15 Best Dog Water Bowls of 2023: Fountain, Dispenser & More

by Patricia Jackson

Dogs need a constant supply of drinking water to maintain a healthy body, skin, and fur. There are different types of bowls that you can use to hydrate your pet but some might make the water stale and unclean.

Because of this, we have compiled a list of the best dog water bowls that are designed to keep your pet's water clean and fresh. Read through to identify the most suitable dog water bowl that suits you and your dog's needs.

7 Best Dog Water Bowls: Review

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Veken VK072

1. Veken VK072 (Best Fountain)

  • Triple filtration system
  • Quiet & durable 2-watt pump
  • 3 water flow designs
Upsky 003

2. Upsky 003 (Best Spill-Proof)

  • Floating disk & waterproof edge strip
  • Keeps dog mouth hairs dry & tinted
  • Four anti-slip mats
Petmate 24518

3. Petmate 24518 (Best Dispenser)

  • Stain & odor-free
  • Ideal for indoor & outdoor use
  • Replaceable charcoal filter
MidWest Homes Water Bowl

4. MidWest Homes Water Bowl (Best Budget)

  • Affordable
  • Tough stainless-steel construction
  • Rust-resistant bracket
Pioneer Pet 6023

5. Pioneer Pet 6023 (Most Durable)

  • Bacteria-resistant 18/8 stainless-steel construction
  • Adjustable-flow water pump
  • Long 70.8-inch power cord
Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder, Small (1-Gallon Capacity)
Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder, Small (1-Gallon Capacity)

6. AmazonBasics 11019 (Best Stylish)

  • Smooth contours & stylish marble coloring
  • Rubber anti-slip feet
  • Cut-out side handles
PetSafe PWW00-13703

7. PetSafe PWW00-13703 (Best Waterfall)

  • Encourages better hydration
  • Large 168-oz reservoir
  • Adjustable flow control settings

1. Best Fountain: Veken VK072

Veken VK072
Veken VK072
  • Ideal For: Small and Medium Dogs
  • Sizes: 84 oz.
  • Material: PP Resin
  • Filter: Yes

If you are looking for a fountain water bowl type, Veken's VK072 is the best one due to several reasons.

For starters, it has a triple filtration system that has high-density cotton, ion-exchange resin, and activated carbon coconut shell filters. These trap debris, heavy metals, and improve the water's taste, which ensures your dog remains healthy.

The fountain is powered by a quiet (<40dB) pump that does not disturb your peace. This pump has a power rating of only 2 watts, which is guaranteed not to be expensive on the power bill. It also has a long lifespan of over 20,000 hours that can be spread out to up to 4 years of use.

You also get 3 different flow designs, which include a flower waterfall, a flower bubble, and a gentle fountain. This should be adjusted according to what your dog likes.

More features include a brightly colored top that attracts your pup to drink more water, non-toxic BPA-free PP resin parts, and a silicone pad to catch all the spilled or splashed water.

The only problem is that the bowl's pump requires quite a lot of maintenance work. Veken recommends that it should be dismantled and cleaned every two weeks.

Pros:

  • Triple filtration system
  • Quiet and durable 2-watt pump
  • 3 water flow designs
  • Non-toxic BPA-free PP resin parts
  • Silicone pad

Cons:

  • Requires quite a lot of maintenance work

2. Best Spill-Proof: Upsky 003

Upsky 003
Upsky 003
  • Ideal For: All Dog Sizes
  • Sizes: 35 oz.
  • Material: ABS
  • Filter: No

Upsky's 003 is characterized by a double anti-spill design that has a floating disk to prevent overflowing and a waterproof edge strip that acts as a border to prevent the disk from getting off. This keeps your floor dry and mess-free at all times.

The floating disk also has another benefit. It is pushed down for the water to undulate via a small paw opening, which makes it a slow water feeder. This prevents a large area of your dog's mouth from getting wet, which keeps the mouth hair dry and tinted.

Though it lacks a filter, this disk helps to prevent dirt, hair, food, and other particles from falling inside so that the water remains clean.

Other features include a car-mountable design, BPA-free ABS construction, and four anti-slip mats. On the downside, the bowl has a small 35-oz capacity, which might require multiple refills if you have many pets.

