Best Water Fountains for Dogs
We’ve put together a list of best water fountains for dogs that includes different styles and materials, so everyone can find a perfect fit for their pampered pooch.
You wouldn’t want to drink stale water that’s been standing in a bowl for hours, so why would you expect it from your pet? Dogs might not be as particular as cats are, but they still favor fresh moving water over stale still one in the bowl. Not to mention in the summer months, when that cold drink of water helps keep your doggo hydrated and cool in the warm temperatures. Water fountain for dogs is a great way to make sure that your pet’s water is always fresh. And, if you have a pooch that needs to up his intake of fluids, you can bet that a fountain will entice them to drink more- it’s fun and more inviting than a regular bowl.
However, when it comes to choosing the best water fountain for dogs, things are not as simple as it may seem. First of all, the most obvious thing: not all dogs are the same. In addition to size, dogs have different behaviors and habits and what works for one canine might not work for another. One of my dogs lives for summers when she can bite at the hose jet, her bestie is terrified of the same. As a result, a step-on water fountain wouldn’t work for both- so it’s important to know your pet to make the best choice. And, again, there are plenty of options to choose from, which may be overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of best water fountains for dogs that includes different styles and materials, so everyone can find a perfect fit for their pampered pooch.
The first thing to pay attention to is the material of the water fountain. Usually, you can choose between plastics, stainless steel, and ceramics. The latter two are antibacterial and a good choice for sensitive and allergic pooches, whereas the plastic is usually chosen as it’s inexpensive. Then there’s the capacity to think of- a Chihuahua will need a lot less water during the day than a big Lab, so choose accordingly. For instance, a 50-pound dog can drink up to 1.5 liters of water a day (50 ounces)- if you opt for a smaller fountain, you’d have to refill it a few times a day. The same rule applies if you have more than one pet in the household.
Thankfully, you won’t have to spend hours scouring the web in search of the perfect water fountain for dogs. Our list includes only the most popular choices, with hundreds of positive reviews backing their quality and value for the price. We wanted to make it diverse, so we’ve included various styles all in one list. Regardless of your budget, your dog’s size, or the place of use, you will certainly find a match down below. So, without further ado- read on and check out some of the best water fountains for dogs that the market has to offer!
1. Editor’s Choice: PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel Dog Fountain
This sleek, stainless steel water fountain for dogs really is the top of the line. The stainless steel is hygienic and can be washed in the dishwasher, but most importantly it’s tough and robust- promising years of heavy duty use with ease. Drinkwell 360 has a unique design, as the name suggests, where the drinking surface is accessible from all angles. This makes it perfect for multi-pet households, as well as its impressive capacity- a whopping 128 oz. In addition to impressive design, this water fountain also has impressive features. A replaceable carbon filter is included to enable filtration and tastier water, and the adjustable flow control cap makes it possible to customize the water flow. If budget is not an issue, and you have a medium size or a large dog (or, alternatively, multiple pets), you can’t do better than Drinkwell 360.
2. Runner Up: Royal Tails Dog Water Fountain
The dazzling heat of the summer is fast approaching, and that means that you must make sure that your pet always has a source of fresh water nearby. Water fountains for dogs keep the water oxygenated and make it more fun for your pet to drink water, encouraging them to stay hydrated. Royal Tails Dog Water Fountain is a great example of this: this water dispenser is operated by pressure, so whenever your pup steps on the top plate, a stream of cool and refreshing water will stream forth! A hose connects the water fountain to your nearest water faucet, which ensures that the water is always “on demand” and absolutely fresh – an important feature overall, but particularly during the hottest days of the year. And don’t worry about exposure to the elements: Royal Tails ’fountain is made of durable, sturdy plastic that you can safely leave out in the summer heat. No one enjoys warm and stagnant water, least of all a thirsty pooch in the dog days of summer. Thanks to the ease of use and universal size (measuring 7” by 8” by 2”), most dogs can use Royal Tails Dog Water Fountain to stay hydrated and refreshed all year round.
3. Customer Choice: Veken Automatic Pet Fountain
No better way to keep your dog hydrated and healthy than with a dog fountain. Made with food-grade materials, this double-deck water fountain for dogs is a great solution to encourage your pet to drink more water. One of the major features of this design is its complex water filtration system which ensures that the water for your pet is always fresh, clean, and has optimum oxygenation. The 3-layer filtration relies on special sponges and non-woven fabric in order to remove odors, heavy metals, dust, bacteria, hair, and any other impurities from the water that your pooch will drink. Veken Automatic Pet Fountain also features a reliable pump for the fountain that circulates the water and keeps it always fresh and tasty. This energy-saving pump is only about 30 dB during operation, so neither you nor your pets are disturbed by the noise. There’s also a pre-filter sponge around the pump to more efficiently filter impurities and extend pump life, which will normally last between 2. 5 and 4 years.
Made with BPA-free materials, the fountain is durable and has a large capacity of 3 liters (100 oz), making it great for households with several pets in the family. It also comes in 4 different colors, so you can easily find a match for any interior!
4. Best for Outdoors: Trio Gato Outdoor Dog Step-On Fountain
OK, this an outdoors-only water fountain for dogs, and it’s only meant for those doggos who have a playful side to them. If your pooch loves to drink straight from the garden hose, this is guaranteed to be a hit- but a more timid pup might not think it’s fun. Unlike standard water fountains, this one has no vessel for water, but rather a pad with a hose that activates when your pet steps on it. Then the stream of water pops out- and the fun begins. Naturally, the setup is easy as it connects to a garden hose with connectors that come included. The metal pad requires at least 2lbs of stepping force, so tiny dogs won’t be able to use this one.
