Best Dog Bowls
Dog bowls come in all shapes, sizes, designs, and materials–find out how to choose one that will be the best match for your pet’s needs.
Whether you just got a new puppy or you’re looking to replace your pooch’s tatty old dishware, you’re probably already overwhelmed by the number of options before you. Who would have known that choosing dog bowls can be such a difficult process? You’ve wanted to grab the first pair that fits your budget and looks cute but now you’re seeing all those options and contradicting advice, you’re not so sure anymore. And it’s understandable, honestly. We all want what’s best for our four-legged companions but figuring out what’s that exactly can seem impossible. For instance, your choice of dog dishware can have a major impact on your pet’s overall health, so it shouldn’t be a lightly made one. In this case, a bit more research is needed before you land on the ideal option for your pet’s needs and your own preferences.
Dog bowls are something that your pet will be using every single day–they do hold his water and food, after all- so quality is of the essence. It might be tempting to go for the cheapest plastic options and replace them as soon as they become worse for the wear, but this is not just a bad idea for your budget (‘cause it will cost you more than initially buying a well-made pair of dog bowls) but it can contribute to health issues in dogs: inadequate dishware makes it easy for bacteria to spread and wreak havoc on your pet’s body. It’s not a splurge or pampering if you invest in quality dog bowls–as these are one of the essential pet products every dog needs to have. Dog bowls see a lot of use throughout their lifetime and it’s important to pick one that is made to last–and to meet the high standards of today’s pawrents.
While the quality and the make of dog bowls for food and water should be your primary concern, it’s not the only factor you need to consider. Dog bowls come in various designs and there are a few different types to choose from: there are special features for each type that make it a perfect fit for certain pooches. For instance, there are dog bowls designed for greedy eaters, dog bowls that automate the process of feeding your pet, or dog bowls made to suit the unique needs of large breed dogs. It’s easy to see why some dog owners find it all just too confusing!
To make sure that you get a clear idea about types of dog bowls and how to pick the right one for your pet, we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide. To boot, we’ve also rounded up the best dog bowls on the market–bowls that are recommended both by pet parents and experts. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices from the list!
Editor’s Choice: Peggy 11 No Spill Non-Skid Stainless Steel Deep Dog Bowls
Affordable, well-made and practical, these dog bowls check all of our boxes. Made from stainless steel with silicone non-slip bottom, these water and food bowls are surprisingly stable. They are dishwasher friendly and durable- this set will last you for years, easily. The deep bowl minimizes mess, too, and allows for greater capacity of the bowls. Peggy 11 stainless steel dog bowls are available in sizes that will fit dog breeds from toy to giants.
Runner Up: GPET Dog Bowls
If you want all the perks and advantages of stainless steel bowls but still want your dog’s dishware to look cute, GPET dog bowls are an excellent solution. This inexpensive set of two bowls is made from high-quality, rust-resistant material that is also dishwasher friendly, so it’s super easy to clean. The rubber base prevents slipping and helps avoid the mess on your kitchen floors. But the part that stands out is the attractive detail in the form of raised brass-colored bones–adding a little pizzazz to otherwise plain stainless steel dishes. GPET dog bowls hold up to 32 ounces of water or food.
Customer’s Choice: FOREYY Raised Pet Bowls
Made with water-resistant bamboo and dishwasher safe stainless steel, these elevated dog bowls are not just practical–but they look great, too. If your dog prefers eating from raised bowls or you think that elevated bowls could help his digestion, this double set is a great idea–it’s budget-friendly, easy to assemble, and well made. Despite being tall, this is a sturdy raised base with anti-slip silicone on four points to prevent slipping. The base comes in different heights to make sure dogs of all sizes find a perfect match.
Budget Choice: AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Sometimes, the basics done right are all you could ever wish for. Constructed with high-quality stainless steel, these dog bowls are easy to clean, anti-bacterial, and durable. The no-tip design involves a rubber base that keeps the bowls from slipping and skidding over your floors. And, having in mind that the size of these bowls is more suited for large breed dogs, that’s perfect–no more accidental knocking over bowls during dinner! These dog bowls hold up to 38 ounces of food or water each.
Best for Greedy Eaters: Outward Hound Fun Feeder
In case your pooch is a greedy eater, look no more- this slow feeder bowl will force them to eat at a normal pace. No more upset tummies after meals! Made from food-safe ABC plastic that’s BPA, PVC & phthalate-free, this bowl features ridges and nooks that prevent your pet from gobbling up his kibble straight away, as he’ll need to “fish” for his food first. The bowls come in three sizes and various ridged patterns–for varying difficulty levels and eating speeds.
