In a rush and just want my recommendation? I think the Max and Neo Heavyweight Non-Skid Rubber Bottom Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a great choice.
There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your hound enthusiastically eating their dinner. Sometimes you hardly have time to stand up before you need to bend down and pick up the empty bowl. Dogs aren’t supposed to take time to chew and savor every mouthful. They are hard-wired to ‘wolf’ the food down, before something else grabs it.
Depending on many factors, your choice of feeding bowl will affect whether your dog feeds easily or not. Deep bowls with traditional straight sides can be difficult for flat-faced dogs, or older dogs with less mobility. And if your dog has a voracious appetite, a slanted bowl may result in food all over the floor!
There are many different bowls available for dogs, so I’m taking a close look at some of the options.
In this article, I’m reviewing the following dog bowls.
- Godinger Crystal Dog Bowl
- AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
- Bone Dry Paw Patch & Stripes Ceramic Pet Bowl & Canister Collection
- Super Design Mess Free 15° Slanted Bowl
- Max and Neo Heavyweight Non-Skid Rubber Bottom Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
5 Best Dog Bowls Reviewed
Godinger Crystal Dog Bowl
Made from hand-crafted, lead-free crystal glass, this bowl has a fluid capacity of 1.5 cups. Measurements are 8″ at the base, 6″ at the top, and 3″ tall.
These bowls are beautifully crafted, dish-washer safe and durable. They aren’t suitable for big dogs, but if you have a smaller hound they are the perfect size.
The weight of these bowls means they would be difficult to break, and also difficult for a dog to move around the floor. A well known and trusted brand.
Pros:
- Excellent quality
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Dish-washer safe
- Heavy enough to be stable
- Attractive design
Cons:
- Some reports of glass flaws such as bubbles
AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
These are extremely affordable bowls measuring 10.63 x 10.63 x 3.46 inches. Stainless steel makes them easy to clean, dish-washer safe and rust resistant.
Save more by buying a pack of two.
The broader base means the bowl can’t be tipped over, and there is a non-slip rubber base.
The bowls hold up to 38 ounces each, so about 4.75 cups. Suitable for medium breeds.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable pack of two
- Attractive stainless steel
- Easy to clean
- Dish-washer safe
- Non-slip and no-tip design
Cons:
- Not suitable for large dogs
- Stainless steel a little thin
- Can scratch easily
Bone Dry Paw Patch & Stripes Ceramic Pet Bowl & Canister Collection
These attractive ceramic bowls come as a set of two. There are three sizes, but choose carefully before you order. Measure a bowl you already own to compare the sizes below.
- Small = 4.25 x 2 x 4.25 inches
- Med = 6 x 2 x 6 inches
- Large = 7.5 x 2.4 x 7.5 inches
Dishwasher and microwave-safe, these stylish bowls are suitable for food and water. The design is classic horizontal lines with a paw print logo.The non-slip silicone ring on the base can be removed for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Well-made
- Easy to clean
- Non-slip
- FDA food safe
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Silicone ring falls off easily after use
Super Design Mess Free 15° Slanted Bowl
This bowl has two parts to it. A heavier, melamine base with non-slip feet, and a stainless steel bowl which fits snugly inside and held there by a rubber seal. Both parts can be cleaned easily and are dishwasher-safe.
There are eight, bright color choices for the base, which sets the stainless steel bowl on a 15 degree angle, and there are four size options.
- Small = 0.5 cup
- Med = 1.5 cups
- Large = 3 cups
- XL = 7 cups
If you’re looking for an elevated food bowl, this isn’t particularly high off the floor. It’s design is to assist short-nosed dogs, or dogs who like to lick up the bowl but have trouble with straight sides.
Pros:
- Great color choices
- Good sizing
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Stainless steel bowl not great quality
- Bowl may rattle in holder
Max and Neo Heavyweight Non-Skid Rubber Bottom Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
These sleek looking bowls are made from quality stainless steel. They are independently lab tested and free of heavy metals.
All bowls have a full rubber bottom, not just a rubber ring on the outside. Because of this and the fact that they are heavier, they are harder for dogs to flip and push across the floor.
