The 19 Best Dog Bowls of 2024, Tested by Real People and Their Dogs
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Our dogs rated the Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl two paws up
People / Anna Popp
Meal times are exciting in a dog household (read: lots of barking), and while your pup's attention will be on the food, the dog bowl holding it is quite important, too.
We set out to test the best dog bowls for every canine, using our own dogs as judges. After testing 37 pet bowls, we recommend options with features like non-skid bases, elevated structures, slow-feeder designs, easy cleaning, and more.
Read on for what PEOPLE considers the best dog bowls of 2024.
Best Overall: Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Rubber edge prevented it from tipping over when knocked around by the dog
Stainless steel material is easy to clean and kept water cool
Sturdy yet lightweight enough for travel
Red Flags
Price is high (but it’s built to last)
It’s no secret that Yeti makes quality products that are durable and last a long time, and the Boomer 8 fits that reputation. Our tester has a French Bulldog who loved this bowl. There are two sizes available: one that holds four cups and one that holds eight cups, which we tested.
Our tester loved that the water it held stayed cool for a long time thanks to the stainless steel material. It’s also easy to clean whether you use dry kibble or wet food because it can be wiped down or washed in the dishwasher. The bowl stayed consistently cleaner than other dog bowls our tester had used in the past.
Plus, there’s a rubber edge to keep it in place and prevent tip-overs — even when our tester’s Frenchie ran right at the bowl, it stayed upright. It’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for travel adventures like camping, road trips, and more. Our tester said they were so impressed with the quality that they “will probably have this dog bowl for life.”
It’s one of the more expensive dog bowls on our list, but considering you won’t need to replace it, it’s well worth the investment. Plus, it’s available in seven colors and has a really sleek look. Our tester loved how the bowl looked in their kitchen. There wasn’t anything they said they would change about the Yeti Boomer — absolutely no notes!
Capacity: 4 cups or 8 cups (depending on size) | Sizes: Small, large | Material: Stainless steel | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: 7 | Design: Non-slip rubber bottom, rust-resistant
Best Budget: Loving Pets Bella Non-Skid Stainless Steel Bowl
Star Qualities
Budget-friendly
Wide design and rubber grips prevented kibble spills
Materials were conducive for easy cleaning
Red Flags
Poly-resin exterior might scratch over time
If you want a quality dog bowl for a budget-friendly price, the Loving Pets Bella Bowl is a solid choice. It comes in a range of sizes, but we tested the large size which fits around 54 ounces of food. Our tester liked the width of the bowl which caught any stray kibble while their dog was eating. It didn’t make any loud noise during meal times, and it has a rubber ring around the base that kept it from sliding across the floor.
The stainless steel material was easy to clean and showed no signs of wear by the end of the testing period. Our tester opted to hand wash the bowl, but it is also dishwasher safe for convenience (just remove the rubber base first). It should be noted the color wasn’t an exact match to the photo online, but our tester still liked the design. Due to the poly-resin exterior, it might show some wear over time, but considering the bargain price, it’s more than a good value. It’s functional, sturdy, and versatile for a variety of dogs.
Capacity: 15 to 72 ounces | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Material: Poly-resin exterior, stainless steel interior | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: 10 | Design: Removable rubber base
Best Slow Feeder: Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Design slowed down our dog’s eating by several minutes
Price is low considering the performance
Easy to clean and didn’t show wear or tear
Red Flags
Lightweight and moved when the dog was eating
If your dog likes to inhale their food, a slow feeder is a good way to slow them down. Outward Hound has a series of slow feeders that are widely popular, so we tested one to see how it stacked up. It uses a series of grooves to separate the food which forces more effort from your dog to get the kibble out, thus slowing down the eating process. It’s interactive and engaging for your dog.
Each size has a slightly different design, so for our test, we chose one that holds around four cups of food and is a little wider than others. It proved highly effective at slowing down the dog’s eating. Our tester said, “our dog usually inhales his food and he definitely has to work to get the pieces out — it basically tripled his eating time, but he still gets every morsel.”
