The Best Design-y Dog Bowls, According to Dog Trainers and Veterinarians
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A dog bowl gets used every single day, multiple times per day — so it’s important to find one that your dogs (and you) actually like. There are tons to choose from, and plenty of Strategist-favorite kitchen and home lines — likeYeti,MacKenzie-Childs, andMark & Graham— sell their own, too. While the obvious choice might be a dog bowl that suits your interiors or personal style, there are some practical things to consider. Dr. Ashley Burgos, a veterinarian and co-founder ofFutureproof Pet, notes that you’ll want to pick something that’s durable and easy to sanitize. That means looking for materials that are nonporous and rust-resistant, such as stainless steel or food-safe ceramic (which includes porcelain). I spoke to pet experts, including a veterinarian and a professional dog trainer, about their favorites and included the dog bowls that I use with my own pups.
A few of my favorites
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A Yeti for your dog, with a stainless-steel nonslip bowl.
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The sleek feeding system I'm using currently for my rescue dog Georige.
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One professional dog trainer's favorite ceramic dog bowl.
Food-safe ceramic dog bowls
“I love the look and feel of a well-made ceramic bowl, but the safety piece matters more than people realize,” Burgos says. She suggests looking for a glaze that’s explicitly labeled lead-free and cadmium-free, and ideally fired at high temperatures (cone 6 or above), which seals the glaze so it won’t leach. This also makes cleaning the bowl easier because it’s less porous, so bacteria doesn’t hide in the crevices. “Reputable small-batch potters will tell you their kiln temperature or process and glaze source without hesitation,” Burgos says. “Avoid anything with bright, decorative glazes (especially reds, oranges, yellows) unless the maker confirms the pigments are food-grade — those colors often come from heavy metal oxides, especially in cheaper glazes.”
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Burgos says her favorite dog bowl is this hand-painted one with a glossy finish from Pottery Barn. Featuring blue-and-white floral motifs, she loves that it comes in a variety of sizes — from extra-small to large — plus it’s dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Here’s another style that will blend right in withyourstoneware plates, and they can even be personalized.
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Malia Stevens, a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant at Raise the Woof Dog Training, told me about bowls from Southern California–based brand Bauer Pottery. “I am a stickler for cleaning bowls after every meal — even if you are feeding kibble, it’s important to wash like you would wash your own plate or bowl,” Stevens explains. The smooth ceramic makes cleaning this one easy.
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I own these striped bowls and use them for my basset hound, Ringo, along with the brand’sscalloped pet-bowl stand, which we customized with his name. The bowls are super-easy to clean, and while they are heftier than the other stainless-steel bowls we own, I love how the Mark & Graham ones look more elevated and blend in with the rest of our mudroom décor.
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This summer, I’ve been testing this feeding system that comes with removable porcelain bowls and an elevated powder-coated steel stand. I love that the bowls have integrated rubbery gaskets, so it’s always quiet when I’m setting them down into the stand — important if you have a nervous dog that’s sensitive to loud sounds like my Georgie. The bowls have ribbed sides and are coated in a low-sheen glaze that’s dishwasher-safe. The Drama Feeder is one of the nicest-looking feeding stations that I’ve come across, since it’s modern and minimal and doesn’t feel like an eyesore in our home.
Stainless-steel dog bowls
If you prefer the look of stainless steel, find a bowl labeled 18/8 or 18/10, since these numbers refer to the percentage of chromium and nickel content, Burgos says. “This is the same grade used in surgical instruments, and it resists corrosion and pitting, especially over time.” She also recommends picking one with a rubber or silicone base, since those are great for preventing slippage when your dog is eating their meal; though you might consider one with a removal base, so it can go into the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
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Elisabeth Weiss, a professional dog trainer and the owner ofDog Relations NYC, swears by this bowl from Wetnoz. She says it’s extremely durable and the cutout opening is designed to be used as a handle, so the bowl doubles as a scoop. Weiss owns two large Briards, and the Wetnoz does a solid job at staying in place and not slipping around thanks to the rubber base.
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“Who doesn’t like Snoopy and bones?” says Weiss of these dog bowls from Alessi. The 18/10 stainless-steel inserts are also notably lightweight.
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Burgos likes the Wilderdog bowl, which is made of double-walled stainless steel and has a nonslip rubber base. It’s dishwasher-safe and available with an optional silicone lid to prevent spills and keep unfinished food contained.
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We’re big fans ofYeti’s coolers and drinkware, and now dogs can enjoy the goods, too. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, this bowl is a top pick from Burgos, who appreciates that it can be customized with your dog’s name for free if ordered directly from Yeti. It also has a nonslip base and comes in two sizes.
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