A dog bowl seems like the simplest purchase you will ever make, but the wrong one can be irritating. A light bowl slides all over the kitchen floor, a plastic one can hold smells and a bowl that is too small means messy meals. The right bowl is stable, easy to clean and the right size for your dog.
We have compared five everyday dog bowls currently available on Amazon UK, in stainless steel, ceramic and stoneware, including a two-pack and a four-pack. We explain who each one is best for, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Rosewood Double-Wall Stainless Steel Bowl | Hard-wearing steel | £11-£13 | 4.4/5 |
Mason Cash Cane Dog Bowl (20cm) | Heavy, non-slip stoneware | £10-£12 | 4.6/5 |
Petface Grey Spots Ceramic Bowl (20cm) | Stable ceramic on a budget | £8-£10 | 4.7/5 |
PEGGY11 Stainless Steel Bowls (2 Pack) | Non-slip base, best rated | £12-£14 | 4.8/5 |
DEAYOU Stainless Steel Bowls (4 Pack) | Multipack for several pets | £14-£16 | 4.7/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
Rosewood Premium Double-Wall Stainless Steel Bowl (700ml)
Best for: a hard-wearing steel bowl in a range of sizes
Rosewood is a well-known UK pet brand, and its double-wall stainless steel bowl is a solid everyday choice. Stainless steel is hygienic, does not absorb smells and can be washed in the dishwasher, which is why it is the most common material for dog bowls.
The double-wall construction gives the bowl extra weight and a more robust feel, and the bowl comes in a choice of sizes and colours. The 700ml version is a good size for small to medium dogs.
It costs around £12 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across nearly 50 ratings.
What we like:
- Hygienic stainless steel
- Double-wall construction
- UK brand
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings than some rivals
- Can slide on smooth floors without a mat
Specifications:
- Material: stainless steel
- Capacity: 700ml
- Feature: double-wall
- Brand: Rosewood
Mason Cash Cane Dog Bowl (20cm, Stoneware)
Best for: a heavy, classic bowl that will not slide
Mason Cash has been making stoneware for generations, and its Cane dog bowl is a classic. It is heavy, with a wide, stable base, so it does not slide across the floor when a dog eats.
The stoneware is dishwasher safe and easy to clean, and the 20cm size holds 1.6 litres, which suits medium to large dogs. The design looks good in a kitchen, too.
It costs around £11 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 1,100 ratings. It is heavy and breakable, so it is not ideal for puppies that like to carry their bowl around.
What we like:
- Heavy and stable
- Dishwasher safe
- Very good ratings
Worth knowing:
- Can chip or break if dropped
- Heavy to carry
Specifications:
- Material: stoneware
- Size: 20cm
- Capacity: 1.6 litres
- Brand: Mason Cash
Petface Grey Spots Ceramic Dog Bowl (20cm)
Best for: a good-looking ceramic bowl at a low price
The Petface ceramic bowl is a plain, stable, well-priced option with a spotted design. Like other ceramic bowls, it is heavy enough to stay put and does not hold smells.
The 20cm size suits a medium dog, and the bowl is easy to wipe clean. It is a good choice for owners who prefer ceramic to metal.
It costs around £9 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across nearly 200 ratings.
What we like:
- Stable and heavy
- Low price
- High average rating
Worth knowing:
- Breakable
- Fewer ratings than the very popular bowls
Specifications:
- Material: ceramic
- Size: 20cm
- Design: grey spots
- Brand: Petface
PEGGY11 Stainless Steel Dog Bowls (900ml, 2 Pack)
Best for: a two-bowl pack with non-slip bases
This two-pack has a non-slip silicone base on each bowl and a generous 900ml capacity, so it suits medium and large dogs. Having a pair is handy, because you can use one for food and one for water, or keep a spare while one is in the dishwasher.
The silicone base stops the bowl skidding on hard floors and reduces noise at mealtimes. The stainless steel is rust-resistant, easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
It costs around £13 for the pair and averages 4.8 out of 5 across more than 1,200 ratings, which is the best average in this comparison.
What we like:
- Two bowls in the pack
- Non-slip base
- Best average rating
Worth knowing:
- Silicone base can trap dirt if not cleaned
- Steel can be noisy on hard floors without the base
Specifications:
- Material: stainless steel
- Capacity: 900ml each
- Base: non-slip silicone
- Pack: 2
DEAYOU 4 Pack Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Bowls (21cm)
Best for: a big, cheap multipack for several pets
If you have several pets, or you simply want spares, the DEAYOU four-pack is a very good deal. The bowls are stainless steel and about 21cm across, and the basic design suits everyday use.
They are easy to clean, rust-resistant and light, so they are also ideal for a car, a caravan or a trip away. They do not have a non-slip base, so use a mat if your dog pushes the bowl around.
It costs around £15 for four and averages 4.7 out of 5 across nearly 500 ratings.
What we like:
- Four bowls for the price of one
- Stainless steel
- Good ratings
Worth knowing:
- No non-slip base
- Basic design
Specifications:
- Material: stainless steel
- Size: 21cm
- Pack: 4
- Use: dogs and cats
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Bowl
What to Look For
Look for a bowl that is stable, easy to clean and the right size. A wide, heavy base or a non-slip ring stops it sliding. Avoid bowls with lots of crevices where food and bacteria can hide.
Depth matters too. Flat-faced dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs, do better with a shallow bowl, while spaniels and other dogs with long ears do better with a deeper, narrower one that keeps the ears out.
Types of Dog Bowl
Stainless steel is hygienic, light, unbreakable and dishwasher safe. Ceramic and stoneware are heavy and stable, and they look good, but they can chip or break. Plastic is cheap and light, but it can scratch and hold smells, so we usually recommend avoiding it. Silicone travel bowls fold flat and are ideal for days out.
For most homes, stainless steel or ceramic is the best choice.
Size Guide
As a rough guide, small dogs need a bowl of around 300 to 600ml, medium dogs around 700ml to 1 litre and large dogs 1.5 litres or more. Choose a bowl that holds a little more than one meal so that there is room to eat without spilling.
For water, a bigger bowl is always better, and make sure it is refilled at least once a day.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good dog bowl costs £5 to £15. Spending more buys a designer look or extra features, but a plain steel or ceramic bowl will do the job perfectly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a dog bowl?
Stainless steel is the most popular, since it is hygienic, tough and easy to clean. Ceramic is a good alternative that is heavy and stable. Avoid cheap plastic, which can scratch and harbour bacteria.
How often should I wash my dog’s bowl?
Wash food bowls after every meal, and water bowls daily. Most stainless steel and ceramic bowls are dishwasher safe.
What size bowl does my dog need?
Choose a bowl that comfortably holds one meal with room to spare. Small dogs need about 300 to 600ml, medium dogs about 700ml to 1 litre and large dogs 1.5 litres or more.
How do I stop my dog’s bowl sliding?
Choose a bowl with a non-slip base, or use a heavy ceramic or stoneware bowl. A silicone mat under the bowl also helps.
Should I use one bowl for food and one for water?
Yes. Use separate bowls, and always keep a clean, full water bowl available. A two-pack is a good way to get a matching pair.
Conclusion
For most owners, the PEGGY11 two-pack is the best all-rounder: two well-made steel bowls with non-slip bases and the best average rating here. The Mason Cash Cane bowl is a heavy, classic choice that will not slide, and the Petface ceramic bowl is a good-looking, low-cost alternative.
The Rosewood double-wall bowl is a hard-wearing UK-brand option, and the DEAYOU four-pack is ideal if you have several pets or just want spares. Whichever you choose, wash it daily and keep a full water bowl out for your dog.