Our tester noticed the bowl made some noise when their dog was eating out of it, but again there’s more movement involved since the dog has to maneuver the food out of the bowl, so that’s kind of expected. It’s very lightweight but does have rubber non-slip grips on the bottom to help prevent excess movement. The bowl is also easy to clean and didn’t show any wear and tear throughout our test.
Editors Say
“I’ve used this slow feeder for my Golden Retriever for over a year, and it has drastically slowed down her eating time (by several minutes — yes, I timed it). Not only is it effective as a slow feeder, it’s a durable bowl that’s easy to clean. I use a brush or sponge to get in between the groves, and you can also throw it in the dishwasher should any grime be difficult to remove. It still looks brand new.” —Madison Yauger, shopping editor
Capacity: 4 cups | Sizes: Large (but there are other sizes you can buy separately) | Material: Plastic | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: Teal | Design: Slow feeder
Best Elevated: OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Capacity offers ample room for food and water
Elevated design made meals more accessible for our tester’s tall dog
Durable plastic and stainless steel bowls stayed clean and didn’t show wear
Water bottle holder to continuously refill the bowl
Red Flags
Couldn’t find any
If you have a taller dog, an elevated food bowl can put a little less strain on them having to lean over during mealtimes. The bowls in this set were quite spacious, holding just over five cups each — a huge perk given this tester’s dog, Charlie, drinks a ton of water and previously had to refill the bowl constantly. Charlie also likes to push around his bowls before he eats, but this design prevented that (as well as any scratches from the bowl sliding across the floor).
Charlie is a larger dog and the elevated stand created a comfortable dining experience because he didn’t have to bend over to reach the food. The stand is made from durable plastic and the bowls are stainless steel and dishwasher safe. It stayed fairly clean and didn’t show any signs of wear after our test. As an added bonus, there’s also a slot for you to place an upside-down water bottle to continuously refill the bowl if your dog takes hydration seriously.
Capacity: 5.5 cups | Sizes: 4, 8, 12 inches | Material: Plastic base, stainless steel bowls | Elevated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (bowls only) | Colors: Black base, steel bowls | Design: Elevated base
Best Elevated (Cheaper): Frisco Marble Print Stainless Steel Double Elevated Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Generously sized bowls
Good height for dog reach and neck strain prevention
Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe bowls
Sturdy yet lightweight construction
Red Flags
"Marble" doesn't look real
Elevated dog feeders don't have to be expensive. This one from Frisco has two generously sized stainless steel bowls. Our tester's dog, Poppy, seemed to enjoy eating kibble and drinking water in a standing position — the stand was a good height for preventing neck strain and made the bowls easily accessible.
This set appears well-made and looks nice in a kitchen, though the melamine "marble" surface doesn't pass as real stone. The metal legs are sturdy yet lightweight and easy to wipe clean. Bonus: You can clean the bowls in the dishwasher.
Both sizes are available for less than $30, which is hard to beat. We'd absolutely recommend this product for pet owners looking for affordable, elevated dog bowls with a decorative design.
Capacity: 3 or 7 cups | Sizes: Medium, large | Material: Stainless steel, melamine, plastic | Elevated: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Colors: 2 | Design: Two bowls on raised stand
Best Stainless Steel: Mr. Peanut's Stainless Steel Interactive Slow Feed Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Solid quality for the price
Stainless steel is easier to keep clean
Rubber footing kept it from sliding around on the floor
Red Flags
Small capacity
Stainless steel bowls are ideal when possible because as veterinarian Michelle Dulake, DVM points out, they make it really hard for pathogens to live and are easily disinfected to prevent diseases like “Canine Papilloma Virus, especially when drinking from communal bowls at dark parks or doggy daycares,” she says.
Our tester’s dog, Zoe, seemed to enjoy using the Mr. Peanut's dog bowl — though the slow feeder aspect didn’t slow her down too much. It has a little more density than the previous bowl they used, and the rubber footing keeps it from sliding across the floor. Our tester was generally impressed with the overall quality and function of the dog bowl since it still looked new by the end of the test. That said, they think it might not have a big enough capacity for larger dogs’ food.
