Most dogs love to eat, and for this reason, choosing the best puppy food is a major decision for every pet owner. Similarly, you need to ensure that you choose the right feeding bowl to protect your dog’s food from any microorganisms and ensure that he remains safe.
However, with so many brands of dog bowls available on the market, finding one that meets the needs of your pet can be daunting. Due to that, we have prepared our list of the best dog bowls on the market along with a short buying guide.
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How to Choose the Best Dog Bowl
Before you begin shopping for dog bowls, you need to take these factors into consideration:
Material
Dog bowls come in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. The most common materials used for dog bowls are plastic, stainless steel, silicone, and ceramic. Plastic dog bowls are common as they are cheap and come in various shapes and colors. However, most plastic bowls are not scratch-resistant and are prone to bacteria and other microorganisms.
Stainless steel and ceramic are becoming more popular for dog meals since they are durable, non-porous, and very easy to clean. Nonetheless, they require proper care as stainless steel bowls can develop rust while ceramic bowls easily break when dropped.
Silicone dog bowls are a cross between hybrid rubber and plastic, making them the best non-toxic alternative to plastic. The fact that they are flexible, lightweight, and highly durable makes them an excellent choice.
Shape and size
When choosing the bowl’s size, you have to make sure it is neither too small nor too big. Before you make a purchase, check the capacity and ensure that it matches your dog’s requirements. Also, the shape matters since it will help with its ease of cleaning.
Specialized dog bowls
Different dog bowls are designed with different functions to address the unique needs of dogs. They are as follows:
- Slow Feeder – many dogs will eat all the food in a bowl in a matter of seconds. This can cause digestive issues, vomiting, or bloating which is a life-threatening condition. Slow feeder dog bowls are designed to make dogs eat slower and in smaller amounts.
- Elevated Feeders – these are specialized dog bowls that come with a table-like platform and an adjustable height. The bowl is elevated off the floor so that your dog can feed in a comfortable position to promote better digestion. The feeders are ideal for larger dog breeds, senior dogs, as well as pooches that have articular or musculoskeletal problems.
- Automatic Dog Feeders – an automatic dog feeder is suitable for pet owners who have a busy schedule. It is designed to provide a constant supply of food for a long period of time.
Ease of cleaning
This is another important factor to keep in mind when choosing the right type of bowl. You want to ensure that the bowl is easy to clean so as to avoid bacteria buildup. As much as possible, try to look for dog bowls that are dishwasher-safe. However, there are also those that are dishwasher safe but still need careful cleaning and maintenance.
10 Best Dog Bowls
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl
Best at Slow Feeding
If your canine friend eats too fast, causing him to suffer from vomiting or other digestive problems, then you need a slow feed bowl which is designed to slow your dog’s eating. The Fun Feeder Dog Bowl by Outward Hound is the no doubt the best in this department.
Aside from that, it comes in fun patterns and mazes to help your canine eat up to 10 times slower. The maze-like design forces the dog to take smaller bites in order to lessen bloating and improve digestion.
Also, the bowl is made of food-grade materials that are PVC, BPA, and phthalate-free. Lastly, it has a non-slip base which prevents it from slipping or sliding.
Why We Like It:
- Features a ring maze that slows down feeding
- Constructed from food-safe, BPA free materials
- Available in multiple colors, sizes, and designs
What We Don’t Like:
- The deep design may be difficult for dogs with short snouts
- Its maze design makes it impossible to wash bowl by hand
AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
A Durable and Stainless-Steel Option
This stainless steel dog bowl by AmazonBasics comes in a set of two bowls which can be used for feeding or drinking. The bowls are made of high-quality stainless steel which doesn’t hold odors and is a great alternative to plastic. With that, you can be sure that your dog will be happier and healthier while feeding.
You’ll also love the fact that the wide no tip bowls are capable of holding 38 ounces of wet food, dry kibbles, or fresh water. This makes them a great choice for dogs with a hefty appetite. The base is fitted with a rubber ring to prevent sliding while your pet is feeding. It also protects your hardwood floors from damage.
Why We Like It:
- Constructed from rust-resistant stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Base fitted with non-skid rubber ring
What We Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for long-snouted dogs
Ethical Stonewe Animal Dish
The Perfect Ceramic Bowl
Although this bowl is more fragile compared to the other products on this list, the good thing is that it comes in fun colors and patterns as well as a high gloss finish that makes cleaning a lot easier.
One amazing feature of this bowl is its heavyweight construction which makes it difficult for your dog to tip it over. Therefore, it is suitable for outdoor feeding and for preventing spillage and movement during meal time.
Why We Like It:
- Made of heavyweight and sturdy ceramic
- High-gloss finish
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Fragile and easy to break when dropped
HDP Bergan Standard Dog Bowl
A Simple Yet Functional Stainless Steel Bowl
If the safety of your canine friend is of utmost importance, then you should consider this stainless steel bowl from Bergan. The largest one has a capacity of 17 cups of dry food, and its wide base makes it perfect for holding wet food and water.
We love the fact that the bowls come in 5 different designs and numerous sizes in order to accommodate any pet. Not only does the durables stainless steel offer a healthy option for your pet, but it also complements any home design and ensures easy cleaning.
Why We Like It:
- Stainless steel construction for rust-resistance and durability
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not include a rubber ring for non-slip performance
Loving Pets Bella Bowl
Functional & Beautiful Pet Bowl For Happy Mealtimes
The Loving Pets Bella bowl is renowned for being functional and aesthetically pleasing, but does it have as much going for it as they say?
