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Freshwater is essential to keep our favorite pet healthy and strong. But then, simply filling his water bowl is not enough. We need to find ways to encourage him to drink more so he stays hydrated at all times.
Regular water bowls may not do the trick if we need him to drink more. The stagnant water can quickly get dirty, and he may not appreciate old water for drinks. To entice him to drink more, we need to give him access to freshwater all day long.
The good news is, there are water dispensers for pets. The market is never short of such products. The question is, which ones are worth spending money on and why?
Best Dog Water Dispensers
Choose the best dog water dispenser for you from our list:
- Best Overall: PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Drinking Fountain for Dogs
- Best Automatic Waterer: Old Tjikko Dogs Water Dispenser Bowl
- Best Fountain-Type Water Dispenser: PetSafe Drinkwell 2-Gallon Fountain
- Most Stylish: Heyrex Torus Self-Filling Pet Water Bowl
- Best 1 Gallon Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Water Fountain
- Best Value Pet Water Fountain: Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain
- Best Stainless Steel Water Fountain for Dogs: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain
- Best Zen Water Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Steel Zen Water Fountain
- Best Gravity Water Dispenser: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/ Microban
- Best Outdoor Automatic Water Dispenser: The Easy-Clean Auto-Fill Water Bowl
Best Overall: PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Drinking Fountain for Dogs
Key Features:
- With foam filter
- With replaceable carbon coconut shell filter
- Multiple drinking options
- Easy to clean design
- Open bowl ceramic design
- 70 oz capacity
- Comes in 4 colors
This Asian-inspired water dispenser for dogs is one amazing invention. It features multiple drinking options perfect for multiple dog households. The raised dish is perfect for older pets while the free-falling stream encourages drinking for smaller dogs and pups.
We like how this water dispenser keeps our canine buddy’s water clean and fresh thanks. It has a foam filter to keep dirt and hair away from his water and carbon filter to get rid of bad taste and odor. Its large capacity and easy to clean design makes it a favorite among busy pet parents like us.
Best Automatic Waterer: Old Tjikko Dogs Water Dispenser Bowl
Key Features:
- Spring valve system
- Safety twist lock bottle
- Food BPA free
- Food-grade
- Rubber bottom
- 3.8L capacity
The Old Tjikko Dogs Water Dispenser Bowl for Dogs is the epitome of water dispenser for pets. This is perfect for us who want to ensure our big boys will always have water no matter how busy we may be. We like how well-made the water dispenser is which is evident by its large and sturdy base.
The plastic material is food-grade, BPA-free, and quite durable. The rubbers on the bottom of the dispenser stops it from sliding on smooth floors. The spring valve system ensures no mess and leaks for our messy bud.
Best Fountain-Type Water Dispenser: PetSafe Drinkwell 2-Gallon Fountain
Key Features:
- Adjustable water flow control knob
- Foam and carbon filter
- Easy to clean design
- Large bowl
- Constant water circulation
- 2-gallon capacity
If we are after a water dispenser that provides constant water for our pooch, then we need to consider the Drinkwell 2-Gallon Pet Fountain. The constant water circulation prevents bacteria growth while the 2 filter systems clean the water regularly. The adjustable knob allows us to stop or adjust the free-falling water stream.
This can be a great water dispenser if we have many dogs in the house. Its large bowl and 2-gallon capacity ensures multiple dogs can share the water dispenser. This gives us one less thing to worry about knowing our dogs are happy and well-hydrated.
Most Stylish: Heyrex Torus Self-Filling Pet Water Bowl
Key Features:
- With carbon filter
- Food-grade, BPA-free materials
- Large reservoir ring
- With soft rubber feet
- Solid design
- Removable cap
- Half a gallon capacity
- Comes in 4 colors
Are we after a water dispenser that we can take with us on the go? Then, the Heyrex Torus Self-Filling Pet Water Bowl can do the trick. The water dispenser is already good for sharing, giving pet parents of multi-pet households an easier time ensuring the pets are well-hydrated.
It’s unique design keeps the water hidden until a time our dogs need a drink. We only need to turn on the knob for water to go out to fill the bowl. It filters the water, ensuring our dogs will only drink clean water.
Best 1 Gallon Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Water Fountain
Key Features:
- BPA-plastic unit
- Patented adjustable water stream
- Spout and receiving ramp
- With pre-filter
- 12V system with inline and cord tuck
- 1.2 gallon capacity
We are already sick of those regular bowls where our fur baby gets stuck with stagnant water. To ensure they are well-hydrated with filtered water, we can invest in PetSafe Drinkwell Water Fountain. It features a patented free-falling stream we can adjust depending on our pet’s needs.
