Whether you're out for a walk or run, hiking on the trails, or traveling with your dog, staying hydrated is important for the overall health of you and your pup. Often when you find yourself away from home, a reliable water source may not be available.
Even if you have access to water, most dog owners have had the experience of trying to cup their hands, while pouring water into your palms, in an attempt to allow your dog to drink. Not only is it ineffective but for the most part is a waste of water and doesn’t effectively hydrate your pup.
The good news is that manufacturers have come up with a variety of travel dog water bottles to solve these problems. The innovative designs are not only water bottles but incorporate drinking bowls that are both convenient and practical, making it easy and effective to hydrate your dog.
Due to the wide range of choices available, we have done the research and recommend the following 5 best dog water bottles for your review:
Comparison Chart
Best Dog Water Bottles Reviewed
1. Yicostar Dog Water Bottle
Review
The Yicostar Dog Water Bottle checks all the boxes and makes this a top pick for a travel water bottle for your pup. It is quick and easy to use. Simply open the cap, fold over the leaf water vessel and squeeze the bottle to fill with water.
There are multiple features to love about this product including a removable hand band and buckle that can either be held in your hand or attached to a backpack or belt loop. The large hand strap is reflective, making it easy to locate in low light situations. The package also includes a dog waste bag dispenser and a 15 count of bags included and a collapsible dog bowl that holds 12 ounces of water or 1.5 cups of dog food.
This product is designed and constructed with your dog’s health and wellness in mind. It is made of 100% food grade silicone and plastic that is BPA Free, FDA approved, and lead-free.PROS
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2. Upsky Dog Water Bottle
Review
Upsky has designed a unique dog water bottle that has two chambers in a single bottle, one for water and a second for dry dog food. This product is equipped with collapsible silicone bowls and two carabiner clips and has a 25 ounce capacity, making it ideal for any outdoor adventure.
The bottles sealing system has embedded silicone gaskets providing a secure container protecting food from air and water, and a leak proof seal for water. The bottle chambers can be accessed with a single hand by simply pressing the water key to fill water and releasing to stop the water flow.
Upsky has designed and constructed this product with your dog’s health in mind. The plastic bottle uses high-quality grade materials that are BPA Free and FDA approved. Overall this choice hits a lot of high notes and provides an ideal option for ensuring your pup is well hydrated and has a little snack along the way.
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3. Lesotc Dog Water Bottle
Review
The manufacturer has demonstrated a responsive attitude to customer feedback with ongoing upgrades to their product. The Lesotc Dog Water Bottle is BPA Free and constructed with food-grade safety materials. The high-density polyethylene materials are non-toxic, do not smell, and are soft and recyclable.
This is a 2 in 1 product featuring a large capacity 18 ounce container and a fold cap that serves as a water bowl. The water bottle and bowl are easy to use, simply press the water bottle with one hand and the water flows into the bowl. After you're finished hydrating your pup the bowl folds back around the bottle.
The top has a waterproof lock system with a sealed silicone gasket to prevent any water leakage. Lesotc has designed a safe, compact, lightweight, all in one product that is ideal for you and your pup when you’re on the go.
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4. MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
Review
The MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle is safe and durable, made from a high quality food grade material that is FDA approved. This product is designed for ease in use with single hand operation. Simply press the water key to fill the container with water and release to stop the water. There also is no water wasted, as the unused water can easily return to the container by simply pressing the water key.
MalsiPree offers both a 12 ounce and 19 ounce option as well as either a blue or pink color choice. It comes with a leak proof, silica gel seal ring and a lock key design to make sure no water is wasted and stays where it is intended.
This dog water bottle is highlighted with a leakproof, no water wasted construction that ensures a long lasting investment. The materials are safe for your dog and make using it easy and efficient.
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5. TIOVERY Dog Water Bottle
Review
The Tiovery is a foldable leaf portable dog water bottle that is easy and convenient to use. Simply open the cap, turn the lid and squeeze out the water. The leaf shaped bowl is made from a high quality soft silicone and is removable for easy cleaning. The bottle has a tight seal to ensure water does not leak.
Tiovery has constructed the bottle from high quality healthy material that is 100% food grade silicone and plastic and is BPA Free, lead free and FDA approved. You can rest assured your pup is drinking from a safe and healthy container.
This product features a large, 20 ounce capacity dog water bottle, convenient for longer hikes or travel. Additionally, the Tiovery boasts a leak proof silicone cover, a large fluorescent hand strap, a twin screw cap design, and single hand operation.
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Choosing a Dog Water Bottle: Buyers Guide
Ensuring your pup stays hydrated is important to their health, well being and enjoyment whether you’re going for a walk, hiking the trails or traveling longer distances. It is your responsibility to both monitor your dog’s water intake and needs, as well as having access to a source of drinkable water.
