There is one nutrient that is often neglected by dog owners – water. Clean drinking water is as important as a balanced diet. It is a vital component in digestion and nutrient absorption. Adding to that, it regulates your dog’s body temperature, promotes movement by lubricating joints, and cushions the spinal cord. Without it, macro- and micronutrients won’t be transported into and out of the living cells of your dog’s body. As a result, their body functions are impaired. Organs will eventually deteriorate and would even shut down if the water deficiency lasts long enough.
Unfortunately for some owners, leaving a bowl of water beside their dog’s food is not enough. Apparently, this isn’t good practice, especially if you have a growing puppy or a pooch with chronic kidney disease. What if he topples the bowl accidentally? That would leave him thirsty until you return. Meanwhile, there are fur-parents who aren’t keen on stagnant water due to the risk of contamination. This is where a dog water dispenser comes handy.
A dog water dispenser is a reliable and economical way to provide your pet with a clean supply of great-tasting water. But unlike water fountains, dog water dispensers rely solely on gravity. So even when you’re caught in a low-voltage situation, fresh drinking water remains accessible for your dog. Ideally, maintenance costs are at a minimum.
So, which among hundreds of products is the best dog water dispenser? In this article, we reviewed 10 of the bestselling reservoir type units.
Factors to Consider
Choosing the best gravity-based dog water dispenser is not as difficult compared to picking the best drinking fountain for your pooch. Nonetheless, there are certain points to consider and they are listed below.
Capacity
How many furry housemates do you have? According to Dr. Karen Becker, a healthy dog’s daily water requirement is 0.5 to 1 oz. for each pound of body weight. For instance, a Belgian Malinois weighing 65 pounds should be drinking ¼ to ½ gallon of water every day.
So if you have two or more dogs, consider getting a large-capacity water dispenser such as the Flexzion Automatic Dog Water Station or the Aspen Pet Lebistro Self-Dispensing Gravity Dog Water Dispenser. A large-capacity water dispenser is also advantageous if you are always away for work.
Ease of Cleaning
Ease of use often implies how easy it is to maintain the unit. Your dog’s water dispenser should be a breeze to clean, especially because you need to do it regularly to prevent mold and mildew. A dishwasher may speed up the cleaning process, but a majority of dog water dispensers are made of plastic that isn’t dishwasher-safe. So, choose a product that is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning.
Moreover, a gravity-based water station requires you to invert the reservoir to fit into the dispenser. If it feels like lifting kettlebells, consider a product such as the Petmate Pet Café Waterer and the PortablePET WaterBoy. Refilling these models are a cinch and they are portable to boot.
Filtration
If mineral deposits and earthy smells are a major concern, you will need a water dispenser that has an activated carbon filter. The Petmate Replendish Dog Water Dispenser and the Heyrex Torus Self-Filling Dog Water Bowl are great examples of modern gravity-based water stations with carbon filtration. A unit equipped with an activated carbon filter further enhances the quality of your dog’s drinking water. It eliminates odor- and disease-causing bacteria, chlorine, and other contaminants. Take note that you have to buy these filters separately and replace them periodically.
Materials Used
You need a robust water dispenser if you aren’t keen on buying one at frequent intervals. However, the high-quality ones don’t come cheap, but we suggest you overlook the price. Choose a sturdy unit made with food-grade, BPA-free plastic. Not only will it last for a couple of years, but it also prevents the leaching of chemicals that increase the risk of plastic toxicity. Plastic components are not advised to be used in the dishwasher as this increases the leaching of chemicals. However, there are a few models that are dishwasher-safe such as the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station. Bear in mind that durability also entails the company’s attention to detail.
10 Best Dog Water Dispensers
1. AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity DogFeeder and Waterer
Bells and whistles won’t determine which product is best. We believe it is about long-term efficiency and low expenditures. That is why we highly recommend the AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Dog Water Dispenser & Feeder.