Harmony Two-Toned No-Tip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Cheap but surprisingly well made, this stainless steel bowl boasts a high-gloss glaze, rustproof finish that makes it easy to clean, with a polished interior that prevents food from sticking to the bowl. The wide rubber rim on the bottom makes the bowl stable, but it’s also a downside if you have a puppy or an aggressive chewer. The Harmony two-toned dog bowl comes in sizes from extra small to extra large.
Bone Dry DII Hungry/Thirsty Square Ceramic Pet Bowl
Stylish, cute, and most importantly well made, these square pet bowls are constructed with porcelain ceramic that’s easy to clean and looks lovely. Dishwasher safe and durable, these ceramic pet bowls are a fun alternative to boring stainless steel- and a great choice if a cute design is important to you as much as quality. While the ceramic is heavy on its own and thus difficult to slide around or flip over, these bowls also have a silicone rim on the bottom for added safety. The size of this dog bowl set is suitable for small or medium size dog breeds.
BestVida Sparks Pet Feeder
Not only that this elevated pet feeder is convenient to use, but it’s also super elegant and will look lovely in your home–and not stick out like a sore thumb (which happens with ugly plastic bowls). The combination of a wrought iron base with an antique powder-coated finish and glazed stoneware bowls truly looks luxurious–the bowls come in blue, red, brown, and white so there’s a match for any interior decor. The bowls come in small and large sizes and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Have in mind that the bowls are quite deep so their capacity is impressive- the small size holds 40 ounces of food or water and the big one double that.
Bone Dry DII Lattice Ceramic Pet Bowl
With a cute design and exceptional quality, these ceramic dog bowls are on many a pet parent’s wishlists. Made from porcelain ceramic with a silicone ring on the bottom to prevent slipping, these dog bowls offer convenience and practicality but without compromising on the style. You can wash these in the dishwasher, too, for hassle-free maintenance. The bowls are available in small, medium, or large and the lattice print comes in gray, navy blue, pink, and aqua–a little something for everyone!
Neater Feeder Express Elevated Diner
This one is perfect for all those pawrents whose furkids are messy eaters: no more kibble crumbles or spilled water on your kitchen floors! This elevated double dog bowl has protective walls that make sure the bits of food and drops of water that would normally go all around the bowls stay contained within the feeder. To boot, this feeder has a kick-proof, skid-proof design so there won’t be any knocking over, either.
LIONWEI LIONWELI Gery 5 inch Ceramic Dog Bowl with Wood Stand
If you want a dog bowl that can double as a stylish piece of home decor, you’re in luck. This ceramic dog bowl with a wooden stand is not only very modern-looking but it is also very practical. The stand prevents the pooch from sliding the bowl(s) around and the bowls are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Made out of porcelain ceramic and natural wood material, it comes in two sizes: a 5” diameter bowl that holds 400ml of kibble and a 6” option for 850ml of dog chow. In either case, this makes this elegant dog bowl a better choice for small breeds. You can also pick between the single bowl and double bowl options as well as 4 color options.
Super Design Mess Free 15 Degree Slanted Bowl for Dogs and Cats
With a clever approach, you can dramatically improve the basic bowl design and turn it into a dog bowl that is uniquely tailored to the needs of your pooch. In this case, it’s the ergonomic 15 degrees tilted design that makes it unique: the tilt makes the food concentrate on the bottom to prevent food overflow, spills, and, in turn, bloating and indigestion. This dog bowl is particularly great for brachycephalic dog breeds such as Frenchies or Boston Terrier, to name a few. The bowl itself is made from high-quality stainless steel and is housed in a melamine non-slip holder. It is available in 4 different sizes: S (holds half a cup of food), M (1.5 cups), L (3 cups), and XL (7 cups). Better still, to make sure that the bowl doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb, it comes in 8 color options.
YETI Boomer 8 Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Extra strong yet beautifully designed, this rugged stainless steel dog bowl is ideal for big dogs, pooches that tip over their bowls, and pet owners that want a durable dog bowl that will resist dings and damage even if they take it with them on an adventure. BPA-free and pet-friendly, it is made with 18/8 stainless steel that is puncture-resistant and rust-resistant so it is not only completely safe for dogs to drink and eat out of but also very well-made. As an added perk, there’s the BearFoot Non-Slip Ring on the bottom which ensures that the bowl won’t slip and slide across the floor, even if it’s tiled. The bow will hold up to 8 cups of dog food or water, so it is best suited for medium and large breed dogs. For a greater variety of choice (who says you can’t be practical and stylish both?) This dog bowl comes in 8 different color options.
