Best Dog Bowls – Reviews Of Top Choices And Tips To Help You Choose

The best dog bowls are the right serving size, machine washable, durable and hard to knock over. Dog bowls come with many different features to help you care for your Lab.

Are you struggling to find the best dog bowls for your Labrador? Whether you are looking for the best elevated dog bowls for older dogs, the best slow feed dog bowl for your dog with bloat, or the best collapsible dog bowl for use on the go, we have some brilliant options for you. Our favorite four styles are

• Elevated dog bowls
• Slow feeders
• Basic steel bowls
• Anti splash water bowls

We’ve got four great top choices for you of these styles, to start us off.

All of these products were carefully and independently selected by The Labrador Site team. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you.

PetFusion Elevated Dog Bowls

This is an award-winning dog bowl* heralded by editors and Amazon users as one of the best elevated dog bowls out there.

PetFusion Elevated Dog Bowls have a nice modern design. They are made of anodized aluminum, which is lightweight, non-corrosive, and easy to clean. They include two bowls and the feeding stand comes in a tall size of 8 inches. Both bowls and stand come with anti-slip rubber bottoms and feet respectively.

EDOTFISH Slow Feeder Dog Bowl

This very simply, yet specially designed slow feed dog bowl* is solid and sturdy with a non-slip base. It has various “roads” of changing widths in the bowl that slow your dog’s feeding.

It’s made of thick, strong plastic and is easy to clean. And it holds more dog food than most other slow feed dog bowls, which is perfect for your Lab! It is one of the best slow feed dog bowls out there.

AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl

Sometimes the best product is the simplest product. And this classic looking stainless steel bowl by Amason* is highly recommended! It’s rust-resistant, no-tip, and nonslip with a rubber base that won’t damage your floors.

This dog bowl can hold a lot for your Lab (4 cups) and is easy to clean. Additionally, its high-quality stainless steel is durable, scratch-resistant, and doesn’t hold odors. It’s also a healthier alternative to plastic. You can buy this from Amazon here*

Upsky Dog Water Bowl

This no-drip, anti-splash dog water bowl* can be filled with over 6 cups of water for a long road trip to keep your Lab hydrated.

It’s made with non-toxic ABS plastic (BPA and FDA approved). Plus, the floating-disk and 2-disc design slows down your dog from drinking too fast, prevents them from getting wet, and keeps unwanted debris from contaminating the water. This is one of the best dog water bowls out there.

Dog Bowls Quick Links

• Ceramic Dog Bowls
• Collapsible Dog Bowls
• Cute Dog Bowls
• Designer Dog Bowls
• Dog Feeders
• Personalized Bowls
• Puppy Bowls
• Raised Dog Food Bowls
• Slow Feed Dog Bowls
• Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
• Dog Feeding Station And Dog Bowl Stand
• Travel Water Bottle Dog Bowls
• Water Dog Bowls

The Importance of Dog Bowls

Dog bowls are such simple yet important products for our dogs. They hold the essentials of food and water for our Labs, helping us meet a few of their most basic needs.

Important Features Of Dog Bowls

Generally, you’ll want to look for a dog bowl that can hold enough food or water for the size of your dog. With a Labrador, this typically means medium to large dog bowls. However, sometimes a small dog bowl can work in a pinch, especially if it’s for a short walk of if you’re traveling light. And unfortunately, dog water bowls have been identified as one of the highest contaminated items in a household.

Research shows that plastic and ceramic dog bowls, especially, can house bacteria faster and more readily, but even stainless steel housed it as well. And while more research is needed to find the best material for dog bowls, current research shows that no matter what they are made of, they may harbor harmful bacteria. Therefore, it’s essential that you clean dog bowls regularly to prevent any bacteria from forming and being passed on to your Lab. So, look for dog bowls that are dishwasher safe or easy to clean.

Your Dog’s Needs Will Dictate What Dog Bowl To Get

Otherwise, there is no general answer we can give you as to what features a dog bowl should have. What one dog owner or pup prefers can be completely different for others. You need to look at your own dog’s needs and decide from there. For example, finding the right Lab food bowl for a playful teenage dog can be tricky, when all they want to do is skid it around the room in a game of chase. Ultimately, the best solution is to get a bowl which they are unable to move.

You can use a heavy ceramic bowl, but if your strong Labrador does manage to tip it then there is a possibility it could chip. The other option would be to buy traditional stainless steel or plastic dog bowls with a rubber base, which creates friction and prevents your dog from pushing it around the kitchen floor.

