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Yes, the food you put in your dog’s bowl matters. But so does the bowl you use. Some breeds eat too quickly, while others make quite a mess when eating food and drinking water. Depending on your dog’s size and eating habits, a special dish may help them eat more comfortably and safely. I have reviewed many products for you to consider, from traditional dog bowls to automatic options and many more. So, let’s take a look.
| Overall | Elevated Set | Slow Feeder |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Peggy11 | URPOWER | Outward Hound |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
12 Best Dog Bowls
Whether you’re looking to improve your current feeding station or are about to welcome a pup home and need dog bowls, there are many options for different needs.
Best Overall Dog Bowl: Peggy11 Review
Are you looking for a no-frills, traditional bowl for your pet? This set of two stainless steel bowls is stain and rust-resistant, so they’ll withstand the test of time. The anti-slip rubber base reduces scratches on the floor and keeps the bowl from sliding around while eating. It comes in five sizes, ranging from 2-cup capacity to 16, so you can find the best one for your pup. They stack for easy storage and are dishwasher-safe to prevent bacteria buildup. For under $20, you can’t beat the value of these bowls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Some complaints of the bowls rusting |
| 5 sizes available | |
| Safe for wet or dry food and water | |
| Dishwasher-safe | |
| Long-lasting |
Pricing
- Starts at $11.99
Best Automatic Feeder: PETLIBRO Review
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Are you away from home when your dog needs feeding? Or maybe you want to space out several small meals throughout the day. This automatic pet feeder is the solution for feeding your dog or cat while you’re away. You can schedule up to six meals a day with this feeder. The portion can range from 1/24 cup to 2/3 cup. The food compartment is sealed for freshness, preventing bacteria buildup, and has anti-tamper buttons for nosy Fidos. You can also set a 10-second recorded message to tell your pup that dinner’s ready. It is dual-powered so that it can use the batteries instead, even during a power outage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds over 8 cups of food | Cannot be used with kibble larger than 15mm in diameter |
| Wireless (runs on 3D batteries) or wall adapter | |
| The control panel is hidden, so pets can’t change the schedule | |
| Secure rotor design keeps food fresh and ants out | |
| If it gets knocked over, kibble doesn’t spill out everywhere |
Pricing
In our guide, we have reviewed some of the best automatic dog feeders, offering tips, advice, and our personal experience with them.
Best Elevated Bowl Set: URPOWER Elevated Set Review
Raised bowls in a tray help your dog’s neck and posture when eating. Your canine might enjoy having their food closer to their height, and you can refill and wash the stainless steel containers easily. The non-slip stand has four height positions (6.3″, 11.4″, 13″, and 14.6″,) so it can be adjusted as your dog grows. You can easily remove the legs and tuck them into the sides of the platform for easy storage. The raised edges on the stand prevent food from falling on the ground and water away from the food to keep things mess-free. Underneath the bowls is a lick mat, which offers a slow-feeding option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Legs store away under the tray | Not ideal for smaller dogs |
| Includes two 1.3L stainless steel, removable, dishwasher-safe bowls | |
| Reduces strain on joints | |
| 4 adjustable heights | |
| Includes a lick mat option |
Pricing
- Starts at $39.99
Best Slow Feeder: Outward Hound Puzzle Review
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Dogs who eat too fast can struggle with canine bloat, regurgitating, and overeating. A slow feeder like Outward Hound’s can help slow their pace down. The maze-like design creates enough of a barrier to prevent your dog from inhaling their food in a few seconds. This dish holds up to four cups of dog food and can slow your dog down tenfold. It has a non-slip base and is dishwasher-safe for easier cleaning. There are multiple shapes and maze designs to choose from. Or why not select a few to keep your pup’s brain engaged?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds 4 cups of food | Confusing for some dogs |
| BPA-free | |
| Top rack dishwasher-safe | |
| It can be used with wet or dry food | |
| Different sizes & designs |
Our Personal Experience
Our dog eats so fast that he chokes himself, so we got this bowl to slow him down. He now eats at a normal pace, and the dog trainer also told us it will help to tire out his super active puppy brain! Win-win.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent & Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Pricing
- Starts at $5.96
If you’re looking for more slow-feeding options, check out our slow-feeder guide for more products and information.
