Feeding dogs can be messy; sometimes, our pups eat too quickly, knock their bowls over in their exuberance for food and spill kibble all over the floor, or just get wet food absolutely everywhere when they gobble it down. That’s why having a great dog bowl is a necessity. The perfect dog bowl will help your fast eater eat more slowly (which helps prevent bloat) or enable you to do less cleaning.
But finding the perfect dog bowl can be challenging, especially if you aren’t sure what to look for in one. That’s why we’ve brought you this list of the 10 best dog bowls. These bowls help keep your home cleaner, slow down eating, relieve potential neck problems, and more. Keep reading for reviews of these 10 dog bowls, pros and cons, and what exactly to look at when purchasing a dog food bowl for your favorite pup!
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl |
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Best Value | MidWest Stainless Steel Snap'y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl |
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Premium Choice | Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls |
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Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish |
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IRIS USA WeatherPro Airtight Elevated Pet Feeder |
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The 10 Best Dog Bowls
1. Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl – Best Overall
Capacity: | 4 cups |
Material: | Plastic |
Features: | Portion control, non-skid, tip-resistant, safe for dishwashers, lead-free, BPA-free |
Breed Size: | Large breeds |
The Outward Hound Slow Feeder Interactive bowl is our pick for the best overall dog bowl. This dog bowl is an excellent choice for canines that tend to scarf down their food in seconds, as its puzzle design slows eating down. Slower eating means less risk of bloat, obesity, and regurgitation; plus, this bowl also entertains your pet while they eat and keeps them mentally stimulated. Because the bowl is non-skid, it won’t scuff up your floors, and it’s dishwasher safe, so it’s a breeze to clean. This is one dog bowl that’s a winner for all!
This product got rave reviews for the most part, but there were a couple of complaints. A few smart pups simply flipped the bowl over to get to the food, so if your dog is clever, this bowl may not work. And a few dogs had trouble getting food out due to the deepness of the grooves and the shortness of their snouts.
- Slows down your dog’s eating
- Reduces the risk of bloat, vomiting, and obesity
- Easy to clean
- Smart canines may figure out they can flip the bowl
- Some breeds may have trouble getting food out
2. MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl – Best Value
Capacity: | 4 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel, metal |
Features: | Crate |
Breed Size: | Medium and large breeds |
Looking for the best dog bowl for the money? Look no further than the Midwest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl! This bowl is designed to snap onto your dog’s crate (inside or outside), so bowls stay where they should rather than being knocked over. Although the bowls can be attached to a crate, you can also remove them from the crate attachments to place them on the floor if you want (though it will be a bit messier!). These stainless steel dog bowls are designed to be rust-proof, so they should last a good long while.
Dog parents loved how mess-free these bowls were, but there were some complaints about the bowls being difficult to pull out of the crate attachments. The other big complaint people had about this bowl is that the bowls come with a sticker on the bottom of the inside that is apparently very challenging to remove.
- Makes mealtime mess-free
- Can be attached to dog crate
- Rust-proof
- Bowls can be difficult to remove from attachments
- Bowls come with stickers that are a challenge to remove
3. Neater Pets Neater Feeder Elevated Dog Bowls – Premium Choice
Capacity: | 7 & 9 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel, metal |
Features: | Removable, non-skid, tip-resistant, safe for dishwashers, lead-free, BPA-free, spill-proof, elevated |
Breed Size: | Large and giant breeds |
If it’s a premium dog bowl you want, the Neater Pets Neater Feeder has you covered. These bowls are elevated to help improve digestion and reduce neck problems, and the feeder they come in has walls to prevent food spillage or water splashing all over the floor. The design allows spilled food to stay at the top of the feeder, while any water spilled from the water bowl drains through holes to collect at the bottom. This product allows for mealtime to be cleaner and healthier! And the bowls are simple to pull out and wash, making things easier for you, too.