Health Considerations When Looking At Dog Bowls

Another example is that the type of dog bowl you choose and where it is placed can affect the health of your dog or vice versa. Feeding your dog at ground level affects them differently and has other benefits than feeding your dog with a raised feeder.

Raised feeders are generally good for older and arthritic dogs. But having your dog standing with their head and body at an unnatural level may allow more air to be taken in during feeding, which is not good if they have bloat. So, you will have to consider your dog’s ailments or limitations, and perhaps even consult a vet to decide which is better for your dog.

Really, these are just a few examples. You’ll find that the bowl you need will have specific features that meet your dog’s needs. Perhaps it’s one that’s travel-friendly for an active dog, one that keeps the food or water contained or one that’s just plain old fun for you and your dog!

Let’s look at all of our recommended options more closely.

Best Ceramic Dog Bowls

Ceramic dog bowls make great water bowls because they are fairly heavy. Therefore they don’t tend to tip or move around when your dog is drinking. They come in a huge variety of designs from themed patterns to a traditional plain finish which would fit into any kitchen style. However, as we have mentioned, keep in mind that recent research has shown that ceramic dog bowls readily house household bacteria. If you do decide to get a ceramic dog bowl you’ll have to make sure to wash them regularly.

Bone Dry DII Lattice Square Ceramic Pet Bowl

This beautifully patterned ceramic bowl for food or water* has a silicone ring to keep it from sliding around on the floor while your Lab is eating or drinking.

They come in a variety of colors (aqua, gray, nautical-blue, and pink), shapes (round, and square) and sizes (small, medium, and large). And they are FDA-approved and dishwasher safe.

Waggo Sketched Wave Dog Bowl

This fun, simply decorated ceramic dog bowl* is microwave and dishwasher safe.

It’s a newer choice on Amazon. And the large version should hold enough for your Lab’s food or water requirements with an 8 cup capacity.

Best Collapsible Dog Bowls

The best collapsible dog bowls allow you to hygienically share the same water bottle with your dog. You can fill it up without your water bottle touching the bowl, and can save you from having to carry two bottles. They also fold down into a very small size, so after your dog has finished drinking, they take up less space as you go.

The best collapsible dog bowls are also good travel options.

BLEDS Collapsible Dog Bowls

BLEDS’ Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowls* are ideal for short outings and outdoor adventures with your Labrador. They are quite portable as they press down into a pocket-size and have a carabiner to attach to your bag, belt or dog leash.

They come in fun bright colors and make convenient bowls for your daily dog walk when the weather is hot or when you go backpacking, camping, or hiking. The only downside of these bowls is that even the large size isn’t very big. You’ll need to replenish the bowl often to quench our Lab’s thirst. However, this is one of the best collapsible dog bowls out there.

Awakelion Collapsible Dog Bowl

The Awakelion Collapsible Dog Bowl* is waterproof, eco-friendly, and non-toxic. They can hold a high-capacity of food and water (4 cups), and they’re great when you are heading to the park, going camping, or staying with friends.

These dog bowls are also easy to wash and leakproof. And they fold up easily to carry in your pocket or bag.

Best Cute Dog Bowls

If you have a laid back Labrador, who enjoys his mealtimes without too much fuss, then you are in the lucky position of being able to pick a dog bowl design purely on how it looks. There are some great cute dog bowls available.

Zoozpets Snoopy Dog Bowls

We love this thick plastic Zoozpets Snoopy Dog Bowl*. The designs are bright and colorful. And there are five unique Snoopy patterns to choose from, including “Charlie Brown Yellow” and “Joe Cool.”

It has a non-skid silicone base and comes in four sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large). And it makes for a perfect food or water bowl for your Lab. While plastic tends to keep bacteria longer than other material, this dog bowl is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.

Are you are looking for something to really stand out in your home, and not just provide a nice place for your dog to eat his dinner but a good conversation piece too?

Neater Pet Hammered Decorative Designer Bowls

We are abig fans of the Neater Pet Hammered Decorative Designer Bowls*. It has a beautiful hammered design.

This eye-catching dog bowl holds 8 cups of food or water up to the brim. And also has a practical non-skid rubber base. It’s stainless steel and dishwasher safe.

Unleashed Life Dog Bowls

If you are looking for something to really stand out, then look no further than this series of designer dog bowls by Unleashed Life*.

