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More than just a dish, your dog's bowl is their dinner plate and hydration station.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky!
Do you prioritise a sleek design that complements your home decor? Is easy cleaning and keeping spills at bay a must? Perhaps your pup is a finicky eater or a greedy guzzler ?
Fear not, fellow dog lover! We've scoured the UK market to find the top dog bowls of the year.
From chic ceramics to eco-friendly options, we'll explore the most stylish and functional choices available.
Plus, we'll provide a handy guide at the end to help you pick the perfect bowl for your furry best friend!
Dinnertime dilemmas solved!
UPDATES : NOVEMBER 2024 We've updated this article to include the new ranges of dog bowl from Mason Cash. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Top Picks for Dog Bowls
4. Best Slow Feeder - SodaPup
Our Top Picks for Dog Bowls 2024
1. Best Dog Bowls Overall
Dog Copenhagen
There's something undeniably chic about Nordic design. It's simple, functional, and effortlessly stylish. That's exactly what you'll find in Dog Copenhagen's collection of dog bowls.
We love the way these dog bowls feature super hygienic brushed stainless steel but then surround them in a sleek matte.
The shape is also clever, as the wider base means the bowl is virtually spill-proof. Plus, the integrated non-slip rubber base adds an extra layer of security. Both big pluses !
Clearly bite resistant these bowls are ideal if you have a 'chewer' at home. Built to stand the test of time, they should save money in the long run as they won't need replacing.
Needless to say, they are easy to clean as they're both dishwasher safe.
Matched with cool looks on the design front, they have simple lines, gorgeous muted colours so make an incredibly stylish dog bowl.
Available individually, their collection offers 2 sizes and 5 beautiful understated tones - Cafe Latte, Off White, Mint Green, Cool Grey or Steel.
Complete the look:
Pair your Dog Copenhagen bowls with the Libra Placemat for added style and protection. Available in 2 sizes and 3 colours - coffee cream ( pictured), cool grey or mint green.
Our Verdict - In a nutshell, these bowls are both stylish and practical. |
Dimensions | Capacity :
S/M : 14.5cm diameter x 7.4cm height (volume 700ml)
M/L : 18.5cm diameter x 9.0cm height (volume 1400ml)
Reasons to Buy
+ Modern stylish design
+ 5 colour options
+ Optional placemat
+ Won't tip over
+ Bite-resistant
Reasons to Avoid
- If your dog prefers a raised bowl
Buying Options
2. Best Ceramic Dog Bowls
Mason Cash
Mason Cash's credentials need no introduction – the brand behind the iconic mixing bowls, and makers of the best-in-class white pudding basins, it's little wonder that we think their pet bowls rank as the best ceramic dog bowl.
Designing pet bowls since 1940, Mason Cash bring their timeless design aesthetic to the world of pet dining. Their collections offer a blend of classic and contemporary styles, perfect for any dog lover's kitchen.
Newly launched are two gorgeous designs which have the look and feel of artisanal handmade pottery without the accompanying price tag !
We're paws-itively in love with the Heart Paw bowls. They have a certain rustic charm with a ribbed exterior in a blend of both gloss and matte finishes. The gloss interior finish makes it incredibly easy to clean and the surface is hygienic so won't absorb odours and flavours.
We think these Heart Paw bowls would blend in seamlessly with most dog-lovers kitchens.
The second new collection is the Reactive Paw Bowls designed to match the Mason Cash Reactive Blue kitchenware collection.
More of a statement piece, the reactive glaze creates a unique, artisanal look and no two bowls are the same.
Not just beautiful to look at, both ranges are crafted from durable heavy stoneware which will keep your dog's water cooler for longer. Also you'll be pleased to know whilst they have the handcrafted look and feel, both ranges are extremely practical - dishwasher and freezer safe for hassle-free cleaning.
If you're after a more classic bowl, their Cane range is a great place to start. There are lots of sizes and shapes including this Non-Tip Lettered dog bowl which is a lifesaver for long-eared pups.
Its heavyweight design and wide base prevent tipping, keeping mealtime mess-free and ears out of their food.
