There are many different dog food bowls, but stainless-steel bowls are some of the best options for many dogs. They’re more durable than other materials and can also be more hygienic.
There isn’t much variety in stainless steel bowls, but many manufacturers sell them with additional features to make them stand out from their competitors. We have reviews on different kinds of stainless-steel dog bowls to help you determine what setup will work best for your dog.
We also have some answers to frequently asked questions, so by the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to know to purchase the best stainless-steel bowl for your dog.
Click to Skip Ahead
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2024)
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Frisco Double Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl with Silicone Mat |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value | Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice | Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Best for Puppies | MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
OurPets Premium Stainless Steel Dog Bowl |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
1. Frisco Double Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl with Silicone Mat
Bowl Diameter: | 5 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Additional Features: | Non-slip silicone mat |
We love the Frisco Double Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl with Silicone Mat because of its thoughtful design, so we have chosen it as our overall best pick. This set comes with two stainless steel bowls with a depth of 1 inch so that they can contain a good amount of food, and it is easy for your dog to eat from them. The bowls are also dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
The silicone mat has two inserts for each bowl so that the bowls firmly stay in place as your dog eats and drinks. The mat also has raised edges to keep food and water inside.
This set is perfect for small to medium-sized dogs. It may not be able to contain enough food for large and giant dog breeds. However, it checks all the boxes for a high-quality, stainless-steel bowl, making it one of our best stainless-steel dog bowls. Overall, this is the best stainless steel dog bowl set out there.
- Set comes with a non-slip silicone mat
- Easy for dogs to eat out of
- Dishwasher-safe
- Mess-free
- Not big enough for large and giant breeds
2. Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl – Best Value
Bowl Diameter: | 5 inches, 6.75 inches, 8.5 inches, 9 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Additional Features: | Non-slip rubber base, cute design |
Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowls are some of the best stainless-steel dog bowls for the money you pay because they have a lot of great features. These bowls have a poly-resin exterior with different kinds of cute designs to fit your dog’s style and personality. Each bowl also has a rubber base on the bottom to keep the bowl firmly in place and reduce spills. You can also easily remove the base to put the bowl in the dishwasher.
The stainless-steel interior is naturally bacteria-resistant, and the bowls also conveniently come in different sizes. So, you can purchase a set for all kinds of dogs. The only type of dog we wouldn’t recommend this bowl for is brachycephalic dog breeds, which are dogs with flat faces. These types of dogs benefit from bowls with a shallow depth or elevated dog bowls. The depth of these bowls is relatively deep, so these dogs may have difficulty eating from them.
- Non-slip rubber bottom
- Variety of cute designs
- Dishwasher safe
- Various size options
- Not for brachycephalic dog breeds
3. Neater Pets Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls – Premium Choice
Bowl Diameter: | 25 inches, 6.5 inches, 8.25 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Additional Features: | Elevated, mess-free |
The Neater Feeder Deluxe Elevated & Mess-Proof Dog Bowls are among the best premium stainless steel dog bowls you can find. The stainless-steel bowls are lightweight and dishwasher-safe, and you can easily wash the stand with soap and warm water.
The elevated stand helps all kinds of dogs eat comfortably. It has guard walls to prevent splashing and getting food all over the floor. There are also drainage holes at the base of the bowls so that water and food fall through for easy cleanup. The stand has a bit of an awkward shape, and it’s not machine washable, so it can be a little convenient to clean it thoroughly.
The overall design of this stainless-steel bowl set is great for brachycephalic dog breeds and senior dogs experiencing joint pain. It also comes in three different sizes, so most dogs can comfortably eat from them.
- Mess-free
- Easy cleanup
- Dishwasher safe
- Elevated for an easy eating experience
- The stand isn’t easy to clean
4. MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 5 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | No |
Additional Features: | Clips to crates |
This stainless-steel bowl is perfect for puppies and crate training. It has clips that secure tightly to crates, so they don’t tip over and spill any food or water. The stainless steel is rust-proof and long-lasting. The bowls come in several different sizes, and they are relatively affordable compared to other steel bowls. So they can grow with your puppy.
Overall, these stainless-steel bowls are the perfect companion for puppies and crate training. However, they don’t have any grips on the bottom, so they’ll slide around without being latched to a wall, and you’ll probably need a non-slip mat if you don’t use a crate.
