21 Best Dog Water Dispensers : Keep Your Dog Hydrated
- Our Winner! PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station
Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer W/ Microban
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This product from Petmate is a gravity-based dispenser that offers a variety of chamber sizes ranging from 1/2 to four gallons depending on your pup’s needs. There’s a water jug that screws into the base and slowly dispenses water as your pup drinks. The materials are BPA free and have antimicrobial qualities. It also comes with a charcoal filter to purify the water.
What we like:
- It’s easy To Set Up. The reservoir screws into the base and the instructions are on the chamber.
- It’s easy To Clean. The base is dishwasher safe. You can also clean it in the sink as long as you rinse all the soap before refilling it.
You can choose a container size that offers ample water for your dog. - It’s affordable.
- The reservoir locks into the base so that the dogs won’t knock it off and spill water everywhere.
What we don’t like:
- The water container is slippery and easy to drop during transport.
- The water flows out very slowly and does not fill the bowl well.
- The bowl is small in comparison to the chamber, so the dispenser could be prone to tipping over.
- Mold can develop on the inside rim of the base.
Petmate Stainless Steel Replendish Waterer
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
Another Petmate product, this gravity-flow dispenser comes in a one-gallon size. It is suitable for smaller dogs but may not be enough for multiple or large pups. I’d be refilling this every day with my two pooches. The reservoir locks into the base by screwing it in. This item features a stainless steel bowl that is safe in the dishwasher.
What we like:
- It’s easy to clean. The base is dishwasher safe, or you can wash it in the sink.
- Water replenishes quickly after Fido takes a drink so there’s always a ready supply.
- The water stays fresh in the bowl.
- It has a sturdy base that won’t tip or move easily even if Fido bumps it.
What we don’t like:
- There can be some sharp edges inside the base. Handle with care when you clean it.
- The reservoir can be hard to remove or to lock in place.
- The volume is limited for larger dogs.
- The dispenser makes a bubbling sound when replenishing the dish. This may freak out skittish animals.
PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station with Stainless Steel Bowl
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The PetSafe gravity-based water dispenser comes in ½, 1, and 2 ½ gallon reservoir sizes. The base includes a removable, stainless steel bowl. The chamber has a tapered shape that locks into the bottom to prevent tipping. There’s a flow-control valve to keep the water from spilling. The product is made of rugged, BPA-free plastic. A water filter that fits the dispenser is also available for purchase.
What we like:
- The reservoir has a handle on the top that makes it easy to remove, lift, and carry.
- The stainless steel bowl is easy to remove and clean in the sink or dishwasher.
- A flow-control valve prevents water spilling when transporting the reservoir after you fill it.
- It comes in three sizes, so it’s easy to find a volume that fits your dog’s needs.
The container shape is attractive and designed to prevent tipping over.
What we don’t like:
- You have to be sure to place the dispenser on a level surface, or the water may overflow the bowl.
- The dispenser has a strong plastic odor at first, but it does lessen over time.
- The water reservoir can be difficult to clean.
- The drinking dish is shallow, and this makes it easier for your pup to splash water onto the floor.
Veken Pet Fountain, 84oz/2.5L Automatic Dog Water Dispenser
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The Veken Pet Fountain offers a fresh supply of water in a continuous stream. You can select from three flow rate settings, depending on your pup’s preference. The chamber holds up to 84 ounces of water which provides an adequate supply for small or medium-sized dogs. The product features a quiet pump and a filtration system.
What we like:
- You can customize the flow rate to fit your dog.
- The pump is quiet, so your pup won’t freak out when they want to take a drink.
- It’s easy and quick to assemble.
- The design also makes it easy to clean.
- It’s affordable for a pump dispenser.
What we don’t like:
- You have to open the dispenser to check the water level in the chamber.
- You need to change the filter every 2-4 weeks. The product comes with 3 replacement filters to get you started.
- The pump needs to be plugged in, so it limits your options for location. If you don’t clean it every few weeks, it tends to stop working.
- The top piece does not snap into place.
PetSafe Drinkwell Original 1/2 Gallon Water Fountain
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The PetSafe Drinkwell Pet Water Fountain offers fresh flowing water for your pooch to drink. Water exits from a spout on the top of the fountain and cascades into the bowl below. It has a carbon filter to remove any impurities from the liquid. You can wash the fountain without the pump on the top shelf of your dishwasher. This product holds 50 ounces of water.
What we like:
- Water is available in a continuous stream. My pup would love drinking from this!
