safe.

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The Upsky water bowl is a no-spill water bowl that allows dogs to drink as much water as they want without spilling. Its inventive two piece design also helps prevent dirt and debris from falling into the bowl. This design is suitable for all dogs, small to large, and can act as your standard water bowl and is easy to transport for trips.

• The Upsky features a waterproof edge strip and floating disk dual design to prevent water from overflowing.
• The dimensions of this bowl measure 8.8 x 7.2 x 2 inches and holds 35 ounces.
• The UPsky seperates into two pieces with a disk wierded design to prevent dust, dirt, and pet hair from falling into the water.

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The Petmate Replendish Gravity WAterer has a unique microban antimocorbial protection to prevent bacteria from cgorwing along the edges. The Preflectish also slowly dispenses water to prevent water from sitting in the bowl and attracting particles.

• The pet water bowl dispenser slowly dispenses filtered water to prolong time between refills.
• The microban antimicrobial product protection helps prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria.
• The Petmate Replendish is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

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The Van Ness Stainless Steel dish is a tried and true dog bowl. With a skid-proof rubber bottom, the Van Ness stays in place. Easy to wash, the Van Ness can hold up to 96 ounces of water at a time.

• This bowl ideally sized for large sized dogs with a 96-ounce capacity
• The Van Ness is made of durable 6 gauge polished stainless steel.
• The Van Ness features skid-proof bonded rubber on the bottom.

The YETI Boomer can handle even the most aggressive dog. It is rust proof and ding proof to stand up to time. ITs non-slip bottom holds it in place and the YETI can hold up to 8 cups of water at a time.

• constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, the YETI is puncture resistant, rust resistant, and tough enough to handle any dents and dings.
• The YETI holds up to eight cups of water.
• The barefoot no slip ring prevents the YETI from sliding around.

Road Refresher is perfect for the dog on the go. The patented floating design offers enough water for your dog to drink without excess spillage to keep your car or RV dry! And the Road REferher is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.

• The patented Floating plate design offers enough water for your dog to drink, yet keeps jowls from sopping up excess slobber.
• The Road Refresher is dishwasher safe and constructed from from heat resistant polypropylene.
• The Road Refresher is travel-friendly and resistant to spills.

The PetSafe is made from BPA-free plastic to keep your pet healthy. This water bowl dissembles for easy cleaning and is dishwasher safe. The bowl is available in multople sizes for every breed of dog.

• The PetSafe is available in 64, 128 or 320 ounce water capacities
• The reservoir is made of durable BPA-free plastic and locks in place.
• The PetSafe disassembles for easy cleaning; the stainless steel bowl is dishwasher safe.

PetSafe Drink Well is a unique, multi-tier drinking fountain that keeps water moving and encourages drinking. The motor is submersible and quiet, so it does not interript your daily living. This fundation is also BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

• The PetSafe stream entices dogs and cats to drink more water.
• The low-voltage submersible pump helps provide a quiet operation.
• The water fountain is BPA-free and top-shelf dishwasher safe.

The Max and Neo bowls are made from the highest qualirt stainless steel so they stay in place. Additionally, the bowls have a full rubber bottom, not just the sides, so the bowls stay secure to the floor. Max and Neo is socially conscious; for every dog bowl sold, they donate one to a pet in need.

• Max and Neo dog bowls are made from high quality thick stainless steel and are thicker and heavier than other bowls.
• For every dog bowl sold, Max and Neo donates a dog bowl to a dog rescue.
• All bowls have a full rubber bottom, not just a rubber ring on the outside.

The MidWest Stainless Steel Water bowl is crafted from high-quality stainless steel to prevent rusting. To prevent slippage, the Midwest locks securely in place. This dog bowl is available in multiple sizes and can be used for both water and food!

• The MidWest locks securely in place to reduce water and food spilling.
• The MidWest is constructed of quality, rust-proof brushed stainless steel.
• The MidWest is available in multiple sizes

The YML dog bowl is elevated and sits at the dogs level to eliminate neck strain and is perfect for older dogs. The stainless steel surface is completely dishwasher safe. And the elegrant wrought iron stand adds a decor flair to your pets eating area.

• The elevated feeding position of the YML helps prevent gastric upset and relieves neck and back strain.
• YML features an attractive wrought iron stand with stainless steel dog bowl.
• The stainless steel bowl provides a completely sanitary eating surface and is dishwasher safe.

The Themal Bowl is thermostatically controlled to prevent water from freezing at even the most sub-zero temperatures. This bowl can be used both indoors and out. And the cord is safely wrapped to prevent your pet from chewing and to eliminate shock.

• All electronics in the K&H Thermal-Bowl are safely sealed inside and the cord is steel wrapped to prevent abrasion and to deter chewing.
• This dog bowl is thermostatically controlled and uses extremely low power consumption.
• The therma-bowl protects drinking water from freezing even at sub-zero temperatures.

The Loving Pets Bella bowls are made with an attractive poly-resin exterior that is naturally bacteria resistant. The rubber base prevents the bowl from skidding around. And because the rubber base can be removed, this bowl is also easy to clean.

• Loving Pets Bella Bowls feature an attractive poly-resin exterior.
• This dog bowl is naturally bacteria-resistant.
• The removable rubber base prevents skids and spills and eliminates noise.

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