This water dispenser may be a fountain-type on, but it won’t mess up our floors thanks to its spout and receiving ramp. It requires low voltage and can hold up to 1.2 gallons of water at a time. With this water fountain, we can be sure that our best friend will have a reliable water dispenser that will look great in every room.
Best Value Pet Water Fountain: Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain
Key Features:
- With carbon and foam filter
- Customizable stream
- 5 sprout rings
- Free-falling system
- Open bowl, stainless steel design
- Dishwasher safe
- Submersible pump
- With rubber feet
- 1 gallon capacity
Another worthy water dispenser for dogs in the market is the Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain. Our dogs will enjoy sharing the fountain thanks to its 360 design. We get to customize the number of streams and adjust the flow rate accordingly. This water fountain is quiet thanks to the submersible pump and receiving pump.
Cleaning the fountain pump is easy as it only requires us to clean it once each week. To keep the pump in great condition, it helps to replace the filter once a month. This is made from high grade stainless steel materials, ensuring quality and durability.
Best Stainless Steel Water Fountain for Dogs: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain
Key Features:
- Teardrop shaped drinking fountain
- Dishwasher safe ceramic
- Replaceable raindrop charcoal filter
- 60 oz capacity
- Comes in 4 colors
The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain is a cool water dispenser for dogs. Our pooch can enjoy free flowing water from the teardrop shaped container. One only needs to disassemble the three parts to clean the water dispenser.
Up to two pets can share the water dispenser at the same time. This is perfect if we have one or two small to medium-sized pets. It can hold up to 60 oz of water and will surely be a great upgrade compared to our dog’s regular drinking bowls.
Best Zen Water Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Steel Zen Water Fountain
Key Features:
- High-quality stainless steel
- BPA-free plastic
- 3-layer activated carbon filter
- Wide free-falling stream
- Quiet operation
- Low voltage
- Dishwasher safe
- 1 gallon capacity
The PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Steel Zen Fountain is a quiet drinking fountain for dogs made from high-quality and non-toxic materials. The free-falling stream aerates the water while the filter ensures the water stays fresh and free from dirt and bacteria. It is easy to clean and can hold up to 1 gallon of water at a time.
Best Gravity Water Dispenser: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/ Microban
Key Features:
- Airtight gravity waterer
- With Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection
- ¼ gallon capacity
This water dispenser for dogs makes use of gravity to work to fill the reservoir cap without making a mess. It can hold up to 1/4 gallon of water at a time. The Microban antibacterial product protection ensures that stain or odor-causing bacteria won’t be present in his water dispenser.
Best Outdoor Automatic Water Dispenser: The Easy-Clean Auto-Fill Water Bowl
Key Features:
- Auto-refill
- With compact flow valve
- Stainless steel water hose
We can stop worrying about our pooch having available water all day long thanks to The Easy-Clean Auto-Fill Water Bowl. This auto-refill water bowl automatically refills water while ensuring the bowl never overflows. We only need to secure this to a wall or the floor to keep our pooch from overturning the water bowl.
Most Affordable Portable Water Dispenser: Gulpy Jr. Pet Water Dispenser
Key Features:
- With belt clip
- Detachable tray bowl
- 10 oz capacity
- Comes in 4 colors
The Gulpy Jr. Pet Water Dispenser is one of those water dispensers for dogs we can take everywhere we go. It can accommodate 10 oz of water while its belt clip makes it perfect when we are taking our pooch for a nice walk at the park, hikes, or trips. Our small pooch can drink from the detachable tray bowl.
Best for Crates: Lixit Top Fill Dog Bottle
Key Features:
- 44 oz bottle
- With open ended clamp
- Extra large 304 American stainless steel tube
- Patented no drip valve
- Dual mount
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Assembled in the USA
The Lixit Top Fill Dog Bottle is a flat sided water bottle for dogs that has a 44 oz capacity. We can use this on his crate and adjust accordingly to accommodate his height. The ball-tipped valve stops the water dispenser from dripping while the flip-top lid fills water easily.
Pet Parent’s Favorite: PetSafe Healthy Water Station with Stainless Steel Bowl
Key Features:
- Stainless steel bowl
- BPA-free materials
- With carbon filter
- Flow-control valve
- Top shelf dishwasher safe
- Tapered-shape chamber
- Compatible with Healthy Pet Water Filters (not ncluded)
- Comes in 3 sizes
Another water dispenser from PEtSafe made our list. The PetSafe Healthy Water Station with Stainless Steel Bowl is a favorite of many pet parents thanks to its quality, easy to use, and non-toxic construction.