Capacity: 2 cups (dry food) | Sizes: S, M, L | Material: Stainless steel | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: Silver | Design: Non-slip rubber base, slow feeder design
Experts Say
Veterinarian Michelle Dulake, DVM, says that, when possible, you should look for stainless steel bowls because they "do not harbor pathogens and are easy to disinfect to prevent different diseases."
Best Collapsible: Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Collapsible design is ideal for trips
Has a holder for a water bottle
Silicone material is durable and easy to clean
Lightweight enough to be clipped on a dog’s harness
Red Flags
No small size available
A collapsible dog bowl is great for travel, but it’s also an asset if you live in a city and take your dog on long walks without a lot of water access — just bring a water bottle and a collapsible bowl. We tested the large size of the Bonza dog bowl and loved the spacious capacity. It was easy for even a small dog (20 pounds) to drink from and didn’t make any noise like metal bowls sometimes can.
The lightweight design is great for carrying around: Our tester even clipped the bowl to his dog’s harness and she carries it without issue. It proved easy to wash (it’s dishwasher safe) and didn’t show any signs of excessive use after our test. Plus, it comes with a water bottle holder which is a nice addition.
Capacity: 3 to 7 cups | Sizes: M, L, XL | Material: BPA-free silicone | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: 5 | Design: Collapsible
Best for Puppies: Neater Pets Deluxe Neater Feeder
Star Qualities
Generously sized bowls; didn’t need to refill water as often
Elevated design prevents neck strain
All components are easy to clean
Doesn't slide around or knock over easily
Red Flags
Minor metal rattling noise when bowls move
While this bowl comes in three sizes, we tested the medium option and found it to be a good size for large-breed puppies and medium-sized dogs. The generous size means you don't have to constantly refill the water, and the elevated design prevents pups from straining their necks.
The stainless steel bowls make a minor rattling noise when dogs eat out of them, but this isn't a deal breaker for us. Since they're dishwasher-safe, cleaning is a breeze, and you can easily wipe down the stand, clear out crumbs from the catch basin, and sweep underneath.
We like that the holder is lightweight and easy to move around but not so flimsy that dogs knock it over — plus, rubberized grips prevent it from sliding around. Our tester wasn’t a big fan of the dark brown and beige color combination, but that’s a personal preference. The price is a little steep for a dog bowl set, but considering the quality and thoughtful design, we think it's a good value.
Capacity: 1.5 to 7 cups | Sizes: S, M, L | Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Elevated: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Colors: 4 | Design: Two bowls on anti-slip platform
Best No-Spill: UPSKY Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Delivers on spill-proof claim
Holds up to 20 ounces of water; big enough for two large dogs
Quiet and easy to clean via hand washing
Red Flags
Floating square didn’t release all the water; could cause bacteria if not cleaned regularly
Dog owners all know the struggle of a water puddle under and around your dog’s bowl, and this no-spill Upsky dog bowl delivers on the claim to be spill-proof. It holds around 16 to 20 ounces of water and is wide enough for two large dogs to drink out of at the same time. It uses a slow-release system to let your dog drink a little water at a time without splashes, drips, or any other mess.
It’s quiet, easy to clean, and made from three simple plastic parts that are easy to hand wash. It maintained its quality throughout our tests with no damage or signs of wear. Our tester did notice that the top floating square took on some water without releasing it which could cause future issues with mold or bacteria, but with regular cleaning, this shouldn’t be an issue. The design also allows it to be a good option for travel.
Capacity: 35 ounces | Sizes: One size | Material: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: No | Colors: 5 | Design: Slow-release system for water
Best Water Fountain: Veken 95oz/2.8L Pet Fountain
Star Qualities
Allows multiple pets to drink at once
Lasts several days before needing to be refilled
Virtually silent when not in use
Doesn't require frequent cleaning
Red Flags
Can't adjust stream/flow rate
LED light may not be necessary
We tested the 96-ounce size of this water fountain, which was more than big enough for two cats over six days. Since the water flows out from six separate spouts, multiple pets can drink from it at once. And the elevated design makes it more comfortable and accessible for some pets.