The majority of pet parents were thrilled with the Neater Feeder, as they said it was fantastic at preventing messes and improving digestion, as claimed. There were very few complaints about this product, but a couple of people received feeders where the bowls didn’t fit as they should, and a handful said the product was too short for their dogs. One other thing to be aware of is that this product is a bit pricier than many others!
- Makes meal time less messy
- Elevated to aid digestion and reduce neck issues
- Easy to clean
- Some feeders came with bowls that didn’t fit correctly
- A few people said feeder was too short for their pups
- A bit pricey
4. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
Capacity: | 5, 6, or 9 cups |
Material: | Ceramic |
Features: | Safe for dishwashers, lead-free, BPA-free |
Breed Size: | Small and medium breeds |
All canines can get excited about mealtime, but puppies especially will come running and knocking things over left and right, including their food bowls. Problem solved with the Ethical Pet Stoneware bowl! Made from heavyweight stoneware, this dog bowl is designed to be extra sturdy so it doesn’t get knocked around or over during meal times. This means less cleaning for you, and your pup learns to eat from their dish. The bowl design is simple, but that also means washing it between meals is simple. Just toss it in the dishwasher or give it a quick hand wash, and you’re good to go!
Pet parents of all kinds said this bowl was tough for their pets to move around, so it definitely prevents spills. A few said it wasn’t as deep as they expected, though. These bowls are also easily breakable if dropped because they’re made from ceramic, so you have to be careful with them!
- Heavy enough to be hard to move around
- Makes eating less messy
- Quick and simple to clean
- May be shallower than expected
- Easily breakable because it’s made from ceramic
5. IRIS USA WeatherPro Airtight Elevated Storage Container & Bowls
Capacity: | 4 or 8 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel, metal |
Features: | Removable, elevated, food storage, airtight, lead-free, BPA-free |
Breed Size: | Large and giant breeds |
Halfway through our reviews of the 10 best dog bowls, we have the IRIS USA WeatherPro Feeder. Not only are these dog bowls elevated to reduce strain on the neck and improve digestion, but it also gives you a place to safely store your dog’s food, so it’s always within easy reach! This feeder is excellent for use at home, but it’s also the perfect dog bowl to bring when you and your favorite four-legged friend are traveling.
Dog parents said this feeder made things less messy, which was a bonus. Plus, the food storage part can be used to store all sorts of things during travel, not just food. However, the feeder was too high for some dogs to be able to eat from it, and a couple of people complained that the storage part wasn’t as airtight as advertised, and the food went moldy.
- Great for travel
- Can store food and other items
- Elevated for easier digestion and less neck strain
- Bowls were too high for some dogs to reach
- Storage part wasn’t as airtight as advertised for some
6. YETI Boomer Dog Bowl
Capacity: | 4 or 8 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel |
Features: | Safe for dishwashers, double wall, non-skid |
Breed Size: | Small, medium, and large breeds |
The YETI Boomer dog bowl may be fairly simple in design, but it’s one of the sturdiest dog bowls around. Made with stainless steel, this bowl is rust-resistant and not likely to dent or puncture. And with double walls and a ring on the bottom that prevents it from skidding, this bowl will help prevent your pup from spilling food all over the place while eating. Plus, the stainless steel means it’s easy to clean up!
There really weren’t complaints about this bowl; dog owners said it was indeed incredibly sturdy and difficult to tip over. One person did say the bowl was too small for their 80-pound German Shepherd, though, so it may not work as well for large breeds.
- Super sturdy
- Hard to knock over
- Prevents messes
- May not work as well for large dogs
7. OurPets Comfort Elevated Dog & Cat Bowls
Capacity: | 4 or 5.5 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel, metal |
Features: | Non-skid, tip-resistant, safe for dishwashers, lead-free, BPA-free, elevated, removable |
Breed Size: | Medium, large, and giant breeds |
This OurPets dog bowl is another elevated one that helps your pet have better digestion and less strain on their neck during meal times. It says it’s an excellent choice for senior dogs with joint issues, too. Plus, the holder on these bowls has a spill ridge that helps keep spilled food or water off your floors, and because the bowls are stainless steel, you can just throw them in the dishwasher when they need to be cleaned. The water bowl in this duo also has a notch where you can put a 2-liter water bottle to turn it into an autofill water bowl.
