The 11 Best Portable Dog Bowls To Keep Your Furry Friend Hydrated on Every Adventure
If your pup is your go-to companion for all your adventures (think: hikes, road trips, and beach days), you know that no matter where you roam, your dog needs a few things from home to make the trip fun and safe. The necessities include a leash, treats, and—of course—a way to ensure your dog is drinking plenty of water. The general rule of thumb for canine hydration is that dogs need to drink about one ounce of water for every pound they weigh per day. So if you're looking for the best portable water dog bowls to help you achieve that quota, you've come to the right place.
Just like it is for humans, hydration is a cornerstone of health for dogs. Water carries necessary nutrients throughout the body, aids digestion, helps joints work properly, improves cognition, and supports basically every biological function you could think of. And thus, having portable dog bowl for your furry best friend is just as important as packing your own water bottle when you're on the move.
Ahead, veterinarian Amanda Takiguchi, DVM, a dog trainer and founder of breed-based website, TrendingBreeds, explains what criteria you need to look for in a dog bowl. Plus, the 11 best portable dog bowls on the market.
What to look for in a portable dog bowl
"The ideal dog bowl largely depends on the specific requirements of each dog," says Dr. Takiguchi. For that reason, there's no one-size-fits-all pick when it comes the right dog bowl—you'll need to consider the particular needs of your pup. Dr. Takiguichi says to consider the following:
- The size and age of your dog: The height of the bowl should match your dog's size and shape, so they don't have to stoop too low while they're drinking. Also, if you're taking care of a puppy, something lower to the ground will be better than, say, something that's huge.
- The shape of your dog's mouth and face: "If your dog is flat faced, choose wide and shallow bowls. For breeds having long and floppy ears, you may choose conical-shaped bowls that are a bit deep and narrow," says Dr. Takiguchi.
- The material of the bowl: "Apart from the size and comfort, the material also matters," explains Dr. Takiguchi. She recommends ceramic dog bowls for small dogs or dogs with allergies, and metal dog bowls for bigger, stronger pups.
So go ahead: Take stock of what your doggo needs in a portable bowl and shop a few of the best options below.
The 11 best portable dog bowls to keep your pup hydrated
This packable nylon dog bowl holds a whopping 10 cups of water—a perfect amount for bigger pups who get really thirsty on the trails. When you’re done, simply fold it up, clip it shut, and place it back in your pack.
Because of its large size, this isn’t an ideal option for smaller dogs who may just need a cup of water a day.
Looking for a fully collapsible option? This Prima Pets invention goes from 3D to 1D with a squish of your palm. Made of food-safe silicone and BPA-free plastic, it’s safe for your pet and comes in two sizes. The small one holds about two cups of water, while the large size holds five—so pick what makes the most sense for your dog’s size. It also features a carabiner that you can clip onto your backpack for easy access.
While the reviews for this bowl are generally good, some people complain that the rim cracks away from the vessel after a bit of wear and tear—so this may not be a good fit if you need a super-durable option for a strong breed of dog.
Designed with nylon and synthetic fabric, this bowl zips into a small pouch that you can take anywhere, and stays closed when it’s not in use. This baby only holds about two cups, so it’s best for smaller breeds. You can personalize the pouch with your pup’s name for an extra touch.
If you’re looking for a dog bottle that doubles as a bowl, this is one of the best options out there. This polypropylene and plastic bottle is leak-proof, holds about 15 ounces of water, and fits perfectly in a car cup holder. (Road trip, here you come!) Because of its small size, it won’t provide sufficient hydration for larger dog breeds. But for medium and small pups, it’s about as good as it gets.
This bowl has earned rave reviews because its tapered lip doesn’t allow any leakage. It’s also made of food-grade silicone and holds three whole cups of water to satisfy larger breeds. The only downside? Unlike other portable dog bowls, this option doesn’t fold up. Meaning, it’s not the best for hikes, but will be great for long road trips or vacations where you need something durable.
This beloved bowl is a favorite amongst doggy parents. It’s made of silica and plastic and comes in both 9- and 12-ounce options. When your dog is thirsty, all need to do is tip the bottle on its side, press the button, and the water will stream into the little bowl. It’s as easy as that! However, if you’re the proud owner of a larger dog breed… you’re going to need a bigger bowl.
Does your dog love ice cold water? This food-grade, stainless steel water bottle fits into the side pocket of your backpack for easy access, keeping water fresh and cool, even on hot summer days. Just like the MulsiPree, the Kong features a removable bowl that your pup can drink straight out of. It holds about 25 ounces of water.
If you have two dogs that need to stay hydrated, this fully foldable set is pretty much your best bet. This set is made of durable silicone and each bowl contains about three cups of water.
However, a few reviewers note that the bowls tend are slightly unstable and tend to leak. And thus, it’s not the best for, say, hydrating your dogs while you’re on the road.
Another great foldable option, this square-shaped bowl is made of water-proof material that dries quickly, so you can tuck it back into your bag as soon as your pup is done drinking. Each bowl comes with a little clip that fits on your keychain or hangs off your backpack. It’s also leak proof, so if you’re going on a car ride or staying somewhere you don’t want to make a mess, your pup can drink worry-free.
Looking for an eco-friendly option? These recycled polyester bowls from United by Blue have a fun, bold pattern inspired by the outdoors. The bowls are fully collapsible, about six inches high, and have great review that call out their convenience and portability. That said, larger dogs will need a bigger bowl.
A great lightweight bowl, this bottle is made of durable plastic and comes in two sizes—9 ounces and 25 ounces. Simply unscrew the top and tip over the bottle to fill the lid with water when Fido is thirsty. It comes in three colors (black, gray, and blue), and you can clean it easily with hot water and soap. Plus, there’s a carabiner clip, giving you hands-free attachment when you’re on the go.
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