Often referred to as 'spaniel bowls', this conical shaped bowl ensures that your dog's long ears will not get covered in food, perfect if you feed raw or wet food.
The unique design leaves the ears on the outside of the bowl at all times which is ideal for so many dog breeds. On the other hand, it works well for greedy guzzlers.
The shape of the bowl also slows your dog down as they need to work hard to get to every morsel from the inner corners.
Crafted from heavy stoneware, you'll be glad to know this bowl won't move around your floor or tip over, however vigorously your dog enjoys their food.
Mason Cash offers a vast selection of traditional and modern dog bowls and we've only featured three ranges here. Be sure to browse their collection to find the perfect fit for your furry friend!
Our Verdict - Looking for a dog bowl steeped in heritage, the Mason Cash dog bowl collection offers a timeless British design. |
Dimensions :
Heart Paw & Reactive Paw Bowls 18cm, 15cm & 13cm diameter
Cane 21cm diameter
Reasons to Buy
+ Heavy stoneware
+ Extensive collection
+ Iconic brand
+ Great value
+ Keeps water cooler for longer
+ Hygienic
+ Dishwasher & freezer safe
Reasons to Avoid
+ If you're looking for a slow feeder or a raised feeding station
Buying Options
The Amazon photos don't capture the true beauty of these bowls. Trust us, they're much more impressive in person.
2. Best Raised Dog Bowls
Lola & Daisy
More than just dog bowls, Lola & Daisy's raised dog bowl stands, elevate mealtimes with a touch of modern design. This small, family-run business, based in Scotland, handcrafts beautiful and practical pet products from wood right in their home workshop.
Raised feeders mean less mealtime mess! Dog bowls are often more secure on a stand, preventing them from sliding around and scattering food across your kitchen floor.
Lola & Daisy bowls offer clean lines and sleek design will seamlessly integrate into your kitchen, adding a sophisticated or colourful accent, depending on your preference.
Available in a wide selection of colours and finishes from walnut or cherry wood to a vibrant red, powder blue, yellow or a gorgeous matt black. They'll certainly elevate your dog's dining experience.
And to ensure a comfortable fit for any dog, all their feeders come in four standard heights.
But for the ultimate personalisation, Lola & Daisy goes the extra mile with a made-to-measure service. They hand-craft feeders at the exact height that perfectly suits your furry friend.
We tested one of their new range of super matt finish stands.
We all know the frustration – no matter how much your dog loves their food, keeping their bowl clean can feel like a never-ending battle.
This dog bowl stand offers a game-changer for busy pet parents. Made with a modern, anti-fingerprint laminate, these feeders wipe clean effortlessly – no more scrubbing or lingering food smears! Just a quick wipe, and your dog's feeding station looks sparkling new again.
The built-in stainless steel bowls are a good size and fit perfectly into the feeder thanks to the soft fabric lining around the holes. This prevents clanging and movement of the bowls, which is ideal for keeping noise-sensitive pups calm during mealtime.
Our Verdict - Lola & Daisy's raised dog bowl stands combine stunning design with functionality, creating a feeding station your pup and you will love ! |
Dimensions : For Double Bowl
(Length x Depth x Height)
Small 42 x 18 x 12 cm | Medium 54 x 24 x 20 cm | Large 58 x 28 x 28 cm | X Large 74 x 30 x 38 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Elegant and modern design
+ Easy to clean
+ Lightweight
+ Wide range of options & colours
+ Personalisation available
Reasons to Avoid
+ Not the cheapest raised feeder
Buying Options
Want to explore more raised feeder options?
Check out our in-depth review, Top 10 Raised Dog Bowls, for a wider selection!
3. Best Slow Feeder
SodaPup
If you haven't come across SodaPup, we recommend taking a closer look at their selection of slow feeders (they call them eBowls, which stands for enrichment bowls), chew toys and treat dispensers.
Throughout their entire product range, SodaPup focus on beauty and originality in their designs.
Designed with a series of individual hexagonal chambers, this Honeycomb eBowl is perfect for preventing your dog from eating their entire bowl in just a couple of mouthfuls.