Pros:

  • Floating disk and waterproof edge strip
  • Keeps dog mouth hair dry and tinted
  • Keeps dirt and debris from falling inside
  • Four anti-slip mats

Cons:

  • Small capacity

3. Best Dispenser: Petmate 24518

Petmate 24518
Petmate 24518
  • Ideal For: All Dog Sizes
  • Sizes: 64 - 512 oz.
  • Material: Plastic
  • Filter: Yes

For a dispenser type, Petmate's 24518 takes the top spot because it is very safe to use. The water dish features Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection, which helps to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and stains. This makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

The unit also comes with an easily replaceable charcoal filter that ensures the released water is as fresh and tastes as good as purified water.

Aside from that, this product is available in different sizes, with the largest one having a 512-oz water bottle. This prolongs the time between refills, making it perfect for busy pet parents.

The bottle is quick to unscrew from the base for convenient refilling and is transparent for easy monitoring of the water level at a glance.

However, the base lacks an anti-slip bottom to keep it firmly rooted on tiled or hardwood floor surfaces.

Pros:

  • Stain and odor-free
  • Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
  • Replaceable charcoal filter
  • Large transparent bottle

Cons:

  • Lacks an anti-slip bottom

4. Best Budget: MidWest Homes Water Bowl

MidWest Homes Water Bowl
MidWest Homes Water Bowl
  • Ideal For: Medium Dog
  • Sizes: 10 - 64 oz.
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Filter: No

If you are looking for an affordable high-quality water bowl, we recommend this piece from Midwest Homes. It is made of tough stainless steel and has a regular design that can be used either as a waterer or feeder.

Despite having this design, the unit comes with an easily removable bracket that locks it to dog cages to reduce spilling and elevate it for comfortable use. This bracket is coated for rust resistance and has two wing nuts for tool-free installation.

The bowl's stainless-steel surface naturally resists germs and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. On the downside, dirt and debris can easily drop into the water. Also, for it to be mess-free, you must have a dog cage.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Tough stainless-steel construction
  • Rust-resistant bracket
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Not dirt-proof
  • Requires a cage for mess-free use

5. Most Durable: Pioneer Pet 6023

Pioneer Pet 6023
Pioneer Pet 6023
  • Ideal For: All Dog Sizes
  • Sizes: 60 oz.
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Filter: Yes

Pioneer Pet's 6023 is also built using bacteria-resistant 18/8 stainless-steel material and it combines this with a beautiful fountain raindrop design that complements any interior décor.

That said, the fountain is controlled by a 12V pump that has adjustment settings for controlling the water's flow rate. This pump is safe for underwater use and it has a long 70.8-inch power cord that gives you lots of flexibility on where to place the bowl.

A charcoal filter is also included to freshen the water as it circulates and this is easily replaceable once it wears out.

Other features include dishwasher-safe parts and you can use white vinegar to soak the non-electrical parts in case of scale build-up. On the downside, the unit is quite expensive and it lacks anti-slip feet to prevent tipping.

Pros:

  • Bacteria-resistant 18/8 stainless-steel construction
  • Adjustable-flow water pump
  • Long 70.8-inch power cord
  • Charcoal filter
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Lacks anti-slip feet

6. Best Stylish: AmazonBasics 11019

Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder, Small (1-Gallon Capacity)
Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder, Small (1-Gallon Capacity)
  • Ideal For: All Dog Sizes
  • Sizes: 128 oz.
  • Material: PP and PET plastics
  • Filter: No

The water base in AmazonBasics' 11019 is characterized by smooth contours and stylish marble coloring that looks very good. As such, the bowl goes well with most interior décor.

That said, this base is made of polypropylene material and it has rubber feet that secure it in place to prevent tipping. It also has cut-out side handles for easy lifting.

On the other hand, the 128-oz bottle is built using transparent PET material, which makes it very easy to monitor the water level inside. It has an extra-wide mouth for easy access when cleaning and it has a connector that prevents leaking before being attached to the base.

However, the bowl lacks a filter for purifying the water and the parts are not dishwasher-safe. You can only handwash them.

