While all dogs use the same watering technique, some have breed differences or odd behaviors that influence the choice of a dog water bowl. None of these bowls eliminate spills, but they help control them.
You’ll find three basic categories: anti-spill bowls, anti-spill bowls and anti-tip bowls, all of which aim to control liquid chaos. Some bowls also control the speed of ingestion for dogs that swallow too quickly and then vomit. Depending on your dog, you may also need to focus on non-chewable bowls, as some dogs turn bowls into chew toys.
Look for a wide base to reduce the risk of the dog tipping the bowl.
Bowls should have a non-slip surface on the bottom so the dog can’t “chase” it across the floor. Raised bowls can be helpful.
Bowls should be cleaned frequently, or they can make the dog sick. For convenience, look for bowls that are dishwasher safe.
Choose quality materials. Cheap plastic costs less but does not stand up to regular washing. As it ages, plastic can crack or keep odors and bacteria. Dogs can also chew and destroy plastic and even injure themselves if they swallow pieces. Silicone and stainless steel (vet’s choice) hold up well.
Some dogs addicted to chewing, like my first German Shepherd, can even chew through a stainless steel bowl. Every dog is different, so tailor your spill-proof water bowl to your pet’s needs. Flat-nosed dogs, like bulldogs, need wide, shallow bowls. Pointy-nosed dogs, like collies, need a narrower opening. Similarly, dogs with long hairy ears or canine beards need smaller bowls that prevent the ears from dragging in the water.
Evaluation Criteria
Design and function
Quality of materials
Ease of cleaning
Non-slip bottom and/or wide base with no tip
Cost
Readers’ opinions and satisfaction
1. Prestige Pets Road Refresher
The Road Refresher No-Spill Slobber Stopper bowl from Prestige Pets is stylish and functional. Made of lightweight, durable pewter-colored propylene, this bowl helps combat slobber, overconsumption of alcohol (some dog’s abuse it) and stability with its three-tiered design. The bowl’s outer reservoir has a non-slip Velcro base that keeps it from slipping and tipping. Inside, a floating disc allows a measured amount of water to flow through its openings. A tapered black rim on top helps reduce slime and splashing.
This design keeps dogs from diving into the bowl and prevents floppy ears from entering. With two sizes to choose from, dogs of all sizes can drink without getting their fur wet. The special non-slip base makes the Road Refresher a brilliant choice for car trips with your dog.
Pros
What we liked about the Road Refresher:
Prevents spills and spills, reduces slobbery drips and prevents over-drinking.
Quality materials
Dishwasher safe (top rack)
Wide base prevents tipping, while Velcro prevents shifting.
Velcro bottom keeps bowl safe on multiple surfaces, including cars.
Moderate cost
Cons
What to consider about Road Refresher:
Dogs playing in the water can still make a mess by putting their feet in the bowl.
Reviewers noted puppies enjoyed the challenge of taking the bowl apart, but it was probably better suited for adults.
It must be taken apart to clean, and the top ring must be forcefully removed.
Buy: Prestige Pets Road Refresher
2. Petmate No Spill Bowl
The Petmate No Spill Bowl offers a basic but effective design and an affordable price for everyone. A gray lid slides over the top of the heavier blue base, creating a deep reservoir for water but a small area for the dog’s snout to pass through and drink. This keeps the ears away from the waterer and reduces the dripping that occurs when dipping the dog into the water. Made of durable plastic, the bowl should last for years if properly maintained. For cleaning up loose hair, the ChomChom roller is a great help.
Pros
What we liked about the Petmate No Spill Bowl:
Costs about $10.
The design works well to discourage water play and keep ears dry.
Weighted bottom keeps it from spilling
Easy to clean by removing the lid
Cons
What to consider about the Petmate No Spill Bowl:
The plastic lid becomes brittle over time and can crack.
Only one size, which may not fit the snout of enormous dogs.
