Whether it’s in your kitchen or on the trail, the best dog bowl is easy to clean, the right size for your dog, and made of food-safe materials, like stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone. “Dogs, especially those who are particularly sensitive, may do better with either a stainless steel bowl or a ceramic bowl,” says veterinarian Amy Fox, DVM. To find the best dog bowls, we tested nearly 40 bowls with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Here are the winners.
Stainless steel is a popular, practical choice because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t break. This sturdy stainless bowl from Max and Neo has a few extras that make it an all-around good choice for most pups.
The bowl is deep with a small rim around the edge. The rim helps prevent spills but also makes it easier for people to handle when moving the bowl around. The entire bottom is covered in non-slip rubber to keep the bowl from sliding around when your eager pup eats.
The bowl comes in three sizes (4 cups, 6.25 cups, and 10 cups). It’s made from heavy 204-grade stainless steel and is independently tested to make sure it is free of potentially dangerous heavy metals and elements, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
These bowls are thicker and heavier than similar bowls. The small bowl weighs 9 ounces, the medium bowl weighs 16 ounces, and the large bowl weighs 1.2 pounds. Not only are you buying a product for your pet when you shop, but for every item purchased, Max and Neo donate a similar item to animal rescues.
Available in three sizes
This Yeti stainless steel bowl is solid and heavy and looks like it can stand up to any dog. It’s more expensive than most, but people who own them are quite fond of them. They are very handsome and come in all sorts of colors, as well as basic stainless steel.
The bottom has a recessed non-slip ring that stays in place and keeps the bowl from moving. So many others have rubber feet or a ring that can be easily chewed or can fall off.
This bowl is pretty substantial and big, holding 8 cups of water. If that’s too much for your tiny pooch or you want something less massive, there’s also the Yeti Boomer 4, which holds 4 cups of water.
Although it looks like it is, the bowl is not insulated. It still seems to keep the water cooler than many other bowls. It’s dishwasher-safe, but also very easy to wash by hand. Some people use this for camping trips and travel because it’s so durable and simple to clean.
I have several water bowls in my house for my dog and my various foster puppies. They will sometimes walk past another bowl in order to drink water from this one instead. I love how easy it is to clean and how handsome it looks.
Available in two sizes and 16 different colors
This elevated feeder from OurPets is relatively affordable with lots of smart features, like a design that makes it hard to tip over. There’s a spill ridge on top to keep dogs from making too much of a mess with their meal at dinner time.
The feeder is available in three different heights (4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches) with three different bowl sizes (1.5 cups, 4 cups, and 5.5 cups). There are two included stainless steel bowls that are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
One cool feature in this elevated dog bowl is that there’s a built-in notch for a water bottle. Flip the bottle upside down, and one of the dishes becomes a refilling water dispenser. It fits any standard 2-liter bottle, and it becomes a reservoir to refill the water as your pup drinks. Water can sometimes collect underneath the metal bowls, so be sure to check often and clean thoroughly.
Available in two sizes
If your dog inhales their food, a slow feeder bowl like this helps them put on the brakes and enjoy their food. It’s also a great way to add an enrichment activity to their day with a little fun mental stimulation. There are many patterns and sizes, but this is one of my personal favorites for my dog and all my foster pups because it’s not too easy. (Dogs quickly get the hang of these feeders, so it’s great to get a few designs and alternate between them.)
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![The Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl on the floor]()
Credit: The Spruce Pets
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![A side view of the Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl in its packaging]()
Credit: The Spruce Pets
This flower version comes in either a two- or four-cup capacity. You’ll want to choose a size that holds more than you typically feed to make it more challenging. This is top-rack dishwasher safe, but sometimes food particles can get caked on, making it difficult to clean thoroughly. It helps to soak before washing.
Available in four sizes and 10 configurations
Collapsible bowls are very handy. You can keep one in your backpack, clip it on your belt loop, or stash one in your car. Most collapsible silicone bowls are very similar, except for the colors and sizes. We tested a whole bunch of them, and this one was a favorite because of its large capacity and other convenient features.
Because it’s large, it’s great for a large dog or multiple dogs. The size, however, means it takes up more room and won’t easily stow in a pocket. It attaches via carabiner, and there’s an extra tab that you can loop around a disposable water bottle to keep your hydration necessities together.
The packaging states that it’s made from silicone that is food-safe and BPA-free; some other bowls don’t say the same. It comes in two sizes and several colors and is backed by a one-year guarantee.