Our no. 1 recommendation is perfect for frugal consumers or for those who are on the lookout for a unit that doesn’t require an electrical outlet. This compact water dispenser functions on the simple premise of gravity to provide a continuous supply of fresh drinking water. Both its top lid and base are made with PP (Polypropylene) plastic, which makes it long-lasting.
In addition, this unit is designed with side cut-outs along its base to make lifting or making relocations an easy feat. This model also has non-skid rubber feet to keep it stationary.
This unit can sustain a gallon of water and the reservoir is transparent to boot. So, you can easily keep an eye on the water level. Maintenance is simple. You just need to wash it using warm sudsy water, wipe it down with a cloth and leave it to dry.
pros
- Holds up to 1 gallon of water
- Top lid and base are made of PP plastic
- The water container is made of food-grade plastic
- Space-saving design and has a visually appealing marble color
- Suitable for a single- or multiple-pet household
- Has non-skid rubber feet to prevent sliding across the floor
- Has easy-grab handles at the sides for quick, effortless transport
- Comes with a 1-year warranty by AmazonBasics
cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
- The quality of the feeder isn’t as durable as the water reservoir
2.Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/Microban
The Petmate Replendish Dog Water Dispenser is also a great choice in terms of quality and budget. In fact, this proud all-American product is a bestseller! Its food-grade plastic components are BPA-free to boot. Adding to that is its antimicrobial protection. Its drinking bowl is treated with Microban® to keep allergy- and disease-causing microorganisms at bay. You won’t have to worry about stains and algae.
Did we already mention it has a charcoal filter, too? The charcoal filter ensures your dog’s drinking water remains fresh and free of earthy smells. Rest assured your beloved pet will only drink clean, delectable water.
Moreover, its reservoir can store up to two and a half gallons of water. It automatically refills the water bowl by gravity, so your pooch’s thirst is well-quenched even when you’re busy. With a wide opening and a spill-proof design, maintenance won’t stress you out as well.
Similar to product no. 1, this water dispenser is not dishwasher-safe. So, you will need to wash it by hand.
pros
- Holds up to 2 ½ gallons of water
- Microban® technology eliminates harmful microorganisms
- Drinking base and plastic hopper are BPA-free
- Equipped with a replaceable charcoal filter to prevent bad odors
- Available in multiple colors
cons
- Can only be washed by hand
- We advise putting a silicone mat underneath the product to keep it in place
3. Flexzion Automatic Dog Water Station
The Flexzion Automatic Dog Water Station is also another gravity-based water dispenser that has proven itself a worthy investment. This product is crafted using sustainable materials that benefit the environment and at the same time, ensures your pet’s safety. Additionally, this water dispenser features Microban® technology to minimize stains and inhibit mildew buildup. It also helps eliminate harmful germs from contaminating your dog’s drink.
In addition, its water bowl is slightly elevated to reduce the strain of your dog’s neck. With a three-gallon capacity, this unit is ideal for sustaining several small pooches or for a large dog. It comes with a recessed handle area for easy transport and non-skid rubber feet to keep it in place. Lastly, it has a solid locking system, so it won’t spill even your dog gives it a forward roll.
pros
- Holds up to 3 gallons of water
- Made with eco-friendly PET plastic
- Microban® technology gets rid of contaminants
- Has non-skid rubber feet to prevent sliding across the floor
- Elevated water bowl helps reduce strain on the neck
cons
- Only wash by hand
- The water bowl is slightly shallow and so, a waterproof mat may be needed to keep floors dry
4. Heyrex Torus Self-Filling Dog Water Bowl
Got a dog who loves to flip his water bowl or do a somersault against the water dispenser? If you do, we highly suggest you get the Torus Self-Filling Dog Water Bowl by Heyrex. This water dispenser becomes hefty once you store water in the ring. Plus, it has four gripper feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding even when your thirsty pal charges into it.
