The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Bowl: Size, Material, Type & More

When welcoming a new puppy or dog into the house, most pet owners focus on food quality, exercise, choosing a cool toy, and finding the right veterinary care team. Picking the right dog food bowl is usually not at the top of the to-do list, but it can have a big impact on your pup’s health and well-being. Taking a few minutes now to consider your choices for the best dog bowl for your pup can help avoid pitfalls later.

Why the Right Dog Bowl Matters

We all know that adequate food and water intake are critical for dogs’ health. An unpleasant or uncomfortable bowl can affect eating and drinking behavior, potentially resulting in picky eaters or ill dogs eating less or not at all. Negative feeding experiences can also lead to or worsen unwanted behaviors, especially in multi-pet households.

Types of Dog Bowls

Fortunately, there are a lot of different choices when it comes to selecting a bowl for your dog. Some modern dog bowls function like toys, while others can help encourage dogs to eat slowly. Trial and error may be necessary to find the best dog bowl or feeding system, and remember that your dog’s needs may change over time.

Commonly used types of dog bowls include:

• Bowls or dishes – The most common, with a large variety of materials, shapes, and sizes.
• Elevated dog bowl – A raised dog bowl or elevated dog feeder may provide a more comfortable eating experience for dogs with neck or back pain or those with digestive illnesses. Speak with your veterinarian about whether an elevated food bowl is right for your pet. They may recommend one for osteoarthritis, neck or back pain, megaesophagus, swallowing disorders, or limited mobility after surgery, and sometimes for seniors or large dogs that are more comfortable eating at standing height. However, raised bowls aren’t suitable for every dog, especially some large breeds at risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus).¹
• Food puzzles – A puzzle feeder for dogs can provide them with mental stimulation while slowing down pups that eat too quickly.
• Lick mats – These types of feeders, which are typically flat, allow you to spread out wet food over a wider surface area, which can also help to slow down fast eaters.
• Automated feeders – These timed devices are popular for dogs requiring special diets, where accurate food intake measurements are needed.
• Spill-proof dog bowls – Some dog bowls are designed to be anti-spill. Options include wide, low-to-the-ground, heavier bowls, as well as anti-scoot or anti-skid options with silicone mats, lips, or feet. A flexible waterproof tray can also help contain spills.
• Collapsible travel dog bowls – These can be a good option for when you take your dog on a car ride, vacation, just a local hiking excursion, or jaunt in the park. Collapsible dog bowls aren’t as sturdy as other options, but they are convenient for carrying with you and often have carabiners or other methods to allow you to clip them onto a backpack, purse, or belt loop.

If you do have a dog that eats quickly, the best slow feeder dog bowl is one that will keep your dog’s attention so they will eat all of their food from it.

Dog Bowl Materials

Pet supply stores offer bowls in many different materials, which vary in cost and appearance. So which is the safest dog bowl material? Not all materials are equal, and it helps to understand the pros and cons of each to decide which is the best dog bowl material.

• Plastic – Hard plastic dog bowls are low cost and come in a great variety of colors and shapes. They don’t easily chip, break or crack but are generally not sturdy or environmentally friendly. Plastics can potentially expose dogs to BPA or other harmful substances.  
• Metal – Sturdy, lightweight and cost-effective choices. Grade 304, 18-gauge or thicker stainless steel bowls are durable and food safe. On the downside, they can be noisy on hard floors, dent if made from thinner steel, and usually don’t offer as many decorative options.
• Ceramic – Comes in many shapes, colors, and sizes; is heavier and less likely to tip than metal or plastic and can be cleaned at a high temperature (in a dishwasher). The drawback is that they can chip or crack, and not all ceramics are guaranteed food safe. If you choose a ceramic dog bowl, be sure to check that it’s certified food safe.
• Glass – Sturdy and easy to clean, but if it breaks or cracks, it can pose a safety risk.

Dogs themselves generally don’t have a preference for one bowl material over another – the choice comes down to safety, durability, and what works best for your household.

Choosing the Right Size Dog Bowl

Dogs vary a lot in shape and size, and you will want to pick a dog bowl size for both food and water bowls that matches your individual dog.  

For example, dogs with flatter faces (such as English, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus) need a shallower bowl (or plate) to accommodate their facial conformation. Large breeds need a large water bowl for dogs that provides them with plenty of space. Likewise, deeper bowls can be uncomfortable for small dogs.

Dog Bowl Placement

Although not as finicky about bowl placement as their feline counterparts, some dogs have preferences when it comes to where their food and water bowls are located. Many dogs need a quiet place out of the main traffic flow to enjoy their meals. If your dog is not finishing their meals, or seems anxious while eating and drinking, consider moving their bowls to a less busy location. Placing bowls on a rug or mat also helps provide traction, which is safer and more comfortable for dogs than eating on slippery hardwood or tile floors.

One topic that deserves a quick mention is food aggression. Some dogs can get agitated and lash out at other pets and people if they feel threatened while eating. If your dog exhibits these behaviors, the problem is more serious than can be solved simply by changing dog bowl placement. To prevent injury, talk to your veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of being food aggressive.

Maintaining Your Dog Bowl

Cleaning dog bowls, automated feeders, or food puzzles is essential to remove dried food, eliminate spoiled food, eliminate unpleasant odors, and keep bacterial counts low.

A good rule is to thoroughly wash and rinse your dog’s food and water bowls on a daily basis. Use hot water to clean bowls, and consider using the dishwasher if your pet’s bowls are dishwasher safe. Washing with hot water keeps harmful bacteria in check.^2-4

Remember that automated feeders and food puzzles need regular cleaning, too. Replace chipped or cracked bowls immediately to avoid injury to your pet and to remove areas where bacteria can hide.  

By considering the shape, placement, and ease of cleaning of your dog water bowls and dog food bowls, you can make a significant contribution to your dog’s well-being and health. They’ll thank you for it!

For more expert tips on dog feeding, explore our other dog feeding guide articles.

References

1. Glickman LT, Glickman NW, Schellenberg DB, et al. Non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large and giant breed dogs. JAVMA. 2000;217(10):1492–1499.

2. Wright C, Carroll A. Poster presented at: Microbiological Assessment of Canine Drinking Water and the Impact of Bowl Construction Material. 69th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science; August 27–31, 2018; Dubrovnik, Croatia.

3. Raspa F, Schiavone A, Pattono D, et al. Pet feeding habits and the microbiological contamination of dog food bowls: effect of feed type, cleaning method and bowl material. BMC Vet Res. 2023;19:261.

4. Luisana E, Saker K, Jaykus L-A, Getty C. Survey evaluation of dog owners’ feeding practices and dog bowls’ hygiene assessment in domestic settings. PLoS ONE. 2022;17:e0259478.