Most of us think of the best ceramic dog bowls as nothing more than a container for food or water. In fact, it is not uncommon to see old recycled plastic packaging convinced that there is nothing wrong with it.
However, today we can choose specific bowls for the different needs of our dog, and we are more aware of the importance of food, even for him. Now we can find on the market bowls designed just for every eventuality and infinite immensity of materials, from the most robust to the most practical for travel, folding.
When it comes to dog bowls, the wide range of options can be overwhelming.
But do not worry! We try to help you make a good decision below as we talk about ceramic dog bowls, some of the best dog dishes. We will describe the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic dog bowls and then identify some of our favorite models on the market.
Read on for more information, or check out our quick pick recommendations below! Read more about, best ceramic vase.
The best personalized ceramic dog bowls we tested and recommended in 2023
| Brand Name | Best for |
|---|---|
| Waggo Dipper Ceramic Dog Bowl | Most Dogs |
| Bone Dry Lattice Collection Dog Bowl | Small Dogs |
| Waggo Heavy Ceramic Gloss Dog Bowl | Large Dogs |
| Modern Artisans American Made Heavy-Weight Non-slip bowl | Messy Drinker |
| USA Custom Gifts Personalized Pet Bowl | Large Dogs |
If your dog use a ceramic dog bowl, tell me which is favorite? And let me know in the comment below
Top 5 Best Ceramic Dog Bowls – Quick Pick in 2023
There is no shortage of ceramic dog bowls on the market, but some are definitely better (and safer) than others. We share some of our favorites below!
| Ceramic Dog Bowl Types | Latest Price on Amazon |
|---|---|
| Personalized ceramic dog bowls | |
| Elevated ceramic dog bowls | |
| Raised ceramic dog bowls | |
| Large ceramic dog bowls | |
| Ceramic dog bowls with stand | |
| Custom ceramic dog bowls | |
| Top paw ceramic dog bowls |
1. Waggo Dipper Large Ceramic Dog Bowl
The Waggo Dipper bowl is simple and sturdy, making it a reliable ceramic bowl for any home. Waggo Dipper bowls come in 2-, 4-, and 8-cup capacities, making them ideal for dogs of any size. The simple striped design will fit perfectly in your home with your choice of eight different colors.
According to the manufacturer, these bowls are made in China but are FDA-approved and meet human consumption standards. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the ceramic glaze harming your pet.
In addition, these bowls are suitable for dishwashers for ease of use. Owners love how these heavy dog bowls stay in place during dinner. The minimalist design also gets a lot of praise, with owners reporting that it looks great in various homes.
Some pet owners have found the bowls to be slightly smaller than initially supposed, so consider purchasing a larger size for your large-haired baby.
Key to Features
- 100% ceramic construction
- Available in 3 sizes and 8 colors.
- Meets FDA safety standards
- Small: 2″ x 5.25″, 2 cup capacity
- Medium: 2.75″ x 6.5″, 4 cup capacity
- Large: 3.25″ x 8.5″, 8 cup capacity
- Product Materials: 100% Ceramic, Heavyweight
2. Bone Dry Lattice Collection Best Dog Bowl
The Bone Dry Lattice dog bowl is the number one complaint about perfect sizing. They come in three different sizes for the ceramic bowl that would be better described as extra small, small, and medium.
The small sizing dog bowl makes perfect for Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and any other dog that you can think of that does not have a flat face. But if you want to use a medium dog bowl for a large dog, you will likely find a small bowl for your pooch.
The ceramic material makes it easy to clean and provides enough support at the bottom. This bowl is a beautiful paw design, and the silicone ring increases the kid resistance of the bowl. You need to pay attention to the storage of the bowl to avoid any cracks and chips.
Key to features
- Best for most dogs.
- Comes in 8 sizes and different types
- FDA food-grade compliant
- Made with porcelain ceramic
- Comes with silicone rim bottom
- FDA food safe for Prop 65 compliant
3. Waggo Heavy Extra Large Ceramic Dog Bowl
If you are looking for a large ceramic dog bowl, the Waggo heavy gloss is one of them. This bowl comes on the market in three sizes: small, medium, and large, which they did not compare to the large size.