Best Custom Bowls: Alpadil & Co Personalized Dog Bowl Review
Check out this custom dog bowl if you’d like to personalize your dog’s food bowl with their name and breed. It is made with heavy-duty ceramic and finished with a clean white matte glaze. The custom engraving is lasered and permanent instead of printed so that the text won’t peel. Customize your bowl with different sizes, fonts, colors, and pictures. It can hold wet and dry food, as well as water. These bowls can make fun gift ideas for the pet parents in your life. Although it states it is dishwasher-safe, some customers say it isn’t.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Custom engraving is permanent, not printed, so it won’t peel | It can break if you drop it |
| Lots of customizable options | Some customers state it is not dishwasher-safe |
| You can add your dog’s name |
Pricing
Best Upload Your Own Design Bowls: Vista Print
Another custom option for dog bowls is from the popular online printing company Vista Print. They have a lot more design options than the Amazon pick above, with a gallery of designs to choose from, or you can upload your own. The bowl comes in two sizes, and there is a full-color, wraparound print so you can customize every inch of the bowl. It’s made from quality ceramic material with a smooth glaze finish and is dishwasher and microwave-safe.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2 sizes, (18 or 36 oz) | It can break if you drop it |
| Lots of customizable options | Can take more time to print and ship since it’s custom |
| Dishwasher & microwave-safe | Price on the higher end compared to other dog bowls |
| High-quality, durable ceramic material |
Pricing
- Starts at $24.99
Our Personal Experience With Vista Print Custom Dog Bowl
We had the chance to try out their custom bowls and provide an honest review. I’ve used Vista Print previously to print other marketing materials, including postcards we use for Canine Journal. Their website is easy to use and makes it fool-proof to pick out a design or in my case use my own that I created. It lets you see the preview of how it would look mocked up on the bowl, so you can adjust the size and white space if need be. The hardest part was deciding on what to put on the bowl. After submitting the order, it took around a week or two to get, and it arrived in a tightly sealed bubble-wrapped box to protect the ceramic from breaking. I was impressed by the quality. The ceramic felt sturdy, the printing was sharp, and the designs turned out exactly as I envisioned. It’s a great idea for a unique gift for a new dog or for the dog parent who has everything.
–Sadie Cornelius, Creative & Marketing for Canine Journal and Cavalier dog mom
Best Filtered Water Fountain: Veken Pet Fountain Review
Your pet deserves the best. That’s why you should get your dog their own water fountain, supplying a steady stream of fresh, filtered water 24/7. The five-stage filtration system delivers fresh, hygienic water to your pup, removing bacteria, hair, and more. Plus, this fountain can easily be used for multiple pets. It is made with stainless steel for a more durable and sleeker finish. It comes with replacement filters, although you must replace these every few weeks. This is a great option for pets who need motivation to drink more, as the sound of trickling water encourages them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| BPA-free | Must replace filter and sponge every 2-3 weeks |
| 6-foot long cord | Requires electricity outlet to operate |
| Modern, quiet design | |
| Holds 2.8L of water | |
| Provides continuously clean water | |
| Filter catches hair, bacteria, and other particles |
Pricing
- Starts at $35.99
If you want to learn more about water fountains and how they might benefit your pup, we have a comprehensive comparison guide on the best dog water fountains.