This water bowl is also perfect if you are always on the road with your canine buddy. Being able to lock the reservoir means you can take it anywhere. It requires no electricity or batteries and it only weighs 2.5 pounds. It has a capacity of two liters but will just release a cup or so of water at a time so your playful pooch won’t make a gigantic mess.
What’s more, the thick walls have been strategically designed so your pet's water remains cool. This water bowl also uses charcoal filters to further enhance the quality of your dog’s water. Each filter can last around a month or so. This unit comes with five filters and hence, your dog has a total of five to six months’ worth of filtered water.
pros
- Holds up to 2 liters
- Equipped with four gripper feet that prevents movement
- Ideal for dogs who often flip or play with their water bowls
- Made with BPA-free plastic
- Insulated, rubberized inner helps keep water cool
- Low water level prevents water puddles
- Light and portable
- Replenishes water using gravity
- Comes with five free charcoal filters
- Keeps water cool
- Sturdy plastic construction with a rubberized inner lining
- Available in multiple colors
cons
- Expensive (but worth the price)
5. PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station
The PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station aims to provide your pet with a consistent supply of delectable water. Its water reservoir, which is made with sturdy BPA-free plastic, has a capacity of 2.5 gallons. Refilling the reservoir is not much of a hassle and you can lock it in place so there’s no chance your dog could make a huge mess if he topples it down.
Aside from its BPA-free plastic components, this unit comes with a vet-approved stainless steel bowl to make sure water is contained in the most hygienic way. Take note that vets prefer stainless steel to plastic since microorganisms don’t easily proliferate in stainless steel.
Moreover, this gravity-based water dispenser is equipped with a flow-control valve. It features a space-saving footprint too and hence, it is ideal for small rooms. It's wide opening, on the other hand, makes the water more accessible for your dog and it is also a plus when cleaning.
To further enhance the quality of your pet’s water, we suggest you add in the Healthy Pet Water Filter™. It eliminates mineral deposits and earthy odors so your dog can enjoy great-tasting water anytime.
pros
- Holds up to 2.5 gallons of water
- Wide opening makes drinking a lot easier for pets
- Plastic components are BPA-free and are dishwasher-safe
- The hopper includes a stainless steel bowl
- Comes a flow-control valve
- Space-saving and modern design
cons
- Doesn’t have a non-skid bottom
- Some customers mentioned that the bowl needs replacing after a certain period due to rust
6.Petmate Pet Cafe Pet Waterer
Worrying your dog might not be getting enough water during the day, especially when you’re busy or out of town? Getting a Petmate Pet Café Waterer for your canine buddy would be a clever idea. It uses gravity flow technology to ensure a steady supply of clean, fresh water for your pooch.
As you can see, it exhibits a simple yet stylish design, so it won’t serve as an eyesore wherever you put it. Most importantly, this product is safely made and is guaranteed spill-free. There are also grab cutouts so you can lift the bowl effortlessly. Likewise, it has a wide opening so your pooch can drink with ease.
This unit has a maximum water capacity of ¾ gallons, which is good enough for small to medium-sized breeds. Both its base and water bottle are made of sturdy plastic that is free of toxic chemicals.
Our only gripe is that it makes gurgling sounds as soon as the water gets low. Unless you got a very anxious pooch, the gurgling sounds aren’t much of a disadvantage.
pros
- Holds up to ¾ gallons of water
- Economical (uses gravity, not electricity)
- Bowl is wide enough for dogs to drink from
- Easy-grab cutouts to allow owners to lift and transport the bowl with ease
- The container is threaded and easily locks into place
- Available in multiple colors
cons
- Makes gurgling sounds
- Not dishwasher-safe
- We advise putting a silicone mat underneath the product to keep it stable
7. PortablePET WaterBoy Travel Water Bowl
There aren’t really a lot of options in the pet market for a good-quality travel water bowl. That is why you need to get the PortablePET WaterBoy if you have the chance! This water bowl holds up to roughly 3 liters of water, so you won’t have to pull over every 30 minutes to offer water to your dog.
