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Tame fast, sloppy, or finicky eaters with the right doggy dinnerware

Whether you’re nesting for the arrival of your new four-legged baby or you’re looking to upgrade your pup’s feeding station, it’s all about solid, durable bowls that can stand up to everyday use. But wait! Did you know that your dog’s bowl can actually promote healthy digestion, resist bacterial growth, and even help to make clean-up easier?

Most of us don’t think twice about our dog’s dinnerware, and with the recommendations here, you won’t have to at all. For those who are always cleaning up splashes and spills, there are bowls specially designed to keep food and water contained. Perhaps your dog gobbles up their meals in seconds, leading to gagging, choking, or stomach issues; well, there are bowls for that, too. My top picks are problem-solvers that also look sleek and stylish in your kitchen—a win-win for you and your pup. From basic yet reliable bowls that start at less than $15, to more expensive, heavy duty feeding stations that can be passed down for years, you’ll find doggy dinnerware that matches your decor, your dog’s needs, and your budget.

Plastic bowls work in a pinch, and they’re usually cheap, but eventually they develop dents and micro-scratches that harbor harmful bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), E.coli, and salmonella. In a research study from Hartpury University, stainless steel was shown to be the best at resisting bacterial buildup called biofilm, and, even better, stainless steel can be completely sanitized in your dishwasher, even if you don’t use the top rack. Ceramic is also easy to sanitize, and it looks chic, though it can chip or crack if mishandled.

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Naturally, you want your dog’s food bowl to fit their meals without any spill over. Yet, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your dog’s dinnerware. A roomy bowl can make their ration look scant, making it incredibly tempting to overfeed your dog. A bowl in which your dog’s meal just fits without overflowing can help you stick to appropriate serving sizes.

Some dog bowls, especially those designed for large and giant breeds, come as a set with an elevated feeder. Using an elevated feeder can be more comfortable for your dog than bending down to eat at floor level, especially if they’re tall, suffer from joint pain, or have limited mobility. Plus, they can help keep messes neatly contained to your dog’s feeding station.

Elevated feeders were once recommended as a way to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, a life-threatening condition that’s most prevalent in large and deep-chested breeds. However, a research study from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine suggests that elevated feeders may actually increase your dog’s risk of bloat. Ask your veterinarian about the best dinnerware for your large or giant breed dog. Also consider other preventative measures like feeding small meals throughout the day and using a slow feeder bowl.

Some dogs barely chew their food, which can lead to choking and poor digestion. Slow feeder bowls usually feature grooves on the bottom so your dog has to take their time while they eat. Some veterinarians also recommend these dog bowls for large and giant breeds that are predisposed to bloat.

Each of these doggy dinnerware selections won glowing reviews from pet parents like you. I also trialed several different options with my own pups, Matilda and Cow. While my dogs favor any bowl that contains food, I noticed that some dog bowls were more effective than others at minimizing mess and keeping both pets from scarfing their food. Also, I took note of which ones were easiest to clean, looked unobtrusive if not stylish, and which were best at staying in place during use.

The Neater Feeder’s patented design features tall sides and bottom basin reservoir that catches spilled food and water, keeping your floor mess-free. It’s available in “Express” and “Deluxe” options. Compared to the Express, the Deluxe offers more color choices, a heavier-duty base, and compatibility with leg extenders for tall dogs. If you have a large dog and avoid elevated feeders because of the potential bloat risk, the Medium/Large Express version is perfect as the tops of the bowls reach just 5.5 inches in height.

The Barking Bistro—designed for growing puppies— has removable plastic legs that snap into three different positions so you can adjust its height. When used without the legs, it stands at just 2.9 inches and keeps the bowls in place while your puppy eats. When the legs are snapped in horizontally, it stands at 8 inches, and reaches its full size at 12 inches. Some reviewers complained that the plastic base can be wobbly at full height, but this issue can be mitigated if it’s placed against a wall or on a nonskid mat. The stainless steel bowls are dishwasher-safe and they’re a standard size so you can buy extra bowls to make clean-up easier. Overall, it’s a stylish, affordable, and versatile option for medium to large breeds.

With a simple raised center and all-stainless-steel design, this slow feeder from Neater Pet Brands is great for everyday use. When Cow uses her more complex, maze-style slow feeder, it can take her up to 10 minutes to finish her meal, so I avoid using it when I’m in a rush. This bowl extends Matilda’s meals from 30 seconds to two minutes, and since it’s all steel, I can squeeze it into the bottom rack of the dishwasher without issue.

