One of the most essential pieces of doggie gear is a sturdy set of food and water bowls. However, with so many bowls out on the market, it can be difficult to determine the best ones for your pooch.
Stainless steel bowls are a popular choice, and many dog owners swear by them for their durability and easy to clean surfaces, as well as the long-term value they provide.
In this article, we’ll go over all the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel dog bowls to help you make a clear, informed decision. We’ll also share some of our favorite stainless steel dog bowls so that you have a couple of great purchasing options.
Or, if you’re in a hurry and just want a quick recommendation, check out our quick picks below!
Stainless Steel Water Bowls: Quick Picks
- Max and Neo Heavyweight Stainless Steel Dog Bowls — These are the best choice for dogs who tip or scoot their bowls around the kitchen. Weighted and made with a non-skid base, these bowls should stay right where you put them.
- AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowls — If you just want some no-frills stainless steel dog bowls that’ll get the job done for a reasonable price, look no further. You can even pick up a two-pack for additional savings.
- URPOWER Stainless Steel Dog Bowls — Looking to set up an adorable food and hydration station for your pooch? These bowls are a great option, and they come with a silicone mat that’ll help keep the area cleaner.
Why Do Some Owners Choose Stainless Steel Dog Bowls?
Stainless steel dog bowls are generally regarded as high-quality products, but why? Here are a few of the reasons why some owners choose stainless steel dog bowls exclusively.
Heavy Duty Construction
Stainless steel dog bowls usually end up being heavier than their plastic counterparts which makes them great for pets who like to push around their food bowl while they eat.
In addition, some stainless steel bowls are deliberately weighted for this specific purpose.
Notably, stainless steel dog bowls are very sturdy, which helps them to last a long time. These bowls can usually survive a couple of accidental drops and scratches without requiring a replacement.
Easy to Clean
Dog bowls made out of stainless steel can easily be cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water. Most stainless steel bowls are also dishwasher safe, making for easy cleanup.
Non-Porous Materials
Stainless steel dog bowls are non-porous, meaning that there are no holes throughout the material. This makes it more difficult for bacteria and mold to develop, ultimately making them much safer for your pet.
Though you should make a habit of washing your dog’s bowls regularly (as you would with a traditional plate or dish), the non-porous material serves as a great added precaution to protect your pup from bacteria.
There are bacteria-bashing benefits found in dog water fountains as well, as the constant flow of water prevents bacteria from growing in the still water.
Chew Proof
Unlike plastic bowls, stainless steel bowls are typically chew proof, making them great for dogs who like to gnaw on anything and everything (particularly aggressive chewers may try to gnaw on them a bit, but they shouldn’t cause a lot of damage while doing so).
Stainless steel bowls are also great for dogs who like to carry their food bowls around the house. The smooth texture (which makes stainless steel bowls hard to grip) and heavy weighted construction may help deter them from picking up the entire bowl in the first place.
Better for Klutzy Canines
Some dogs can’t help but tip over their food and water bowls when they eat, making cleaning up afterward a hassle. But because they’re heavier (and often feature tip-proof design elements), this shouldn’t be as much of a problem if you use stainless steel bowls.
Heat-Resistant
Some cheap plastics can melt or bend in the dishwasher. This can not only make the bowls unusable, it can cause the release of particles that are harmful to your pup.
Stainless steel bowls are heatproof, so this shouldn’t be an issue (although you should still verify that your particular bowl is dishwasher safe first).
The Disadvantages to Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
Stainless steel bowls have a lot of things going for them, but they aren’t perfect. So, for a variety of reasons, they may not always be the best option for all situations.
Here are a couple of careful factors to consider before purchasing a stainless steel dog bowl.
They May Rust
Unlike plastic, glass or other materials, stainless steel bowls can rust over time. However, the tendency for a rust to develop will depend heavily on the quality of the materials used to make the bowl — high-quality stainless steel bowls won’t rust as quickly as low-quality stainless steel ones will.
If you choose a stainless steel bowl, you’ll definitely want to make top-notch materials a priority.
They Require A Non-Slip Mat or Bottom
Without some type of rubber or silicone layer between a stainless steel bowl and the floor, these types of dog bowls are likely to move around easily across the floor.
So, if you do choose to go with stainless steel bowls, be sure to pick one with a non-slip bottom or pick up a non-slip dog food mat to use with them.