Well, first, the ceramic bowl is going to keep your hungry pooch full and is capable of holding 8 cups of kibble, but no other bowl we tested could match the amount of food where a large ceramic feeder could hold. But this reason we singled the bowl out as the winner? It’s the weight.
Suppose you are looking for a hefty dog bowl that you giant the pooch and would not try to pick because this is good as it gets. It comes with a smooth gloss surface that is difficult for the dog to grip and easy to clean.
Most of the bowls sliding around your floor, but it depends on the surface. Tiles, wood floor, and laminate floors most of the movement but even then was minimal movement. If you have issues sliding the bowl on your floors, we will highly recommend a non-slip mat. So, it can catch any food that your dos spill that makes cleaning up easier for you. Also, read ceramic mug with lid.
In addition, this bowl is highly recommended that we found even our messiest eaters could contain their meal to bowl.
Key to features
- Small: 2″ x 5.25″, 2 cup capacity
- Medium: 2.75″ x 6.5″, 4 cup capacity
- Large: 3.25″ x 8.5″, 8 cup capacity
- Product Materials: 100% Ceramic
- Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, Sold Separately
- Available in four different colors and three different sizes
4. Modern Artisans American Made Heavy-Weight Non-slip bowl
Is your dog a messy drinker? You need to about heavy-duty non-slip dog bowl each time he takes a drink. The American Modern Artisans dog bowl is hand-made. The bowl features edges that fold in and is uses to prevent the water bowl from splashing out of the ceramic bowl while the dog or cat drinks.
This bowl comes in two sizes in the market while being heavy. The smaller size bowl is impressive 2 pounds and the larger comes in 4 pounds. These bowls so much weight holding down when your dog slurped away. With that said, a German company determined to play will likely carry these around but did not worry about a breakdown.
They have three dotted lip drainage holes that allow water to escape when washing, preventing the cleaning of mold and mildew, which often comes with trapped water. This bowl price may be off-putting, but you are paying for quality craft right here in the USA. It is only useable as a water bowl, but if you want to use a ceramic bowl that cuts down on splashing, there is no going past it. See here, ceramic neti pot.
Key to features
- Ideal for small dogs and cats
- A sturdy water bowl is handcrafted on the potter’s
- Blending beautifully with any decor
- Largest size measures approx. 9″ diameter x 3″ high
- Dishwasher and lead-free and cadmium-free
- Dog Bowls available in 2 sizes
5. USA Custom Gifts Personalized Pet Bowl
Suppose you want to purchase a dog bowl that is as unique as your pooch and check out these ceramic pet bowls as your needs. These pet bowls look great, but also they can be customized with your pet pup’s name on the front and backside. These come with black and white designs in bone, heart, and paw print in varieties for further customization.
These pet bowls are lead, dishwasher safe, and easy to keep clean and given that they are made in California. The bowls run about seven inches in diameter, and they can behold up to 8 cups of food. It is a large size and ceramic sturdy construction that is perfect for larger-sized pups.
The custom gift pet bowls are impressed by how well-made ceramic dog bowls are made of a heavyset design. These bowls also are big enough to feed XL. Check here for, ceramic skillet review.
Key to features:
- Ideal for small dogs and cats
- Perfect gift for your pets
- We use 100% High-Quality Ceramic Pet Bowls
- Dishwasher and Microwave SAFE!
- This glorious pet bowl proudly crafted and elegant
- Two sides of the bowl are customizable
What to consider when buying the best ceramic dog bowls or feeder
Some do not give too much importance to the feeder of their dog or cat. After all, a trough is not very complicated. It is a simple bowl where we put the food of our furry. However, not all feeders are the same, and neither are all dogs or cats.
Depending on the characteristics of your four-legged companion, it will be better for you to get one or another type of bowl for dogs and cats. Throughout this buying guide, we will take a look at the different types of feeders that we can find, and we will see what factors to take into account when choosing the most suitable one for your furry one.
Currently, we can find an infinity of feeders for dogs and cats on the market, of the most varied sizes and designs, and made of different materials. Let’s see what you should consider choosing the most suitable for your furry.
