10 Of The Best Dog Bowls
Messy eaters, fast eaters, and destructive fiends alike need a bowl to eat from. Stainless steel is always going to be the best material, but ceramic, plastic, and porcelain have their uses. These bowls are sure to go down a treat.
Feeding time is a frenzy in my house, and I’m sure it’s the same for many of you. The wagging tails, the impulsive barks of excitement (even though they know they shouldn’t), and the little jumps are what make it so fun. They might not always be the best behaved, but we can hardly blame them when all they want is to settle down for their breakfast or dinner.
Of course, feeding your dog also means choosing a bowl that suits them. You have so many options. Slow feeders, elevated bowls, stainless steel, porcelain… the list goes on. How are you supposed to know what’s best when the market is flooded with everything and anything? Well, I’m here to make life a little easier for you.
These are my top ten best dog bowls for pups that need something new for dinnertime.
Key Takeaways
- Raised bowls are great for large dogs and digestive issues
- Slow feeders are important for dogs who inhale their food
- Your dog’s bowl should be changed when it smells and gets easily stained
- Stainless steel is your best friend, but other materials work excellently
Are Raised Bowls Or Slow Feeders Recommended?
Raised bowls are fantastic for dogs who have spinal issues and breeds who struggle to bend all the way down to the floor. They are also suited to dogs with megaesophagus and digestive issues because they bring the food closer to their mouths. It also helps that they are good for messy eaters. They’re definitely recommended for these problems.
Slow feeders are ideal for dogs who eat too fast and inhale their food instead of chewing it. As well as leading to a twisted gut, it has the potential to make them throw up after eating and can cause digestive issues. A slow feeder calms them down and helps them finish their food at a normal (and safe) pace.
10 Best Dog Bowls
Below, you’ll find the bowls I recommend for dogs everywhere. Messy eaters and destructive hounds alike will find something they love here. Take a look and you’ll see why I’ve chosen them for your furry friend.
our picks
RAISED DOG
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sodapup enrichment
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deep stainless steel
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copenhagen vega
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steel non-slip
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non-spill silicone
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our picks
collapsible silicone
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2-in-1 elevated
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our picks
easyeat
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beco steady
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What To Look For In A Dog Bowl
Material and size are the two things you want to keep an eye on when looking for a dog bowl. Metal or ceramic bowls are good for dogs who like to chew their bowls because they are harder to destroy and they tend to last a lot longer. Ceramic also keeps food cooler for longer, which is good for raw feeding. Of course, stainless steel remains the favorite among dog lovers.
1. Best Bowl For Messy Eaters
This set of raised bowls is ideal for messy eaters. It’s easy to clean, it keeps the food away from the ground while they are eating, and it comes in a wide range of colors. You even have the option to personalize the bowls if you want to. The lightweight design makes them easy to move around, and dogs with digestion issues will benefit massively from the height.
2. Best Bowl For Fast Eaters
This enrichment bowl is ideal for dogs who are too fast and too furious with mealtimes. The individual honeycombs in the design are perfect for raw feeding and separating wet and dry food while also giving your dog a challenge and plenty of mental stimulation. They’re very easy to clean, but they do only come in one size, which can be a downside.
3. Best Bowl For Large Dogs
These massive bowls are made from food-grade stainless steel, which means they are hygienic and easy to clean. The rubber base prevents them from slipping on the floor, and they are incredibly deep for larger dogs who need more food and water. The wide rim makes it easier for you to pick up, and they are even dishwasher-safe for quick cleaning.
the jacket.
4. Best Bowl For Calm Dogs
These stylish bowls come in several colors and sport a chic, modern design. They are made from stainless steel for a sleek finish and come with an optional placemat to protect the floor from messy eaters. They won’t flip while your dog is eating and they are immune to destruction. They’re also some of the most durable bowls I’ve come across.
5. Best Bowl For Destructive Dogs
These stainless steel bowls were made for dogs who like to try and destroy everything they touch. They won’t be able to get their teeth through this, and the durable design means they won’t dent or scratch it either. They come in several sizes with a non-slip base, and they are also easy to clean when your dog has finished eating.
6. Best Bowl For Puppies
Puppies are messy, it’s how they are designed, and this set of bowls comes with a mat to keep things clean. It comes in several different sizes so all puppies are accommodated, and the raised lip prevents food and water from escaping when they’re trying to eat and drink. It’s great for pups who are still learning the ropes.
7. Best Bowl For Adventures
This collapsible bowl is perfect for taking with you on adventures and even comes with a water bottle holder to make life easier for you. Cleaning it is exceptionally simple, and it has a massive capacity so that your dog stays hydrated while you’re out exploring together. It’s durable, light, and has a clip to attach to your pack or belt while you’re away.
8. Best Bowl For Elevation
Elevated and elegant in its design, this bowl is well-suited to dogs who prefer their meals to be raised or need it for their digestion. The bowl can be removed for filling and cleaning, and it slots in securely to prevent it from being tipped while eating. It’s a little small, but it’s also highly functional and works well for any breed that needs it.
9. Best Bowl For Flat-Faced Breeds
This bowl was designed with flat-faced breeds in mind, and it makes it easier for them to eat. It’s a trough-style feeder so they can dig in without worrying about being able to breathe properly during their meal. It’s easy to clean, and the fact that it’s raised helps with breathing and digestion issues. It can even be personalized for your best friend (which I love).
10. Best Bowl For Eco-Friendly Owners
Made from 96% recycled material, these bowls are exceptionally sturdy and durable while also keeping the environment in mind. They are thicker than most, which makes them much harder to flip during dinner, and they are easy to clean after use. BPA free and ready to feed your dog, it’s just one of many eco-friendly dog products this brand is putting forward.
When Does Your Dog Need A New Bowl?
Dog bowls should be changed every few years to keep them fresh and clean, but there are other signs to look out for if you’re considering switching things up. Discoloration from leftover food, residue, and chunks or lines of old food that won’t go away tend to be the first signs that your dog’s bowl is on its last legs.
If the bowl has a slippery and slimy film on the outside and inside, this is usually a sign that bacteria has started growing on the surface. You’ll find this slippery texture persists even after washing because the bacteria have seeped inside. A nasty smell that won’t go away is also a pretty obvious sign that bacteria have spread and the bowl needs to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stainless steel tends to be the best and most hygienic material for dog bowls. It doesn’t rust and it harbours less bacteria than other materials, which means it tends to be safer. Additionally, stainless steel is more suitable for dogs who like to carry their bowls as it doesn’t dent like plastic or risk being chipped and smashed like porcelain or clay.
Slow feeders are bowls designed to help stop dogs from eating too fast. They usually have obstacles in the way that force the dog to slow down and work harder for their food. This reduces the chance of a twisted gut and throwing up after eating. I have found it works especially well for Labradors who are notorious for inhaling food.
Not all dogs need raised bowls. They are good for dogs who have problems with their spine or suffer from megaesophagus, but outside of that they don’t provide much of a benefit. In the cases mentioned, they can help improve digestion, which is good for larger breeds who would ordinarily need to bend down quite a long way in order to reach their food.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has helped you find a new bowl for your furry friend. Our dogs deserve the best we can give them, and a new bowl is a pretty exciting thing to them. After all, most dogs have walks and feeding time in close competition for their favorite part of the day. The best doesn’t have to be the most expensive either, it’s just what works for them.
Whether you’re in the UK or the USA, I’m certain their next meal time is going to be better than ever. Of course, if you’re ever worried about the materials being used in your dog’s bowl, their eating habits, or if you need a raised or slow bowl, you can ask your vet for advice. They are there to ease your mind and help you make the best decisions for your pup.