Pictures is the Bruno Dish, which symbolizes brute strength, and is made from cast aluminum with a polished nickel finish. They have a fun variety of styles and designs fit for different personalities and decor. Each of these dog dishes has a stainless steel removable, and dishwasher safe lining for your dog to eat out of. However, they are only fit for indoor use.

Best Dog Feeders

There are two types of dog feeders. First, are those which you control to dispense treats as a reward for good behavior in dog training. They are known as electronic treat dispensers, which you can learn more by reading our review ondog treat dispensers.

The other variety of dog feeder is one that can dispense their meal while you are out. These dog feeders can either release food as it is eaten or release a specific quantity of dog food for each meal at the appropriate time of day using a timer. Just remember, dog feeders should not be a substitute for spending time with your dog. And after eating, most dogs will want to relieve themselves, so don’t leave your dog alone or without access to a bathroom area for any significant period of time.

AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer

The AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer* is a very popular choice. It’s a 2-in-1 water (2.5 gallons) and food (12 pounds) dispenser, which uses gravity to ensure a consistent supply of both.

It has easy-to-fill feeders, and a durable and transparent design, which makes it easy to see if your dog is running low on water or food. The downside of free-flowing dog feeders is that they keep offering your dog more food when they have eaten what is in the bowl. Therefore, this isn’t ideal for dogs who don’t know when to stop, like many Labs.

If you are going out for a few hours over a mealtime, then make sure that you get around this by only putting in the amount of food your Lab should have in one meal.

WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser

The WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser* is an electronic, programmable dog feeder that can schedule up to 4 automated, individual meals for your dog (20 cups of food). You can control the portion sizes and establish a regular eating routine. These options allow you to slow down dogs who have problems with eating their meals too quickly or help with smaller pups who need to be fed smaller quantities.

The unit is wall powered and/or battery-powered in case you lose electricity. It also has some but very glowing reviews on Amazon. The only real downside of this feeder may be the hefty price.

Best Personalized Dog Bowls

Personalized dog bowls are great fun. Pick the design, color or wording on your custom dog bowls to make them your own.

Joy of Giving Personalized Stainless Steel Bowl

The Joy of Giving Personalized Stainless Steel Bowl*
is a classy looking dog bowl.

It comes with a customizable adhesive sticker and a non-skid base The large bowl holds 4 cups of dog food, which should suit most adult Labradors.

Best Puppy Dog Bowls

When choosing a puppy bowl, you need to take into account the size of your puppy. Adult Labrador food and water bowls may have sides too high for a pup to comfortably use.

Dog feeding stations can also be great as they keep everything in one contained space for puppies. And possibly reduce the likelihood of them playing with the bowl before or after eating. Lower placed bowls and nonslip bases will also help your puppy get to their food.

Neater Feeder Express

The Neater Feeder Express* is a lovely choice of an elevated dog feeding station for puppies. It’s ideal for messy young Labradors.

It will help them to stop spreading their food around the floor with its high back and sides. And it gives them easy access with a low, front section and prevents them from moving it around with its non-slip rubber feet.

Dolce Diner Dog Bowl by Loving Pets

The Dolce Diner Dog Bowl by Loving Pets* is another good choice for a Labrador puppy dog feeding station. It comes in two sizes and a range of color options.

It’s dishwasher safe, with stainless steel bowls and removable rubber feet to prevent sliding.

Best Elevated Dog Food Bowls

If your dog suffers from joint problems, then bending down to eat or drink can be uncomfortable. And if your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with hip or elbow dysplasia, or arthritis in their old age, then having an elevated dog bowls to drink and eat from can be a big help.

Although raised dog bowls are very helpful to dogs with joint problems, they are not necessarily advisable for use by fit and healthy dogs. This is because lifting your dog’s bowl from the floor has been shown to increase the possibility of a dangerous condition called bloat. When considering a raised feeder for your Labrador, chat to your vet about the pros and cons before you go ahead.

There are several styles of elevated dog bowls available. For the average Labrador, you’ll want raised dog bowls that are designed for larger breeds of dog.

OurPets Healthy Pet Diner Elevated Feeder

The OurPets Healthy Pet Diner Elevated Feeder* has a practical rust-resistant design.

It’s brown and comes with two easy-to-clean stainless steel bowls. And the feeding stand comes in a 12-inch tall size.