We get to choose one out of the 3 sizes with ½, 1, ir 2 1.2 gallon capacity. The handle on the top of the reservoir makes lifting, removing, and carrying the water dispenser easy. The flow-control valves stop water spillage while the removable stainless steel bowl is dishwasher safe.
Most Innovative Dog Water Dispenser: Vitalumos Dog Water Bowl
Key Features:
- Floating disk
- Double Anti Spill design
- Comes in 2 colors
- 50 oz capacity
Some dogs dribble water and make a mess everytime they drink. With the Vitalumos Dog Water Bowl, we no longer have to worry about our pooch making a mess on the floor every time he needs to take a drink. Its double anti-spill design prevents overflowing while the floating disk regulates his drink, preventing him from drinking too fast and creating a mess.
This is one of those affordable water dispensers that are worth every penny. The dispenser is easy to assemble. It comes in 2 colors and can accommodate up to 50 oz of water at a time.
Best Paw Activated Water Dispenser: BringerPet Paw Activated Steps Water Fountain
Key Features:
- Steel gauge support
- Y shape valve adaptor
- Durable hose
- High-quality brass valve
- Stainless steel pipe nozzles
- In color white
This water fountain for dogs is perfect for our canine buddy who just loves spending time in our yard. The continuous fresh dog water fountain encourages him to stay hydrated thanks to its self-service design. He only needs to step on the paw designed friction pad.
The water fountain is made from high-quality materials ensuring durability. It is highly resistant to rust. We only need to attach the water fountain to a hose or faucet for our pooch to enjoy his new water fountain.
Best Choice in Portable Water Dispensers for Dogs: Highwave AutoDogMug
Key Features:
- One-handed hydration system
- Leak-free bottle
- 20 oz capacity
- With adjustable hook-and-loop strap
- Comes in 6 colors
Another portable and travel-friendly water dispenser for dogs is the Highwave AutoDogMug. It comes in 6 stylish colors and can house up to 20oz of water. It is made from a patented one-handed hydration system, making it an excellent water dispenser when we are out enjoying the great outdoors.
We only need to squeeze the bottle and the valve will deliver the bowl with water. Once he is done drinking, we only need to release the squeeze and the water goes back to the bottle. The hook-and-loop strap makes it easy for us to go about our day without having to carry this with our bare hands.
Best Stainless Steel Portable Water Dispenser: H204K9 Stainless Steel Bottle
Key Features:
- Twist top lid
- Food-grade stainless steel construction
- Dog and earth-friendly
- 25oz capacity
The H204K9 Stainless Steel Bottle is designed for stylish dogs and pet parents. This portable pet water bottle has a simple twist-top lid that doubles as his bowl. We can fill the bottle with up to 25oz water, giving our pooch more than enough water to keep him hydrated for a whole day.
Why Use a Dog Water Dispenser
The best reason to use a dog water dispenser is to make it easier for us to ensure our best buddy stays hydrated throughout the day. We may be working long hours and is unable to fill his ordinary water bowl every hour. With a water dispenser, his water stays clean, fresh, and readily available every time he needs a drink.
The right water dispenser also encourages our pooch to drink more even if we are not constantly telling him to do so. The good news is, there are many varieties of water dispensers for dogs. Some are meant for indoor use only while others are meant for outdoor use like the backyard.
There are also water dispensers meant for dogs and pet parents on the go. While some needs manual refill, some automatically refills on their own. The automatic ones ensure continuous water flow to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up.
All in all, improved health and convenience are the main reasons pet parents prefer water dispensers for dogs. These allow us to get one task off of our hands while ensuring he keeps on drinking as often as he needs. These also help in keeping his water clean and fresh, thus boosting his health in the process.
Types of Water Dispensers
There are 4 types of water dispensers for dogs. Each one has its own pros and cons. We can invest in the kind of water dispenser that we think will best benefit us and our pooch in the future.
Water Bottle Dispensers
These are portable-type water dispensers perfect for pet parents and their best buddies traveling, hiking, or simply enjoying a walk in the park. We only need to fill the water bottle dispenser with tap water, secure the lid and go about our day. Whenever he needs a drink, we simply open the lid, allow the cap or bowl to fill and he gets to drink asap.