Best Automatic Water Dispenser: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer Review
This automatic water dispenser has a gravity-feed design for dispensing the water for your pet without spilling or overflowing the dish. Depending on your needs, you can choose between three bowl colors and four sizes ranging between .5 and 4 gallons of water. This is a fantastic gravity water dispenser for large dogs, as many other brands only offer 1 gallon. It comes with a charcoal filter installed and a Microban coating to prevent bacteria buildup in the bowl. If you’re away from home for long periods or have a thirsty dog, this water bowl is ideal for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds up to 4 gallons of water | Not the easiest to clean |
| Features Microban protection | Need to purchase charcoal filters |
| Easy to refill | |
| BPA-free | |
| No leaking |
Pricing
- Starts at $6.80
Best Outdoor Heated Water Bowl: K&H Review
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If your pup is outside during colder months, this is the pet water dispenser for you. This thermostatically controlled bowl keeps water from freezing, even at -20°F. The 5’5″ steel-wrapped electrical cord is chew-resistant, and the bowl is BPA-free for your pet’s safety. This bowl is also MET safety listed. The thermal bowl is energy efficient, using only 25 watts of power. It comes with a one-year limited warranty. Keep your pup hydrated no matter the season.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds 96 ounces of water | It is difficult to add an extension cord since most are not weather-resistant and/or pet-safe |
| Outdoor water bowl | |
| Prevents water from freezing | |
| BPA-free | |
| MET safety listed |
Pricing
Best Collapsible Bowl: SLSON Collapsible Bowls Review
These collapsible dog bowls can hold food or water on the go. The bowl is silicone, making wiping it clean after use easy. Since it’s collapsible, it takes up less space for travel. Attached is a carabiner to hook the bowl onto a bag, your belt, or something else. The bowls are lightweight, so you barely notice you’re carrying them. They come in various colors, and the bowls in the set are different, which is great if you have two dogs with different diets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds up to 12 fluid ounces or 1.5 cups of dog food | Some customers say the carabiners are slightly flimsy |
| Space saving | |
| BPA-free | |
| Dishwasher safe | |
| Great for traveling |
My Personal Experience With Collapsible Bowls
I purchased these for my dog to use when we travel, camp, hike, or go for long runs. It’s nice to have compact, collapsible bowls to pour food and water into. She eats and drinks easily out of the bowls, and they take up very little space.
– Kimberly Alt, Dog Parent & Author
Pricing
- Starts at $4.99
Best Food & Bowl Mat: PetFusion Toughgrip Mat Review
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Dogs are messy, especially when it comes to mealtimes. Make your life easier by investing in a mat that can help prevent messes and spills and protect your flooring. The circular grooves and raised rubber lips help to contain food and water. It is rigid and durable so that your pup doesn’t scratch or tear it, and it is also made with premium FDA-grade silicone that is anti-microbial. Although it states it is easy to clean, some customers and I found it more difficult than expected because of the texture and size. But overall, it’s a top product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents mess, spills, & protects flooring | Difficult to clean |
| FDA-grade anti-microbial silicone | |
| Anti-slip | |
| Works with elevated or regular bowls | |
| Dishwasher-safe |
My Personal Experience With PetFusion Mat
This dog bowl mat really tidied up my dog’s eating and drinking area. Instead of water splashing all over my floor, it’s more centralized on the mat. Thanks to the silicone material and anti-slip bumps, it also keeps her bowls in place. The raised outer lip prevents food and water from spilling off the mat too.
Before I had this, my dog’s food dish would end up in the middle of the room because she licks every millimeter of her food dish clean. I’ve had this mat for several years now, and it’s still in great condition and keeps her dishes in place.
– Kimberly Alt, Dog Mom & Author
Pricing
Best No-Spill Water Bowl: Slopper Stopper Review
Another option if your dog is a messy drinker is a spill-proof (and splash-proof) bowl. The patented design helps eliminate messes by over 85%. Say goodbye to wet socks due to puddles left behind by your dog. The amount of water released is limited, so it keeps more of your dog’s face clean, which prevents splashing and messes. It takes care of the mess for you. See how it works in the short video below.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Available in multiple sizes | The lid is confusing for some |
| Prevents spills and splashing | Some pets can outsmart it |
| The lid design keeps the face, snout, ears, beard, and feet dry | |
| Slows drinking pace |
Pricing
Check out our guide on the best no-spill dog water bowls for more options and tips on keeping your floors clean and dry.