- It has three parts that are easy to put together.
- The plastic is BPA Free.
- There’s a filtration system to remove impurities from the water.
- The pump is adjustable so that you can customize the flow rate to fit Fido’s preferences.
What we don’t like:
- The pump can be noisy, and the fountain tends to vibrate. For a high-strung dog like my Springer Spaniel, this could be a turn-off.
- The dish portion is small.
- There are lots of corners and spots that are hard to clean, and the plastic can get slimy over time. You’ll be cleaning this fountain a lot!
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum 1 Gallon Water Fountain
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
Like the smaller version above, this product offers a continuous stream of fresh water for your furbaby. The chamber holds 168 ounces of water and has a submersible pump that keeps the fluid moving to discourage bacterial growth. It uses an activated carbon filter to purify the liquid.
What we like:
- You can adjust the stream and flow rate.
- It’s sturdy and hard to knock over. The fountain alone weighs four pounds before you add water.
- The filters remove impurities to provide your pal with fresh water.
- It’s easy to set up and use.
What we don’t like:
- A slime layer can develop in the bowl. This product requires frequent cleaning.
- It’s high maintenance. To keep the pump running properly, you need to take it apart and clean it every few weeks. The plastic shell has lots of corners that are hard to keep clear of buildup.
- The pump can get noisy after a few months.
PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Automatic Drinking Fountain, 100 oz.
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This PetSafe product uses a submersible pump to circulate the water and keep it fresh. The top of the chamber is an open drinking area and the fluid cascades over a pouring spot to the dish below. Your furry friend can choose from three places to lap up the liquid. Like the other PetSafe products above, this item uses a submersible pump and activated carbon filter.
What we like:
- There are multiple ways that your pooch can get a drink, and there’s plenty of room for any size dog.
- It’s more affordable than other versions.
- The carbon filter and constant circulation helps to keep the water fresh and pure.
- It’s easy to set up, and the parts fit in the dishwasher for easier cleaning.
- The open top makes it simple to fill and to monitor the water level.
What we don’t like:
- The pump is noisy when the water level in the chamber drops below the top platform.
- The plastic can develop a slime layer, so it requires frequent cleaning.
- The size is small and not suitable for larger dogs.
- You have to take the motor apart and clean it every few weeks to keep it running properly.
Vitalumos Dog Water Bowl, Splash-Free with Antibacterial Material
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This Vitalumos dog water bowl has a design that’s meant to prevent spilling and dribbling when your pup takes a drink. It should be safe to use when traveling in the car or an RV. There’s a floating disc in the center that protects the water from debris and controls how fast Fido can lap up the liquid. I may have to try this for my dog. She dribbles water across the floor every time she takes a drink!
What we like:
- It’s affordable and a good value for the investment.
- The bowl is easy to put together and fill.
- The floating disc works effectively to prevent spilling and messes from dribbling. It regulates drinking so your pooch won’t gulp the water too fast.
The design keeps the water clean.
What we like:
- The volume is small (just 50 ounces) for an all-day drinking dish if you have larger dogs.
- The floating disc can fill with water and interfere with proper functioning.
- The liquid stays below the disc until you push it down. Dogs have to figure out how to get the water to come up for drinking.
- It can still be messy if your dog pushes the disc all the way down with his paw or nose.
Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Water Dispenser with Filter, 6L Capacity
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This fountain provides a continuous flow of gently bubbling water for your pooch. There’s a triple-action filter that softens the water and removes impurities. The container holds 200 ounces so that it has plenty of water for larger dogs. With two dogs at home, this product would give my furbabies enough water to stay hydrated all day long. There’s also an elevated drinking surface that’s helpful for older dogs or animals with arthritis.
What we like:
- It’s affordable
- The design makes it easy to set up.
- The container fits under the faucet for convenient filling.
- Cleaning the drinking bowl is simple.
- The large capacity provides ample water for large dogs or multiple pets.
- The water stays fresh and cool.
What we don’t like:
- The pump can be unreliable and stop working. You’ll need to clean it often to keep it from clogging.
- There’s only one flow setting, and it’s not very strong.
- The pump is noisy and annoying when the water level in the chamber gets low.
- The dogs can’t access the water if the pump isn’t running. This could be a problem when there’s a power or equipment failure.
