Perhaps the first thing you notice about shopping for dog bowls is the variety of choices. You probably didn’t think it could be so complicated. Yet, it’s a penchant to spoil the pups that we consider family members. It’s no longer a matter of repurposing a cereal bowl for the job. We’re talking about products that are microwave and dishwasher-safe, ones for travel or crates, and others that are spill-proof.
Our round-up includes the things you need to know about the range of products available in today’s market. We’ve also included detailed reviews to help you choose the best bowl for your toy dog breed specifically. Let’s get into it.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Hepper NomNom Bowl |
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Budget Buy
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Frisco Bones Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl |
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STAR WARS Elevated Melamine Stainless Steel Dog Bowl |
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| Best for Puppies |
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Frisco Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dish Dog Bowl |
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Frisco Marble Design Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl |
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The 10 Best Bowls for Toy Dog Breeds
1. Hepper NomNom Bowl – Best Overall
| Style: | Modern |
| Type: | Food tray |
| Material: | Stainless steel, plastic |
| Special features: | Wide-lip tray |
The Hepper NomNom Bowl may be marketed for cats, but it will serve the same purpose with style for dogs, too. Don’t let the feline tag turn you off from a practical product. It comes with two matching bowls for food and water that sit in a wide-lipped tray to keep the mess contained. The materials are chew-proof, making them safe for puppies. It’s our pick for the overall best bowls for toy dog breeds.
Each bowl holds 10 ounces, more than enough for your toy pup. They are also shallow, making them better for long-eared dogs. They won’t get soaked when your pooch gets a drink. We love that they’re dishwasher-safe, even if they’re a bit pricey.
2. Frisco Bones Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl – Budget Buy
| Style: | Traditional |
| Type: | Single Bowl |
| Material: | Ceramic |
| Special features: | Non-skid feet |
The Frisco Bones Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl shines with its affordable price and cute design. We love products that have fun with the pet theme. The material gives it some heft, which works well with the non-skid feet to keep it in place. It’s also safe to use in the dishwasher or microwave. It’s our pick for one of the best bowls for toy dog breeds for the money. It’s easy to clean, whether you hand wash it or put it in the dishwasher on the top shelf. It’s not unbreakable, though, so be careful when handling it.
3. STAR WARS Elevated Melamine Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
| Style: | Modern |
| Type: | Elevated bowl |
| Material: | Melamine, stainless steel |
| Special features: | Removable bowl |
The STAR WARS Elevated Melamine Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is an excellent choice if you like movie-themed products. The design is gorgeous, except for the “Feel the Force” inscription, which some might find a bit corny. We thought the font was a disconnect from the otherwise elegant profile. The elevated bowl is nearly 5 inches tall, so your pup won’t need to bend down to eat or drink. A matching set makes it an expensive purchase.
The bowl is dishwasher safe, but you can’t put it in the microwave, of course. The copper color against the black sand is stunning. It’s also non-skid with rubber feet. There’s also a ring that keeps the bowl secure, which we appreciate.
4. Frisco Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dish Dog Bowl – Best for Puppies
| Style: | Minimalist |
| Type: | Single Bowl |
| Material: | Stainless steel, rubber |
| Special features: | Removable bowls, tip-resistant |
The Frisco Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dish Dog Bowl is an excellent choice for puppies that are overzealous at feeding time. The rubber ring will keep the bowls in place to avoid spills and tipping. You can put both pieces in the dishwasher between meals. The design is attractive and shallow for puppies and long-eared dogs. We love the paw etching on the sides, too.
You can get one or two bowls. The latter option is a steal, making the product an excellent value. The only downside is the unavailability of replacement rubber rings. The manufacturer suggests avoiding putting them in the dishwasher to prolong their life. You can hand wash them to prevent them from drying out.
5. Frisco Marble Design Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
| Style: | Traditional |
| Type: | Single Bowl |
| Material: | Ceramic, rubber |
| Special features: | Non-skid feet, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe |
The Frisco Marble Design Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl is fine dining for your pet. While it isn’t marble, it sure looks like it and feels like it with the weight of the ceramic. The design is simple yet elegant. It’s an excellent choice if you feed your pup in a room that gets a lot of traffic. The manufacturer didn’t skimp on practicality with non-skid rubber feet to keep the bowl put.
The bowl is a bit more expensive than comparable products. However, you may find it worth the cost of such an attractive item. It doesn’t have a tray, which may be a dealbreaker for pet owners with messy eaters.
6. Petmate Ultra Plastic Dog Bowl
| Style: | Modern |
| Type: | Single bowl |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Special features: | Bottom notch |
The Petmate Ultra Plastic Dog Bowl is a barebones product that’s functional even if it’s not the most attractive product. The design is suitable for small pets, including cats. We like the notch on the bottom of the bowl, which makes it easier to pick up off the floor. That’s a thoughtful addition on the part of the manufacturer. However, you don’t get to choose the color, although it will likely be neutral.
On the downside, the bowl doesn’t have non-skid feet. It can tip easily. However, it’s lightweight and dishwasher-safe. You also can’t beat the price. We can see this product as a travel piece instead of an everyday bowl.