3. Slopper Stopper Drip Free Water Bowl
I love stainless steel products, and the Slopper Stopper Waterless Water Bowl gets rave reviews from owners of giant and bearded dogs. The stainless steel base holds a full gallon of water, and the top lid keeps the ears clean. A gasket joins the parts together to allow water to flow into the water tank. Yes, this bowl costs more than others, but it will last longer and, according to reviews, it works better than other products. It comes in five sizes to fit almost any size dog. Check the sizes to make sure they fit smaller dogs, otherwise water waste will not be reduced.
Pros
What we liked about the Slopper Stopper:
Made of industrial grade stainless steel and food grade materials.
Patented design claims to reduce mess by 85% or more.
Wide base to prevent tipping
Owners of large dogs rave about this product.
Cons
What to consider about the Slopper Stopper:
Some reviewers are concerned that the stainless steel will rust.
The rubber seal that controls the water level is difficult to put on properly.
Buy: Slopper Stopper Drip Free Water Bowl
4. Kurgo Splash Free Wander Water Bowl
Made of food-grade silicone, the Kurgo Splash Free Wander Water Bowl has a slanted shape that maintains the water level, even when perched on a car seat. The bowl is available in two bright colors: red or blue. The curved, tapered rim on top helps contain splashes and keeps 24 ounces of water in the bowl rather than out. These bowls can also hold food, so you can feed your pup on the go, then rinse the bowl for a water break. It’s dishwasher safe, flexible and collapsible for easy storage on your trip with Fido. It also travels well in the Pet Rover Pet Stroller. If you need a water bottle to take with you on a trip, try this popular portable dog water bottle.
Pros
What we liked about the Kurgo Splash Free Wander Waterer:
Travel-friendly design means water stays level when the bowl sits on a car seat.
Made of food-grade silicone that lasts
Dishwasher safe (top rack)
Economically, at less than $15.
Cons
What to consider about the Kurgo Splash Free Wander Waterer:
Ideal for medium to small dogs
Very easy to chew, so dogs can destroy this bowl like a toy.
Buy: Kurgo Splash Free Wander Water Bowl
5. Upsky Slow Water Feeder Dog Bowl
Some dogs swallow too much water at one time and end up getting sick. Hot weather increases this likelihood in all dogs, and drinking too much can lead to water intoxication, as it dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream, causing the water to leak into the cells, even the brain. This can lead to death. Slowing down water loggers helps control the danger. Many dogs also deposit dust or food scraps in the water when they drink. The Upsky Slow Water Feeder slows the goons down and prevents debris from entering the water.
A large square thermoplastic tank holds 35 ounces of water, which is the daily dose for most dogs. Inside, a floating lid (gray, blue or pink) controls access to the water, while a fixed rim holds the three pieces together. The floating lid keeps dogs from gorging themselves and slows down the eating process. It also prevents bearded dogs from getting their faces wet.
Pros
What we liked about the Upsky Slow Water Feeder Dog Bowl:
One of the best for slowing down water consumption.
Designed to keep water free of debris
Only costs $15.99.
Cons
What to consider about the Upsky Slow Water Feeder Dog Bowl:
Puppies can chew through the plastic bowl.
The bowl needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and mildew
Buy: Upsky Slow Water Feeder Dog Bowl
6. Neater Feeder Deluxe for dogs
Here’s a very different option, with standard-looking stainless steel bowls in an elevated feeding station. The Neater Feeder Deluxe for dogs is available in seven colors, three sizes and two bowl styles. The raised plastic surround catches and holds fallen food, and spilled water drains through openings into a reservoir at the base. You can choose simple bowls or slow-feeding bowls with a raised bottom to prevent the pet from gorging. We can equip the plastic frame with extended feet to raise the level of the bowls. All parts of the Neater Feeder are dishwasher safe. Worried your dog won’t like the change? Drop a few organic treats into the food bowls to persuade him to switch allegiance.
Pros
What we liked about the Neater Feeder Deluxe for dogs:
Low-tech design with simple, effective function
Works to contain spilled food and water
Variety of colors
Different sizes for individual needs
Dishwasher safe
Cons
What to consider about Neater Feeder Deluxe for dogs:
Higher cost than others
Reviewers note that the stainless steel bowls are not the best quality and can rust.
Buy: Neater Feeder Deluxe for dogs
