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Every dog needs something to eat out of, but not every dog necessarily needs the same type of bowl. These days, a food bowl for dogs is more than just a plain old bowl. There are different kinds suited for dogs of different sizes, different eating speeds, and different lifestyles.
The number of food bowls for dogs out there can be overwhelming, to say the least. We compiled a list of the best types of bowls for all kinds of dogs.
Here are some key things to consider when shopping for food bowls for your dog:
- Eating habits: If your dog is a speed eater, you may want a slow-feeder to prevent your dog from indulging too quickly. Dogs who like to push their bowl around might need a sturdy, non-slip bowl. Gentle eaters can handle more aesthetically pleasing ceramic bowls.
- Shape and size: Feeding your dog is easy when their bowl is already perfectly portioned out. Make sure you’re familiar with how much food you should be feeding your dog for each meal. Dogs with longer snouts can easily handle eating from a bowl on the ground, but dogs with flat faces and short legs might prefer a slanted bowl.
- Eating environment: There are different materials and styles of bowls designed for different purposes, like for storing in a crate, putting on hardwood or carpet, or taking on the go.
Based on our research and experience, the following food bowls are the best for all types of dogs:
Best Bowl For Large Dogs
- Sturdy rubber base prevents skids and slides while your dog eats
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable stainless steel bowl designed not to tip over
- Large bowl holds 3.5 cups of food, Medium holds 2.5 cups
A larger dog can make quite a mess with a less solid food bowl while eating. The OurPets DuraPet Premium Rubber-Bonded Stainless Steel No-Tip Bowl will remain firmly in place during mealtime. It’s got a broad base for a larger dog to really root around.
Best Bowl For Small Dogs
- Double bowls for food and water
- Dishwasher safe
- Bacteria-resistant stainless steel
- Removable rubber base prevents skids and eliminates noise
The Loving Pets Dolce Double Diner Dog Bowl keeps your dog’s food and water in the same container, which makes filling both at the same time easy. The size is just right for a smaller dog (under 35 pounds.) The rubber base is optional but minimizes noise and movement.
Best Bowl For Flat-Faced Dogs
- Angled at a 15 degree tilt, which reduces bloating and indigestion in dogs
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- No-flip design and non-skid rubber bottom
Conveniently angled for dogs with shorter snouts (or legs), the Frisco Slanted Stainless Steel Bowl makes it easier for dogs to get all their food without eating too quickly.
RELATED: Think You Know What Causes Dog Bloat? You Might Be Surprised…
Best Slow Feeder
- Holds up to 2 cups of food
- Ridges encourage your dog to eat more slowly and safely to prevent bloat
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- Available in multiple slow-feeding designs
Eating too quickly isn’t just unhealthy for dogs. In some cases, it can lead to gastric torsion (aka “bloat), which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Slow feeders like the Outward Hound Fun Feeder are designed to slow your dog’s eating, so they can’t take in too much food at once.
Best Automatic Feeder
- Automatically dispenses pre-determined portions at scheduled times
- Sealed twist-lock food storage container prevents mold and bacteria
- Features LCD display
- No assembly required
For pet parents with busy schedules, the Petlibro Granary Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder makes sure your dog doesn’t go hungry when you have to work late. This gadget dispenses a pre-portioned amount of food at a specified time.
Best Elevated Bowls
- Raised walls prevent spillage
- Water flows through drainage holes and is collected at the bottom
- Elevated stand reduces strain on your dog’s neck
- Bowl sizes: Small (1.5 Cups Food, 2.2 Cups Water), Medium (3.5 Cups Food, 5 Cups Water), Large (7 Cups Food, 9 Cups Water)
Elevated bowls make the perfect feeding option for dogs with mobility issues. They put less strain on your aging dog’s neck while they eat. The Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated Pet Bowl not only makes eating easier but also contains messes.
Best Bowl For Crates
- Bowl locks securely into place to prevent spillage
- Easy to detach
- Made of durable, stainless steel
- Available in 10 fl ounce, 20 fl ounce, 1 qt. and 2 qt. sizes
If you’re crate training or you just have a dog who prefers those four sides around them, the MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl is a great food bowl option. It attaches to the crate to prevent spills and detaches just as easily.
Best Travel Bowl
- Available in 1.5 cup or 5 cup sizes
- Convenient portable, collapsible bowl
- Carabiner attaches to backpacks, leashes, etc.
- Top rack dishwasher safe
If you’re traveling with your dog, you need a convenient portable bowl. The PRIMA Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl includes a carabiner for easy attachment to a backpack, purse, belt loop, or your dog’s leash. As the product title indicates, it easily collapses for quick storage and opens up just as fast.
Best Non-Slip Bowl
- Strengthened against wear and tear and rust-proof
- Available in 5 sizes and multiple colors
- Non-skid silicone base
- Embossed with a paw print design
Reviews of the Platinum Pets Stainless Steel Embossed Non-Tip Dog Bowl indicate it’s sturdy enough for even the “ruffest” of bowl pushers. It’s a great option for dogs who tend to make noises and messes while they eat.
Best Ceramic Bowl
- Attractive design by home decor designer Jonathan Adler
- Made of ceramic with removable anti skid silicone sleeves
- The sleeve can double as a lid for carrying
- Top rack dishwasher safe
The Jonathan Adler Now House Terrazzo Duo Dog Bowl is a classy, attractive ceramic bowl for those whose dogs care just as much about aesthetics as they do. It also comes with a silicone sleeve that can either prevent skidding or be used as a lid for carrying. A bowl like this is best for gentler eaters.
Best Feeding Mat
- Nose work snuffle mat engages and rewards your pup
- Mentally stimulating, focus-building feeding activity
- Cute sunflower mat design
Okay, so it’s not technically a bowl, but a food receptacle nonetheless. The Blooming Sunflower Snuffle Mat is part of our PreyPlay™ Interactive Toy Collection, designed to engage your dog’s primal desires while entertaining and stimulating them.
The “nose work” required to find food on the sunflower mat strengthens sniffers and encourages natural canine foraging and hunting instincts. Plus, they have fun doing it!