SodaPup's range of designs includes Mandala, Wave (inspired by theJapanese wood print "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa") and Water Frog eTrays. They each feature slightly shallower trough depths than the Honeycomb design, but still offer a challenge for your dog to reach their food.
Better still you can simply pop these bowls on the top rack of your dishwasher or wash in warm soapy water so perfect for dealing with wet and raw dog foods which can easily get stuck in the ridges. It's also worth noting that their range of eBowls are also freezer and microwave safe.
What's in our bowl ?
🥩 Naturaw - raw dog food
🥦 Broccoli
🐟 Sprats
🍃 Spinach
🥚 Eggshell
🥕 Carrot & raspberries
🦷 Egg with Dogs Lounge - Chomper - natural plaque & tartar remover
🦴 Greek Yoghurt
🐟 Buddy & Lola - Super Tummy Daily chew - advanced Pre and Probiotic
Our Verdict - We love all the SodaPup designs, but our favourite has to be the Honeycomb e-Bowl for it's sheer ease of adding different food types and making mealtime more fun. |
Dimensions (diameter) : 20cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Designed to challenge
+ Wide range of designs
+ Individual chambers
+ Ideal for serving wet & dry food
Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable for flat-faced breeds
- Only one size
Want to explore more slow feeder options?
Check out our in-depth review, Best Slow Feeder Bowls for a wider selection!
4. Best for Flat-Faced Breeds
Recent finalists of the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2023, EastEat is an innovative raised feeding solution, designed specifically for brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs (although other breeds may love it too)
The EasyEat bowl features a raised stand that promotes a more natural eating posture for your dog. Plus, the wide, lowered front edge makes it easier for them to reach every last kibble.
But is it comfy and convenient? Our furry product tester, Elsie the French Bulldog, gives it a paws-up! She gobbled up her entire meal in one go, unlike before when she'd take breaks and revisit her food.
Easy for you too! The human tester loved how easy the EasyEat was to clean. The removable insert is dishwasher-safe, saving you scrubbing time. And let's face it, dog bowls are often on display – the EasyEat's sleek, matte cream finish will complement most kitchen decors.
Admittedly, there are other trough style feeders on the market, notably Fluff Trough which we have also tested and reviewed, but the EasyEat has some unique design features -
⭐️ Handles
Rounded integral handles make it easy to pick up from the floor
⭐️ Stackable
In multiple dog homes, the EasyEat stacks so needs less space when not in use.
⭐️ Colour Options
Gorgeous pastel colours including sage green and pink.
You can even opt to have the EasyEat personalised, with your dog's name printed on the side.
Our Verdict - A beautifully designed raised feeder for flat faced breeds. We particularly love the range of colours and slow feeder insert. |
Dimensions : (front height, back height x width)
Standard - 14, 20 x 27.5cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Ideal for flat-faced breeds
+ Easy to clean
+ Integral curved handles
+ Personalisation available
+ Stackable
Reasons to Avoid
+ Not the largest trough style feeder
Buying Options
For 10% off the EasyEat Feeder - use discount code BARK10
5. Best Eco-Friendly Bowls
United Pets
United Pets are an Italian brand offering a range of pet products for the modern dog lover.
Looking for a dog bowl that's both stylish and practical? Look no further than the Pappy bowl! This funky design stands out with a range of gorgeous pastel colours, sure to complement any home décor.
But it's not just about looks!
The Pappy bowl is designed with functionality in mind. The simple design incorporates a bone-shaped handle for easy grabbing, and the balanced depth-to-width ratio helps keep food contained during mealtime.
On top of everything else, the Pappy bowl is kind to the planet! Made from 100% recycled plastic, it's a sustainable choice for eco-conscious pet owners. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe and microwaveable for effortless cleaning.