Pet Zone Designer Diner Adjustable Elevated Dog Bowls

Pet Zone Designer Diner Adjustable Elevated Dog Bowls* are another possibility. It’s adjustable from 2.75 inches to 8 inches to 12 inches. It has a sleek, black design and it can be easily stored by removing and tucking the legs under the feeding platform

The two easy maintenance bowls it comes with are stainless steel, rust-resistant, and dishwasher safe.

Suncast Elevated Feeding Tray

Alternatively, you might like the Suncast Elevated Feeding Tray*. Again, this does not look aesthetically pleasing, but it does have the added benefit of being folded away when not in use.

It can also be used as a floor-height feeder. So, if your dog is only temporarily in need of some help at dinner time, you can still use the feeder when his joints are back to normal again.

Best Slow Feed Dog Bowls

Do your Labradors gulp down their food at lightning speed? Do their meals take a matter of moments to finish? Or do you often hear them coughing or sputtering in their efforts to get all the food down? If any of those is the case, then you might like to consider a slow-feed dog bowl.

A study at Purdue University discovered that rapid eating was a risk factor for the potentially life-threatening condition called bloat. Bloat in Labradors is a serious concern for dog owners. And it can rapidly put your dog in danger. Fortunately, you can combat the risk of bloat by helping your Labrador slow down their rate of eating with a slow feeder.

Northmate Interactive Feeder

Along with being a vessel for their meal, the Northmate Interactive Feeder* is both a challenge and a source of entertainment for your dog. The flat platform is covered in raised turrets, which your Lab has to navigate in order to lift up his dinner.

It’s a simple design that looks like a modern sculpture inspired by a tuft of grass. The downside of this model is that it is rather large and heavy. And although it is dishwasher proof, it will probably be the only item you will fit in the bottom drawer while you’re using it.

Outward Hound Fun Slow Feeder

Another great option is the Outward Hound Fun Slow Feeder*, which is like a combination between a dog bowl and a maze. You put the kibble into the center of the bowl, and your dog has to use their tongue to push it to one of the exits.

This provides fun entertainment for your Lab and definitely slows down the speed at which they can eat. And it come in a variety of fun colors and mazes.

PAPIFEED Slow Feed Dog Bowl

The PAPIFEED Slow Feed Dog Bowl* is described as a digital scale, slow feeder, 2 in 1 smart pet bowl. It allows you to weigh your dog’s food and see how much they have eaten with the click of a button.

The bowl has a slow-feed design, with maze patterns in the center of the bowl, which encourages better paced eating. And it’s attractively designed and has a rubber non-slip base. On top of all of that, it is veterinary recommended, easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe. This is another one of the best slow feed dog bowls available.

Best Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

Stainless steel dog bowls are very popular. They are cheap dog bowls too, so can work well if you are on a budget. There are a number of benefits to stainless steel dog bowls. They are dishwasher proof, widely available and hard to damage. They are also very lightweight.

Bergan Standard Dog Bowl

A classic dog bowl like the Bergan Standard Dog Bowl* is very popular. The large one can hold 17 cups of food!

This bowl is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. And comes in a variety of sizes so you can find one which is perfect for your Lab’s needs.

Platinum Pets Embossed Non-Tip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl

The Platinum Pets Embossed Non-Tip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl* really has the look and practicality in one package.

It has a non-skid, anti-tip design with a rubber base. The finish is also dishwasher safe, and fully FDA compliant.

Best Dog Feeding Station And Dog Bowl Stand

A dog feeding station is a set of dog bowls that come complete in a base or stand. It helps to keep all of your dog feeding equipment in one place in the house. And it reduces the chance of your dog knocking their bowls over when eating or drinking.

Neater Feeder Deluxe dog

TheNeater Feeder Deluxe dog feeding station* is designed to keep your dog’s bowls together and reduce the mess created as they eat. Its back-wall and side-walls mean that spilled food stays contained, and its drainage system keeps water contained if it spills out of the bowls.

The Neater Feeder comes in three sizes, and you’ll want the medium or large size for your adult Labrador.

BestVida Sparks Feeding Station

The BestVida Sparks Dog Feeding Station comes in a variety of colors*. And the stoneware bowls they contain are dishwasher safe too. The Lab bowl stand is made of wrought iron with an antique coating finish.

This feeding station will suit most homes and gives plenty of room for the average Lab’s food and water in the generous bowl sizes.