Pros:

  • Smooth contours and stylish marble coloring
  • Rubber anti-slip feet
  • Cut-out side handles
  • Transparent, wide-mouth water bottle

Cons:

  • No filter
  • Not dishwasher-safe

7. Best Waterfall: PetSafe PWW00-13703

PetSafe PWW00-13703
PetSafe PWW00-13703
  • Ideal For: All Dog Sizes
  • Sizes: 64 - 168 oz.
  • Material: Plastic
  • Filter: Yes

Though it is a fountain, PetSafe's PWW00-13703 offers a tall water drop that is almost 10-inches high, making it the best waterfall bowl. This creates some curiosity in your cats and dogs, which encourages them to drink more for better hydration.

Supplying this waterfall is a relatively large 168-oz water reservoir, which prolongs the time between refills. This is very convenient, especially for busy pet parents.

The fountain is run by a pump with adjustable flow control settings for controlling the fall's intensity. This water is channeled through a replaceable carbon filter to eliminate odor and bad taste.

You also get BPA-free plastic parts and these are dishwasher-safe on the top rack for easy cleaning. On the downside, this bowl is very expensive and it is only designed for indoor use.

Pros:

  • High waterfall; encourages dogs to drink more
  • Relatively large 168-oz reservoir
  • Adjustable flow control settings
  • Replaceable carbon filter
  • BPA-free and dishwasher-safe parts

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Only suitable for indoor use


Other Recommended Dog Water Bowls
Other Recommended Dog Water Bowls

8. K&H Pet Products Water Bowl

K&H Pet Products Water Bowl
K&H Pet Products Water Bowl

K&H's water bowl is the ideal one to buy during the summer because it has a cooling system that keeps water cold for up to 15 hours. It does so by using cooling crystals, which are located in the interior cavity.

These are activated by water after which they expand in about 45 minutes, then you can freeze the bowl in your freezer. This gives it electricity-free cooling power that is ideal for traveling or home use.

More features include a 96-oz capacity and non-toxic BPA-free plastic construction.

Key Features

  • Electricity-free cooling system.
  • 96-oz capacity.
  • Non-toxic BPA-free construction.

9. Kurgo K01812

Kurgo K01812
Kurgo K01812

If you are looking for the ideal dog water bowl for travel, Kurgo's K01812 is worth checking out. It is made using food-grade silicone, which is collapsible for compact storage.

Additionally, it has an angled base that keeps food or water level on the car's seat while a tapered lip minimizes splashing.

Other features include a small, lightweight size with a 24-oz capacity, and the bowl is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Key Features

  • Collapsible silicone construction.
  • Food-grade and dishwasher-safe.
  • Angled base for leveling on the car seat.
  • Tapered lip for reducing splashing.

10. Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl

Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl
Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl

Yeti Boomer's dog bowl is the ideal choice for rough and playful dogs because it is built using puncture and rust-resistant 18/8 stainless steel. This material is tough enough to handle dents but is still food-safe (BPA-free) and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

The bowl can be used to feed food or water and it can hold 4 cups (32 oz.). It has a barefoot non-slip ring that keeps it firm to prevent tipping.

Key Features

  • Puncture and rust-resistant.
  • BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
  • 32-oz capacity.
  • Non-slip ring base.

11. Heyrex Torus TR2LR2020

Heyrex Torus TR2LR2020
Heyrex Torus TR2LR2020

This gravity dog water bowl has a unique design that places a 2-liter (68-oz reservoir) around its walls. The design is very stable because the center of gravity is lowered, and this makes it ideal for travel because it doesn't tip over easily.

On top of this, the tank has a cap that locks the water inside to keep your car mess-free as you travel.

That said, when the cap is set to flow mode, it maintains a low 0.5-inch water level in the bowl to minimize messiness and the bowl has rubber feet that keep it steady.

More features include a carbon filter for purifying the water and a wide-ergonomic design that allows cats to drink without causing whisker fatigue.

Key Features

  • Stable 2-liter capped wall reservoir.
  • Low 0.5-inch water level.
  • Rubber anti-slip feet.
  • Carbon filter.

12. Farm Innovators QT-1C

Farm Innovators QT-1C
Farm Innovators QT-1C

With a 25-watt built-in heater, Farm Innovators' QT-1C is the ideal dog water bowl to use during the cold winter months. This heating element is optional and therefore, you can turn it off to use the same bowl during summer.

Power is brought in by a 5-ft power cord, which is covered in a metal spring to protect it from chewy dogs. You also get a sturdy twin-wall plastic construction, an anti-tip base, and a 32-oz capacity.