Metal Bowls Can Be Noisier
One of the small disadvantages of stainless steel bowls is that they can be somewhat noisier than bowls made from other materials. This may seem largely insignificant, but it could be a deciding factor when choosing between two bowls.
More Expensive
Stainless steel bowls are sometimes more expensive than economy plastic bowls, especially when opting for high-quality stainless steel.
Top Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
1. AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
About: AmazonBasics Dog Bowls are sleek and shiny stainless steel dog bowls that are perfect for medium to large pups.
- Durable stainless-steel food bowl for puppies, dogs, cats, or kittens
- Holds up to 38 ounces; perfect for dry kibble, wet food, treats, or water
- Rust resistant; offers a healthy alternative to plastic; doesn’t hold odors
- No-tip design; rubber base protects floors and prevents bowl from sliding while your pet eats
Features: These stainless steel dog bowls are rust-resistant making them perfect for indoor or outdoor use. You can purchase them one bowl at a time or get the double pack for convenience. Each bowl has a 38-ounce capacity (aka 4.75 cups).
Notably, these bowls are also dishwasher safe, making for easy cleanup, even if your pooch is a sloppy slurper (and for those guys, there are uniquely designed mess-proof water bowls). The non-slip rubber base helps protect your floors and gives your dog a stable hydration station.
PROS
Owners loved the sturdy construction of these bowls, and found the rubber base super helpful for preventing messes. The dishwasher-safe feature alone made these bowls a great pick for a variety of households.
CONS
Though there weren’t many critical reviews, some owners were surprised by the deep, large size of these dog bowls. So, just be sure to consider your pooch’s size, as well as the amount of space you have available.
2. Max and Neo Heavyweight Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
About: The Max and Neo Stainless Steel Dog Bowls are deliberately designed to be heavy, so they’re a perfect pick for owners with dogs that’re a little on the clumsy side.
- YOUR PURCHASE HELPS A DOG RESCUE: For every dog bowl sold, we donate a dog bowl to a dog rescue. Dog...
- DOG RESCUES: Each month we donate to different rescues throughout the USA. At the end of every...
- QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: Our dog bowls are made from high quality 204 thick stainless steel. They...
- FULL NON-SKID RUBBER BOTTOM: All bowls have a full rubber bottom, not just a rubber ring on the...
Features: Max and Neo offer these dog bowls in 32-, 50-, and 80-ounce versions (aka 1/4 cup, 6 cups, and 10 cups) so they’re suitable for pups of all sizes.
These bowls weigh more than many similar bowls, with total weights of 9 ounces (small), 16 ounces (medium), and a hefty 1.2 pounds (large).
Each bowl has a thick non-skid rubber bottom, making them extra sturdy and less prone to spillage.
These bowls are also shallower than other dog bowls ranging from 2 to 2.8 inches tall, which makes them great for pups who prefer their provisions closer to the ground.
These bowls are not suitable for dishwasher use – they’ll need to be hand-washed, but for most owners, this isn’t too much trouble.
Notably, Max and Neo donates one dog bowl to a rescue shelter for every bowl they sell, so you’ll be helping a dog in need with your purchase.
PROS
Customers loved the weighted nature of these bowls and loved the company’s mission to help out rescue shelters. Doggos seemed to love the shallow depth of these bowls, allowing their food and water to be easily accessible.
CONS
Some owners may find the inability to clean these bowls with a dishwasher to be frustrating, although they should be easy enough to clean by hand.
3. URPOWER Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
About: URPOWER Stainless Steel Dog Bowls come with an adorable bone-shaped feeding mat for reduced mess.
- Full Dinner Set - Set of 2 Dog Bowls (30 OZ for each bowl). Double bowls design holds water and food...
- Non-Skidding & Flipping - Silicone stand keeps the bowl from skidding on the floor and doesn’t...
- No-Spill Silicone Mat- The extra large base of the silicone stand catches any spills so your floor...
- Rust Resistant Stainless Steel - Made of high quality stainless steel with an unique silicone...
Features: This stainless steel dog bowl set comes with two 26-ounce bowls (aka 3.25 cups), making this a perfect set for your dog’s food and water.
The no-spill silicone mat comes in your choice of black, blue, pink, or grey to match your pooch’s personal sense of style.
The bowls are made of rust-resistant steel, and they can be removed from the bone-shaped mat for easy cleanup. Plus, both the mat and the bowls are dishwasher safe.