For the most part, dog owners said these bowls were quite sturdy, but there were a couple of complaints of dogs dragging the feeder around. There also seems to be an issue with the possibility of mold growing underneath the water bowl if too much water is spilled.
- Great for senior dogs
- Improves digestion and lessens neck pain
- Helps prevent mess
- Larger dogs may be able to move the feeder around
- Possibility of mold growth
8. PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat
Capacity: | N/A |
Material: | Polyester, cotton, synthetic fabric, natural fabric |
Features: | Portion control |
Breed Size: | All |
This product isn’t a dog bowl, but it is an excellent way to feed your pet, so we’re including it. The PAW5 feeding mat is a fabulous choice for both puppies and fast eaters. This feeding mat can help your puppy stay calmer during meal times while also keeping them mentally stimulated and occupied as they hunt through the mat for their food. Having to hunt for food also means fast eaters are forced to slow down, which helps prevent the risk of bloat. The PAW5 mat is made with non-toxic, safe materials, too, so you don’t have to worry about your pup consuming or inhaling any chemicals.
The most significant issues pet parents had with this mat is that it didn’t have a non-slip bottom, so it slid all over the floor, and some dogs were very into eating the mat (though the mat held up for most folks, those with heavy chewers didn’t fare so well). Also, a few puppies thought this feeding mat was a pee pad, so it might not be the best option for those still house-training their pets.
- Puzzle feeder mat slows down eating
- Keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained
- Made with safe materials
- Slides on floors
- Some dogs may prefer eating the mat
- A few younger dogs mistook this for a pee pad
9. Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl
Capacity: | 1.75, 6.5, or 7.75 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel, metal |
Features: | Non-skid |
Breed Size: | Medium and large breeds |
If you’re looking for a simple but effective dog bowl, this is the product for you. The Loving Pets bowl has a stainless steel interior (that it says is vet-recommended) and a poly-resin exterior that’s super cute. The bottom has a rubber base to keep the bowl from sliding everywhere while your dog eats; that base can also be removed if preferred and when it needs to go in the dishwasher. Plus, this bowl is resistant to bacteria, so your dog will stay healthy while eating or drinking from it.
However, there seems to be a large issue with the label on the bowl. It’s placed on the inside bottom of the food bowl and is apparently incredibly difficult to remove, leaving adhesive behind. This seemed to be the main problem people had with this dog bowl. A handful of people also said the removable ring on the bottom came off but wouldn’t reattach.
- Resistant to bacteria
- Vet-recommended
- Non-skid
- Label on the inside of the bowl that is very hard to get rid of
- Detachable rubber base has the potential to come off and not go back on
10. Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog & Cat Diner
Capacity: | 5 or 6 cups |
Material: | Stainless steel, metal |
Features: | Safe for dishwashers, elevated, tip-resistant, removable, non-skid, lead-free |
Breed Size: | Small and medium breeds |
These elevated dog bowls come in a bamboo stand that is resistant to water and cracking, won’t tip over, and has rubber feet to prevent it from being moved around. Elevation means reducing the risk of bloat and neck issues, and because the bowls are stainless steel, they’re a breeze to keep clean. The stand comes as either 4 or 7 inches tall, so you can pick a height that works for your pet.
This elevated dog bowl definitely made it easier for many people’s dogs to eat and drink, but there were a few issues with it, too. In some cases, water accumulated under the bowls causing mold to grow, while in other cases, it seemed the bamboo was not as water-resistant as advertised, as staining occurred. There were also a few people who said the frame fell apart within a few months.
- Elevated and won’t tip over
- Easy to clean
- Non-skid
- Mold may grow under bowls if not careful
- Water may stain bamboo
- A few people said the frame fell apart within months
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Bowl
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a dog bowl for your pet, such as the materials used to make the bowl and what features it has. Your dog’s needs must also be taken into account. Does your pet need to slow down their eating, or do they need a higher bowl to reduce the chance of bloat? Maybe your dog simply needs a bowl that will help them be less messy. Whatever the case, you’ll need to look at several things before buying a dog bowl.