Best High-End Bowl: Yeti Dog Bowl Review
Yeti’s Boomer dog bowl is a top-of-the-line dog bowl that works with food and water. The Yeti dog bowl is double-walled and non-insulated, with a seamless design. Made from stainless steel, it is puncture, rust, and dent-resistant. Yeti’s dog bowl comes in a 4 or 8-cup size and 19-color options. The bowl is designed not to tip over and has a Bearfoot non-slip ring on the bottom. The Yeti Boomer dog bowl might be pricier than some options, but it is a long-lasting, well-performing investment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very durable | Expensive |
| Easy to clean | Some owners say their bows have rusted |
| Keeps water fresh | |
| Customizable with multiple colors | |
| No-tip design | |
| Double-walled and non-insulated | |
| Highly reviewed | |
| Reliable company |
Our Personal Experience With Yeti Dog Bowls
Our dogs have tried a lot of water bowls, and the Yeti Bowl is by far the easiest to clean, has never been accidentally spilled, and always looks brand new. The awesome color options are an added bonus – we really enjoy the color we have.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent & Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Pricing
Read our full Yeti Dog bowl review for more information on this product and other Yeti options, including our personal experience.
How To Pick A Dog Bowl
Consider your options and list your dog’s needs before choosing from my list of the best dog food bowls. Do they need something to help keep the dish in place? Are they outside and need water to keep the bowl from turning to ice? Consider all lifestyle criteria when deciding which type of bowl to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about dog bowls. If you don’t see yours below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll get back to you.
Why Does My Dog Move Their Food Bowl?
Is your dog prone to scooting their bowl across the floor while eating? It’s because they use their snout to push the food around in the bowl to get it in their mouth. Since they can’t use their paws as hands as we do with utensils, they are challenged to pick up every bite and might end up in a bit of a battle with their bowl. If this is the case with your dog, consider the food and bowl mat above, which keeps the bowls more secure.
Are Stainless Steel Bowls Safe For Dogs?
Yes, stainless steel dog bowls are perfectly safe for pups to eat and drink out of. The material is less susceptible than plastic or glazed pottery to leach potentially dangerous chemicals into their food. They’re also more durable than plastic or silicone, which your dog might be tempted to chew on. Stainless steel is dishwasher-friendly and easy to clean to remove bacteria. But, watch out for rust as it can appear over time (although that is rare unless your dog bowls are outside exposed to elements like rain, heat, and sun).
Where Should I Put My Dog’s Food Bowl?
It would help to put your dog’s food bowls away from foot traffic so people don’t trip over them. If you have a cat in your house, you might need to feed your dog at a specific time and then remove any unfinished food or fence off an area to ensure feline friends can’t get to it. Always keep your dog’s food bowls in the same spot to help them know where meal time takes place. This also helps you contain any mess in one area should your pet spill while eating.
Wondering What To Put In Your Dog’s Bowl?
While hunting for the best dog food bowl, we suggest you reevaluate the food you’re feeding your dog. Dog food delivery options are becoming an increasingly popular choice among pet parents. The Farmer’s Dog is human-grade dog food made with fresh ingredients. We have a review about The Farmer’s Dog so you can learn all about it and whether it’d be a good fit for your dog. If you change your dog’s food to something new, you want to transition food gradually to ensure your dog doesn’t get sick.
Have you got any of these products? Perhaps you use another option that has made your life much easier, and you think I should consider it for my list? If so, please let us know in the comments.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more. She hunted down the best bowls for dogs with the top performance, durability, highest ratings, and good value for money. She consulted with other Canine Journal members to glean their personal experiences. Kimberly spent over 10 hours researching and writing this article.
