Choosing Puppy Food and Water Bowls

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

It is easy to overlook bowls when shopping for a puppy, but they are used several times a day, and a poor choice can cause mess, tipping and even hygiene problems. A good bowl is stable, easy to clean and suited to your puppy's size and eating style. Here is how to choose.

Bowl materials

Stainless steel

• Durable and dishwasher safe
• Does not absorb odors or harbor bacteria easily
• Often has a non-slip base
• Can be noisy if pushed around

For most puppies, this is a reliable choice.

Ceramic

• Heavy and stable, so hard to tip
• Attractive and easy to clean if glazed
• Can chip or break, and chipped bowls should be thrown away
• Check that the glaze is lead-free

Plastic

• Lightweight and inexpensive
• Easily scratched, which can harbor bacteria
• Can be chewed or tipped
• Some dogs react to the plastic with chin irritation

If you use plastic, choose high-quality, BPA-free options and replace them when scratched.

Silicone and collapsible bowls

Good for travel and outings, but not usually ideal as everyday bowls.

Size and shape

• Size. Choose a bowl that fits your puppy's muzzle comfortably, with room to eat without spilling. A bowl that is too deep can frustrate a small puppy.
• Shape. Wide, shallow bowls suit flat-faced breeds, while deeper bowls may suit long-eared breeds, which can dip their ears into food. Special bowls with narrower tops can help.
• Stability. A wide base or non-slip ring prevents tipping and sliding.

Slow feeders and puzzle bowls

Some puppies gulp food, which can cause gagging, vomiting or discomfort. Slow feeders have ridges or obstacles that force a slower pace. Puzzle feeders add mental stimulation. Introduce them gradually, since some puppies become frustrated. Make sure the design is easy to clean and not too difficult for your puppy. Our guide to dog bowls and slow feeders covers options in detail.

Water bowls and fountains

• Always provide fresh water. Puppies need constant access, except for planned restrictions at night during toilet training, if your vet agrees.
• Water fountains encourage some dogs to drink more, but they require cleaning and a power source, and cords must be chew-proof.
• Spill-proof bowls are useful for messy drinkers or car travel.

Raised bowls: do you need them?

Raised bowls are sometimes recommended for older dogs with mobility problems, but there is no evidence that they benefit most puppies. Some research has linked raised feeders with a higher risk of bloat in large breeds, so ask your vet before using them.

Keeping bowls clean

• Wash food bowls after each meal, or at least daily, with hot soapy water.
• Wash water bowls daily, and refill with fresh water throughout the day.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
• Check for scratches, chips and cracks, and replace damaged bowls.
• Wash silicone mats and bowl stands regularly.

Dirty bowls can host bacteria and mold, which is especially risky for puppies with developing immune systems.

Feeding practicalities

• Feed in a quiet spot where the puppy will not be disturbed.
• Put the bowl on a non-slip mat to catch spills.
• Remove uneaten food after about 15 to 20 minutes if you are feeding scheduled meals. See our puppy feeding schedule.
• Do not leave water in a hot car or outside in freezing weather.

Multi-dog households

If you have more than one dog, feed them separately to prevent resource guarding. Use separate bowls and keep water bowls available for everyone.

What to buy first

A pair of stainless steel or ceramic bowls, one for food and one for water, is enough to start. Add a slow feeder later if your puppy gobbles. See our puppy shopping list for the rest of the essentials.

Special cases worth knowing

Some puppies need extra thought. Long-eared breeds such as Spaniels and Basset Hounds often get their ears in the food, so narrow-topped bowls or a snood can help. Flat-faced breeds struggle with deep bowls and do better with shallow, wide ones. Very small puppies may need low-sided dishes so they can reach their food. Messy drinkers benefit from a mat under the water bowl. If your puppy tips the bowl over for fun, a heavy ceramic or weighted bowl solves the problem. Always keep an eye on whether the puppy is eating well, because a sudden loss of appetite is worth mentioning to your vet.

The takeaway

Choose a bowl that is safe, stable and easy to clean, and keep it spotless. It is a small detail, but it supports your puppy's health every day.