It’s feeding time, aka, your pooch’s favorite time of day. Whether your pup is a kibble king or a wet food aficionado, all good dogs need a sturdy, durable dog bowl to chow down from.
Believe it or not, there’s quite a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a good doggy bowl. Do you opt for a ceramic bowl, or stainless steel one? Does your pup need an elevated dog bowl, or one designed with messy eaters in mind?
Of course, we’re always on hand to help when it comes to pet parents and their four-legged friends. So, we’ve done the hard work for you! Below, find 12 of the best dog bowls currently on the market - perfect for hungry hounds and chomp-happy canines.
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Best stainless steel dog bowl: YETI Boomer Dog Bowl
The YETI dog bowl is made from 18/8 stainless steel and holds up to 4 cups (32 ounces) of water, wet food, or whatever is your pooch’s chow of choice. It’s puncture-resistant, rust-resistant, and features a non-slip ring, meaning it’ll be hardy enough to withstand even the most enthusiastic of doggy diners.
Plus (as dog bowls go), we think these YETI dog bowls are pretty chic, and the generous selection of colors means house-proud pet parents no longer need to choose between a practical dog food bowl and their kitchen decor.
What we loved:
- Durable
- Stylish
- Dishwasher safe
Best ceramic dog bowl: Mason Cash Ceramic Pet Bowl
The Mason Cash pet bowl is a great, all-rounder ceramic dog bowl. The cool, stoneware ceramic means it's bite-resistant and durable, and the thick sides help to prevent chipping.
The minimalist, modern design is easy to clean and comes in three chic colors, and features an embossed doggy bone on the side. Considering the price and durability it offers, we think this one offers great value!
Why we love it:
- Good value
- Bite-resistant and durable
- Timeless and classic design
Best elevated dog bowl: OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Dog Food Dish
With an elevated dog bowl, your pooch won't need to bend down as far to reach their dinner - making it great for senior dogs, large dog breeds, and dogs with mobility issues. It can also help to aid your pooch's digestion.
We love this one from OurPets - it features a built-in dog water bottle notch (meaning it doubles up as an automatic dog water bowl) and is rust-resistant. The removable stainless steel bowls are easy to clean and dishwasher safe, while the raised dog bowl stand helps to reduce joint stress, support digestive health, and make mealtimes as enjoyable as they should be. Top marks!
Why we love it:
- Built-in water bottle notch serves as an auto-fill water bowl
- Comes in three different sizes
- Easy to clean
Best dog bowls for puppies: Pecute Dog Bowl & Non-Slip Mat
If you've got a new puppy, you've probably already worked out that mealtimes can get a little... chaotic! We love these puppy feed bowls from Pecute, which feature two removable stainless steel dog bowls for easy cleaning. The raised edges of silicone also help to protect your floor from any spills or splashes.
The double-bowl design means your pupper can enjoy their food or water without straying too far from either, and the small size means it's great for small dogs, puppies, and even cats (and a pooch-sized portion of dog pancakes, naturally).
The non-skid, non-slip mat means it'll stay put when your hungry, growing puppy chows down, and the extra food scoop (marked with 1/2 and 1 cup measurements) can help to ensure your pooch is eating the right amount of food.
Why we love it:
- Perfect for puppies, small dogs, or cats
- Non-skidding, spill- and splash-free design
- Extra food scoop included for precise portions
Best dog bowls for older dogs: PetFusion Elevated Dog Bowl
Raised dog bowls are a great choice for senior dogs, as it means they won't need to bend down so far to reach their dinner. This elevated feeding station from PetFusion helps to support your pup's digestive health and makes mealtimes even better for your four-legged friend. The raised bowl design can also help to improve your pup's posture and make swallowing their food easier.
But what we really love about this is the innovative magnetic feature. While they are sold as single units, you can magnetically connect more feeders as and when you need them, making them ultra-customizable.
Why we love it:
- Magnetic feeders give the option to add multiple food and water bowls
- Anti-slip bumpers to keep your pet's feeder in place
- Minimalist design that blends into the background
Best bowls for dogs with short snouts: Super Design 15° Slanted Bowl
Elevated dog bowls are also a great choice for flat-faced breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, as it can be harder for these poor short-snouted pups to reach their food using traditional dog bowls.
This slanted dog bowl is tilted at 15 degrees for easy-peasy eating, and the ergonomic design lowers the risk of bloating and indigestion. The non-slip integrated rubber ring will prevent it from slipping and sliding while your eager-canine chows down, and the non-spill design means it's less likely for food to slip over the edge.
Lastly, it's dishwasher safe, and easy to clean and wipe down. The only problem you’ll have will be deciding which of the many lovely colors to go for!
Why we love it:
- Tilted 15-degree design
- Non-slip and non-spill features
- Attractive design and comes in a range of colors
Best for messy eaters: Neater Pets Deluxe Dog Neater Feeder
Does your pooch leave a trail of food, slobber, and who-knows-what-else in their wake post-dinnertime?
The aptly-named Neater Feeder features two dog bowls with stand, and an elevated design that helps to support your pooch's digestion and joints. The reason why we love this option for messy pups is the spill-proof design, which keeps food on top (for easy cleaning after mealtimes) and drains any spilt water into the tray below.