Guide: choosing the best dog bowls
At the very least, the bowls you pick for your pet should be made from dog-safe materials, easy to clean and big enough to hold their food and water. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: there are so many factors that could prove to be as important to you as the most basic features–from durability and stability of the bowl (to prevent messes) to design and special perks that some bowls offer. The goal is to get dog bowls that are tailored to the unique needs of your pet, but at the same time, fit your own budget and style preferences–and it’s not always easy finding a product that checks all three boxes. To be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth out of your choice, consider all of the features below before settling on new dog bowls for your precious pooch.
Material
The thing to start with is the material of the dog bowl. There are choices for every budget and preference but the quality and durability will significantly vary with each material–more often than not, the cheapest options are not just difficult to clean and quickly become unusable, but they can also be made from materials that could endanger your pet’s health. Needless to say, the type of material for dog bowls is crucial–and here are the most common options on the market:
Plastic
Plastic dog bowls have been a common choice for decades- they are inexpensive, readily available, and come in a wide variety of designs and styles. However, plastic dishware for pets has fallen out of favor in the last couple of years and with good reason. While plastic is more difficult to break than glass or ceramic, it’s still not as durable as stainless steel and can be destroyed fairly easily if you have a mischievous puppy or an aggressive chewer on hands. Broken plastic can hurt your pooch- and they can swallow the smaller pieces which will lead you straight to the vet’s office. Another aspect of plastic as dishware material is the fact that it is more likely to harbor harmful bacteria than any other material. The tiny scratches that are bound to occur with regular use are the ideal hiding place for microorganisms, and even with regular cleaning, it might be impossible to get rid of bacteria.
Lastly, as far as dog bowls for large dogs are considered, plastic is not the most prudent choice–these bowls are so lightweight that it takes no effort at all to knock them over, which often happens when a big pooch is eating out of them.
Stainless steel
When it comes to durability and practicality, stainless steel reigns. It’s fair to say that, as far as convenience and value for money go, you can’t do better than stainless steel dog bowls. They are made to last, easy to clean, and they are lightweight (but not too light). Stainless steel is not porous, so with proper maintenance, there’s no way for bacteria to hide on its surface, which makes them perfectly safe for pet use. Even if your doggo manages to make a dent in a stainless steel bowl it won’t influence its usability or leave it vulnerable to bacteria. Simply put, once you buy a stainless steel bowl, you won’t have to replace it–it’s really a one-time investment. The only downside to stainless steel bowls is that the style choices are limited–and for some pet pawrents that’s a deal-breaker.
Ceramic
Whether it’s a food bowl, water bowl, or both, ceramic is an excellent choice, especially for large breed dogs. Ceramic dog bowls are exceptionally heavy so your dog won’t be able to push it around or tip over with ease. They are easy to clean and not susceptible to bacteria overgrowth if you pay attention to hygiene. Of course, ceramic is easily breakable if you’re clumsy enough, so handle your dog’s bowls with care if you want them to last.
Types of dog bowls
Once you’ve picked out the material that suits your dog’s needs and your own budget, you’ll have to settle on a specific design of dog bowls–after all, there are many different types to choose from.
Single dog bowls
The classic bowl design that comes in all shapes, sizes, and materials–it’s the most common choice and will suit dogs of all ages and sizes.
Double dog bowls
The set of two bowls joined into one single dish makes it possible to keep their food and water in a single place. However, this is not a good choice for big dogs or messy eaters–as spilling and messes are too easy to make with this one.
Raised dog bowls
Elevated dog bowls are designed to aid digestion and prevent bloat–which is why they are often the choice for large and giant dog breeds. The food bowl is raised to your pet’s head level, which means it would be smart to keep it against a wall to prevent spilling.
Slow-feeding dog bowls
Some dogs love food so much that it becomes a problem–greedy eaters are a great example of this. If your pooch gobbles up his meal too fast, it will cause digestion issues, which requires better control over the speed of their eating. Specially designed slow feeders have ridges and nooks that make it more difficult to access kibble, forcing your pooch to slow down while he eats. This is an excellent design for breeds of all sizes- and puppies that are too eager during mealtime.
Automatic feeders
Automatic feeders for dogs are dog bowls taken onto a new level. They can be programmed to dispense food at certain intervals, in certain amounts–making your life easier and ensuring your pet is not hungry while you work. While the electric, advanced versions of feeders are the more popular option, there are also gravity fed feeders that don’t need power to automatically dispense its contents.
In the end, it’s safe to say that there are no universal choices–you’ll have to make your pick based on your dog’s unique needs. Just make sure that you go for dog-safe materials and high-quality bowls that will give you the best bang for your buck–and you can’t go wrong.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.
More by Angela Vuckovic