7. PetRageous Designs Polka Paws Oval Ceramic Dog Bowl
| Style: | Bohemian |
| Type: | Single bowl |
| Material: | Ceramic |
| Special features: | Hand-crafted |
The PetRageous Designs Crockery Dog Bowl is a hand-crafted product with a fun, bohemian design. It is eclectic and one-of-a-kind. Ceramic also makes it easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The shape is suitable for toy breeds and cats with its depth and size. The bowl is durable and doesn’t chip with everyday use. While it doesn’t have non-skid feet, it’s heavy enough to avoid tipping.
The bowl is pricey, especially given the fact that it isn’t non-skid. You’ll have to put it on a rubberized placemat to ensure it stays in place. The size is small but more than adequate for toy breeds eating multiple meals daily.
8. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
| Style: | Traditional |
| Type: | Single bowl |
| Material: | Stoneware |
| Special features: | Hand-crafted |
The Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish relies on its heavy weight to prevent tipping and spilling instead of non-skid feet. It is a good size and will likely accomplish that task without any issues. It’s a simple design that works for many decors. You can use it for food or water, although the blue interior makes it challenging to gauge how much liquid is still in the bowl.
The product is well-made to last. However, you shouldn’t use it outdoors since temperature extremes can stress the material and cause it to crack. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles we see with comparable products. However, it gets the job done.
9. Kurgo Splash-Free Wander Dog Water
| Style: | Modern |
| Type: | Travel water bowl |
| Material: | Silicone |
| Special features: | Splash-free, collapsible |
The Kurgo Splash-Free Wander Dog Water is a must-have for dog owners who travel with their pets. You can easily pack it and lay it flat in the backseat. It’s called splash-free for a good reason. However, that doesn’t mean your pup can’t tip it. It holds up to 24 ounces, which is probably overkill for a toy breed. However, we like the design and would consider it.
The manufacturer bills it as a travel bowl. However, you can use it in a crate or carrier if large enough. The design belies the fact that it’s dishwasher safe. The silicone is also food-safe.
10. Frisco Square Melamine Dog with Bamboo Stand
| Style: | Modern |
| Type: | Elevated bowl |
| Material: | Melamine, bamboo, plastic |
| Special features: | Removable bowl |
The Frisco Square Melamine Dog with Bamboo Stand is so beautiful, considering its purpose. We could even see using it as a serving tray for human food. You can get them single or in 2-count packs. It has non-skid feet that aren’t visible, so they don’t take anything away from the design. Bamboo is an excellent choice for the stand because of its color and durability.
The stand measures just over 5 inches tall, making it an ideal size for toy dog breeds. However, the square-shaped bowls make it hard for pets to lap up all their food. Replacement bowls are unavailable.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Bowls for Toy Dog Breeds
The humanization of the pet industry hasn’t escaped a seemingly mundane item like a food or water bowl, not unlike most things animal related. You’d think that your dog would only need one set of bowls. Manufacturers would beg to differ with products that can serve various functions, necessitating several pairs. Therefore, reading the descriptions is essential for ensuring you get the best bowls for your dog.
Style
You may not have thought about style, but you can find bowls designed to match certain decor, whether your vibe is minimalist, farmhouse, or modern. You needn’t worry that your dog’s bowls would spoil the look you want for the room. Remember that some of these products may come at a price. Many pet owners won’t flinch at the higher cost as long as they are getting the best for their pups.
Type
Perhaps it’s not too much of a stretch to have more than one set of bowls for your dog. Having a travel product is better than letting your pooch drink out of a puddle to satisfy their thirst. It’s also safer. The last thing you or your pup needs is a nasty case of giardia. A travel water bowl allows you to provide your pet with cold and uncontaminated water. However, that only scratches the surface of the available items.
You can find personalized bowls or matching sets. You can get ones that are collapsible, or others suited to keeping outdoors. Some can hold a quantity of fresh water to ensure your pet stays hydrated if you leave home. We suggest checking out what’s available. You may find something that satisfies a need you didn’t know you had.
Material
The material plays a significant role in usability, value, and affordability. Metal, ceramic, and plastic are popular options. You’ll see other choices you may not have considered, such as melamine and rubber. Many products include bases to keep the bowls. Some may even have mats to contain the mess. You will see a range of price points that the material reflects. However, bowls for toy dog breeds typically aren’t overly expensive.
Special Features
The spectrum of special features illustrates how far the industry has come to meet pets’ and owners’ every comfort and need. There are practical things like non-skid bottoms, suction cups, and tip resistance. However, you’ll also find insulated bowls, tilted ones, and those with portion control. Some are elevated to make eating more comfortable. Others will keep your pet’s food warm for better taste.
Conclusion
After completing our reviews, the Hepper NomNom Bowl went to the head of the class as our best overall pick. The design has both the owner and pet in mind to make it easier to clean and use. We think it’s worth the extra cost. The Frisco Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl is so cute that it’s worth a look. The manufacturer offers an excellent, well-made product with a super-sticky, non-skid bottom. Plus, it’s an affordable price. One thing’s for sure, though: any of these choices would be a good pick for your toy breed.
Featured Image Credit: Karsten Winegeart, Unsplash