We also liked that the fountain is virtually silent — you can only hear a lapping noise when it's in use. Though you can't adjust the flow, the water comes out in a consistent, gentle stream. It's easy to add water and clean the fountain. The brand recommends cleaning every two weeks and replacing the filters every year or so.
We thought the blue LED light seemed unnecessary,unless you or your pets need it as a nightlight, but it can be switched off.
Capacity: 67 or 96 ounces | Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Elevated: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: No | Colors: 5 | Design: Automatic electric with filter
Best for Small Dogs: Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
Star Qualities
High-gloss, shiny finish
Held around two cups of food
Budget-friendly
Red Flags
No rubber or non-slip coating on the bottom
Straight sides made it hard for a bigger dog to get all the kibble out
Departing from our stainless steel picks for a moment, this ceramic bowl is another great dog bowl. It’s available in several sizes, and we tested the largest at 9.5 inches. Our tester has a 90-pound Great Pyrenees who, for the most part, did well with this bowl.
The only challenges came from her size which is why we’re recommending this bowl for a smaller dog. For instance, she seemed to struggle to get the food that lay along the edge of the bowl so she would push the bowl across the floor while she worked to get each piece of kibble. Since there is no rubber grip, it slid quite easily.
The ceramic made some noise while the dog was eating, but the shiny finish had a sleek look that continued to look new day after day. The bowl was easily washed in the dishwasher and held up well despite several washes during the test.
Capacity: 2 cups | Sizes: 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 9.5 inches | Material: Ceramic | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: Gray/blue | Design: Ceramic
Experts Say
Veterinary surgeon Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS, recommends ceramic bowls because they're "durable, sturdy, easy to clean, and less likely to harbor bacteria compared to other materials like plastic."
Best for Large Dogs: Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls
Star Qualities
Elevated design allows large dogs to eat without leaning over their bowls
Set includes a bamboo wooden stand, two stainless steel bowls, and a floor mat
Held up throughout our test without any wear
Red Flags
A little deep for medium-sized dogs
Large dogs usually have to lean over to reach their food or water bowls, and an elevated option like the Yangbaga set solves that problem. Both bowls are wide enough for a dog to comfortably eat from — they were a little deep for our tester’s medium-sized dog, Leo, but would be great for a larger dog.
One hiccup (which can happen with stainless steel bowls) is that Leo’s collar tag clanged against the bowls while he ate which scared him. The perk of stainless steel though is they are easier to disinfect, and they can be washed in the dishwasher. The raised stand is sturdy, too, so your dog won’t be able to move the bowls around. Plus, the set comes with a floor mat to catch any spills.
Capacity: Unlisted | Sizes: M, L | Material: Bamboo stand, stainless steel | Elevated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (bowls only) | Colors: One | Design: Elevated, includes a floor mat
Best Smart: PetKit FRESH Metal Smart Digital Feeding Pet Bowl
Star Qualities
Tracks food intake and activity to evaluate dietary needs
Helps with portion sizes and weight maintenance
Weighty, non-slip bowl with wide opening
Red Flags
Not elevated; may not be comfortable for all dogs
P2 device sold separately
This smart dog bowl connects to the P2 Pet Health and Activity Tracker (which you'll have to buy separately) and the PetKit mobile app. It automatically logs your pet's food intake and physical activity to give you a complete picture of their dietary needs. The idea is to optimize portion sizes and help your pup maintain a healthy weight.
As for the bowl itself, the stainless steel design has a high-quality, weighty feel with non-slip grips that help it stay in place on the floor. We noticed no signs of wear at the end of the testing period and loved how easy it was to clean. The inner bowl goes in the dishwasher, and the waterproof base can be rinsed off or wiped down as needed.
Although it's not raised, the wide opening and tilted design seem to offer a comfortable feeding position, even for bigger dogs. We think it's a solid choice for tech-savvy pet owners who want to track their dog's health.
