Finding the perfect bowl for a small dog will be different for every owner because, apart from their size, every small dog differs from the next. We can all agree that some of our needs overlap; the perfect bowl is easy to clean, made from a safe material, and suitable for a smaller canine. Next, you’ll be searching for a bowl that will meet your dog’s needs; some dogs might need an anti-slip bottom, especially if they’re enthusiastic eaters, or maybe they need a bowl that will slow down their eating.

Starting your search can be challenging because there are so many choices. So, to give you an idea of what is on the market and how each bowl will target specific needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best bowls for small dogs. Hopefully, these reviews will narrow down your search, and you’ll find the perfect bowl somewhere in this article. Let’s get started!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Bowls for Small Dogs

1. Hepper NomNom Bowl – Best Overall

Our pick for the best overall bowl for small dogs is the Hepper NomNom Bowl. This raised bowl is designed for cats, but that’s one of the perks of having a small dog; you have more choices, and cat bowls can do in a pinch! The design is perfect if your dog is a messy eater because the plastic tray will catch any stray crumbs your pup leaves behind.

The raised design will relieve the pressure on your dog’s neck, and it’s all dishwasher-safe, but you will need to put the plastic on the top rack. The stainless steel and harder plastic are more durable than other options. Customers were pleased with this product but mentioned that the bowls were wide and shallow, and they had to check water levels frequently to ensure their pet didn’t run out of water at any point.

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

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2. Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl – Best Value

Our pick for the best bowl for small dogs for the money is the Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl. The stainless steel material is durable, easy to keep clean, and affordable. It comes in many colors and sizes. There is a rubber base that stops the bowl from sliding, which is removable to make it easier to clean.

On the whole, customers were happy with this product except that on buying it there is a sticker on the inside which is incredibly difficult to get off completely. Glue residue is left at the bottom, and customers mentioned that getting it all off is challenging.

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3. Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls – Premium Choice

The Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls is one of the pricier products on our list. The bowls come in three sizes and are suitable for adults and puppies. The stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to keep clean. The frame isn’t dishwasher-safe and is a little trickier to keep clean. Thanks to the design, it promises to keep splashes and spills within the feeder. Overall, customers like the Neater Pets bowls, but some ran into problems with larger breeds. So, if you also have a large dog, this setup probably won’t suit them.

The raised design might irritate some dogs, but it has benefits, such as deterring pests from getting into your dog’s food or water, improving digestion, and reducing joint and neck strain.

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4. Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl – Best for Puppies

Puppies aren’t known for their control, so if yours inhales their food, the Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl is the perfect choice. There are many patterns you can get, but this is one of the most popular because it’s difficult to outsmart. There are various sizes, depending on your needs, and it will also be suitable for your dog when they’re an adult if you still need it.

Some plastic bowls are too flimsy for puppies, especially around puppies that like to chew, but Outward Hound’s bowl is durable. It’s skid-proof and top-rack dishwasher safe, but the food can get caked on if you don’t clean it promptly after mealtimes.

Some customers noted it was tricky to get into the grooves to clean thoroughly, so soaking it beforehand might be required. As with all plastic options, it’s more at risk of harboring dangerous bacteria, so if you notice any cracks or chips, it’s time to replace them!

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5. Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl With Carabiner

The Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl With Carabiner is a great way to keep your small dog hydrated and fed on walks, travels, or warm summer days at the beach or park. It is easy to clean and can be tossed in the dishwasher’s top rack.

The Prima Pets bowl is very lightweight and can easily be picked up, so if your dog is a chewer, this won’t be a suitable option because it is easily destroyed. However, since it isn’t something you’ll be using daily, it’s a great bowl that won’t take up too much space since it’s small and can be clipped onto a bag or belt loop.

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6. OurPets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl

The OurPets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl is a durable slow-feeder. Stainless steel is easier to keep clean than plastic, so it is generally a better option if your dog is a chewer. However, the simple design means that if your dog is intelligent, they will quickly outsmart it. While, on the whole, customers were happy with this bowl, it didn’t slow down all dogs. Some mentioned that very small dogs like Chihuahuas are so small that the design failed to slow them down.

The rubber base keeps the bowl from sliding. It’s also dishwasher safe, and the design is easy to keep clean. It comes in three sizes, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

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7. SuperDesign Mess Free 15° Slanted Bowl

Slanted bowls like the SuperDesign Mess Free 15° Slanted Bowl are an excellent option for flat-faced breeds, messy eaters, senior dogs, or dogs losing their vision. The design holds the food on one side, and your dog won’t have to search for their food or miss any. It will also help with indigestion and bloat, and it protects your dog’s neck and spine.

