The 8 Best Dog Bowls: Why We Picked Them & Where to Buy

by Sundays

dog eating out of dog food bowl

Reviewing our favorite custom, elevated, & small dog bowls.

All pricing is accurate up to the point of this posting.

Dog parents spend so much time researching the best food for their furry friends. But shopping for the dog food bowl is often a second thought. While it may seem simple, choosing the right dog food bowl can make a huge difference in your dog’s eating habits & dental health

To give time back to you and your pup, we’ve done the research for you. Here’s what we consider to be the best dog bowls based on design, safety, & durability. 

Why the Right Dog Food Bowl Matters

Your dog’s food bowl is more than just a place to eat. It plays an important role in their health, posture, & behavior during mealtime. A poorly-designed bowl can make messes, break easily, & expose your dog to harmful chemicals. Finding the right dog food bowl means you can prevent these problems and prioritize your pup’s well-being. 

Before buying a food bowl, you’ll want to consider a few factors. Some pups can benefit from having a custom dog bowl that’s crafted for similar-sized breeds. 

  • Bowl Size - Small dog bowls are great for small & toy breeds that require less food. On the other hand, larger breeds may need a wider, taller dog food bowl. 
  • Material - The best dog bowls are sturdy and durable. We recommend shopping for bowls that are stainless steel, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic. 
  • Cleanability - Clean dog bowls regularly to avoid bacteria or mold growth. It’s easiest and most sanitary to clean them in the dishwasher. For that reason, we suggest buying a dishwasher-safe dog bowl. 
  • Height: Larger dogs and senior pups can reduce neck strain when they eat with elevated dog bowls. This helps your dog become more comfortable at mealtimes. 

The Best Small Dog Bowls 

Felt+Fat Dog Bowls for Small Dogs - $127

felt+fat dog food bowl set

For a sleek, stylish, unique dog bowl set, the Small Pet Set from Felt+Fat is a stunning choice. Made from handcrafted ceramic, these small dog bowls are designed with a modern aesthetic. The glossy Tenmoku glaze gives the bowl a gleaming shine to help it look clean even when it isn’t. 

These dog bowls for small dogs are low to the ground for comfortable feeding times. Every bowl is specially made to order by a studio in Philadelphia. These small dog bowls are certainly more of a design piece than dog supplies. 

Pottery Barn Mason Pet Bowl - Starting at $9.50 

pottery barn mason dog bowl

Add a touch of style to your pup’s mealtime with the Mason Pet Bowl from Pottery Barn. These small dog bowls are made from durable stoneware with a modern design. It’s perfect for serving both food and water. 

The Mason’s sturdy construction ensures it stays in place to reduce spills and messes. It’s available in multiple sizes for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Give your pup the best of both form and function with these small dog bowls. 

Areaware Every Pet Eats Set - $95

areaware dog bowls

For small dog bowls that add to your aesthetic, try Areaware’s Every Pet Eats Set. These dog bowls for small dogs add a pop of color to your pup’s dinner. This stylish set includes a food bowl and a water bowl. Both follow minimalist design principles that complement modern interiors. 

They aren’t just pretty – these small dog bowls are tough. Made from durable materials, this set ensures your floor stays tidy throughout mealtime. With only one size, these bowls are most suitable for small breeds. 

Best Dog Bowls for Large Dog Breeds

Merry Products Wooden Elevated Dog Bowl Stand - $48.99

merry wooden elevated dog bowl set

If your dog needs something a little more elevated, try this wooden elevated dog bowl stand. Taller dog bowls and stands can help pups digest food, reduce neck strain, and prevent slouching. This is especially helpful for senior dogs that aren’t as limber as they used to be. 

Each bowl holds about 4 cups of food or water. This elevated food stand can also be set to three different heights depending on your dog’s size. 

Trot Elevated Dog Bowl Stand & Mat - $152

trot elevated dog bowl set

Improve large dogs’ mealtime with the Trot Raised Complete Set. This set includes an elevated stand and two bowls for a more comfortable, ergonomic way to eat. Raised bowls are especially helpful for dogs with joint issues or older dogs that might have mobility issues. 

Trot’s design is sleek and minimal, fitting into almost any space without feeling out of place. Plus, it’s made with sturdy materials that are durable and easy to clean. The elevated design also helps messy dogs keep more food and water in their mouths. 

Santa Fe Modern Elevated Dog Bowl - $79.95

santa fe elevated dog bowl

If you’re searching for a stylish and functional dog food bowl, the Santa Fe from Pet Junkie is a great option. This tall design promotes better posture for large dogs and can make mealtime more comfortable for pups with joint issues. 

The carved design also makes this dog bowl fit in with home decor. Guests will do a double-take when they mistake this food bowl for a vintage vase. Though tall, this bowl has a stable base to keep it from toppling over. 

Our Favorite Custom Dog Bowls

Yeti Boomer Custom Dog Bowls - $46

yeti dog bowl

These Yeti custom dog bowls are as tough as they look. Made from high-quality, BPA-free stainless steel, this bowl is both rust-resistant and easy to clean. The no-slip ring on the bottom keeps the bowl in place during mealtime. 

Choose from either the 4-cup or 8-cup capacity bowls. Currently, Yeti offers these custom dog bowls in 11 different colors, ranging from Firefly Yellow to classic black. 

Starting at just $6, these custom dog bowls can be etched with your pup’s name. If you do choose to customize the Boomer bowl, just know that order delivery will take an additional 1 to 2 weeks. 

West & Willow Custom Dog Bowls - $60

west & willow custom dog bowls

Give feeding time a personal touch with these custom dog bowls from West & Willow. Each bowl has your pet’s name and a special design that looks just like them. This is truly a one-of-a-kind gift for your dog or a friend’s pup. 

Another perk of these custom dog bowls is that they are as practical as they are stylish. They’re easy to clean and have a sturdy base to prevent spills. Give your dog a bowl that’s just as unique as they are.

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