Bowls size
Of course, when buying a bowl for your dog or cat, the first thing you should consider is the size because, obviously, buying a feeder for a cat or a small puppy is not the same as for a Great Dane, for example.
Obviously, if you have a large dog, you should buy a feeder whose size allows you to put the entire ration of food inside it comfortably and thus eat it comfortably.
“The bowls should be large enough to fit the food ration loosely, but it should always be adequate for the size of your dog.”
In the case that you have a small cat or dog, its feeder, as we saw in the previous case, should be large enough to contain its food ration comfortably, but it should not be too large.
Let me explain: if, for example, your dog is a Chihuahua and you put a huge feeder in it, designed for a mastiff, the poor thing will have a hard time reaching the bottom of the feeder since its edges will be too high for it.
In short, get a feeder that is the right size to hold your furry’s food ration: not too small, not too big.
Bowls material
Currently, we can find pet feeders made with different materials, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s see them.
Plastic Bowls
They are usually quite inexpensive, and you can find them in a wide variety of designs and colors. They are also lightweight feeders that are easy to clean. As a drawback, plastic is a material that scratches easily, and bacteria can accumulate. On the other hand, they also tend to absorb bad odors after a while.
Stainless steel bowls
They are more hygienic than plastic bowls and are light, durable, and very easy to clean, even in the dishwasher. There may not be as much variety in designs and colors as for feeders made of other materials, but they are nevertheless convenient. Yes, it is convenient to get one that has a non-slip base so that your furry does not move it when eating.
“Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are generally more hygienic than plastic ones, as they are more difficult to scratch.”
Ceramic bowls
Like stainless steel bowls, ceramic bowls are hygienic and easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. You can find them with beautiful designs and in different colors, and they have the advantage of not scratching. Their biggest drawback is that they are not unbreakable, so you will have to be more careful when handling them since if you hit them or drop them, they will break. In addition, they are also usually somewhat more expensive than feeders made of other materials.
Silicone Bowls
Currently, we can find some feeders made of silicone. It is a very light and durable material, which also offers great flexibility, which makes it ideal for making folding feeders, which can be very useful to take with us if we have to take a trip with our furry.
Characteristics of your dog or your cat
It is important that, when buying a feeder for cats or dogs, you also take into account the characteristics of your four-legged friend, since not all our furry are the same or have the same needs. Let’s look at some examples.
- If you have a dog or cat that gobbles up its ration of feed in a few seconds, as if it were a vacuum cleaner, it may come in handy to choose an anti-anxiety feeder specially designed to force our furry to eat more slowly. Normally, these feeders have raised parts inside, which form a kind of labyrinth, so it will be more difficult for them to catch their feed to have no choice but to eat more slowly.
- An elevated feeder can be very convenient, especially if you have a large dog or one with joint or mobility problems, as it will allow him to maintain a more natural posture when eating. Also, since they do not need to lower their heads to eat, these types of feeders can avoid digestive problems.
“In the market, we can find a great variety of feeders of different types. Take into account the characteristics of your dog or cat when choosing one.”
- If your dog or your cat is restrained eating, and they eat when they really need it, a hopper-type feeder can come in handy, in case you spend many hours away from home, since that way you will ensure that they will not miss food. Of course, if your furry is gluttonous, these types of feeders are not recommended. In this case, it is best to opt for an automatic feeder, which allows you to regulate the portions and schedules.
What are the best dog bowls?
Every dog has the right bowl, be it just a matter of size and therefore capacity or for special needs.
Some dogs need anti-choking models; others spend a lot of time at home alone and have to manage their food independently with a tank dispenser.
Others see the bowl as a game and run it all over the ground, scattering croquettes like corn in a field. So how can we choose the best dog bowl?
Why do some owners prefer ceramic dog bowls?
Ceramic dog bowls are certainly not ideal for all owners, dogs, and situations, but they do have many things going for them. Here are a few reasons why ceramic dog bowls are such a popular choice with pet owners:
Ceramic dog bowls are easy to clean: Ceramic bowls are often dishwasher safe, which means you can clean them with the rest of your dishes. The ceramic glaze makes the bowls easy to clean by hand, too, if necessary.