If your dog is new to slow-feeders, this budget option from Outward Hound is an ideal choice. The smallest size is under ten bucks, and you can choose from an array of colors and designs. If your dog’s the type to figure out how their slow-feeder works, the low price means you can stock up on a few different patterns to keep them on their toes.

This ceramic bowl from the Amazon exclusive “Now House for Pets” line, designed by American interior designer Jonathan Adler, has that upscale, chic look at an excellent price point. Like other ceramic bowls, it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but what sets it apart is the removable nonskid silicone sleeve. It actually doubles as a lid, perfect for covering up leftovers in the fridge or prepping your dog’s meal ahead of time for the sitter.

The Go Pet Bento set from Healthy Human is perfect for hikes, traveling, and prepping meals for your boarder or pet sitter. The top bowl has a vacuum sealed, leakproof compartment ideal for water, while the lower bowls can be used to store and serve food, or carry treats, poop bags, and accessories. It comes in sets of two, three, or four bowls with three cute color options.

For large breed puppies and dogs that are hard on their dinnerware, the Boomer Bowl from Yeti is a reliable choice. It’s as stylish as it is sturdy, and available in 11 colors so you can get a doggy version of your favorite Yeti drinkware. With a durable non-removable nonslip bottom rung and an empty weight of nearly 2 pounds, it won’t slide, wobble, or tip. Like any stainless steel product, the Boomer bowl is rust-resistant but not rust-proof. Yeti recommends removing rust spots with baking soda or vinegar. It is also best to avoid exposure to bleach, abrasive cleaners, and metal utensils.

When it comes to tiny dogs like Matilda, my 5-pound Chihuahua mix, the best dog bowl is actually... a cat dish. Even “small” dog bowls are usually too deep for her to comfortably reach her food. Flat cat dishes are designed to reduce stress on a cat’s whiskers, but they’re also perfect for serving up tiny portions, and they’re suitable for flat-faced dogs like pugs that may struggle with deep dinnerware. This ceramic dish from BiteKing has built-in ripples that help hold the food in place while your pet eats—and it also happens to be adorable.

The Elevated Dog Bowl Stands from GrooveThis Woodshop are made to order, with handcrafted solid wood panels and a personalized front plate that you can have engraved with your dog’s name. The top panel opens to reveal a hidden storage space to stash kibble, toys, leashes, or treats. Light assembly is required, though reviewers found it easy to put together in minutes with included hardware and the guidance of matching smiley face stickers.

The Jovi Bowl from Jovial Pet Products, with its extending, tiltable “arm,” has a futuristic, techy look to it that will have your guests doing a double-take. What sets it apart from other elevated feeders are its adjustable height and tilt capabilities. Its unconventional design is highly useful for dogs with special needs. Reviewers found success for their pets who have to wear a recovery cone, suffer from arthritis and other mobility issues, a megaesophagus. The tilt adjustment can also help flat-faced dogs that struggle to reach the bottom of their bowl, as well as spaniels and hounds with long ears that get in the way when they eat or drink.

PM: Do dogs actually have a preference toward metal, plastic or ceramic bowls?

LP: For the most part, no, but every dog has their quirks. I once had a dog that hated the sound of his metal collar tags clanging against his stainless steel bowls. That didn’t stop him from eating, though, if we forgot to take off his collar he’d just carry piles of kibble to the carpet and eat there.

PM: What is the benefit of a slanted or tilted bowl?

LP: Slanted and tilting bowls are suitable for any dog that struggles to reach food at the bottom of a regular bowl, due to their height or limited mobility, but brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds like Pugs get the most benefit. The angle makes it easier for them to breathe out of their nose while they eat, while a regular bowl can cause them to swallow air. Switching to a tilted bowl can improve their digestion and even put an end to excessive doggy farts.

PM: How often do you need to wash a dog bowl? After every meal? Every day?

LP: Water bowls should be washed and refilled with fresh water daily. As for food bowls, if you feed moist foods you really should wash them after every meal, but if it’s dry kibble you can get away with washing them just once at the end of the day.

PM: When is it time to replace a dog bowl?

LP: It’s time for a new dog bowl when you notice any scratches, chips, or cracks. Bacteria can lurk in those crevices even after a run through the dishwasher. Wear and tear tends to happen faster with plastic bowls, but keep in mind that ceramic and even stainless steel are only scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. Keep dog bowls in good shape by only washing them in the top rack of your dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe, and avoid using metal utensils to prevent scratches.