Heyrex Torus Self-Filling Water Bowl for Dogs, 2 Liter
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This fountain provides a continuous flow of gently bubbling water for your pooch. There’s a triple-action filter that softens the water and removes impurities. The container holds 200 ounces so that it has plenty of water for larger dogs. With two dogs at home, this product would give my furbabies enough water to stay hydrated all day long. There’s also an elevated drinking surface that’s helpful for older dogs or animals with arthritis.
What we like:
- It’s affordable
- The design makes it easy to set up.
- The container fits under the faucet for convenient filling.
- Cleaning the drinking bowl is simple.
- The large capacity provides ample water for large dogs or multiple pets.
- The water stays fresh and cool.
What we don’t like:
- The pump can be unreliable and stop working. You’ll need to clean it often to keep it from clogging.
- There’s only one flow setting, and it’s not very strong.
- The pump is noisy and annoying when the water level in the chamber gets low.
- The dogs can’t access the water if the pump isn’t running. This could be a problem when there’s a power or equipment failure.
Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This drinking fountain has a 60-ounce capacity. The material is stainless steel, which is dishwasher safe and less likely to house bacteria. A pump circulates the water continuously to keep it fresher and entice your pup to drink more. You should disassemble the pump for cleaning about once a month. There is a replaceable charcoal water filter that should be changed monthly.
What we like:
- Stainless steel bowl is easy to clean.
- Filling and assembly are simple.
- The water stays fresh and clean.
- Fido can choose to drink from the bubbling source on top or the dish below.
What we don’t like:
- The pump is unreliable and needs to be cleaned frequently.
- Over time the electrical cord’s insulation around the pump housing can break down leaving exposed wires.
- The part that plugs into the wall makes a noisy humming sound and can get hot.
Bergan Automatic Pet Waterer
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This plastic water bowl connects to your garden hose for continuous, fresh water supply. There’s an adjustable float that regulates the fill level of the bowl. You can place it near the ground for smaller dogs or attach it to the house for larger or geriatric pets. This would work great in the summer when the dogs want to stay out in the yard with us all afternoon.
What we like:
- It’s very affordable.
- The product is easy to install and use. Just connect the hose to the side and turn it on.
- Cleanup is simple. You can wash and rinse the bowl as needed.
- There are tabs on the back for you to affix the waterer to the house so your pup won’t carry it off.
What we don’t like:
- The plastic is flimsy.
- The connecting point to the hose tends to leak.
- The plastic float doesn’t work all the time so that the bowl either fills poorly or overflows.
Easy-Clean Water Bowl Water Bowl With Stainless Steel Hose
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
Here’s another automatic water bowl with a floatation device. This product comes with its own hose that’s stainless steel. That means my dogs won’t have to put up with the garden hose taste when using this dispenser. The drinking dish is round, and that makes it easy to clean as needed. The float valve is hinged to aid in keeping the filling chamber free of debris.
What we like:
- It’s easy to set up and use.
- The bowl refills quickly so your pooch can get all the water he wants.
- It’s easy to keep clean.
- The water is fresh and tastes good for your pup.
What we don’t like:
- The plastic is lightweight. This makes the bowl easy to knock around.
- The rubber pieces break down over time and the product starts to leak. It’s okay for outside, but I wouldn’t set it up indoors.
- The drinking bowl is small. It’s wouldn’t work well for my large and medium-sized dogs.
BringerPet Paw Activated Dog Steps Water Fountain
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This water dispenser is made of sturdy stainless steel and has no bowl. You hook the hose attachment to your outdoor faucet and set it up. There’s a pressure plate for your pooch to step on to release a small geyser of water. With this design, my pups can get fresh water whenever they want it. There’s no standing liquid, so they won’t be drinking contaminated fluids. The kit includes an instructional video that shows you how to train Fido to use the product. I can see my furbabies learning quickly and having fun making the water appear!
What we like:
- The water is always fresh.
- It’s easy to keep clean.
- It’s fun for the dogs to get a drink.
- The components are metal, so it’s durable.
What we don’t like:
- Dog’s feet can get wet when they press the pad. If your pup is fastidious, they may not use it.
- The water in the hose can get pretty hot on a sunny day. You’ll have to evacuate the first stream before Fido starts drinking.
- You have to train the dogs how to use it. This is easier for some pups than it is for others.
NACOCO Dog Water Dispenser with Automatically Feeding Water
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This crate bottle holds about 300 milliliters (approximately 10 ounces). It has clips to hook onto the door of Fido’s crate. The bottle is plastic, but the drinking nozzle is stainless steel. There are three adjustable steel balls to control the water flow and prevent dripping. This item would be a bit small for my larger dogs but would work well for a small or medium-sized dog when they have to be in the crate all day.