The best ceramic dog bowls are available in various fun colors and designs: Ceramic bowls are usually quite elegant. You can get intricate bowls decorated with your pup’s name, or you can select a color and pattern to match your home décor.
Most ceramic dog bowls are heavy (in a good way): Ceramic bowls are typically heavier than plastic or stainless steel dog bowls. This will generally prevent the bowl from slipping while your pet is eating.
Good ceramic dog bowls are non-porous: High-quality ceramic plates have remarkably smooth, non-porous surfaces. Consequently, they are less likely to harbor harmful bacteria or food residue.
Disadvantages of ceramic dog bowls
While ceramic dog bowls are a great option for many owners, there are a few downsides to being aware of. This includes:
Ceramic dog bowls can break if dropped: Ceramic can be a beautiful material, but it can also break. Ceramic bowls may need to be easily replaced after a single drop on the floor. Also, if your dog occasionally tries to pick up his food bowls and move them, ceramic bowls may not be the safest option.
Ceramic dog bowls can be a bit noisy: This is a fairly minor problem, but ceramic dog bowls will make a noise when your pup’s ID tag repeatedly knocks.
Ceramic dog bowls can chip: Even if you drop a ceramic bowl and splinters instead of breaking completely, it is unsafe to use. Your pet could easily cut himself while eating from a chipped bowl.
Some ceramic dog bowls use lead-based paint: You will find that some ceramic dog bowls use lead-based paint on the glaze (more common in ceramic dog bowls made in China). This is not healthy for your dog, so be sure to choose an FDA-approved ceramic bowl.
Caring for your ceramic dog bowl set
Once you’ve chosen the best ceramic food bowl for your dog, follow these quick tips for proper dog bowl maintenance.
Inspect your ceramic dog bowl regularly: It is always important to inspect your puppy’s ceramic dog bowl set regularly for chips or scratches. Even if you haven’t dropped the bowl, your ceramic set may have been damaged in the dishwasher. Remember, any splinters in ceramic food bowls can be harmful to your dog, regardless of its size.
Ensure to clean it regularly: As you would with any dog bowl, you must remove any food scraps or waste that your dog leaves behind after finishing his meal. This will not only keep your home smelling fresh but will also ensure that your bowel doesn’t harbor nasty bacteria.
Wash ceramic dog bowls as recommended: While many ceramic mugs are dishwasher safe, not all are. Be sure to wash your bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid possible damage or chips.
How to choose the best dog bowl?
Now that we have discovered which are the most common models among dog owners, let’s delve into the subject together and analyze all the key aspects that we will have to take into account when we find ourselves choosing the dog bowl that best suits the needs of our quadruped friend:
Size
Obviously, the first thing to do is choose a bowl that is the right size for our dog. It would be impossible to think that a Labrador, for example, would eat from a chihuahua’s bowl … in the same way, a small dog would have enormous difficulty handling a bowl that is too big for him, perhaps too tall to be able to drink properly.
The ideal container should hold the correct amount of food for a meal and have enough space to prevent the food from overflowing when the dog starts eating. As we do not have a fork and a knife, we will have to consider the volume of the muzzle when wetting the porridge.
As for the size, we will also have to consider how much food we want to leave during the day. If the dog spends many hours alone and will need to be autonomous, it is better to switch to the feed dispensers. For more information, you can consult a previous article on the best automatic dog food dispensers.
Obviously, the same happens with water, perhaps even more so since regardless of the hours the dog spends alone at home, there should never be a lack of water in the bowl, and a fountain guarantees its freshness. The continuous recirculation prevents the water from settling, acquiring an unpleasant taste. In addition, some models are specific for the hottest seasons and are equipped with cooling devices to ensure that the water does not get too hot.
If we have a dog with urinary problems that need always to stay well hydrated or have a dog that is not doing well, the fountains are of great help because the water jet encourages the dog to drink more.
