Did you know that for every 1 lb of your dog’s body weight, he should be drinking ½ oz – 2 oz of water per day. That means that a 50lb dog should be drinking between 25 and 50 oz of water each and every day, that equates to 2-4 oz every waking hour.
But, with an active schedule, how can you make sure that your dog stays hydrated while on the go? Well with a dog water bottle of course! Let’s take a look at some of the top things that you need to know before buying your dog a water bottle, and check out some of the best products on the market.
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall
| M&MK PET Dog Water Bottle
| |
Runner Up
| Highway AutoDogMug
| |
Best Budget Option
| Gulpy Water Dispenser
| |
Best Insulated
| Approach By Ruffwear
|
Product Reviews
What Makes A Good Dog Water Bottle?
Material
Choosing a sturdy material is vital, after all, you’ll be taking your dog water bottle on hikes, to the beach, and all sorts of places really. So you need to be sure that it will stand up to being thrown in the car, dropped on some rocks, and used countless times. Not to mention, you want to pick a material that is best for your dog’s health – for example, opting for a BPA-free bottle.
Drinking Cup Feature
I know what you’re thinking. How on earth can a dog drink out of a bottle? Well, most dog water bottles feature a flip-out water bowl that you can then fill slightly with water from the bottle itself – thus enabling your giant-tongued canine to lap up the water happily.
Size
Bigger isn’t always better. After all, if you’re just going for a quick trip to the park, you don’t want to be lugging around a huge — and weighty — bottle of water that you’ll hardly use. Likewise, if you’re hiking and opt for a super lightweight option, you might find that it doesn’t provide your dog with an adequate amount of hydration.
Insulation
If you happen to live in an area famed for its extreme temperatures, you’ll likely want to opt for an insulated bottle for your four-legged friend. This will help to keep the water cool or save it from freezing and ultimately help him to regulate his body temperature – which we all know is harder for dogs than us humans.
Carabiner Clips for Easy Carrying
Hands-free hiking is the way to go, but if your pack is full, and you still have to bring your dog’s water – what can you do? A carabiner clip, that’s what!
Buying a bottle with one already attached makes clipping onto your backpack a breeze – not to mention it makes stopping for water breaks much quicker than it would be if you had to rummage through your bag!
Leak-proof
Finding that your dog’s water bottle has leaked all over your hiking pack might seem terribly annoying – but everything getting wet is nowhere near as big of a problem as having no water for your dog. Opt for a bottle that is known for being leak-proof to save yourself from getting into the potentially dangerous situation of having a dehydrated pup.
Build in Water Filter
This might not seem like a priority – after all, dogs will happily drink out of toilets and puddles, right? Well, that may be the case – but it doesn’t mean that it’s good for them. Opting for a bottle with a built-in filter will not only provide your dog with a superior thirst-quenching experience but can also tempt them to drink more – awesome for those pets that struggle to stay hydrated.
Finding The Best Water Bottle For Your Dog
Fit for the Activity
Picking a bottle that will work for your dog entirely depends on the kinds of activities that you guys partake in. After all, it’s no good buying a cutesy tea-cup shaped water bottle that holds hardly any water if you and your dog are big fans of ultramarathons!
Measure your dog, and workout not only how much water he will need based on his size, but also based on the activity he’ll be joining in with too.
Size of Your Dog
As we mentioned before, the general rule of thumb is that for every 1 lb of body weight, your dog should be drinking a minimum of ½ oz of water per day. This can go up to 1-2 oz if he’s a high energy kinda guy!
To give you a bit of a cheat sheet, we’ve researched common hydration requirements of some of the most popular dog breeds, and for some of the more common activities. This is a guideline only, and you should consult with your veterinarian for exact amounts.
| AVG WEIGHT | ACTIVITY LEVEL | WATER PER DAY | |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 5.5 lbs | Sedentary | 2.75 – 5.5 oz |
| Dachshund | 11 lbs | Two walks per day | 8.6 – 16.75 oz |
| Standard Poodle | 55 lbs | Walks + dog park | 55 – 80 oz |
| Labrador Retriever | 67.5 lbs | Long hikes | 100 – 135 oz |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | 43.75 lbs | Ultimate Frisbee | 60 – 90 oz |
Snout Shape
Some dogs, in particular, have a very flat snout shape. This makes for an adorable appearance but can make it a little harder for them to drink out of a regular dog water bottle with a traditional long and narrow bowl attachment. It is possible to find dog water bottles with fully rounded bowls, so this could be a better option if you’re a proud pooch parent of a flat-nosed pup.