The SuperDesign Bowl promises to be non-slip, but some customers mentioned that energetic eaters could move the bowl. So, if you need something incredibly sturdy, this won’t meet your needs. The melamine stands and bowls are dishwasher-safe and easy to keep clean. The smallest size is tiny, so it is probably more suited to a puppy. However, there are four sizes to choose from, so there is an option for your small dog.

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8. Frisco Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dish

If you’re looking for something affordable and simple, the Frisco Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dish is for you! It’s suitable for puppies and adults, is easy to clean, and is stain-proof. It is supposed to have a non-skid base, but some customers noted that it is lighter than expected, so if your small dog is an enthusiastic eater, the bowl might still move along the floor at mealtimes.

The rubber ring along the bottom is removable, and taking it off to clean can prolong its life. While this is handy, it can be tempting for some dogs that like to chew on things.

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9. MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl

If you need a bowl for your dog’s crate, the MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl is a good option. The sturdy design will lock the bowl in place, so your dog won’t knock it out and get their crate wet. It comes in a few sizes, and it’s also available in bundles with other products. Customers remarked that the bracket is so good at keeping the bowl in place that removing it out can be a little challenging, despite advertising that it is easy to remove. It is rust-proof, easy to keep clean, and simple to attach.

Some consumers mentioned that the sticker on the inside was tricky to remove and left glue residue at the bottom, so be thorough when cleaning it for the first time.

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10. Frisco Marble Design Non-Skid Ceramic Dog & Cat Bowl

If you’re looking for something a little different and more pleasing to the eye, the Frisco Marble Design Non-Skid Ceramic Dog & Cat Bowl. This bowl is chic, non-skid, and dishwasher (top rack) and microwave-safe. It is easy to keep clean and adds a little more personality to your dog’s bowls. It comes in two sizes, and the smallest is perfect for that special little dog in your life.

Take extra care when cleaning because it can be slippery when wet. Also, just like with plastic, if you notice any chips or cracks, throw it away because damaged areas are breeding grounds for bacteria.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Bowl for a Small Dog

What to Look for When Buying a Dog Bowl

There are a few factors to consider when finding the perfect dog bowl, and we’ll take a closer look at them now.

Material

One of the most important aspects is the material of the bowl. You need a bowl that isn’t porous, is easy to keep clean, and is durable. Something that is dishwasher safe and won’t break when dropped is best. While ceramic looks great and adds a certain flare to your dog’s dinnertime, it can break easily, chip, or crack.

If the bowls are made of plastic or elevated, and the stand is made of plastic, they should be phthalate- and BPA-free to avoid subjecting your dog to any potentially harmful chemicals. Plastic is also easy to clean, but it’s easier to scratch and break.

Cleaning

Cleaning can be harsh on some materials, but dog bowls should be washed daily, especially if your dog is on a wet diet. Easy-to-clean bowls that won’t warp in the dishwasher or stain and rust are best. Make sure you read the label carefully so you don’t put a bowl in the dishwasher that shouldn’t be there.

Size

Most bowl manufacturers display the dimensions or how many cups they hold. Getting a larger-than-required water bowl is also a good option since it’s not as likely they will run out of water. However, a large bowl with high sides can make it difficult for smaller dogs to get to the water without straining. So, make sure you are checking water levels and how fresh it is throughout the day.

Need and Function

Many bowl designs serve various functions; elevated bowls, non-slip bowls, puzzle feeders, collapsible models, and tilted bowls all meet specific needs. The reviews will always be your best resource since owners with pets with similar needs are in the same boat as you. Your veterinarian can also point you in the right direction if you’re struggling to find something suitable for your dog.

Conclusion

There’s something for everyone on our list of bowls, whether you need something on the go or a bowl to slow down mealtimes. Hopefully, you’ve found the perfect bowl for your small dog in these reviews, and if not, at least you have an idea of what is out there.

Our best overall bowl was the Hepper NomNom Bowl which might have been designed for cats but works well for small dogs. It has an elevated design, will catch any mess your dog leaves behind, and is easy to keep clean. The Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl was the best value pick that has a non-slip bottom and is easy to keep clean.

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Featured Image Credit: Karsten Winegeart, Unsplash