What we like:
- The nozzle won’t drip into the crate and get your pal’s bedding wet.
- It provides fresh water when Fido needs a drink.
- You can clip it to the outside of the kennel with the nozzle facing in through the wires so that your pup can’t detach and chew the bottle.
- It’s affordable.
What we don’t like:
- The attaching clips aren’t adjustable, so the bottle slides around on some crates.
- There’s not enough water for bigger dogs if they’re confined for several hours.
- The plastic is easy for dogs to chew.
- It’s not for rowdy pups. The bottle will leak if it’s jostled a lot.
COCOPET No Drip Dog Water Bottle with Automatically Feeding Water 400ml
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The 400 milliliter (about 13.5 ounces) COCOPET crate water bottle has a similar construction to the NACOCO product above. This dispenser is BPA free and has a four-stage, leakproof, stainless steel drinking nozzle. You can clip it to the crate so that your furry pal has water available while they’re confined.
What we like:
- The product is affordable.
- The bottle is sturdy.
- The water stays clean, and there’s no risk of knocking over a bowl inside the crate.
What we don’t like:
- It can leak from the screw-on cap if the bottle is bumped or shaken.
- The clips don’t fit many crate doors, and they’re hard to attach.
- The drinking nozzle is short making it hard for dogs with larger muzzles to get water.
- It’s small and doesn’t hold enough water for an extended time in the crate.
- If clipped from inside, it’s easy for your dog to knock it off and chew the plastic clips.
PortablePet WaterBoy Travel Water Bowl
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The WaterBoy travel bowl is made of BPA free plastic, and it can hold up to 3 quarts of water. It has a drinking bowl on the side of the flat canister. With this design, you can set it on the floor of the car, RV, or boat without fear of tipping. There’s also a handle on the side to carry it in an upright position. This would have been perfect when we drove across several states with our dogs!
What we like:
- The water dish refills by gravity whenever your pup takes a drink.
- It’s almost impossible to flip or tip over when you lay it flat.
- The handle makes it easy to carry.
- You can store it in an upright position, and it won’t take up a lot of space.
What we don’t like:
- The drinking cup is pretty small. It works fine for dogs with a smaller muzzle.
- The water level in the dish part is shallow. This also makes it difficult for larger dogs to get to the liquid.
- The container is difficult to clean and can develop mold over time.
- It can leak a little bit.
Anpetbest Dog Water Bottle 325ML /11oz Travel Dispenser
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
I would use this Anpetbest portable dog water bottle on walks or when I take a trip to the dog park with my furbabies. The travel bottle is BPA free and holds 11 ounces of water. It clicks into a base that serves as a water dish. When it’s time for refreshment, flip the container up and connect it to let the cool liquid flow into the base for your pal. There’s a carrying strap on the dish that makes it easy to tote.
What we like:
- It’s portable and lightweight. The carrying strap makes it easy to bring with you.
- The cost is very affordable.
- This is simple to use. The bottle clicks into the base, and your dog has a ready-made drinking bowl.
What we don’t like:
- You have to squeeze the bottle to fill the bowl.
- It won’t stand up on its own. You need to hold it or prop it up when giving Fido a drink.
- The volume is too small for bigger dogs or when taking long hikes. I’d want to have more water on hand if going on an extended outing.
lesotc Pet Water Bottle for Dogs, Foldable Travel Dispenser,18 OZ.
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This travel portable bottle has a pliable silicone lid that serves as a drinking dish when you flip it up. You fill the chamber by squeezing the bottle. There’s a waterproof locking mechanism to prevent leaking and to protect the liquid in the bottle from backwash contamination. It holds up to 18 ounces and weighs less than a pound when empty. The materials are food grade and BPA free. You can detach the different parts for cleaning.
What we like:
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry. The product comes with a strap that you can attach to your belt, backpack, or wrist.
- The locking mechanism prevents spilling. You can carry this in a bag or backpack.
- It’s easy to fill the drinking chamber by squeezing the bottle.
- The product is easy to take apart and clean.
What we don’t like:
- The straw can suck the water back down into the bottle when you stop squeezing.
- It can be hard to lock shut.
- The plastic is pretty thin.
