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We give Elfin Fountain D1 Pro a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
I don’t know about you, but I live in a pretty warm and dry climate with my pup Lorelei. What does warm and dry mean? Lots of water! My pup is pretty good about managing her thirst levels, but this also means very frequent water changes and multiple bowls of water being put out every time I have to leave for a few hours, in fear that she won’t get the hydration she wants. I had long thought of getting a water fountain, but never really took the plunge because not many of them are very well-made, nor are they designed for dogs.
With cats dominating the water fountain game, dogs don’t tend to be as attracted to that design. This is where Kickstarter-backed company Elfin comes into play – with the D1 Pro being the ultimate dog-friendly water fountain out there. With a design made for pups to enjoy, I was eager to try this fountain and finally replace my army of water bowls!
Overview
| Product Type: | Pet fountain |
| Best Suited For: | Dogs |
| Price Range: | Moderate |
| Contents: | Fountain components, filter pack, charging cable, and charging block |
| Specs: | 12” x 10” x 7” and 5.4” tall, 0.51” tray depth, 4-liter water tank |
| Assembly: | Needs complete assembly, but each component fits in like a puzzle and does not require tools |
| Storage: | No storage needed, intended to be used at all times |
| Cleaning: | Dishwasher safe or hand-wash in the sink with clean water and air dry each component |
Our Experience
The fountain package came quickly and easily, and I was so excited to open it up! All of the components were neatly stacked in a size-appropriate box. The box was, as I say, Lorelei-sized (my 10lb mixed breed pup).
The package arrived missing the instruction manual, but after contacting Elfin, they sent me a digital manual to use instead. Because the buttons on the fountain are not clearly marked as to what they are, the manual really is mandatory for new users in my opinion.
That being said, assembling the fountain was pretty simple. I am not a particularly tech-savvy or builder-esque person, but this one made perfect sense. I got it all put together in moments and then proceeded to connect the fountain to the charger. The fountain was just fine size-wise for my dog, but dogs smaller than mine may have a hard time with that height.
Once the fountain was assembled, I soaked the filter in clean water as stated in the manual. I then filled the water fountain to its maximum level (as indicated on the side of the fountain) and added the water filter into its holder spot. The fountain charged up quickly and was ready to go!
I really liked the fact that the underside of the fountain had a designated spot for the charging cable – that was really neat and kept it tidy and out of the way. These little details really do make a big difference.
Turning the fountain on was a breeze; just hold the power button for about three seconds. The Mode button changes color based on the selected mode: blue for Smart, green for Timer, and Purple for Continuous. For the sake of teaching my dog what this is, I set it to Continuous.
I set the fountain up right by Lorelei’s kennel, where she usually has her army of water dishes. Although she was a little confused at first, she quickly figured out how the fountain works and acted like she had used one all of her life! Once she got used to it, I switched the mode to Smart, which didn’t bother her one bit.
Cleaning is really easy – I can throw the tray top in the dishwasher and just hand-wash the rest with pet-friendly soap. I left it out to air dry, and that was that, fresh as new.
I enjoy having a water fountain for Lorelei, and I think she likes the consistent stream of fresh water too. It makes my daily routine so much easier not to have to constantly wash bowls, pour more water, and worry about there being enough if I’m gone for a longer amount of hours.
Pros & Cons
- Pumpless technology
- Three modes
- Minimal cleanup
- Quiet
- Highly sanitary
- 4-liter tank
- Can operate cordlessly
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- No instruction manual
- May be too tall for very small dogs
Key Features
Build Quality and Design
The most important feature of this fountain is its build quality, having a focus on the health and longevity of our furry loved ones!
To start, all of the materials used to construct the fountain are FDA and RoHS-certified components and 100% non-toxic. The plastic used is all BPA-free as well.
The stainless steel water tray keeps it very sanitary, as stainless steel doesn’t have microscopic pores where bacteria, mold, or slime can hide and grow. This is why stainless steel is used in a variety of health-related applications, as it is highly hygienic. The material is resistant to biofilm and won’t leach chemicals into the water over time. It is also rust-resistant, making longevity a key factor.
The Elfin MagDrive™ tech pumpless design keeps the water flowing gently and consistently, and the lack of a pump helps keep all electronic components well away from any water (to eliminate electric shock risk).
The design of the D1 Pro also introduces a multi-phase filtration system to ensure the water stays clean and safe for our pups. The filter itself is made up of these parts (in order):
- PP Cotton, which blocks dog fur and dust
- Coconut-shell activated carbon in order to filter odor and contaminants
- Ion exchange resin to absorb heavy metal ions
- Another layer of PP Cotton
The fountain also has a filter reminder on it! Filters need to be replaced about every two to three weeks, depending on the water quality. Replacement filters can easily be ordered on their Kickstarter page.