PROS
Owners loved the handy rubber bone mat, which is perfect for pooches prone to frequent spillage. This set proved to be small enough for house cats as well, making it a great pick for households with multiple pets.
CONS
While there were few critical reviews to be found, it seems customer service was quick to offer a refund or replacement to any owner with a less than satisfactory experience.
4. Loving Pets Metallic Bella Bowl
About: These modestly priced stainless steel bowls by Loving Pets come with an adorable paw print pattern that will fit in perfectly with your home.
- Loving Pets Bella Bowls feature a stainless steel design with a poly-resin exterior, which makes...
- Features a removable rubber base, helping prevent your dog from nosing their bowl all over the floor...
- Bella Bowls offer a healthy alternative to plastic with a design that is rust-resistant and doesn't...
- Stainless steel dog bowl comes in 9 colors that reflect a stylish, sophisticated look that works...
Features: Bella Bowls come in sizes ranging from 16 to 72 ounces with your choice of five different colors. Each bowl has a rubber ring on the bottom to keep the bowls in place while in use.
The rubber ring can be removed to wash these bowls thoroughly in the dishwasher. The bacteria-resistant stainless steel will keep your pooch safe while consuming his favorite kibble or drinking water.
PROS
Customers loved the durable construction of these bowls and their affordable price point. With a variety of color options, owners were able to pick out a bowl perfect for their pup’s unique sense of style.
CONS
A couple of users noted that this bowl runs a bit small size-wise. This bowl might be the best for small to medium-sized breeds.
5. YETI Boomer 8 Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
About: YETI products are famous for keeping their contents at a desired cool temperature, and these YETI stainless steel dog bowls are no exception.
- The YETI BOOMER Dog Bowl is designed to be as dependable and adventurous as your best friend
- FOOD SAFE – The Boomer 8 holds 8 cups (64 ounces) of enjoyment. Perfect for kibble, water, and...
- 18/8 STAINLESS STEEL - Puncture resistant, rust resistant, and tough enough to handle any dents and...
- BEARFOOT NON-SLIP RING - Won't budge, no matter how enthusiastically they eat or drink
Features: These bowls come in six different color choices and come with a rubber non-slip grip for sturdy eating and drinking. They hold up to 64 ounces (aka 8 cups) of food or water, making them best suited for medium to large-sized breeds.
Each bowl is made out of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel and is dishwasher safe. The bowls weigh in right at 2 pounds, making them more difficult for clumsy pups to push around.
PROS
Owners loved the durable construction of these bowls, and noted that they helped keep cold water cooler for longer periods of time.
CONS
The large, heavy duty design of these bowls may make them cumbersome for elderly or physically impaired owners.
6. Basis Pet Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
About: Basis Pet Stainless Steel Dog Bowls are made in the USA and crafted out of professional, kitchen-grade stainless steel.
- Made in USA: This dog bowl is proudly made in the United States.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Crafted from durable stainless steel for long-lasting use.
- Large Size: Measures 14 inches in diameter to accommodate most medium to large breeds.
- Dishwasher Safe: Can be conveniently cleaned in the dishwasher for easy maintenance.
Features: Basis tests all their dog bowls independently for traces of harmful metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, so you can rest easy knowing your pup is using a safe bowl.
They range in size options from 2- to 18-cup capacities, so you’ll definitely find the perfect size for your dog.
Though this dog bowl is more expensive than some of its counterparts, the materials used in its construction help explain the higher cost.
Due to this construction, these bowls are likely to last longer, making them a high-value purchase. These bowls are also dishwasher safe, making for super easy cleanup.
PROS
Customers loved the durable construction of these bowls and felt that the price point was super fair for the obvious quality. The dishwasher-safe feature made these bowls super easy to clean for busy dog parents.
CONS
These bowls are certainly on the higher-end of what most owners want to spend on dog bowls. They also lack a slip-proof bottom, which could cause problems for pushy dogs.
Pupper spill his water all the time? Check out these dog bowls for sloppy drinkers!
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Finding a dog bowl set that properly suits your pup can be tricky, but make sure you consider bowls made from stainless steel.
Stainless steel dog bowls are one of many great options to bring into your home, and they can offer a unique set of advantages when compared to other bowl types.
At the end of the day, whatever leaves your pup happy and healthy is the best pick. Hopefully, this guide gave you a general overview of stainless steel dog bowls, but let your pooch be the ultimate judge.
Have you had any success with these bowls? What features are most important for you in a dog bowl set? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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