Dogs need water on every outing, whether it is a park walk, a hike, a car journey or a day at the beach. A travel bowl keeps a drink to hand and makes it easy to top up your dog without carrying a heavy bowl from home. The best ones fold flat, clip to a bag and are easy to rinse.
We have compared five travel water bowls currently available on Amazon UK, from a premium Ruffwear bowl to budget silicone options. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Ruffwear Quencher Packable Bowl | Premium, hiking | £24-£28 | 4.5/5 |
Kurgo Zippy Bowl | Compact zip-up bowl | £10-£13 | 4.6/5 |
Kurgo Splash Free Wander Bowl | Car journeys | £13-£16 | 4.4/5 |
Pawaboo Collapsible Bowls (2 Pack) | Two bowls with lids | £7-£9 | 4.7/5 |
Collapsible Silicone Bowl | Budget | £3-£5 | 4.6/5 |
Our Top Picks
Ruffwear Quencher Packable Dog Bowl
Best for: the premium pick for hikes and long days out
Ruffwear is known for outdoor gear, and the Quencher is a collapsible bowl with a stiffened rim that keeps its shape when it is open. It packs down flat and clips to a bag or a belt.
The bowl is made from durable fabric that can hold food or water, and it is light enough to carry all day. The bowl has a non-slip base and is easy to rinse clean.
It costs around £26 and averages 4.5 out of 5. It is a premium bowl, but for regular hikers it is worth the extra.
What we like:
- Durable and light
- Holds its shape
- Clips to a bag
Worth knowing:
- Most expensive in this list
- Fewer ratings than mass-market bowls
Specifications:
- Type: collapsible fabric bowl
- Use: water or food
- Feature: stiffened rim, clip
- Brand: Ruffwear
Kurgo Zippy Bowl
Best for: a compact, zip-up pouch for water and food
The Kurgo Zippy Bowl has a 48 ounce capacity, which is about 1.4 litres, and folds flat into a compact zip-up pouch that clips to a lead or a bag. It is BPA-free and easy to rinse.
It is a good, simple design that suits walks, car journeys and camping. It is big enough for a large dog, and small enough to pop in a pocket.
It costs around £11 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 800 ratings.
What we like:
- Zips flat and clips on
- Big capacity
- Excellent value
Worth knowing:
- Fabric can hold odours
- Not suitable as a permanent bowl
Specifications:
- Type: collapsible zip-up bowl
- Capacity: 48oz (about 1.4L)
- Material: BPA-free
- Brand: Kurgo
Kurgo Splash Free Wander Water Bowl
Best for: a spill-resistant bowl for car journeys
The Splash Free Wander bowl has an anti-splash rim and a design that stays stable in a car footwell or cup holder. It holds 710ml, which is plenty for a drink on a long journey.
The bowl is made from durable plastic and it has a carabiner to clip to a bag. It is not collapsible, but it is easy to fill and stops water splashing over the sides.
It costs around £13 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across nearly 3,700 ratings.
What we like:
- Anti-splash rim
- Fits a cup holder
- Strong reviews
Worth knowing:
- Not collapsible
- Smaller capacity than the Zippy
Specifications:
- Type: anti-splash travel bowl
- Capacity: 710ml
- Feature: carabiner
- Brand: Kurgo
Pawaboo Collapsible Travel Dog Bowls (2 Pack, with Lids and Carabiners)
Best for: two bowls for a very low price
This two-pack of silicone bowls has lids and carabiners, which makes it easy to carry one for water and one for food. The silicone folds flat and springs back, and the lids help stop water spilling in a bag.
The pair is very good value at around £8, and it has a very strong record, averaging 4.7 out of 5 across more than 2,400 ratings.
It is a good choice for owners who want a spare bowl, or who want to keep one in the car and one in a walking bag.
What we like:
- Two bowls with lids
- Silicone is easy to clean
- Best-reviewed at a low price
Worth knowing:
- Silicone can collapse when full if you carry it awkwardly
- Small for large dogs
Specifications:
- Type: collapsible silicone bowls
- Pack: 2
- Includes: lids and carabiners
- Brand: Pawaboo
Collapsible Dog Water Bowl (Silicone, Foldable)
Best for: the cheapest way to carry water
At around £4, this simple collapsible silicone bowl is the cheapest option here. It folds flat, clips to a bag and can be washed under a tap.
It has a very good record for the price, averaging 4.6 out of 5 across more than 2,100 ratings. It is a good choice for a spare or a bowl you will not mind losing.
It suits small to medium dogs best, and it comes in a range of colours.
What we like:
- Very low price
- Folds flat
- Good ratings
Worth knowing:
- Basic build
- A little small for large dogs
Specifications:
- Type: collapsible silicone bowl
- Use: water or food
- Feature: carabiner clip
- Best for: small to medium dogs
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Travel Bowl
What to Look For
Look for a bowl that is light, folds flat and clips to a bag or a lead. It should be big enough for your dog to drink comfortably, and easy to fill and rinse. A stable base stops it tipping over.
Materials matter. Silicone is easy to clean and folds well. Fabric is light and strong. Hard plastic is stable but bulkier.
Types of Travel Bowl
Collapsible silicone bowls are the most popular. Fabric bowls fold into a very small pouch. Hard anti-splash bowls are best for cars. Bottle-and-bowl combinations pour water straight from a bottle.
Most owners find a collapsible bowl the easiest to carry.
How Much Water Does My Dog Need?
As a rough guide, a dog needs about 50 to 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. On hot days and long walks, they will need more. Offer water regularly, and take extra on warm days.
Always carry more water than you think you will need, and never leave your dog in a hot car.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good travel bowl costs £4 to £15. A premium bowl costs around £25. Cheap bowls are perfectly good for most owners.
Frequently asked questions
Are collapsible silicone bowls safe for dogs?
Yes, provided they are made from food-grade silicone and BPA-free. Wash them regularly, and replace any that are cracked or damaged.
How do I keep a travel bowl clean on a long trip?
Rinse it after each use and let it dry. Carry a small cloth or a spare bag. Wash it with warm soapy water when you get home.
Can travel bowls be used for food as well as water?
Yes. Most travel bowls can hold both. Wash them well between uses, especially if you feed wet food.
Are these bowls suitable for puppies?
Yes. Choose a small, light bowl for a puppy. Any of these will do, and a pair is handy for food and water.
How much water should I carry on a walk?
Carry at least half a litre for a short walk, and more for longer walks or hot days. A dog can drink a surprising amount on a summer hike.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Pawaboo two-pack is the best value, with two lidded silicone bowls and a very strong review record. The Kurgo Zippy Bowl is a good, compact alternative with a large capacity, and the Kurgo Splash Free Wander bowl is ideal for car journeys.
If you hike regularly and want a durable, light bowl, the Ruffwear Quencher is a premium choice. And if you just want the cheapest option, the simple collapsible bowl does the job for a few pounds.
This roundup is part of our Dog Walking Gear: The Complete Guide.