5. Best Budget: Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
Inexpensive and simple to use, the Drinkwell Platinum is one of the more popular choices with good reason. The 168 oz capacity suits dogs under 60 pounds, who can enjoy filtered water in streams from this water fountain. The carbon filter keeps away bad odor and taste common for tap water in some areas of the country, and the patented free-falling water stream ensures that the water is oxygenated and enticing to your dog. The design that features a spout and receiving ramp reduces splashing and noise, so if your pooch is timid, this will work well for their needs. The stream is also adjustable, so you can fine-tune the flow to your pet’s liking.
6. Best Ceramic: IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
Ceramic water fountains for dogs are popular for their durability and antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic properties- but they can be easily broken if you have a rowdy pooch, so make sure to take their fragility into consideration. This unique drinking fountain for pets boasts a seashell-inspired design that will fit in any living space. Quiet and powerful, this water fountain has a dual filtration system, triple free-falling streams, and an impressive capacity of 71oz. The dual filtration system relies on both mechanical and chemical filtration: a foam filter surrounds the pump mechanically preventing pet hair and other dirt and grime from reaching the pump or the tank, and a chemical filter with carbon and charcoal removes bad odors and taste.
Since this fountain is made from high-quality natural ceramic, it is eco-friendly and easy to clean. The water pump has a 3 year warranty for an added sense of security.
7. Best Dishwasher Safe: HoneyGuaridan Pet Drinking Water Fountain
Made from BPA-Free plastic and top-shelf dishwasher safe, HoneyGuaridan has an ultra quiet but powerful pump that will keep the water fresh and oxygenated for your pampered pooch. To boot, the charcoal filter will also improve the taste and keep any debris trapped inside. With a 70 oz capacity, this water fountain is a good fit for small and medium dog breeds.
8. Best for Big Dogs: Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain
Easy to clean and simple to assemble, the Big Max water fountain by Pioneer is a dream come true for big dog pawrents. The 128 oz capacity is more than enough to keep a large dog going throughout the day, and you won’t have to constantly add more water for your pet to stay hydrated. Stainless steel is an excellent choice as it’s sturdy and durable- just what a gentle giant needs. This also means that the fountain is really easy to keep clean as it is dishwasher safe! The fountain also has replaceable carbon filters to keep the water clean and free of bad odors and tastes. Additionally, if you have a couple of dogs in your family, Big Max can be a perfect choice.
9. Best Design: Drinkwell Stoneware Avalon Pet Fountain
The striking red stoneware design leaves no one indifferent- it’s stylish, hip, and looks great in any setting. The ceramic design is not only attractive but also easier to clean and better for your pet. When regularly cleaned, ceramic water fountains for dogs won’t harbor bacteria or fungi, or irritate the sensitive skin of some allergy-prone pooches. With foam and charcoal filters to boot, the water your pet drinks truly will be pure and refreshing. The capacity of the Drinkwell Avalon is 70 oz.
10. Best Elevated: Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog Water Fountain
If you really want something that’s cheap but does the job perfectly well, you can’t go wrong with the Zeus Fresh & Clear water fountain for dogs. This plastic fountain is elevated, and, as a result, suitable for large or senior dogs, or multiple dog household. The capacity is 200 ounces of water which is more than enough for an X-large dog breed or few “regular” sized pooches. To make sure that all that water is up to standards, this water fountain relies on multi-stage filtration. This filtration system softens tap water, collects debris, and absorbs odors and can be replaced when worn out – replacement filters are sold separately.
How do I get my dog used to a water fountain?
Some pets need a bit of convincing before they start trusting the fountain – but if you are patient and persistent, they’ll come to love their new water fountain in no time. The first thing to note is that you should never force your pet to use the fountain or be pushy with it, as it will only make them fear it more. Instead, use treats and praise to coax them into trying out the fountain. Start with the fountain off and water laying inside the bowl until they are willing to drink from it, and then turn it on – it might take a couple of days but they will get used to it.
Do vets recommend water fountains?
Vets recommend water fountains for cats and dogs alike, as they provide a source of fresh, clean water and hydration is important for pets. Dog fountains are especially recommended for dogs that are finicky about the quality of water, dogs that don’t drink enough water when it’s in a bowl, and those that drink a lot and quickly empty their bowl – before you get a chance to notice it and refill. While it’s not a necessity, a pet water fountain can make the job so much easier for you as you won’t have to constantly refill bowls and make water more appetizing to your pet as it will always be fresh and filtered.
What to consider when choosing water fountains for my dog?
There are a lot of important factors that could influence your choice of pet fountains, but start with capacity and go from there. If you have a large breed dog or a multi-pet household, go for the pet fountain with the largest capacity, but if you have a small breed dog, you can even opt for a cat fountain and it will be a good choice. Next, consider the types of filtration a water fountain has, making sure that it cleans the water both from the dirt and debris such as pet hair and removes bad odor or taste from the water circulating inside the fountain. Material is also important: go for pet fountains made from sturdy, durable, and pet-safe materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic. Last but not least are the design features that might or might not be important to you – anything from color options, lights, and shape.
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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.
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