Ergonomic Design
We’ve all had trouble opening a bottle or jar at some point in our lives, but for dog owners that have joint or mobility issues – this could make something as simple as giving your dog water on a hike, a really stressful situation.
In this scenario, I would advise that you opt for a bottle with a squeeze mechanism rather than a screw cap, as being unable to hydrate your dog when hot can have serious consequences. And it should go without saying; we also want to remind you to buy yourself a screw-cap bottle too, after all, Mom always says “Better to be safe than sorry.”
The Right Material For Your Pet
Some dogs love to chew; it can not only be annoying for a dog owner – but expensive too if your dog chews up all of the nice new things that you buy for him! So rather than having to buy a new dog water bottle every week, it’s a better idea to look for a more durable option, such as stainless steel. Not to mention, it can be better for the environment too!
Does Color Matter?
Well, no it doesn’t really – not for the purposes of hydration anyway. But, if you’re a fan of pleasing aesthetics, and all of your dog’s possessions happen to be lime green, well – make sure that you check the available colors before you make a decision! Imagine your disappointment upon finding the right bottle only to realize that there isn’t even a vaguely green option. Appalling I know!
Works With Dog Crates
If you take your dog on lots of road trips and use a crate while traveling – some dog water bottles can attach to the side of your dog’s crate, thus providing them with a drink of water while being less likely to spill everywhere or get knocked over in transit. You can also affix a dog water bottle using zip ties, but be careful to have no sharp edges on the inside of the crate.
Multi-purpose
Some handy dandy dog water bottles not only offer an easy way to bring your dog water but even have a separate compartment for bringing along some dog food too! For the avid hiker who likes to be out all day, this could be a great solution for your precious pooch to join in on your midday picnic fun.
Product Reviews:
#1 M&MK PET Dog Water Bottle:
Best For One-handed Use
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 12/18 oz
- Colors: Blue, Pink, White
PROS:
- Can be operated with one hand.
- You can attach the top to a larger bottle for increased capacity.
- Be in control of how much water is given.
- Antibacterial, FDA-approved, lead-free and BPA-free material.
CONS:
- Not as durable as expected, can begin to leak after some use.
- Lock button can be hard to place fully on.
Nothing ruins a nice, long, relaxing walk quite like worrying about finding somewhere for your pooch to quench his thirst. But with this dog water bottle from M&MKPET, you don’t have to worry your little cotton socks about it. And hey, you don’t even need to bring a bowl with you – this handy bottle has its own dispenser, how convenient!
The bottle doesn’t leak thanks to a silica gel seal ring, so you can safely carry it in your bag – and you can even use it with one hand, which is great if poochie is keeping the other one busy by asking to be petted!
Should your pup not be thirsty enough to drink all the water that has been dispensed into the bowl, you can just tilt it back and use it later – no need for carrying that extra bottle of water in case your doggo makes a mess and the water ends up on the ground.
#2 Highway AutoDogMug:
Best For Long Hikes
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Colors: Red, Blue, Pink, Purple, Smoke, Green
PROS:
- Food and dishwasher safe.
- Comes with a patented one-hand hydration system.
- Adjustable hook and loop strap to affix to your wrist or belt.
- Made in the USA.
- Comes in a whopping six colors.
CONS:
- Must remain squeezed while the dog is drinking.
- Can smell of chemicals on arrival and need running through the dishwasher before use.
Sure, it’s possible to find places to water your fur baby when you’re out and about – like public water bowls, puddles and streams – but most of us would hesitate to let our darlings drink water that might not be safe – enter Highway AutoDogMug!
With this useful and convenient little device, you won’t have to worry about finding fresh water, because you can bring it wherever you go (just don’t forget to refill it!).
What’s unique with this water bottle is its design; on the top, there’s an attached little bowl, so all you have to do is give it a squeeze, wait until your pup is finished and then release – and the leftover water goes right back into the bottle!
This bottle fits into most car cup holders and you can attach it to your belt, which leaves you free to enjoy your walks fully.
#3 LumoLeaf Portable Pet Water Bottle:
Best Most Portable
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Colors: Green, Gray, Pink
PROS:
- Can be used with most bottles 30/38mm neck size.
- Foldable for easy storage.
- Can be attached to your belt.
- Made from 100% food-safe silicone.
- Incredibly lightweight.
CONS:
- If attached to the waist by carabiner clip – the top can loosen and ultimately fall off.
- The included bottle is only made from a thin plastic that isn’t very durable.
If you and your pup are looking for a way to have water at hand without having to lug around a giant bottle with you at all times, then this could be a good solution!