Our Verdict - Available in three sizes and a variety of beautiful colours, we think that the Pappy bowl from United Pets is the perfect combination of style, function, and environmental responsibility! |
Dimensions : (base diameter, depth)
Small -18cm, 7cm | Medium - 25cm, 9cm | Large - 30cm, 10cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Eco-friendly
+ Non-slip bowl
+ Choice of colours
+ Great value
Reasons to Avoid
- If your dog prefers a raised bowl
Buying Options
7. Best Ceramic Slow Feeder
Magisso
This stunning range of ceramic bowls from Magisso, a multi-award-winning design agency, embodies minimalist elegance. Available in a striking array of colours, these bowls are the perfect blend of style and functionality for your pet's feeding station.
These stunning bowls from Magisso are not only beautiful but also delightfully problem-solving.
The simple design features a raised centre, which not only looks sleek in your kitchen but also keeps your dog engaged for longer mealtimes, encouraging natural foraging behaviours.
But the real showstopper is the built-in cooling technology! Simply soak or run the bowl under cold water for 45 seconds, and it transforms into an ice-cold dish for hours. This innovative feature keeps fresh and wet food fresher for longer, reducing spoilage and waste.
Dishwasher safe, they're easy to keep clean. Designed to be used with wet or dry foods and available in three sizes.
Our Verdict - Magisso bowls are a perfect example of how thoughtful design can elevate both your dog's mealtime and your kitchen's style! |
Dimensions - (diameter x depth) :
S -13 x 3.5cm | M -15 x 6.5cm | L -20 x 8.3cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Stylish design
+ Colour options
+ Size options
+ Keeps food and water cool
Reasons to Avoid
- Not a non-slip base
Buying Options
8. Best Puppy Starter Set
Pecute
Tired of mealtime battles with your messy pup?
Pecute's double set of small bowls on a mat is the perfect solution! These stainless steel bowls are easy to remove and clean in the dishwasher, taking the hassle and mess out of puppy mealtimes.
No more tipping bowls or messy spills! The clever design features a silicone mat with a raised lip that keeps the bowls secure and catches any food or water that misses the mark.
This set even includes a free scoop for perfectly portioned meals, making every feeding time a breeze.
Available in three sizes and your choice of grey or brown, you can find the perfect fit for your furry friend.
Our Verdict -We recommend Pecute dog bowls for dog lovers looking for a starter dog bowl set for puppies who can make a real mess ! |
Dimensions :
Medium mat 45 x 26cm (bowls 400ml)
Large mat 47.5 x 28cm (bowls 750ml)
X- Large mat 55 x 34cm (bowls 750 + 1600ml)
Reasons to Buy
+ Integral mat
+ Ideal for puppies
+ Ideal for messy eaters
Reasons to Avoid
+ Functional design
9. Best Large Dog Bowls
Peggy11
Sure, stainless steel bowls might not win any beauty contests, but they're incredibly popular for a reason.
They're super tough, hygienic, and a breeze to clean. Plus, stainless steel is much lighter than ceramic, making it the perfect choice for those extra-large dog bowls your furry giant needs.
Calling all owners of big eaters!
Peggy11's extra large dog bowl is a mealtime game-changer. This stainless steel whopper holds a whopping 3.8 litres of food or water, with a diameter of 28cm and depth of 11cm.
Does your pup like to play a game of "kitchen shuffle" with their water bowl?
Peggy11's got you covered. The built-in non-skid pad keeps the bowl firmly in place, preventing spills and frustration. The wide, flat rim is also easy for us humans to grab, and best of all, it's dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning.
This is a practical and affordable option built to last, with the only trade-off being a lack of fancy colours or designs. Available in a 2-pack and 3 different sizes to suit all dog breeds, from tiny to titanic!
Our Verdict - We recommend PEGGY11 bowls for those dog lovers looking for simple, extra large, no-nonsense and hygienic dog bowls. |
Dimensions : (outer edge diameter x depth) :
S 17.5 x 6cm | M 21 x 7cm | L 23.8 x 8cm | XL 28 x 11cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Non-slip silicone base
+ Wide rims
+ 3 sizes
Reasons to Avoid
+ Lacks designer looks
10. Best Single Raised Bowl
Dogit 2-in-1
This modern raised dog bowl from Dogit features a removable stainless steel inner bowl that sits snugly within a stylish melamine outer shell.