Signature Houseware Dual Dog Feeding Stand

If you don’t want to buy a complete feeding station, you can simply buy a dog food bowl stand. The Signature Houseware Dual Dog Feeding Stand* is well-priced and is designed to fit bowls with a 7.25-inch diameter.
This will keep your bowls neatly in one place, stop them from moving about while the dog is eating, and help you to maintain a tidier feeding area in your kitchen. Unless you currently have bowls of this size however, you might well prefer to simply buy a dog feeding station instead.

Best Travel Dog Bowls

If you like taking trips with your dog, then travel dog bowls are essential. There are a few options, with the most popular being the collapsible dog bowls we talked about earlier and dog water bottles. Travel dog bowls with attached water bottles have a simple flip-up mechanism or attachment so that you can empty an amount of the water from the bottle into a bowl.

Portable Dog Water Bottle

A great choice is the Portable Dog Water Bottle by Pet’s Natural Friend (PNF)*, with a foldover cap that acts as a water bowl. The 18-ounce bottle is lightweight and BPA-free.

The bottle also has a leak-proof design. And it has a handy carrying rope making it easy to carry on hikes or other outdoor activities to keep your Lab hydrated while you go.

PupFlask Portable Water Bottle

Another great option is the PupFlask Portable Water Bottle by Tuff Pupper*, with a flip-up silicone top that creates a leaf-shaped bowl, which your Lab can drink from. It’s stainless steel, lightweight, and comes in 27 and 40-ounce options.

And it’s FDA-approved and BPA-free. However, you need to make sure your dog doesn’t chew on the silicone cup. It’s a great travel option, whether you’re going to a nearby park or a longer trip.

Best Water Dog Bowls

The best dog water bowls need to be easily cleaned (and kept clean) and designed to keep water from spilling. It’s not a great idea to use a cheap dog food bowl to store water, as it will inevitably get tipped over and drench your floor on a regular basis. If you are going to invest in a good water bowl, then either purchase a specially designed water bowl or a heavy-duty ceramic dog bowl as discussed earlier. Let’s look at some of the best dog water bowls out there.

Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain

Some dogs prefer to drink moving water. And you can buy a dog water bowl that is designed to be a mini fountain in your kitchen. The Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain* provides a stream of water from a built-in reservoir.

The dog dish itself is dishwasher safe, and a filter helps to keep the water fresh as it flows.

Microban Pet Waterer

The Microban Pet Waterer* is a filtered water releasing system. It provides your dog with a supply of fresh filtered water from a large bottle, draining into a dog dish below it.

The bottle is easy to clean and the bowl base is dishwasher safe.

Torus Dog Water Bowl

If you don’t fancy such an obvious contraption in your kitchen, however, then most Labs are quite happy with a dog water bowl on a smaller scale. The Torus Dog Water Bowl* is a great design, which really does the trick.

It has a 2-litre capacity and dispenses a continuous supply of fresh water into the dog dish. Although it looks like just a large, normal water bowl, it has an area underneath the visible section of the bowl for a reservoir of water to be filtered through. It maintains a low, constant level of water, so it is less likely to splash as well. And it’s also powered by gravity, and therefore doesn’t require any power supply.

Best Dog Bowls

Picking the best dog bowls for your Labrador involves looking at the most appropriate type of bowl for your dog, your home and your needs. If your dog suffers from joint problems, then look into slow feed dog bowls. And if they eat too quickly, then check out the slow-feed dog bowls currently available. There are non-spill dog bowls if you have a lively or messy eater, and heavy-duty ceramic dog bowls will help to keep them in one place for the duration of the meal.

The best dog bowls for your Lab are the ones which will keep your dog happy and healthy, and your house in one piece at the end of each feeding. Do you have any favorite dog bowls we haven’t listed here? Leave a comment below to tell us what your experiences been with dog bowls!

Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

References And Resources

• Buckley, L. A. (2016). “Go slow feeding bowls: how effective are they are getting dogs.” Department of Animal Production, Welfare & Veterinary Science, Harper Adams University
• Kealy, R. D., et al. (2000) “Evaluation of the effect of limited food consumption on radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in dogs.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
• Witte, P. G., (2019). “Hip dysplasia: understanding the options (conservative management).” Companion Animal.
• Wright, C., and Carroll, A. (2018). “Microbiological Assessment of Canine Drinking Water and the Impact of Bowl Construction Material.” Animal Welfare Arena.