Available in four sizes, five colors, and a slow-feeder configuration
This great-looking set from Dorai has a unique twist. Two bowls sit on a stone mat that is made with diatomaceous earth and recycled paper. The base works to wick away water spills and helps prevent smells—great for puppies and other dogs who happen to be messy eaters and drinkers.
One of our testers said that no doubt there were less expensive products that you can use to give your dog food and water; this one was definitely durable, high-quality, and handsome. It would be perfect for the shopper “who is looking for a certain aesthetic—clean lines, neutral color, blends in with modern decor.” The bowls are dishwasher-safe, and the mat includes a non-slip base to keep it from skidding around at mealtime.
Diatomaceous earth base and ceramic bowls are available separately
Some dogs are so eager at mealtime that food and water go all over the place. The Neater Pets Express Neater Feeder is appropriately named, as it has a catch basin and splash guard to keep dinner and drinks from ending up all over the floor.
The elevated feeder comes in two sizes and four colors. You can opt for regular stainless steel bowls or slow-feeder bowls to make your pup slow down a notch when they eat. Both the bowls and the stand are dishwasher-safe in the top rack.
“My dog is very messy and I have yet to see a splash of water or a piece of kibble on the floor, which is a miracle!” said one of our testers. “I can empty the catch basin once a week and all is well on our floor, which is perfect.”
Available in multiple configurations, including two sizes, a cat version, and a slow-feeder bowl version
These attractive and heavy stoneware bowls come in several sizes, including some that are a great size for small pups. There’s one that holds 1.5 cups of food, which is likely more than enough for the little guys. It’s hard to tip over because it’s so solid, and it’s easy to clean in the dishwasher.
The interior of the bowl is glazed in a bright cobalt blue, which makes the water look pretty. The bowls are BPA- and lead-free. Just be careful when filling and moving this bowl. The sides can be slick when wet, and the bowl can shatter if dropped.
Available in five sizes, ranging from 5 inches to 9.5 inches
You can get a basic, functional bowl that looks great for just a few dollars. These Loving Pets bowls have a stainless steel interior and a colorful poly-resin exterior. They come in four sizes and several designs and colors. The bones and paw prints are cute and popular.
The bowl has a rubber base that helps keep it from sliding. You can pop it off and then clean the bowl in the dishwasher. The one complaint people have is that the company puts a sticker right in the middle of the bowl, and it can be difficult to remove.
Available in four sizes and ten colors
When you want to keep your pup hydrated on the go, a travel water bowl is a neat idea. The Leashboss Splashless has a geometric shape that helps keep the bowl from tipping over.
The lip of the bowl is designed to keep water from sloshing all over when you’re in transit. It’s not totally splashless as the name suggests, but it’s pretty close.
This attractive bowl is made of soft but sturdy silicone that is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. It has a tapered lip and high sides to keep water from spilling. You can put it in the dishwasher, but you might have to clean out the pointy corners by hand to make sure no slime is left behind.
Available packaged with car restraints and travel bags
Although we didn’t test this feeding mat set from Gorilla Grip, it’s a top-rated pick at Amazon, so it’s worth including in our list. The set includes a BPA-free, food-safe silicone base with built-in holders for the stainless steel food and water bowls, and a raised border to contain spills and messes. The grippy, scratch-resistant silicone material secures the bowls in place and keeps the mat from sliding on floor surfaces.
The bowls and mat generally stay in place; however, some aggressive pets do manage to drag the mat and flip the bowls. Some shoppers take issue with the bowl capacity, which they claim is smaller than advertised.
Satisfied buyers appreciate how easy it is to clean, as everything is dishwasher-safe. Finger notches provide easy access to the bowls for cleaning and refilling. The set also comes in five sizes and six colors.
Available in five sizes and six colors
Other Products We Tested
In addition to our winners and recommended dog bowls, we also tested:
Frisco Marble Print Stainless Steel Double Elevated Dog Bowl: This is an elevated dog bowl. It has a faux marble top with metal legs and comes in two sizes. The bowls are dishwasher-safe, and the stand is easy to wipe down, but the stand itself is not adjustable.
Fringe Studio Stoneware Bowl: We really like the look of this water bowl and think it’s great that it’s safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave. But the options are limited. It only comes in white and two sizes (small and medium).
WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder: This automated feeder holds a whopping 29 cups of kibble. It can be difficult to program at first, but it is easy to clean and can be handy when you’re busy. It’s definitely a decent option, but we’re not sure how many people require something this big for their pups.
PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain: Dogs aren’t typically as picky as cats, who often insist on running water. This fountain may not be for everyone (we don’t have outlets by our dog bowls, for example), but it’s an option for pups who want running water.
Enhanced Pet Bowl Slanted Stainless Steel Dog Bowl: This bowl is slanted so dogs with short noses – like pugs and bulldogs – can eat more easily. It’s a little more costly than similar bowls and very much targeted to just these breeds.
Midwest Stainless Steel Dog Bowl: This bowl attaches to the inside of a crate, making it convenient if you feed your dog in there. However, it can be just as easy to put a bowl down just for meals so it isn’t constantly taking up space.
How We Picked
To find the best bowls for all the good dogs out there, we tested nearly 40 different dog bowls to get hands-on, real-world experience. Our testers considered factors such as size, materials, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and overall appearance.
Our testers used the products in their homes with their own dogs in place of their normal bowls. In addition, the author tested many of these bowls over the past few years with more than 70 foster puppies.
Common Dog Bowl Materials
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel bowls are durable, easy to clean, and aren’t porous, so bacteria can’t easily thrive on them. They don’t break if you drop them and are usually dishwasher-safe. The healthiest is food-grade stainless steel (not “for pets only”), where the company says it’s been tested for heavy metals.
Stoneware and Ceramics: Ceramic or stoneware bowls are heavy, and their protective glaze makes them easy to clean. However, they can break easily when dropped, and if they chip or crack, bacteria can sneak in.
Plastic: Plastic bowls should be BPA- and phthalate-free to avoid potentially harmful chemicals. Plastic doesn’t break if it’s dropped, but it can retain smells, and some dogs can chew or scratch these bowls, creating a spot for bacteria to live.
What Size?
It’s always a good idea to get a food bowl larger than the exact amount of food your dog eats. If you feed 1 cup and that’s how much the bowl holds, it’s easier for your dog to spill food and make a mess. A large water bowl makes it less likely that your pet will run out of water, but be sure you clean it regularly and don’t just top it off.
“You should give fresh water at least once a day, so the bowls should be cleaned daily and you’ll want to size the bowl appropriately so they’re never running out,” Judy Duhr, director of Speak Rescue and Sanctuary in Troy, Illinois, told The Spruce Pets. “For food bowls, they should be big enough that they’re not making a mess.”
FAQ
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How often should I clean my dog’s bowls?
“Ideally, you should wash pet bowls daily, especially if you feed with wet food or if you have a senior pet who may be more susceptible to illness,” Jessica Ek of the American Cleaning Institute told The Spruce Pets. “At a minimum, you should be deep cleaning them once a week.”
You can use soap and warm water, then rinse and dry. Many pet bowls are also safe for the dishwasher.
For a deep clean, Ek recommends washing and then sanitizing bowls. Add 2 teaspoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water in a plastic dishpan, and stir to mix. Soak pre-washed pet bowls in the solution for two minutes. Then drain, rinse the bowls well, and allow them to air dry.
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How do I keep dog bowls from sliding?
Many bowls come with silicone bottoms or tabs to help keep them in place when your pup is eating. The full bottoms or inset bottoms seem to be the most durable and offer the most slip protection. Some manufacturers suggest removing the silicone parts when cleaning in a dishwasher, while others say it’s fine in the top rack.
For bowls that are slippery with no extra features, consider placing a silicone mat or even a dog doormat underneath them. It will keep the bowls from moving and catch any spills or messes. (Check out the West Paw dog placemat with raised edges and a non-slip surface. It’s partially made from recycled plastic.)
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Do elevated dog bowls help with digestion?
You might have heard that elevated dog bowls can be safer and more comfortable, particularly for larger dogs. The belief is that it can lower the chances of the potentially deadly condition called bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), where a dog’s stomach rotates and fills with gas.
However, little research has been done in this area, and one study instead found that large and giant dogs that ate from elevated bowls have a higher risk of GDV. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine suggests that dogs with a high risk of GDV should avoid eating out of raised bowls.
Why Trust the Spruce Pets?
Mary Jo DiLonardo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She currently cares for her border collie mix rescue dog along with an ongoing stream of foster dogs and puppies in need.
For this roundup, multiple experts were consulted, including Judy Duhr, director of Speak Rescue and Sanctuary in Troy, Illinois, who has fostered hundreds of dogs and has an average of about a dozen dogs in her home at once; veterinarian Amy Fox, who gave advice on how to use slow feeders, and other specific product considerations that informed our testing methodology; and Jessica Ek of the American Cleaning Institute.
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