Material
Dog bowls come in a variety of different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the different alternatives:
Plastic
They are undoubtedly the cheapest and therefore the best from the point of view of value for money. We find them in many colors, shapes, patterns, and sizes, but they are not the most suitable if we have a dog that loves to chew everything. Although they are a resistant product, they are not immune to the damage of continuous chewing. The danger, in this case, is the cracks and splinters that could harm our animal or even end up in its gastrointestinal tract, but we must not forget about bacteria. The bowl does not need to be in a thousand pieces to constitute a hazard.
Stainless Steel
These are extremely durable and sturdy bowls. Their perfectly smooth surface makes them very easy to clean. They are scratch, bite, and rustproof. Of course, we must bear in mind that metal is quite noisy and if we have a stoneware floor, we will have to handle the problem somehow.
The bowls of ceramic dogs are very similar to metal. It is no coincidence that both are also widely used materials in our kitchens. They lend themselves better to design, and we can find colored or original shapes, unlike the steel variant, which is certainly simpler in design. The downside is that they’re flimsy bowls, they tend to break very easily, they’re heavy and even noisy on a tile floor. Also, poor-quality ceramics can contain lead, a substance that is very harmful to animals (even humans), so let’s make sure to choose only first-choice bowls.
Wood
Although not very common, there are wooden bowls. They are very resistant products, generally more expensive than the other alternatives. Still, they can be less hygienic if the part that contains the food is also made of wood (therefore not only the “bowl holder” but the whole bowl) for the same reason as the plastic and to say the risk that with wear, bacteria and mold can lurk in the scratches and cracks of the surface.
Silicone
Silicone is having a moment of truth shine in recent years. Almost everything today is also made of silicone. This is because it is a material with excellent hygienic properties. It is resistant, light, and durable. Silicone models are often foldable and perfect for travel because they are not bulky but almost always ready to use.
Anti-choking bowls
Also called by the English name “slow feeders.” These types of bowls have a structure that limits the amount of food that the dog can reach. They are easily recognizable because they often have intricate raised designs similar to clever dog toys. They are bowls designed to control the amount of food our dog takes and always leave it at his disposal.
Drinking fountains
As we have seen in a previous chapter, drinking fountains are a great alternative to a water bowl. First of all, it will keep the liquid cool thanks to continuous recirculation and often also through an internal cooling device.
They are also equipped with filters that purify the water by ridding it of harmful microorganisms, keeping the water clean for longer periods of time. We can avoid changing the water bowl several times a day, as we should do with static bowls with fountains.
Raised Bowls
These are bowls set on a raised platform similar to a coffee table. In some cases, they are wooden reel holders, while in others, they are plastic or metal elements with adjustable height.
In addition to being very aesthetically pleasing, they have the advantage of helping dogs with joint problems to reach food without exerting too much effort since they reduce the space between the muzzle and the food. They also improve posture and promote digestion.
Food vending machines
As we have already explored in a previous article, food vending machines cover many different models, from the most complex ones with an automatic opening at precise times for total control of the portion and mealtime to the most basic ones that they are generally only equipped with a continuous drop tank, useful to ensure that our dog always has a good supply of food.
Each one has a specific purpose and has its pros and cons, but they are undoubtedly useful when our pet spends several hours alone at home and needs to be autonomous.
Ease of cleaning
Another key aspect of a good dog bowl is hygiene. When we choose a product that comes into direct contact with our dog’s mouth, we must make sure that it is easy to clean and safe from the point of view of materials and design. In most cases, all the bowls listed are ready to be washed in the dishwasher, but we also review this important aspect before proceeding with the purchase.
Style
Depending on the material, we can find styles and designs for all tastes. Although metal and silicone bowls are usually simpler, plastic and ceramic will come to our rescue if we look for whimsical models.
There are brands specialized only in designer bowls, and of course, the price will be under the uniqueness of the product. The dog bowl is perhaps the element in which we can give free rein the most because we will need several spare parts and the price, often cheap, allows us to pamper our four-legged friend!
What is the best material for dog bowls?
There is no best material par excellence, and it depends on what you are looking for. If we want a bowl with exceptional durability and easy to clean, let’s opt for a stainless steel model, but if we prefer something resistant, light, and original, plastic will be fine. It is not bad to have more alternatives and alternate them according to the need, the place where we will place it (external/internal), or the space requirements that we have when having to store them.