While LumoLeaf Portable Pet Water Bottle, as the name suggests, does come with a bottle, it’s actually the attachment that does all of the work – and this handy dandy attachment fits most plastic bottles, meaning that you can use almost any empty bottle (or bring a spare water bottle!).
So, how does that work? Think of it as a screw top water dispenser that can be sealed so that no water gets out unless you open it out. The dispenser is foldable, and when it’s folded back, it keeps the water in place and takes up almost no space. Hooray!
This clever dispenser is made from 100% food-safe silicone because only the best is ever going to be good enough for your pup. And, you can attach it to your belt as well.
#4 Tuff Pupper PupFlask:
Best For Small/Flat Faced Dogs
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Colors: Red, Blue, Green, Purple
PROS:
- An awesome solution for flat faced breeds.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Made from durable stainless steel.
- Convenient and stylish design.
- Can fit ice cubes for those especially hot days.
CONS:
- Doesn’t come with instructions on how to assemble the bottle.
- Sensitive to low temperatures.
Having water available for your dog is great for walking and hiking, but it’s not just a good purchase for the active dog owner. It also comes in handy in the car, in a restaurant, or even when just visiting friends and family.
Sure, there might be a bowl around, but if that’s not the case – a water bottle for your pooch will save the day. This specific one also happens to be super stylish, too!
The Tuff Pupper PupFlask is great to bring with you wherever you go, it’s lightweight, and you can easily fit it in your bag or backpack. And, there’s no need to bring a messy bowl, because all you have to do is fold out the silicone dispenser, open the bottle, and hey presto – water will appear.
If you poured out a little too much water, not to worry – it can be drained back into the bottle before folding back up. And both the silicone dispenser and the stainless steel bottle are perfectly safe to put in your dishwasher. Pretty handy, right?
#5 Gulpy Water Dispenser:
Best For Bike Riding
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Colors: Yellow, Blue, Lime Green, Pink
PROS:
- Belt clip for hands-free carrying.
- Generous 20 oz capacity.
- Made from an antibacterial material.
- Trough shape for easy lapping of water.
- Push button locking system.
CONS:
- Doesn’t stand up on its own.
- Will not work for short-snouted canines.
All pups, no matter their energy level, want and need a little something to quench their thirst after a walk, especially during those warm summer days. Bringing a water bowl might be a hassle, and you can only fit so much water in your cupped hand aka the emergency dog bowl! Solution? The Gulpy Water Dispenser!
This water bottle is easy to carry with you wherever you go – it even has a little clip for your belt! When your dear pooch is feeling a bit thirsty, just flip open the tray that normally is folded to fit around the bottle, and squeeze out some water — easy peasy.
The tray fits on other kinds of plastic bottles too, and the Gulpy Water Dispenser can be placed in both a bike bottle holder as well as in the bottle holder on your backpack. You’ll never have to put your backpack down and rummage through it to find that bothersome water bowl again.
#6 PETKIT Dog Water Bottle:
Best With Filter
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 14 oz
- Colors: Blue, Gray, Pink, Green
PROS:
- Has a built-in water filter – ideal for canines with kidney issues.
- Easy to use with the push of a button.
- Leakproof.
- Sleek design and several vibrant color choices.
- Can be attached to the wrist for easy carrying.
CONS:
- Doesn’t have a large enough capacity for medium or large dogs.
- The filter does need replacing periodically.
This dog water bottle is something extra – it filters the water for your pooch with the help of a coconut shell activated carbon filter! You wouldn’t drink water that’s not good for you, and now you can make sure your pup won’t either.
Not only is it antibacterial, but the PETKIT Dog Water Bottle is also very convenient and easy to use. Just unlock it with the push of a button, and pour water into the dispenser at the top which has a trough shape making it easy for dogs to drink from.
The lock function makes sure that all of the water stays in the bottle when it’s in your bag or in your car, and if you poured a bit too much out – the water reverses into the bottle, no problem!
If you’re not a big fan of the filter or if you’re using filtered water already, you can take that part out and use the bottle without.
#7 UPSKY Dog Water Bottle:
Best For Coolest Design
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 10.5 oz
- Colors: Blue
PROS:
- Filters the water.
- Easy to use and leak-proof.
- Aesthetically pleasing design.
- Can be attached to a bag or around the wrist.
- Has a lock function.
CONS:
- You need to squeeze pretty hard to fill with water.
- Can be hard to open and close especially for those with joint problems.
A bottle full of water can be worth its weight in gold on a hot and sunny day – especially for your fur baby who can’t buy any refreshments for himself.