Key Features

  • 25-watt heater.
  • Metal-spring-protected 5-ft power cord.
  • Sturdy twin-wall plastic construction.
  • Anti-tip base.

13. Zeus H2EAU

Zeus H2EAU
Zeus H2EAU

Zeus' H2EAU is equipped with a large 200 oz. water reservoir that is enough to water multiple dogs for a couple of days. This makes it ideal for busy pet parents. This water is shot up to the lid to form a drinking fountain and this oxygenates the water for better taste.

A triple-action filter is also included to soften tap water, trap debris and absorb bad odor for clean better-tasting water.

Other than that, this fountain design elevates the water to a comfortable drinking position for large and aging dogs.

Key Features

  • Large 200 oz. reservoir.
  • Fountain design improves water oxygenation.
  • Elevated drinking surface.
  • Triple-action filter.

14. AmazonBasics BXG-02

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Pet Dog Water And Food Bowl, Set of 2 (11 x 3 Inches)
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Pet Dog Water And Food Bowl, Set of 2 (11 x 3 Inches)

This product comes as a 2-piece set that gives you tough stainless-steel bowls for feeding and watering your pup. Both bowls are rust-resistant and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

The pieces also have rubber non-slip bases that prevent tipping. Each has a 38-oz capacity that is perfect for wet food, dry kibble, treats, and of course, water.

Key Features

  • 2-piece set.
  • Rust-resistant stainless-steel bowls.
  • Dishwasher-safe.
  • Rubber anti-slip base.

15. PetSafe PWW00-13708

PetSafe PWW00-13708
PetSafe PWW00-13708

Last on the list is PetSafe PWW00-13708 and this has a 2-tier fountain design that has an upper and a lower bowl. The upper bowl is high enough to make it comfortable for large and aging pets to drink while the lower bowl is suitable for small dogs.

A free-falling stream overflows from the upper bowl to the lower one and this encourages pets to drink the water for better hydration. This water passes through a carbon filter to remove bad taste and odor.

Other features include a 5.5-ft long power cord for flexible positioning and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.

Key Features

  • 2-tier fountain design with upper and lower bowls.
  • Carbon filter.
  • 5.5-ft power cord.
  • Dishwasher-safe parts.

Types of Dog Water Bowls

Types Of Dog Water Bowls
Types Of Dog Water Bowls

1. Standard

Standard dog water bowls consist of a basic deep dish that holds the water and this also makes them suitable to be used as feeders. Their major advantage is having a pocket-friendly price but they are not very good at maintaining clean drinking water.

2. Spill Proof

Spill-proof bowls are built with containment measures that keep water from messing up your floor. These include things like floating disks, tapered lips, low water level refills, etc. Such bowls are ideal for young or playful pups.

3. Elevated/Raised

Elevated bowls have the water drinking surface placed at a high position from the ground. This makes it comfortable for large dog breeds, aging dogs, and sick ones because they won't have to bend to quench their thirst.

4. Foldable

Foldable dog water bowls are usually made using food-grade silicone, which is flexible and can be folded for compact storage as you travel.

5. Gravity

Gravity bowls are also called dispenser bowls and these consist of a water bottle that is slipped into a bowl base. Water from the bottle refills the bowl after it drops beyond a certain level and this ensures there is a consistent supply of water at all times.

These units also keep most of the water clean in the bottle and some have single or multi filters that purify the water.

6. Automatic Fill

These are connected to your water supply and they have float valves that keep the water at a certain level without spilling. Their main advantage is that you don't need to do any manual refilling. This makes them the best choice for busy pet parents.

7. Fountains

Fountain bowls incorporate the use of pumps to circulate the water through a filter and up to a raised surface to create a fall or stream. This keeps the water fresh and highly oxygenated. It also entices pets to drink more water by raising their curiosity.

On the downside, such units are usually very expensive and they keep dog mouth hairs wet.

How to Buy the Best Dog Water Bowls

How To Buy The Best Dog Water Bowls
How To Buy The Best Dog Water Bowls

1. Capacity

The first thing to consider before buying any dog water bowl is its capacity. Large bowls have an advantage over smaller ones because, even though they are bulky, their refiling them is prolonged.

This is very convenient, especially for busy pet parents, if they don't get the automatic fill type.

2. Bowl Height

Some bowls are placed on the ground while others have mechanisms such as brackets, fountains, etc. that raise them from the surface. The one you pick should be determined by your dog type and its conditions.