Highwave AutoDogMug
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The Highwave Mug is a 20-ounce water bottle for your pooch. It comes in six different colors and is made from food grade, BPA-free materials. You can carry this product upright in your car because it fits in most cup holders. There’s an adjustable strap for easy transport when you’re on the go. To fill the dish, you squeeze the bottle. Water will return to the container when you stop squeezing so there’s no spilling.
What we like:
- It’s easy to use and can be operated with one hand.
- The mouth is wide making the bottle easy to clean between uses.
- The genuine Highwave brand is leak proof.
- The carrying strap makes it convenient and portable.
What we don’t like:
- You have to keep squeezing the bottle while Fido drinks or the water will drain back into the chamber.
- There are poorly made counterfeits on the market… buyer, beware!
- It can be hard to hold the dish level while your pup takes a drink.
TIOVERY Dog Water Bottle 20 OZ
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
Tiovery portable dog 20-ounce water bottle is made with BPA and lead-free, food-grade materials. It has an ergonomic shape that fits in most vehicle cup holders or in your travel bag. The attached silicone bowl flips over the top of the container and opens in a leaf shape. Simply open the bottle cap and squeeze out some water for your pup. The cap has a twin screw design that allows you to interchange with similarly-sized bottles.
What we like:
- It’s affordable.
- The design is easy to use and leak proof.
- You always have a dish with you when you use this product.
- The volume provides enough water for bigger dogs.
- It’s easy to carry or transport when you’re on the go.
What we don’t like:
- You have to wipe the bowl off after your pup drinks from it.
- The bottle can shrivel or warp if you run it through the dishwasher.
- The silicone bowl is too small for larger dogs.
Finding the Right Features For Your Dog
- Cleaner Water - there’s less chance of contamination from dirt, dust, or other items than with an open bowl.
- Fresher Water - as your pup drinks, the bowl refills with the fountain or bottle-fresh water.
- Convenience - you won’t have to refill the dispenser as often as a drinking bowl.
- All-Day Availability - as long as you keep an eye on your container and refill it as needed, Fido will have water whenever he needs it.
- Space Efficient For Multiple Pets - if you have other pets, they can all use the same dish since there’s always a fresh water supply.
- Size - Choose a container based on your available space and the size and number of pets you have. Make sure the drinking bowl is big enough for Fido to stick in his muzzle and drink comfortably. You’ll also want to select something with a reservoir that holds enough water to meet your pup’s daily needs. (See chart below)
- How it Works - Does the dispenser work based on gravity, do you connect it to a hose or faucet, or does it have a pump? Each option has pros and cons. If there’s a pump, you’ll need to locate the dispenser near an electrical outlet.
- Maintenance - you’ll want to know how easy it is to keep the drinking chamber clean, how much work it takes to set up the dispenser, and how frequently you’ll need to refill it. Is the dish removable? Is it safe to use in the dishwasher?
- Filtration - some products offer a filtration device to help purify the water. Tap water can contain trace minerals and other contaminants that could be harmful to Fido’s health. If you have concerns about your water supply, consider an option with this feature.
- Materials - check to make sure that the item is made from BPA free materials. Although there aren’t any studies on the effects of this chemical on dogs yet, it’s better to be on the safe side. Although plastic is ok, a stainless steel bowl has many benefits. You’ll also want to know that the dispenser is sturdy and easy to clean.
Indoors
Outdoors
Dog crate water bottle
- Will easily attach to the crate’s door
- Can be refilled without detaching
- Won’t drip
- Is large enough to keep your pal hydrated
Portable dog water bottles
- Use an auto-replenishing bowl - a dog water dispenser can help ensure that your pal has fresh water available all day long. The bowl automatically refills from a reserve chamber whenever the pup takes a drink.
- Refill the bowl multiple times a day - If you have a traditional water dish, you should check it frequently throughout the day. Remember to rinse the bowl and refresh the contents several times. This will help you keep track of how much Fido is taking in.
- Refill the water bowl before exercise - your pup will need a fresh supply of water after a workout. Have the dish ready and waiting before you get started. Add water to food - One way to help your pooch get enough liquid each day is to moisten their food. You can do this whether serving wet or dry meals. Usually, a dog will clean their dinner bowl, water and all.
- Use fruits and vegetables for snacks - Many fruits and vegetables are moisture-rich and can add fiber and essential vitamins to your pup’s diet. Offer them as a mid-day snack, or add them to the meal to supplement Fido’s normal fare.
And The Winner Is… Our Top Product Pick
One request from Speedy
Dr. Libby Guise put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to the dog parent community. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media networks.
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