Fortunately the market has a wide range of options, with a variety of styles for you to choose from in finding the best dog water bottle for your pup. Unfortunately, the large number of products that are made with varying degrees of quality, make finding the right product for you and your pup a bit of challenge.
When you start your search you should consider the following factors when making the decision:
Material and Durability
Whatever choice you make, ensuring that the container and bowl are made from safe materials should be on the top of your list. The majority of bottles are made from either plastic or stainless steel. No matter what choice you make it should be BPA free, lead free and FDA approved to ensure the health of your pup.
Plastic bottles are lighter weight than the stainless steel options and cost less. However, if you plan to be in rugged areas the additional cost of stainless steel may be a consideration, as plastic can crack if dropped against harder surfaces.
Leak Proof
Most dog water bottles will claim they do not leak, however the quality in design and materials don’t always match up to the claims. Consider choosing caps with silicone gel seals over a cheaper plastic option or one with no seal at all. Additionally, a locking seal mechanism or cap is a nice option.
Having a leak proof system is important to avoid wasting water, as your container has a limited capacity. Additionally, you will want to avoid it leaking on you or into your backpack.
Volume Capacity
The capacity of a dog water bottle can be important, especially if you have a larger pup or are planning a longer trip and/or hike. Ensuring you have an adequate water supply for your dog needs to be factored into your decision making.
Some manufacturers offer various sizes. Having a compact, lightweight option is often desirable (transporting and storage), especially for less demanding circumstances. You need to assess your dog’s needs, the types of situations (hiking, traveling, walking) and the circumstances (temperatures, exertion levels, dog’s health) to determine the right capacity for your individual needs and preferences.
Drinking Cup Design
Manufacturers have designed the dog water bottles to contain a cup or bowl for your pup to drink from, eliminating the need to have an additional bowl. There are a variety of options to consider in the shape and size of the bowl. Consider your pup’s needs and preferences (they need to be comfortable drinking from the bowl) when making your decision.
Ease of Use
The ease of use for your dog water bottle can be overlooked right up until you are on a hike trying to manage your gear, holding a dog leash and attempting to hydrate your pup. Some products are designed to be operated using a single hand others may require a bit more effort.
Before making a decision, try operating the water bottle considering you will at the very least have your dog on a leash. Accessing the water, operating the bowl, and resealing should be easy and efficient.
Another factor to consider is ease in cleaning your dog’s water bottle. Your individual preferences will direct your decision. A few factors to consider if you are interested in easier cleaning:
- Dishwasher safe
- Removable parts
- Size of bottle mouth opening (simply rinsing isn’t always a good option, so you may need to consider purchasing a bottle brush to access the container for cleaning)
- Design limits (small crevasses or parts that make cleaning a challenge)
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is to keep my dog hydrated?
The need for water and staying hydrated is no different for your dog than it is for you. Some dogs are good at self-regulating their water needs, others not so much. Young dogs and puppies, as well as older dogs should be given special attention when it comes to making sure they have sufficient water.
Your dog’s ability to function effectively will depend in large part on staying hydrated. A dog that becomes dehydrated can lead to decreased levels of energy, loss of appetite, potential for vomiting or even to more serious circumstances, such as heatstroke.
For all of these reasons and more, ensuring your dog is properly hydrated is of the utmost importance.
How can I tell if my dog needs water or is dehydrated?
Unfortunately, our dogs are not able to tell us when they are thirsty and are not always good at self-regulating their water needs and intake. The American Kennel Club lists the following as symptoms a dog is dehydrated:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Reduced energy levels and lethargy
- Panting
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
- Dry nose
- Dry, sticky gums
- Thick saliva
Loss of skin elasticity is said to be one of the easiest ways to identify if your dog is experiencing dehydration. You should also check their gum line for dryness and/or whitening, which indicates they need to have water. Monitoring your dog for water breaks when they are exerting energy and/or are in warm conditions should be done frequently.
Final Thoughts
Dogs have a higher body temperature and need water to stay cool, especially during the heat of summer or during vigorous activity. Having a convenient and readily available access to safe, drinkable water should be on the top of your list when considering your pup’s needs on a hike, long trip or in hot conditions.
A dog water bottle is a great idea and the recommendations we have made provides you with some great options to consider. Your dog’s health is your responsibility, so what are you waiting for?
Let us know in the comment section what choice you make.
Megan Jones leads the editorial staff of Seaside Planet. They are a multidisciplinary team of outdoor adventurers, water sports lovers, and passionate beach goers. You can learn more about Meg and the rest of the editorial team here.