So, what to do? Bring some water and a bulky bowl? Sure you could do that, but you don’t have to – just give the UPSKY Dog Water Bottle a go. It’s as easy as pie to use, and to your pup, the water probably tastes as good too.
Why does it taste so good, you ask? Because this bottle has its own coconut shell activated carbon filter. It also has a lock, making sure that the water stays put when it’s not in use, and when it is, just unlock it and press the button to release the water!
Oh, and thanks to its push-pull design, it doesn’t take up a whole lot of space either. More room for treats and toys! But enough about the practicalities, this bottle is downright gorgeous, we can’t deny it; with a design that screams Scandi-Futuristic.
#8 Vivaglory Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle:
Best For Large Dogs
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 25.5 oz
- Colors: Blue, Black, Yellow, Orange, Red, Steel, White
PROS:
- Large trough drinking area which works for most dogs.
- High capacity of 25.5 oz.
- Elegant design and sturdy construction.
- 365-day defect and workmanship guarantee from the manufacturer.
- Removable cap/bowl design can tempt even the most cautious of canines.
CONS:
- Tray edges can be sharp on dog tongues.
- Can leak if overfilled.
If your dog hasn’t finished his wish list for his birthday yet, tell him to keep the top spot open for this great water bottle!
Made out of food grade stainless steel, the Vivaglory Stainless Steel Water Bottle is very sturdy and surprisingly lightweight, making it perfect to carry around with you when walking your little furry rascal.
The cap is also a tray, which is wide enough so that most dogs can drink comfortably from it. The bottle is a piece of cake to use: pour some water into the tray and let your pooch go to town, then simply pour the rest back into the bottle again, and screw that cap back on.
What’s that, you don’t want a boring steel bottle? Don’t worry, because this one comes in loads of great colors. With the option to spend just a little more, and get a colorful neoprene water bottle carrier, which not only jazzes up your bottle a little more but also insulates the bottle’s contents too!
#9 Gulpy Jr. Water Dispenser:
Runner Up Best For Small Dogs
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 10 oz
- Colors: Blue, Purple, Green, Orange
PROS:
- Great for smaller dogs.
- Easy to use, just flip to open and flip to close.
- A really handy option for those traveling by plane with their dog in the cabin.
- Available in four vibrant colors.
- Top can also be attached to most regular water bottles.
CONS:
- The plastic used can shatter easily if dropped.
- Might make a startling pop noise when squeezed too hard.
If you want all the perks of having a great dog water bottle with you on your walks, but as your pooch is pretty small all the bottles seem too big and heavy – what can you do?
Try the Gulpy Jr. Water Dispenser which has all the great qualities of other water bottles, but on a smaller scale; perfect for those tiny fur babies. Not only is it easy to carry and fit into your bag, but it’s also a breeze to use.
All you have to do is open up the tray, squeeze out some water, and that’s it. Your small dog can now enjoy some cold, fresh water before running off to find the best stick in the whole forest!
This bottle comes in several bright colors, and when it needs a bit of a cleaning you can just pop it in the dishwasher and let that apparatus do its job.
#10 PetFusion On-the-Go Dog Water Bottle:
Best Stainless Steel
- BPA Free: YES
- Capacity: 22 oz
- Colors: Steel, Mint
PROS:
- High capacity of 22 oz.
- Can also be used for food.
- Insulation that keeps water cool for 8 hrs.
- Non-slip silicone surrounds the bottle for ease of use.
- Can be attached to bags, belts, etc.
CONS:
- Pretty heavy for just carrying on short walks.
- The mint colored version is only suitable for hand washing.
Bringing water for your furry friend on a warm day is a given, but what about food? If you ask your dog, he will most likely say that food is essential wherever you go – and he has a point!
The PetFusion On-the-Go Dog Water Bottle is just that, a water bottle – and a great one too – but you can also use it for food! That is some beautiful multitasking right there.
When used for water, and the cap of this bottle is removed; it becomes a tray in which the water is poured followed by that well-deserved thirst-quenching. Any leftover water can then be poured back into the bottle – oh the convenience!
If all that wasn’t enough, the bottle is made up of a double-walled insulated stainless steel, which means that it’s not only sturdy, but it keeps the water cold too – for at least 8 hours! And you can attach it to your bag or belt.
Why You Need A Dog Water Bottle
Keeps Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration is a serious medical concern for any dog. When your dog isn’t taking in enough water, his body will try to counteract with this by taking water from where it can – namely his own cells which, in turn, depletes electrolytes.
This might not sound like a big deal, but in time this can lead to loss of muscle function and in the most severe of cases can lead to organ failure and death.