Capacity: 7 cups | Material: Metal | Elevated: No | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Colors: 4 | Design: Battery-powered anti-slip bowl
Best for Travel: KindTail Portabowls Travel & Home Bowl Set
Star Qualities
Set nests in one another and has a handle for portability
Silicone material is dishwasher- and microwave-safe
Structured more like a traditional bowl compared to a collapsible bowl
Red Flags
Not small enough for tiny dogs
When you’re traveling with your furry best friend, you need a dog bowl that’s portable like the Kind Bowls Travel Dog Bowl. We tested the small bowl (there’s also a large size) and our tester felt like it would work well for small or medium-sized dogs. It comes with a food and water bowl that nest within each other, so the water bowl is slightly larger and deeper than the food bowl.
Due to the lightweight silicone and handle design, it’s a great travel set. Our tester washed it in the dishwasher and saw no wear or tear. The structure of this bowl is sturdier than, say, a collapsible bowl, and more closely represents a traditional dog bowl. This travel set isn’t small enough for tiny dogs but should work for a majority of dogs.
Capacity: Unlisted | Sizes: S, L | Material: Silicone | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: 4 | Design: Microwave safe, comes with a lid and handle
Best Adjustable: Pet Zone Designer Diner Adjustable Elevated Dog & Cat Bowls
Star Qualities
Can adjust the base so the set is elevated or sitting at ground level
Spacious 7-cup capacity
Easy to clean and seemed durable
Red Flags
Lightweight plastic that’s easily moved across the floor
Base felt somewhat cheap
If you want a set of dog bowls that will grow with your dog from puppyhood to adulthood, the Pet Zone Elevated Dog Bowl has an adjustable height. The black plastic base can be raised or lowered to best fit your dog’s size (though the bowls are quite large, and do not have size options). Our tester’s dog, Karl, is a bit of a grazer and seemed content eating from this bowl throughout the day.
While the tester only used around 4.5 cups of food during each feeding, the bowl can hold up to seven cups. The stainless steel bowls were easy to clean and proved durable during our test, showing no signs of wear after two weeks. The stand was lightweight and could be knocked slightly by Karl when eating, but generally seemed sturdy. Our tester thought the stand felt a little cheap, but looked nice in their kitchen, and considering the low price, we think it’s a good value.
Capacity: 7 cups | Sizes: One size | Material: Stainless steel bowls, plastic stand | Elevated: Yes, but adjustable | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (bowls only) | Colors: Black | Design: Adjustable base
Best Lick Mat: Lukito Licking Mats
Star Qualities
Quietly keeps dogs occupied
Durable and dishwasher-safe
Can be used for slow feeding or distraction
Red Flags
Couldn’t find any
These lick mats have textured surfaces with various grooves and indentations. You can spread or sprinkle food onto them to slow down feeding or distract your pet during a grooming session or when you need to sneak out of your home without causing a ruckus. We used peanut butter to keep our two tester dogs quietly occupied and entertained.
The silicone seems durable: It held up well to heat and cold and showed no signs of wear during the testing period. Food did get stuck in the grooves, but since the material is dishwasher-safe, we had no problem cleaning the mats after each use. We also like that they stay in place on the floor, thanks to the suction backings.
We'd appreciate more ideas on how to use the mats in the included instructions, but you can find lots of ideas with a quick internet search — cream cheese, yogurt, wet food, small kibble, crushed dog treats, etc. Other than that, there's nothing we'd change about this product.
Sizes: Small, large | Material: Silicone | Elevated: No | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Colors: 6 | Design: Flat textured suction pads
Best Non-Skid: Max and Neo Stainless Steel Heavy Non-Skid Dog Bowl
Star Qualities
Rubber base keeps the bowl from moving better than other bowls we tried
Stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean.
Red Flags
A little too small for water; requires frequent refills
Whether your dog is a voracious eater or just likes to play with their bowls at mealtime, a non-skid bowl can hold its place to avoid floor scratches and other messes. While no bowl is completely locked in place, this bowl kept movement to a minimum thanks to its rubber base.
The stainless steel bowl comes in three sizes, and we tested the small bowl which held four cups of food. Our tester added that if they were using it as a water bowl, they would probably upgrade to the medium size. It’s quiet when your dog eats, despite the metal material, and though sturdy, the bowl is quite lightweight. Our tester noted that if the bowl had a little more weight to it, it might more successfully live up to its non-skid claims.