Easy filling and cleaning are a breeze - simply pop out the inner bowl and toss it in the dishwasher!
While the stainless steel inner bowl offers a shallower feeding area than the full depth of the melamine outer, it's still plenty deep for your pup's meals.
The inner bowl fits securely inside the outer shell, preventing tipping caused by curious paws or noses. And for added stability, the base features a non-slip ring to keep the bowl firmly in place.
But the cleverness doesn't stop there! The thoughtful design incorporates two curved sections at the base, making it easy for you to pick up the bowl. The only downside is that these bowls aren't suitable for dogs with big meals.
Our Verdict - Available in a wide selection of fun colours and two sizes, this Dogit bowl is both stylish and practical! |
Dimensions : (height, capacity) :
Small - 16 cm, 300ml | Large - 17cm, 900ml
Reasons to Buy
+ Removable feeding bowl
+ Two size options
+ Colour options
Reasons to Avoid
- Feeding bowl on the small side
Our Verdict
The perfect dog bowl? It's all about your pup and your preferences!
Style Scout? Look no further than Dog Copenhagen's stainless steel bowls. They'll elevate your dog's dinner time experience and they're a breeze to clean.
Rustic Charm ? Mason Cash offer a gorgeous new range of durable heavy stoneware with that handcrafted look.
Function First? EasyEat offer a modern bowl in a variety of muted colours. Easy on the eye and easy to clean, a paw-fect choice.
Speedy Eater? SodaPup's Honeycomb eBowl is here to help! This slow feeder bowl turns mealtime into a mental challenge, keeping your pup entertained and helping with digestion .
Budget-Conscious? Peggy11's stainless steel bowls are a steal! Available in a two-pack and three sizes, they're hygienic, dishwasher-safe, and affordable – perfect for any furry friend.
Ultimately, the best dog bowl is the one that works for you and your pup! Consider your dog's needs, your cleaning preferences, and of course, your home décor style to find the perfect match.
How to Choose the Best Dog Bowl
A good dog bowl is an investment in terms of your dog's health and wellbeing. We'd suggest that you start by considering what the type of eater your dog is, whether they lick their bowl clean, toss their food about or are generally very fussy.
Do you simply want a dog food bowl to feed your dog or do you want a bowl that will look stylish in your kitchen too?
Is eco-friendly important, is dishwasher safe a deal-breaker or is your main aim to simply slow down your guzzling pup?
This is definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can judge for yourself whether you like the look and we'll fill you in as best we can on size, materials, hygiene and of course, the pros and cons of each style.
Features to Consider
Before you read on, let's look at some features you may want to think about -
Material
The cheapest dog bowls tend to be plastic but if you have a 'chewer', a metal or ceramic bowl maybe a better long term choice.
Ceramic bowls can help to keep the food cooler for longer, so if you dish up raw food this maybe a consideration. Metal or stainless steel, a firm favourite with dog lovers, are very hygienic and easy to wash but can look rather functional.
A fairly new innovation are eco-friendly bamboo bowls. These are surprisingly sturdy, well designed and great for your carbon paw-print.
Size
Most of the dog bowls we feature are available in multiple sizes to suit a range of breeds. We provide information on the bowl diameter, width and capacity to help you select the most suitable size for your four-legged friend.
Raised Dog Bowl
If you have an older dog, a raised dog bowl can help with their digestion. Specifically designed to bring food closer to your dogs mouth, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to bend down so far.
They have the added benefit of keeping the bowl in one place, so if you have a messy eater, raised dog bowl stands can help you to keep your floor clean.
We've included a couple of our favourite raised dog bowls in this review, but if you are interested in exploring more raised dog bowls, checkout our Top 10 Raised Dog Bowls Review
Slow Feeder
Specially designed slow feeder bowls can encourage the greediest of dogs to eat at a slower pace by making them forage around the bowl for their food. This in turn reduces the risk of bloating and generally improves your dog's gut health.