Large dog breeds as well as aging and sick ones should be watered using raised bowls to prevent bending injuries while making swallowing easy. Medium dogs also require raised bowls but the elevation should be a bit lower.

This height should be determined by measuring your pup's height from the paw to the shoulders when standing, then subtract 3-6 inches.

However, for small dogs, elevated bowls are not recommended because these will make them struggle as they stretch their necks.

3. Materials

Generally, stainless steel water bowls are better due to their durability factor and this gives Pioneer Pet's 6023 an edge above the rest.

However, certain conditions demand bowls that are made using different materials. For instance, if you want a unit for your traveling expeditions, a silicone water bowl is best because the material is foldable for compact storage.

Regardless of the one you chose though, make sure it is food-safe for healthy use.

4. Filtration System

This is an important component to have because it purifies the water so that it smells and tastes fresh. That said, these systems are usually found in gravity/dispenser and fountain bowl types because water must flow through them for filtration to occur.

Therefore, if you are concerned about the quality of your water source, we suggest getting either of these two types with an effective filtration system. A perfect example of this is Veken's VK072, which is a fountain type with a triple filtration system.

5. Spill Proof

Though most water bowls are fitted with rubber feet to prevent slipping, some are specifically designed to be spill-proof. They have mechanisms built in place to ensure the water does not splash out and mess your floor.

For instance, Upsky's 003 has a floating disk and a waterproof edge strip for keeping your floor clean. This system is so effective such that the bowl is safe to use in your car as you drive.

6. Ease of Cleaning

No one likes to do the dishes. To simplify the maintenance process, ensure the bowl you buy is dishwasher-safe. This can either be the whole bowl or parts of it but we recommend the fully dishwasher-safe design.

7. Design

This is primarily meant for aesthetics; it does not affect performance. These bowls come in different designs such as bean, oval, and round shapes.

Some have unique designs like the smooth contours and stylish marble coloring in AmazonBasics' 11019. These features make it very stylish but we are not saying this is the best. Here, selection should be based on personal preference.

Q&A

1. How Can I Keep My Dog's Water Bowl Fresh?

This depends on the water bowl. Some are dishwasher-safe while others should only be hand washed.

As for the fountain type, their pumps must be dismantled and cleaned after some specified time. Their filters should also be replaced after some time, which is specified by the manufacturer.

2. How Can I Prevent My Dog from Playing with His Water Bowl?

The bowl becomes easy to play with when it is lighter. Therefore, if your pup is very playful, keep the reservoir filled so that it is heavy move around and possibly tip over. Additionally, you should provide him/her with toys to divert attention from the bowl.

Buy on Etsy

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl - Walmart Link

The Coldest Dog Bowl - Durable, Non-Skid, Stainless Steel, Double Wall, Heavy Duty with - Walmart Link

PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station or Water Station - Gravity Feeders or Pet Water - Walmart Link

this piece from Midwest Homes - Walmart Link

Yeti Boomer's dog bowl - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl - eBay Link

The Coldest Dog Bowl - Durable, Non-Skid, Stainless Steel, Double Wall, Heavy Duty with - eBay Link

PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station or Water Station - Gravity Feeders or Pet Water - eBay Link

this piece from Midwest Homes - eBay Link

Yeti Boomer's dog bowl - eBay Link

Conclusion

In summary, there are different best dog water bowls of each type and we recommend Veken's VK072 as the best fountain water bowl. This is because it has a triple filtration system, a quiet, durable 2-watt pump, and 3 water flow designs.

However, if you prefer a dispenser, check out Petmate's 24518 because it has Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection for odor and stain resistance.

If you prefer the spill-proof type though, we recommend Upsky's 003 because it has a floating disk plus a waterproof edge strip. These make it safe enough to be used in your car.

About Patricia Jackson

Patricia just simply loves pets.
When she was eight years old, her parents got her a beautiful Maine Coon as a gift; and later an affectionate Husky.
Since then, she has raised them as her children; done minor first aid, taken in strays, administered antibiotics, bottle fed them when sick, and even midwifing.
Pat received her bachelor's degree in computer science at Univercity of Califronia Davis. She really hopes to transofrm her programming skills into something that really helpful for all pets someday. For now, lets just do that through writing.

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