It’s durable and didn’t show any wear throughout our test — plus, it was easy to clean, especially when using dry kibble. As a bonus, the company Max & Neo donates one dog bowl to a dog rescue for every bowl purchased.
Capacity: 32, 50, 80 ounces (depending on size) | Sizes: S, M, L | Material: Stainless steel | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: Stainless steel with blue base | Design: Rubber base
Best Investment: Pets So Good Oreo Table Dog & Cat Bowls
Star Qualities
Contemporary and aesthetically-pleasing design
Elevated bowl was easier for our tester’s dog to use than previous bowls
Porcelain is durable and easy to clean
Red Flags
Only available in sizes small and medium
If you want a contemporary take on an elevated bowl, consider the Pets So Good Oreo Table Dog Bowl. It’s a porcelain bowl with what looks like a three-legged table for it to attach to. It’s more sleek than the larger tray-style elevated bowl sets, and our tester appreciated its aesthetic appearance.
Our tester’s dog, Willow, has around one cup of food in the mornings and one cup in the evenings, and this bowl had more than enough capacity for that (its advertised capacity is two cups). The bowl was quiet when Willow ate from it (even when her collar hit the side), and her owner thinks it was easier for her to use it than past bowls given its elevated position.
The base is metal and the porcelain bowl easily lifts off when it’s time to wash — which can occur via the dishwasher. The sturdy legs kept the bowl from moving when in use. While the bowl was a little small, and doesn’t come in a size larger than medium, it would be a good option for small and medium-sized dogs.
Capacity: 2 cups | Sizes: S, M | Material: Steel stand, porcelain bowls | Elevated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (bowls only) | Colors: 5 | Design: Elevated base
Best Set: The Wild One Mealtime Kit
Star Qualities
This cute set comes with two stainless steel bowls with silicone edges and a placemat to contain any spills.
It’s available in several colors and sizes, with a durable silicone material.
Whole set is easy to clean and holds a good amount of food
Red Flags
Most expensive set of bowls on our list
While it’s always nice to have a matching set of dog bowls, dog owners know that you often have to replace one for various reasons and then it just looks kind of mismatched. That won’t be the case with this set from Wild One. It comes in two sizes, small and standard, which hold two to four cups of food or water, respectively. Our tester’s dog, Peach, comfortably used the bowls, which were slightly angled at the bottom.
Though lightweight, the set is grounded with a silicone base which keeps it from sliding around on the floor. While the mat got some dirty paw prints on it, it didn’t show any wear or tear and is dishwasher safe, as well as the bowls, so you can throw the whole set in for easy cleaning. If anything, our tester thought the price was a little high, but admitted the quality was really good. They did say they would add rubber suction to the bottom of the placemat.
Capacity: 2, 4 cups (depending on size) | Sizes: Small, standard | Material: Stainless steel with silicone ring and placemat | Elevated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Colors: 4 | Design: Includes a placemat
Other Dog Bowls We Tried
LickiMat Wobble Slow Feeder Dog Bowl: A lick mat is a great interactive tool to use for your dog, and in this case, it’s a bowl. Technically it holds up to three cups of dry kibble, but it wobbles quite a bit, so our tester thinks it would make a better lick mat for occasional entertainment. It did significantly slow the dog’s eating down, going from two-minute meals to 10 minutes. The silicone material is durable, but the bumpy design made the bowl challenging to clean. Overall, it’s a really fun and playful bowl, but not ideal for everyday use.
People / Kimberly Souza
What to Know About Dog Bowls
Design
We’ve discussed many design elements that contribute to the success of each dog bowl and how well it works for your dog. “For me, a good bowl needs to be an appropriate size (no point using a small one for a Great Dane!), heavy enough so it doesn't get knocked over, and easy to clean,” says Dr. Simon.
If you like an elevated design but appreciate a more subtle appearance, something like the Pets So Good Oreo Table Dog Bowl will work well. Of course, if you want a raised design at a lower cost then you might defer to the Pet Zone Elevated Dog Bowl or OurPets Comfort Diner Elevated Dog Food Dish. You might prefer a non-skid design like the Max and Neo Heavyweight Non-Skid Rubber Bottom Dog Bowl or a no-spill bowl like the Upsky Dog Bowl to help reduce mealtime mess.