There are three size options. Small is 6.5in diameter, medium is 8in and large is a generous 9.5in diameter.
For every dog bowl sold, the makers donate a dog bowl to a dog rescue.
Pros:
- High quality material
- Durable
- Stylish
- Good sizing
- Guaranteed non-toxic
- Dishwasher-safe
- Suitable for water
Cons:
- Higher price point
Guide To Buying Dog Bowls
What is the safest material for dog bowls?
Dog bowls come in a huge range of sizes, designs and materials. The price will be reflected in the quality of the components used in the manufacture of the bowl. A good dog bowl doesn’t have to be expensive. It has to be a safe material, and suitable for the type of dog you are feeding.
Plastic
Always cheap and cheerful, with an extensive choice of colors. There are several different types of plastics, but it’s a well known fact that this material is not ideal for holding your hound’s food or water. They are very easy to scratch, and these defects are where bacteria hides. Even washing the bowl regularly will not get rid of it.
If your dog is a chewer, little bits of plastic become a significant choking risk.
The other major concern is that of leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the food. This is made worse if the plastic or food is heated. Water bowls are especially at risk because they are constantly wet.
Plastic Dish Nasal Dermatitis is a condition where the leaching of p-benzyl hydroquinone causes loss of pigment around the dog’s nose and mouth. Instead of a shiny black nose, pink blotches start to appear.
While it may be possible to use these without any ill-effects to your hound, I prefer to be cautious. For that reason I won’t be reviewing any plastic bowls.
Stainless Steel
These are unbreakable, safe and hygienic. Non-porous, so they are easy to clean thoroughly. They can vary in price depending on the size, quality of the manufacture, and any extra components such as non-skid bottoms.
It’s important to note that some of the cheaper, overseas made steel has been found to contain lead.
Stoneware and Ceramic
As long as these bowls have a food-grade glaze, they are a safe choice for your dog. If they get cracked or broken, they will need to be replaced. They are usually sturdy and attractive, with many colors and designs available.
Glass
As good as stainless steel, apart from one important factor. They are breakable, which can be hazardous to you and your hound.
Are raised dog bowls good or bad?
There’s a bit of controversy around whether or not raised bowls lead to stomach bloat. This is supposed to be due to the dog eating faster, with their head in a higher position which makes them swallow lots of air, along with their food. The jury is out, on whether elevated bowls alone can cause gastric problems.
I can only think of one good reason to raise the food bowl, and I have done it in the past. My very elderly dog, Hattie, had severe neck and spine arthritis. She literally couldn’t lower her head to the bowl on the floor. Raising it up a few inches really helped her out. Other than that, I think most dogs are quite happy to eat as they normally would.
How do I know what size bowl to get my dog?
The bowl should only be as big as required to allow your hound to get at the food. A study carried out in 2012 found that the bigger the bowl, the more food went into it. People often over-feed because the correct sized meal looks small. Portion control suffers, just as it does with humans.
Every case will be different. If you measure out the recommended feed for your dog, add some room for licking up the sides of the bowl without spreading it over the floor, you’ll pretty much have a good size sorted out. Always follow the feeding instructions provided with your chosen dog food.
In order to help you pick the right sized bowl, just remember that 1 cup = 8 ounces.
And, as a rule of thumb, the water bowl should never be smaller than the food bowl.
Are Slanted Bowls Good for Short-Nosed Breeds?
Short-nosed, or flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, boxers, pugs and pekingese would definitely benefit from a slanted bowl. These breeds often have Brachycephalic Syndrome. This means the shape of their head and nose causes breathing difficulties. The slanted bowl just means they don’t have to burrow their heads down into a deep, straight sided bowl.
Conclusion
All these bowls offer some positive features, but the hands-down winner for me is the Max and Neo Heavyweight Non-Skid Rubber Bottom Stainless Steel Dog Bowl.
It’s the high quality material that I know I can trust. My hound is my family, and I just want the best for them. I love the generous sizing, and even though the manufacturer has provided the recommended fill capacity, they still leave you with plenty of room in the bowl.
These bowls are sturdy, durable and well worth the little extra cost.