For extra messy eaters, there’s an optional slow feed bowl add-on. The sturdy design is also kick-proof (meaning no more bowls of kibble going AWOL). We think every messy-eating canine could do with this in their life!
Why we love it:
- Spill-proof design and water drain feature
- Optional slow feeder bowl
- Leg extensions add an extra 1.5 inches
Best travel dog bowl: Dexas Popware for Pets Double Elevated Pet Feeder
For adventurous pooches, a travel dog bowl is a must. If you and your canine companion are hitting the road, this pet feeder from Dexas is a great choice to keep them fed and well-hydrated along the way.
It's fully collapsible and can fold down to 1.5 inches - perfect for on-the-road adventures. It features two removable silicone bowls with a 1-cup capacity, and the legs lock into place for anti-slip, anti-skidding eating.
Like most travel bowls, it’s a bit more lightweight than your standard dog bowl, so might not be ideal for big dogs or over-eager eaters, but for when you're on the road, we think it's a great option.
Why we love it:
- Fully collapsible and folds down to 1.5 inches
- Elevated feeder design
- Dishwasher safe with removable bowls for easy cleaning
Best eco-friendly dog bowl: United Pets Pappy Food and Water Bowls
Got a planet-conscious canine who’s concerned about their carbon paw-print? With 7mm of recycled plastic, this dog bowl from United Pets is both durable and eco-friendly, and features non-slip rubber pads for anti-skidding.
Fashionista Fidos will love this ultra-chic design, too, which was made by Italian designers Ilaria Gibertini and Giulio Iacchetti. We love the cool range of pastel colors on offer and the dog-bone design which makes it super easy to pet parents to pick up their dog’s bowl. They come in three different sizes, and are dishwasher and microwave safe.
Why we love it:
- Made from recycled plastic
- Dishwasher-proof and microwave safe
- Chic design and a range of pastel colors
Best slow feeder: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Dog Bowl Slow Feeder
If your pooch has a tendency to chow down their dinner in 0.2 seconds flat, it might be time to think about getting a slow feeder dog bowl.
This slow-feeding bowl makes mealtimes a hoot, and the ridges aim to slow down your pooch's guzzling by up to 10 times - win-win! It aids in better digestion and reduces bloating and regurgitation - it also comes with a non-slip base.
They're suitable for wet, dry, or raw food diets. And while the intricate design might look like a nightmare when it’s time to clean the dog dishes, the good news is it's dishwasher safe - meaning less time scrubbing up, and more time to play with your pooch!
Why we love it:
- Aids in digestion and reduces bloating
- Slows down eating by 10x
- Great for fast eaters
How to choose the best dog bowl
Choosing the best dog bowl for your four-legged chum is no mean feat. Mealtime is an important part of your pup’s day - so naturally, they need to right tools to assist in their chomping! Here are a few things to consider when shopping for your furry friend’s new dog bowl:
Material
Plastic or silicone dog bowls are a great choice if you're on a budget, as they tend to be cheaper and less likely to break. That said, they can be easily scratched or scuffed, so might not be the best choice for chewers.
That’s where a stainless steel bowl comes in - they are by far one of the most durable options, and while they do look a bit functional, they are more likely to stand the test of time (and teeth!). Plus, plastic can lead to a build-up of bacteria if not washed correctly, a problem you don’t tend to get as much with stainless steel.
On the other paw, ceramic dog bowls are great all-rounders - they tend to be easy to clean, and the durable ceramic stoneware means they’re often more bite-proof than silicone or plastic dog bowls.
Size
After all, a chonky 100lb dog isn’t really going to fare well with a dinky dog bowl, are they? Choosing the right size dog bowl is important as it needs to be able to hold all your pup’s food - too small, and it could cause a right old mess!
Design
Elevated dog bowls are great for senior pets, flat-faced breeds, or dogs with mobility issues. On the other paw, a slow feeder is perfect for pups who practically inhale their food.
Essentially, consider your pup’s needs: their eating style, their age, their health, breed, and size. If you have a particularly messy pup, a spill-proof dog bowl will undoubtedly make your life a little easier, while pet parents to senior dogs should definitely consider a raised or elevated dog bowl. Pet parents with tidy and easy-going eaters have a little more choice, and may opt for one of the more stylish dog bowls in our list of recommendations. Whichever you decide, be sure it fits and suits all your dog’s needs. Bone appetit!
Dog bowl FAQs
You should aim to wash your dog's bowl daily, after they've finished their final meal of the day. Not washing your dog's bowl regularly could result in a build-up of nasty bacteria, which could put your poor pooch in danger of falling ill.
Elevated dog bowls help with digestion, they also put less strain on your dog's neck during mealtimes. They are especially helpful for older pets, those with mobility issues, and flat-faced breeds.
Yes, elevated dog bowls aid with digestion and can make the process of eating and drinking easier for your pooch. They can also help to reduce the risk of bloating, overeating, and regurgitation.
Most dog bowls are dishwasher-safe. However, it's always best to check the packaging of your specific dog bowl before putting them in the dishwasher.