Dogs who inhale their food will benefit from a slow feeder like the Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl. If material matters the most to you, then a classic stainless steel option like Mr. Peanut’s Stainless Steel Interactive Slow Feed Dog Bowl is the way to go. For those who want a matching set, we suggest The Wild One Mealtime Kit. And of course, for the best of all design elements, we have to recommend the Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl as our best overall dog bowl.
Dog Size
For small dogs, you’ll want a dish that’s not too deep such as the Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Ceramic Dog Dish, whereas for larger dogs, elevated bowls that are also wide such as the Yangbaga Elevated Dog Bowls are a good choice.
Portability
If you travel with your dog a lot, you might consider a bowl’s portability, too. For day-to-day commuting, long walks, or other short-term adventures, a collapsible bowl like the Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl is a good option. That said, for road trips, plane rides, camping, or other more extensive travel, a sturdier option like the Kind Bowls, Travel Dog Bowl is a better choice.
People / Sarah Naftzger
Behind the Scenes
For two weeks, we had our dogs test 37 top-rated dog bowls to see which served up the best results. Before testing, we cleaned the bowls according to the manufacturers' guidance (usually with warm water and pet-safe soap).
Performance: We filled the bowls with food and/or water and observed the dogs using them daily. Additionally, we noted the noise level, including whether it distracted the dogs or was irksome to us. We also examined any special features or digital controls, like the stream of a water fountain or smart food tracking.
Design: Our team considered the material quality and capacity of each bowl to see how much kibble, wet food, or water fit. If the design was elevated or angled in some way, we considered how that affected our dog's ability to use the bowl effectively and comfortably. For slow feeders and lick mats, we tested their efficacy in slowing down eating.
Durability: Since dog bowls see a lot of action, we also wanted to make sure they'd hold up to our furry friends. We looked for general wear and tear at the end of the testing period and considered ease of cleaning — bonus points if the bowl was dishwasher-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bowls for dogs to drink out of?
Generally, stainless steel bowls are the best types of bowls to drink out of because they are easy to wash and disinfect, especially when shared by multiple dogs. You can wipe them down between uses, and they just have a classic design that fits into most homes.
Should dogs have elevated bowls?
Elevated bowls can be beneficial for large dogs so they don’t have to bend over to reach their food or water. Dr. Simon adds that elevated bowls can be used to “minimize mess” as well as benefit dogs who “struggle with mobility and who have stiff necks, IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), or arthritis.” She says for these types of dogs, “elevated food bowls can help reduce strain and make mealtime a bit easier and more enjoyable.”
She counters the misconception that elevated feeders reduce the risk of bloating, despite other health benefits. It should also be noted that some dogs don’t like elevated bowls due to the stand, so you’ll have to make that judgment based on how skittish your dog is.
Are slow feeders good for dogs?
“Slow feeders can be beneficial for some dogs that need to eat at a slower pace to prevent certain issues such as bloating, obesity, and vomiting/regurgitation,” says Dr. Dulake. Most slow feeders have a design that separates the food into smaller sections to prevent the dog from taking big bites and essentially inhaling their food.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE who frequently covers pet-related topics like the best calming dog beds, pet cameras, and a wealth of other dog supplies. She has numerous veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and pet experts she relies on for insights, but for this story, she spoke to Michelle Dulake, DVM, and Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS, to determine the qualities that separate a great dog bowl from just average ones. Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in pets, consumer goods, housewares, and lifestyle products. She is keenly familiar with the top online retailers and buzzworthy brands and knows how to find today's best products. She updated this story with our latest dog bowl winners.
Our Expert Panel
Dr. Michelle Dulake, DVM is a veterinarian, acupuncturist, and founder of Fera Pets, an animal supplements and welfare brand.
Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS is a veterinary surgeon and veterinarian at SeniorTailWaggers.com with over a decade of experience and a focus on geriatric patients, endocrinology, and dermatology.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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