Made from high-quality stainless steel and a poly-resin exterior, it’s certainly durable and easy to clean, which is great for pet accessory maintenance. Pets also find it easy to lick the bowl clean safely whilst it remains in place because of a handy rubber base. For owners, the base is really helpful as it stops the bowl skidding around the floor, and prevents a noisy mealtime.
Owners in particular will love that the bowls are dishwasher safe, odor resistant and bacteria resistant. Even better, they are designed with attractive exterior colors and prints for a lovely overall aesthetic.
Why We Like It:
- Rubber base prevents skid and mealtime noise
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable
- Attractive
What We Don’t Like:
- Sticker adhesive can be tricky to remove
- Aesthetic may not be durable long-term
NEATER PET BRANDS Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated Bowls
Designed for the Large Boys
If you have larger dog breeds or your pooch has joint issues, then you might want to consider elevated dog bowls. Measuring 8 inches high, the Neater Feeder is one of the best dog bowls for large dogs who weigh 30 to 100 pounds.
It features a contoured design that makes it possible for larger dogs to comfortably access their food. The elevated feeding position can help with digestion and may reduce the risk of getting gastric torsion or bloating.
If you’re tired of messy floors, the bowl’s feeder system will catch splashes and spills in order to keep your floors spotless. Additionally, the set comes with one 9-cup stainless steel water bowl, one 7-cup stainless steel food bowl, and four non-skid inserts.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with an elevated design
- Protects the floor from water and food spills
- Separates spilled water from spilled food
- 100% dishwasher-safe
What We Don’t Like:
- Its extendable legs are sold separately
Dogit Go Slow Anti-Gulping Dog Dish
Effective for Preventing Gulping
While all dogs love to eat, some can’t control themselves and end up eating too quickly. This can expose them to a number of health conditions such as bloating. One way to control your dog’s eating behavior is by using a slow-feed bowl like this one from Dogit.
This colorful feeding vessel features molded sections that ensure unequal distribution of food and water, thereby helping reduce the chances of ingestion and bloating.
The great thing about it is that it comes in a variety of colors and sizes to accommodate the needs of every dog breed. Plus, the dish can be used for feeding wet and dry food or as a water dish with a 20.2-ounce capacity.
Why We Like It:
- Made of heavy-duty and pet-safe plastic
- Designed to slow down your dog’s eating
- Available in different colors and sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- The price is higher than most slow-feed bowls
COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl
The Ideal Bowls for Outdoor Adventures
If you’re planning to take your dog out for camping or a hike, then this portable dog bowl which is both lightweight and collapsible is for you. Due to its design, you can simply collapse the dog bowl to your bag pack or pocket.
Needless to say, it’s the best collapsible dog water bowl on the market. It is made of high-quality food-safe silicone which makes it extremely safe, lightweight, and durable. It also comes in a set of 2, and each bowl can hold up to 1.5 cups of dog food or 12 ounces of water.
Due to its durable silicone construction, it is deemed dishwasher-safe and can be wiped clean after every use.
Why We Like It:
- Flexible and portable
- Made of FDA- approved silicone material
- Features a foldable and expandable design for easy portability
- Durable and reusable
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for large dogs
- Not resistant to chewing
Pet Zone Adjustable Elevated Pet Feeder
Promotes Ease of Feeding with Its Adjustable Function
Mealtimes can be quite challenging for large breeds who feed using standard dog bowls. Luckily, with the adjustable pet feeder by PetZone, your canine friend won’t always need to bend over, thereby reducing the chances of bloating and strain on his neck.
Compared to other bowls on this list, this one comes with fully adjustable legs which can be adjusted to 3 different heights to accommodate different dog sizes. Moreover, the collapsible legs allow for customization and easy storage.
Why We Like It:
- Constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Its elevated design ensures the correct position of your pooch
- Fully collapsible and adjustable leg design
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be prone to tipping due to its narrow base
K&H Pet Products Thermal Bowl
The Ideal Bowl for the Cold, Winter Months
If your dog loves to spend time outdoors during winter, then this thermal bowl by K&H is a perfect choice. Most pet owners are worried that their pets may not get access to drinking water when the temperatures are very low.
With this in mind, this thermal bowl is designed to ensure that your pooch’s water remains ice-free during winter or in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it uses electricity, you will be surprised to know that this thermal bowl uses only 25 watts of power.
Better yet, all electronics are safely sealed inside the pet bowl while the 5-ft. cord is steel-wrapped in order to prevent abrasion and chewing.
Why We Like It:
- Thermostatically controlled
- Energy efficient and only uses 25 watts
- Cord is steel wrapped to deter abrasion and chewing
- Ensures that your dog’s food and drink won’t get cold
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires access to electricity
FAQs
Q: Which dog bowls are great for dogs with a cone?
A: If your dog has a broken toenail or has gone through a surgical procedure, elevated dog bowls would be ideal for them. However, just make sure that the bowl is small enough to perfectly fit within the cone. This will enable your dog to eat and drink without too much struggle.
Q: Does the price matter when buying a dog bowl?
A: When it comes to buying dog bowls, the price does not necessarily indicate the quality of the product. It is possible to find a cheap yet high-quality bowl. It is, however, recommended to do some research on various brands before settling on one.
Q: Can multiple dogs eat in one feeding station?
A: If you want to feed two dogs, you might want to consider getting a feeding station that comes with two sets of bowls. This way, you can feed both dogs in different bowls rather than in one bowl alone.
Final Thoughts
Just like human beings, dogs need quality plates in order to make their mealtimes enjoyable and hassle-free. Due to that, it’s important to buy only the best dog bowls which your dog can use for years to come.
When making your decision, don’t forget to refer to the factors we have outlined above.