Again, we've included a couple of recommended slow feeder dog bowls in this Top 10, but more options are available in our Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Review
How We Picked
You can find hundreds of styles of dog bowls, and searching through them is a tough task since choosing the best is heavily dependent on your dog's needs and your preferences.
To help make the choice easier, we began our research by splitting the different styles of bowls into categories.
Our dozens of hours of research across retailers such as Amazon and Pets at Home helped us narrow the choices down to three types: basic, raised and slow feeders.
We also considered the materials used and tried to offer options in stainless steel, plastic, ceramic and eco-friendly materials.
And of course we included small UK business too.
We then read through owner reviews of dog bowls across dozens of product listings to get a sense of what was worth considering. Did they work well in the 'real world' ? Were they durable ? Did they move when used ? And of course for us dog- servants, how easy were they to clean ?
Almost all our products are sent to us by the companies involved and almost always as a result of our request. We only review the products we think are worth reviewing.
You of course, may have other ideas ! And if you reckon we've missed an absolute blinder of a tdog bowl that we're crazy for leaving out, then give us a shout.
FAQ's
How often should I change my dog's bowl ?
In addition to washing your dog's bowls regularly (ideally daily), here are some ways to tell if their bowl needs a deep clean or you should consider changing -
Visible signs of leftover food: This includes stuck-on kibble, discolouration from wet food, or remnants of treats or supplements.
Slimy film: A slippery feeling on the bowl's surface or sides is a sign of bacteria growth.
Foul odour: A nasty smell coming from the bowl indicates something is amiss and if a deep clean doesn't work, replace it.
Picky eater: If your dog suddenly loses interest in their food or water, a dirty bowl could be the culprit.
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to wash the bowls with hot, soapy water and look into replacing them if they're damaged or excessively worn. Keeping your dog's bowls clean and fresh is an easy way to promote their health and happiness.
How should I clean dog bowls ?
Ever notice that icky slime in your dog's food or water bowl? That's not just leftover food particles – it's a breeding ground for bacteria called biofilm. These bacteria cling to the bowl's surface and secrete a sticky substance that makes them hard to remove.
All the bowls we feature are dishwasher safe so ideally pop the bowls in the dishwasher daily as the high temperatures are more likely to kill any bacteria and fully disinfect them.
If you don't have a dishwasher simply wash them in hot soapy water then rinse them thoroughly in scalding water to remove any potential bacteria.
Always use a separate dish cloth when cleaning as you don’t want to wipe biofilm from your dog's dishes onto yours.
Also, if possible, wash dog's bowls in another sink, rather than using the kitchen sink, to further protect your food prep areas from cross-contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating dog owners' feeding habits and studying its impact on dog food dish contamination - saying they 'poses significant health risk' - as reported by Wales OnLine .
How many bowls of water should a dog drink ?
Most dogs need about a 25-50 ml per kg of body weight per day, so a 10 kg dog needs approx 1/2 litre of clean water daily.
Really active or lactating dogs may need more and puppies generally drink more than adult dogs.
Dogs on dry diets such as kibble will drink more than dogs on wet, raw or fresh diets. Wet dog food contains 65-80% water compared to dry dog food which only contains around 20% water.
If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem.
If on the other hand, you are concerned that your dog is not drinking enough, take a look at Furr Boost. Furr Boost offers a nutritious beverage which will do a lot more than simply quench your dog's thirst.
Their drink can help with your dog's skin and coat, digestion, immunity, anxiety and metabolism, so appears to be an all round tonic.
Which dog bowls are good for dogs that eat too fast ?
Specially designed slow feeder bowls or anti-gulp bowls, can encourage the greediest of dogs to eat at a slower pace by making them forage around the bowl for their food. This in turn reduces the risk of bloating and generally improves your dog's gut health.
It's all about providing your dog with a bit more challenge so they have to work significantly harder for their food.
If you would like to explore Slow Feeders in more detail, take a look at our popular article - Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
We hope you found the perfect bowl for you and your four-legged friend.
Thank you for dropping by and reading our article on the Best Dog Bowls for 2024.