Measure Your Dog’s Water Intake
Did you know that your dog can become dehydrated even if he drinks the “correct amount” of water? This can be due to an underlying medical condition, and one of the first steps to figuring out whether this is the case – is to measure his water intake.
It can be hard to do this when providing water in a bowl, but with the use of a dog water bottle, you can measure down to the oz.
For that reason, many veterinarians recommend the use of dog water bottles while tracking water intake. If you’re worried about your dog’s hydration levels, your first step should be to speak with your veterinarian, and they’ll be more than happy to advise you on what to do next.
Great for Medical Recovery
If your dog is recovering from an injury, or surgery – getting up and walking over to the water bowl can cause them a lot of pain. For that reason, it’s pretty common for recovering pooches to avoid that pain by not going to get a drink – which can lead to dehydration.
The solution for this is easy as pie, just bring your doggie water bottle over to your pooch every couple of hours, and offer him a drink – this saves him from any unnecessary pain, and will help put your mind at ease by knowing that his body is getting what it needs to aid in a swift recovery.
Easier to Include Them on Adventures
Have you ever planned out a day of ultimate fun and adventure, only to realize that it will be a little too hard going for your dog? Well, let’s stop for a second and think about why he can’t come? Is it because he’s not fit enough? Because dogs aren’t allowed on your chosen route? Or most commonly, is it because you don’t know if you can bring the correct amount of supplies with you?
If you answered yes to the latter, then you’re in for a real treat! Pick up a dog water bottle, high-energy treat packs, and a roll of poop bags, and you should be all ready to go.
Helps to Keep Your Dog Cool
Whether you’re walking through the deserts of Arizona or the valleys of Montana – it can get pretty hot. And when you’re in the middle of a hike, there’s no stopping for a rest in a nice air-conditioned cabin! You’ve got to keep going until you get to your destination, but how do you keep your dog cool along the way? Well, water plays a huge part in managing body temperature – so be sure to bring enough water, and offer it to your pooch frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trick is patience. Your dog might be a tad wary in the beginning, but don’t worry – keep on trying, and he should soon get used to it. If you’re really worried about him drinking enough, you can pop a treat into the water to encourage him to take a sip!
Essentially, a roller ball style bottle for your pooch, this is a bigger version of those bottles you see hamsters drinking out of. With a mechanism that releases water when your pet licks at it. This can be tricky to train your dog to use, so not something we’d recommend taking on a hike – without being sure that they’ll drink from it first.
Sure you can. It all depends on the type of crate you have, and the width of bottle. Many owners like to use dog water bottles zip tied onto the crate so that your pooch has more floor space, and can’t knock a bowl over. Most commonly, they will need to be placed inside of the crate, as the width of the bowl won’t usually fit through the crate bars – but be careful not to leave sharp zip-tie edges on the inside of the crate.
Not at all. Now, I don’t know about you – but I tend to keep a water bottle on me at all times, otherwise; I pretty much forget to drink. Dogs can actually do the same, which can quickly result in dehydration – so offering your dog his water bottle at home, in the yard, at the local park – basically wherever you are, can really help to increase his hydration levels which only offers a benefit to his health.
It depends on what you mean by this. If there’s no room in your bag, you can always use a carabiner clip to attach it to the outside of your rucksack. Or, if you’re worried that you physically can’t carry any additional items – you can pick up a doggie saddlebag and have your dog carry his water for himself.
Well, this depends on the amount of water that the bottle holds, the weight of your dogs, and therefore the amount of water that they will require for the planned activity. Quite technical ey! Nip back to the “Finding the Best Water Bottle for Your Dog” section of this piece for a quick guide on how to measure this.
Nope. Unfortunately sharing water with your dogs not only increases your risk of ingesting bacteria, and parasites – but the shape of a human water bottle is pretty impossible for a dog to actually drink much water from, the majority of the water you pour out for them will end up going to waste.
Well, this depends on the length of activity. If you’re only going to be out for an hour then sure – but just like us when we head to the gym and forget a water bottle, your dog’s body just doesn’t function as well when in need of water.
Final Thoughts
Drinking water helps to keep your dog healthy. From helping him to stay cool and aiding in the digestive process to flushing toxins out of the body and keeping his brain well oxygenated.
Our canine companions, while resilient in many ways; are susceptible to many problems that occur from a lack of water, from the well-known dehydration to the not so well-known – yet highly common – heat stroke.
Keep your four-legged friend healthy, happy, and out on plenty of adventures by remembering to pack your trusty dog water bottle with you.