Gravity Water Dispenser
These basic water dispensers make use of gravity in filling the water bowl. There are no power chords to chew, making it the best type of water dispenser for puppies and dogs that still needs training. We don’t need to worry about the bowl overspilling since these dispensers are designed to stop the flow of water after no air no longer passes through the space.
Pet Water Fountains
Like regular fountains, pet water fountains are powered by electricity and work with a submersible pump. This ensures water circulation. We can control the stream without having to worry about the cleanliness of the water.
These already come with filters that filter debrix out of his water. While these dispensers require regular cleaning, they keep our pooch hydrated with clean and fresh water every single time.
Automated Water Dispenser
These are the types of water dispensers that we can use outdoors. We only need a water source like a hose or faucet to ensure our pooch can drink as regularly as needed. Its float valve system ensures the right amount of water is delivered.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Water Dispenser
Size
Bigger dogs will naturally require greater amounts of water each day. The bigger our pooch is, the more water he needs in his water dispenser. This is why we should consider buying a dog water dispenser that can accommodate his daily needs.
Material
Water dispensers for dogs can come in stainless, BPA-free plastic, or ceramic. For dogs that tend to chew everything on sight, it is worth investing in dog water dispensers made from ceramic or stainless steel materials. Otherwise, we can go for a BPA-free plastic water dispenser.
Water Capacity
We need to make sure that the water dispenser can hold enough water for our pooch. For multiple pets, we will need an automatic dispenser that can hold as much water as possible. It is worth investing in one that has adjustable water flow controls so we can adjust the stream as needed.
Filtration
Some Pet water dispensers have a filtration system. This is a good feature since it ensure our canine friend’s water stays clean and bacteria-free. This is especially helpful if we think that our tap water back home may have traces of contaminants that can harm our pooch.
Maintenance
Some water dispenser for dogs has multiple parts that requires cleaning. We need to consider how much work is required in keeping the dispenser clean before choosing one.
Indoors or Outdoors
Some water dispensers are strictly for indoors while others are for outdoor use. We need to consider where we will be placing the water dispenser. Note that most outdoor water dispensers can be a little bit messy which makes them ideal for outdoor use only.
Ease of Use
Different water dispensers can work differently. Some requires a nearby water source 24/7 while others require an electrical outlet. We need to weigh in the pros and cons of each option before making an investment.
Orientation
There are households with multiple pets. If this is our case, we need to find a water dispenser that will allow multiple pets to drink from the dispenser at the same time. We also need to find one that has a larger water capacity so we won’t have to keep on refilling the dispenser multiple times throughout the day.
Tips To Ensure Your Dog Is Getting Enough Water
Invest in an auto-replenishing bowl
A water dispenser for dogs that auto-refills ensure our pooch gets to enjoy fresh water at all times. Every time he drinks water, the water dispenser’s reserve chamber gets automatically refills. We don’t need to worry about the water running out after only a few hours since these can hold ounces of water at a time.
Check his bowl frequently
If we still use a traditional bowl for his drinking water, then we need to make sure he gets to drink clean water throughout the day. Check his bowl multiple times, replacing stagnant water with new one. This will depend on how the weather is and how much he is taking in each day.
Refill his bowl before exercise
If we are going to play with our pooch or he is to spend time running in the backyard, we need to make sure he has available water before the activity. We won’t need to worry about this if he has an automated water dispenser nearby.
Give him fruits and vegetables as snacks
Certain fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. We can feed him moisture-rich fruits and vegetables to help keep him hydrated. We can serve these as snacks or as an additional treat for his normal meals.
Add broth
We only need up to 2 tablespoons of leftover homemade soup or broth added to his water. This will make the water tastier for him to drink.
How Much Water Do Dogs Need?
Dogs have different hydration needs. Healthy dogs, in general, need about ½ to 1 oz of water per his weight each day. This will still depend on our pooch’s size, activity levels, diet, and weather. The drier his food is and the hotter it gets, the more water he needs to stay hydrated.
Conclusion
Pet water dispensers are a great way to ensure our pooch gets his daily dose of freshwater. Since most water dispensers can only hold a certain amount of water each time, we can also use this to gauge if he is drinking enough or not. Others help us ensure he stays well-hydrated even if we are out on a walk.
With a reliable water dispenser for our pooch, he can stay happy, healthy, and hydrated enough to play with us all day long. We only need to consider all major factors before making an investment. Whether we are looking for a portable, automatic, water fountain of gravity water dispenser, there are many that can fit our fido’s needs.