The habits and needs of the dog should also be considered if we need a heavier model to prevent Fido from dragging the food plate when he eats. Because it slips with each lick, or if we need a model in relief or with an anti-gorging design.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are metal bowls bad for dogs?
They are the easiest model to clean and, therefore, the safest for dogs, both for food and water. In addition, the material is free of coatings and designs whose inks could transfer harmful substances to food, unlike cheap plastic or ceramic models.
2. Is it better to choose a raised bowl?
Raised bowls are a great option for many dogs. The elevated position reduces the space between the snout and the baby’s food, avoiding awkward movements to move the neck towards food and water. Being perpendicular to the elevation, the dog improves its posture, digestion will be favored, and in dogs with joint problems, the general muscular effort is considerably reduced.
3. What is the best place for the dog’s bowl?
Dogs can make the food quite dirty, and some even love to play with it, overturn bowls, dive into the water … so it will be preferable to place the food corner in a hygienically suitable and easy to clean position, far enough away from the wall to prevent it from getting dirty. Bowls of water and dry food should be close together, making sure to change the water several times a day to keep it clean and fresh. Let’s keep them away from direct sources of heat (including the direct sun) that would favor their deterioration.
4. Are the stainless steel bowls okay?
The stainless steel bowls are indestructible, durable, easy to clean (they also go in the dishwasher). It is preferable to choose a model with a non-slip bottom because, being light and perfectly smooth, they tend to move during the meal, especially if our dog is quite vigorous.
5. What type of feeder is the most suitable for my dog or cat?
In general, the most practical and safest type of feeder for our dogs and cats is stainless steel since it is a durable material that does not break or scratch and is easy to clean, even in the dishwasher. Ceramic feeders are also highly recommended since it is a not very porous material, so it is hygienic and easy to clean; however, it has the disadvantage that it can break.
As for plastic feeders, they are cheap, and we can find them in a wide variety of designs and colors, but they have the disadvantage that they scratch easily, and bacteria and bad odors can accumulate.
6. Are elevated feeders for dogs and cats recommended?
Yes, in general, they are suitable for all dogs and cats, but especially if you have a medium or large dog, allowing him to maintain a more natural posture while eating.
It is a type of feeder especially indicated for dogs with joint or mobility problems. They have the added advantage that they can also avoid certain digestive problems by not having to lower their head to eat.
7. How can I prevent my dog or cat from eating their food too quickly?
If you have a dog or a cat that gobbles up its food ration rather than eating, a special Antivoracity or antianxiety bowl can come in handy since its design is designed to force our furry animals to eat more slowly.
In general, these are feeders that have elevated areas inside them, which sometimes form a kind of labyrinth, so that it will be more difficult for dogs or cats to catch the feed balls, and thus they will take longer to eat their portion.
8. How often should I wash my dog or cat’s feeder?
It is advisable to wash the feeder well with soap and water after each meal so that it is spotless the next time you serve it. In this way, you will avoid the appearance of bacteria and bad smells.
9. Is it recommended that your dogs or cats share a feeder?
No, both dogs and cats are territorial animals, and the best thing is that each one has its own feeder, since otherwise, problems could arise between them, even fighting in some cases.
10. Are hopper-type feeders for dogs and cats recommended?
Hopper-type feeders can be efficient in case you spend too many hours away from home and do not arrive in time to serve your dog or cat’s ration of feed; however, they are not recommended if your furry is one of those who continue to eat uncontrollably, while there is food in its bowl, since, due to its mechanism, the feed falls as the container empties.
And so far, our review of the best feeders for dogs and cats that you can currently find on the market. I hope I have helped you find the one that best suits your needs and, above all, those of your four-legged companion.
Final word
Finding proper pet supplies for your dog and keep your pet healthy, the ceramic food and water bowls make a great solution. You no doubt need to go the extra mile for the care of the pet of your ceramic dog bowl. Most of the bowls are safe for the dishwasher and convenient to wash. Then you know if you need one to choose the ideal ceramic bowl for your dog that suits your needs.