The most amazing thing about this product is that it is nearly impossible to be flipped inside a vehicle. Heiniger carefully designed this product to prevent spills even when you cruise through rocky terrain or pothole-riddled roads. The only time it will leak is when you don’t tighten the lid properly!
Like a good ole pitcher, this product comes with a handle for easy carrying. Considering its bowl’s depth, not even a curious pup can poke his paw in the water and create a mess.
pros
- Holds up to 3 liters
- Suitable for all types of vehicles including boats
- Includes a handle for easy carrying
- Bowl depth prevents spills
- Lightweight, simple, and portable
cons
- A chore to clean and molds quickly
8. Old Tjikko Dog Water Dispenser
Tired of water dispensers that require so much effort to clean? Choose the Old Tjikko Dog Water Dispenser. Based on customer feedback, cleaning this water dispenser is quick and easy, since there are no nooks and crannies for fungi to grow. Its base is so smooth and well-angled. You can easily wipe mineral deposits using a clean, damp cloth. Most importantly, the barrel and chassis of this unit can be separated effortlessly for refilling and maintenance.
Moreover, this product is made using BPA-free and food-grade plastic materials. There is a non-skid pad at the bottom to prevent your dog from knocking it over. Another advantage is its spiral and spring valve design. The cap holds in the water until you push the bottle firmly into the fitting. Thus, it prevents leaks.
pros
- Holds up to 1 gallon
- Plastic components are BPA-free
- No edges that are hard to clean
- Smooth base allows quick spot cleaning
- Non-skid base helps keep the unit in place
- Spiral and spring valve prevents spills
cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Creates a gulping sound when the water level gets low
9. Lixit Waterboy Travel Water Bowl
Looking for a portable water bowl for road trips and park strolls? The Lixit Waterboy Travel Water Bowl is a sound choice for park strolls, road trips, summer fairs, festivals, and just plain everyday walks. It’s simple and practical, allowing you to get your furry pal watered with little fuss. Like a good ole pitcher, you just have to fill it up and store it upright or lay it down when needed. No assembly required!
This canister can hold up to half a gallon of water, which is enough for a long road trip. Also, it only allows a fair amount of water out at a time to prevent spills. Although the container isn’t transparent, you can see the water level so you can make a refill as soon as necessary.
Moreover, all its plastic components are made using BPA-free plastic. As long as you have a firm grip, the seal will remain tight and leak-free. However, make sure you empty this container at the end of each day to prevent mildew.
pros
- Holds up to ½ gallons of water
- Made with sturdy, BPA-free plastic
- Lightweight, simple, and portable
cons
- Difficult to clean and molds quickly
10. Petmate Aspen Pet Lebistro Feeder
Do you have a dog that can go through a bowl of water in a matter of minutes? If you have a large dog or multiple pets, the Aspen Pet Lebistro Self-Dispensing Gravity Dog Water would be ideal for you. It has a four-gallon capacity so you can spend more time with your canine buddy and less time refilling his water station.
This proud all-American product proves that sometimes simple technology is the best. Harnessing the power of gravity, it provides your canine buddy a supply of pure drinking water around the clock. Both its container and base are made with 100% BPA-free plastic. The manufacturer guaranteed that no trace of harmful chemicals will leach into your dog’s drinking water.
Moreover, the container has a quick-twist lid for convenient refill and cleaning. The bowl also has a spill-resistant edge to help keep your floors dry by preventing spills and splashes.
pros
- Holds up to 4 gallons of water (fewer refills required)
- Ideal for a large dog or for a multiple-pet household
- Highlights a BPA-free plastic base and reservoir
- Bottle unscrews easily from the base for quick refill and cleaning
- Available in multiple colors
cons
- We advise putting a non-slip mat underneath the product to keep it stable
- Some customers complained it isn’t dishwasher-safe as advertised