Materials Used
There are a handful of materials typically used to make dog bowls, including stainless steel, plastic, silicone, and ceramic.
Stainless steel is the most recommended material for dog bowls, as it’s the most bacteria and pathogen-resistant, making it safest for your pet. Stainless steel is also durable and simple to clean.
Silicone is a newer material on the dog bowl market, but it’s becoming more popular as it is durable and flexible.
Ceramic is relatively heavy-duty, so it’s harder for your dog to move ceramic bowls around while eating. Ceramic is also easy to clean, like stainless steel. But this material is more breakable if dropped and more prone to cracks (and cracks allow bacteria to creep in).
Plastic dog bowls aren’t easily breakable, which is excellent, but they’re generally lightweight and can be moved around. They’re also the most prone to developing bacteria, as dogs can scratch or chew plastic easily. If you’re getting a plastic bowl for your pet, you need to be sure it’s phthalate and BPA-free.
Size of the Bowl
The size of a bowl is another important factor; get a bowl that’s too small or too large for your pup, and mealtime will become a challenge. Too small bowls mean your pet can’t get food out, while too large bowls mean food is spilled everywhere. So, always double-check the size of a bowl before purchasing it. Most bowls come in several sizes, so you can quickly find one suitable for your dog’s size.
Features
You probably noticed many dog bowls on our list had several different features. Sometimes features are as basic as a bowl being dishwasher-safe or non-skid. Other times, you’ll find a list of features, like a bowl being resistant to tipping over, an elevated bowl, or a bowl with double walls. Ensure that any dog bowl you’re considering has features that meet your dog’s needs.
Dog’s Needs
You’re getting your canine companion a dog bowl so it can eat, but there are probably other reasons, too. You might need a bowl that helps your pet eat more slowly or a bowl that prevents your doggo from spilling its food at each and every meal. Your pet might need a bowl that’s a bit higher because their breed is more prone to bloat, or you may want your pet to be entertained while eating to keep them from becoming bored. Whatever your dog’s needs, you should make sure the dog bowl you choose matches them.
Price
The cost of a dog bowl is always a factor when deciding which one to get for your pet, and some dog bowls can be rather pricey. However, some reasonably priced dog bowls are available, too, so you can easily find one that fits your budget. When looking at prices, though, consider how long a bowl will last; it may be better to pay more for a bowl now that will last years rather than have to replace a cheaper one in a year.
Reviews
One of the best ways to decide which dog bowl suits your dog is to read reviews from other dog parents. You’ll have to wade through several on most items, but it’s worth it to get a better look at just how well a dog bowl works (and doing this can save you time and money in the long run!).
Conclusion
There you have it—reviews of the top 10 dog bowls! To recap, if you’re looking for the best overall dog bowl, our recommendation is the Outward Hound Slow Feeder Interactive bowl because it slows down overly fast eaters and causes less mess. Our choice for the best dog bowl for the money is the Midwest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl, as it’s extremely affordable and can be snapped onto a crate where it can’t be moved or tipped over. Finally, if you want a product that’s a bit more premium, consider the Neater Pets Neater Feeder. These bowls are not only elevated to aid digestion and reduce the risk of neck problems, but they keep spilled food and water off your floors.
Featured Image Credit: Andrii Spy_k, Shutterstock
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
- The 10 Best Dog Bowls
- 1. Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Dog Bowl – Best Overall
- 2. MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl – Best Value
- 3. Neater Pets Neater Feeder Elevated Dog Bowls – Premium Choice
- 4. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
- 5. IRIS USA WeatherPro Airtight Elevated Storage Container & Bowls
- 6. YETI Boomer Dog Bowl
- 7. OurPets Comfort Elevated Dog & Cat Bowls
- 8. PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat
- 9. Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl
- 10. Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog & Cat Diner
- Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Bowl
- Conclusion