Made For Dogs
The majority of water fountains available are designed for cats, which isn’t always conducive to having a dog. Regardless of how many times my dog is confused for a cat, she does not want to use a kitty fountain. The Elfin Fountain D1 Pro has various design components that make it better for our barking best friends:
- The large capacity of 4-liters makes this exceptional for giant dogs as well as the little guys
- The water tray itself is designed to prevent wet fur and choking, which allows brachycephalic dogs (like Frenchies and pugs) to benefit from the water fountain
- The tray also helps prevent spills with its low-spill surface (0.73 ft²)
- The pumpless system lets the water flow gently so as not to bother a dog while drinking
- 5.4″ height makes it accessible to many breeds
- Very quiet operation – not scary or distracting
Battery-Operated
To me, what makes this fountain exceptionally unique is that it can be run on its internal battery. Built into the fountain is a built-in 5000mAh battery. Of course, it needs to be charged, but after that, the fountain can work for up to 30 days on a single charge. The cordless design makes it so much easier to fit the fountain into whatever spot is most comfortable for your pup, and travel is equally a breeze. On the safety front, not having to risk water mixing with electricity is a huge plus as well.
Three Different Modes
This fountain offers three different modes based on what works best for your dog:
Smart Mode
This mode utilizes built-in sensors to automatically activate the water flow when your dog is detected nearby. It dispenses for about 60 seconds. According to Elfin, the built-in dual sensor “covers up to 6.6 feet in a 180° range, making sure our pup gets water right on time when they come close.”
Continuous Mode
Dispenses water continuously when plugged in, an ideal mode for multi-dog households. Continuous mode is only available when the fountain is plugged in, it is not available on battery mode.
Timer Mode
Dispenses water for 20 seconds every 15 minutes to help encourage pups to drink.
About Elfin
| Founding: | May 2023 and September 2023 via Kickstarter crowdfunding |
| Sourcing: | Elfin sources FDA and RoHS-certified components that are non-toxic |
| Warranty: | 12-month limited warranty and a 30-day return policy (no questions asked) |
| Shipping: | Free shipping worldwide on orders over $25 |
| Funding: | This fountain is fully crowd-funded on Kickstarter |
Is the Elfin Fountain D1 Pro a Good Value?
Although not yet available on the general market, the price point on Kickstarter hovers around $90 for the fountain. This is definitely on the more moderately expensive side for a pet fountain, but the incredible features of the D1 Pro certainly make it worth the investment (especially if you have a busy schedule or a multi-dog household).
The innovative pumpless design equals less cleanup, less hassle, and a safer experience for your pup. The filtration system keeps the water safe, and the building materials ensure continued health for my furry gal. The ability to go wireless for up to 30 days per charge, which mitigates the risk of electric shock, is equally what validated the value of the D1 for me.
The filters are priced at $17.99 for an eight-pack or $9.99 for a four-pack, which isn’t bad at all.
How We Tested
Testing was straightforward and simple. I replaced my dog’s bowls by her kennel with the fountain and let her figure the rest out! She quickly and easily figured out how to use the fountain. I left it running, and I believe she immensely enjoys having consistent, fresh water in one place rather than various bowls scattered around on my busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Clean the D1 Pro?
The best part about the D1 Pro is that its pumpless design makes cleaning extremely easy. All of the components very easily come apart like a puzzle, and get put together just as easily. The D1 Pro’s stainless steel tray is dishwasher-safe, so you can toss that in the dishwasher.
For the rest of the fountain, you will need to hand wash and ensure that you do so without using any harmful chemicals that could linger on the fountain and contaminate the water afterward. Additionally, avoid using abrasive cleaners to prevent damage to the fountain surface. Rinse with clean water and then leave to air dry.
Because everything is a solid set of pieces, there will be no hidden dirty spots.
How Do I Decide On the Right Mode?
Of the three modes, the right one depends most on your household and dog’s habits.
The Smart mode is a great energy-saving option as it only activates when your dog is near, but very timid pups may find this one to be a bit “scary”.
The Timer option is excellent for dogs that need encouragement to drink or for households that have a routine.
The Continuous mode runs the water continuously, which is beneficial for helping a dog become acclimated to the fountain or for households with multiple dogs that are always active. It is essential to note that Continuous mode is only available when the fountain is plugged in.
My Dog Won’t Drink From the Fountain. What Do I Do?
Fountains can be weird for dogs that have never been exposed to them before, but don’t fret! There are ways to get your pup well acclimated to the D1 Pro:
- Place the fountain near their water bowl or the area where their water bowl goes
- Splash your fingers in the water and show your pup that it is water
- If your dog is being particularly hesitant, try holding a treat over the fountain or (when the fountain is off) splashing a bit of water in the tray and adding something your pup loves to drink there (like bone broth)
Most dogs figure it out pretty quickly and without much fuss.
How Do I Know If My Filter Needs to Be Changed?
There is a light on the fountain itself that will illuminate when it is time to change the filter.
Conclusion
Of all of the fountains out there, this one certainly takes the cake for me. I have never before seen a fountain so well thought-out, well-designed, and pup-approved!
This could be a great investment especially for my neighboring Nevada, Utah, and Arizona dwellers (that dry climate can be brutal)! Overall, I would highly recommend the D1 Pro (specifically this model) to all my dog-owning friends and family, as it has saved me a lot of time and hassle with my dog’s water situation.