- Great for crate training
- Rust-proof
- Comes in various sizes
- No grip on the bottom
5. OurPets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Dog Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 6 inches, 9.5 inches, 11.1 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Additional Features: | Non-slip grip, slow feeding |
Slow-feeding bowls are a great option for dogs that don’t chew their food or get upset stomachs from eating too fast. Most slow-feeding bowls are made of plastic, which many heavy chewers can easily damage and break.
This durable stainless-steel option is a great choice to help dogs slow down when they eat safely. It uses heavyweight stainless steel and comes in several sizes, so many dogs may use it. We just don’t recommend it for dogs with short snouts because it can be difficult for them to pick up the last bits of kibble due to the narrow design of the bowl.
The bottom of the bowl is covered in rubber to keep the bowl in place and reduce noise while your dog eats. The whole thing is dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is quick and easy.
- Slow feeder helps dogs avoid an upset stomach
- Made with heavy-duty stainless steel
- Available in various sizes
- Non-skid rubber bottom
- Dishwasher-safe
- Not for dogs with short snouts
6. Eyenimal Intelligent Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 54 inches, 9.06 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | No |
Additional Features: | Weighs food |
This bowl conveniently measures out dog food, so you don’t ever have to worry about overfeeding and underfeeding your dog. It’s a great option for dogs that need help with weight management and weight loss.
The bowl attaches to an electronic scale with an LCD screen displaying the food’s weight inside the bowl. It can display measurements in pounds, grams, ounces, fluid ounces, and milliliters.
When you want to clean the bowl, you can quickly detach it from the scale for easy cleaning. It’s not dishwasher-safe, but using soap and water cleans the bowl well as long as you clean it regularly.
- Great for weight management
- Different measurement options
- Bowl is easy to detach from scale
- Not dishwasher-safe
7. Frisco Curved Triple Feeder Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 75 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Bowls are dishwasher-safe |
Additional Features: | Elevated |
This stainless-steel bowl set from Frisco is a great option for homes with multiple pets or dogs with a combined dry and wet food diet. Depending on the number of pets in your house, you can use two bowls for food and one bowl for water or use all the bowls for food.
The bowls also come with an elevated stand to help dogs have an easier time eating. It’s easy to remove the stainless-steel bowls and put them in the dishwasher for cleaning. The frame isn’t machine washable, but it’s easy to hand-wash them.
There are currently two sizes available–small and large. The small size is great for small breeds, and the large size can accommodate larger breeds. There isn’t a set that’s a good size for medium-sized dog breeds. So, these dogs often have to opt for the large size, which can be too big for them.
- Good for multi-pet homes
- Good for dogs that eat wet and dry food
- Elevated stand for easy feeding
- Dishwasher-safe bowls
- Good for small and large dogs
- No size for medium dog breeds
8. OurPets Tilt-A-Bowl Rubber-Bonded Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 5 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Additional Features: | Easy feeding |
This uniquely shaped OurPets bowl works well with puppies and senior dogs. It has a tilted opening, so it can contain a lot of food without being as deep as traditional bowls. Senior dogs don’t have to worry about putting pressure on their backs and necks to eat food, and puppies have an easy time getting to the food.
The stainless-steel bowl also has a bonded rubber ring on the bottom that’s supposed to permanently stay attached to the bow. It prevents skidding and tipping over the bowl. The bowl itself is made with hygienic and durable stainless steel. It’s easy to handwash and is also dishwasher-safe.
The only issue with this bowl is that it only holds dry food. Since it’s tilted, it can’t contain a lot of water or wet food.
- Eases pressure from joints and back
- Non-skid rubber ring
- Dishwasher-safe
- Can’t hold liquids
9. Sam’s Pets Dan Single Wood & Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 8 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Additional Features: | Elevated |
Sam’s Pets Dan Single Wood & Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a classy and sleek elevated stainless steel bowl. The stand is made of metal and wood and has a non-leaking design, so your floors remain mess-free.
The bowl is high-quality and rust-free. It has a good amount of depth so that you can fit a lot of food and water in them. Cleanup is also very simple and quick. All you have to do is pop the bowls from the stand and put them in the dishwasher. The stand has a simple and modern design, making it relatively easy to clean.
Aside from its expensive price, this stainless-steel bowl is a great addition to anyone’s home. It makes your dog’s eating area look clean and organized while helping your dog eat more comfortably.
- Sleek and modern design
- Non-leaking stand
- Rust-free stainless steel
- Machine washable
- Expensive price
10. K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl
Bowl Diameter: | 13 inches |
Dishwasher Safe: | No |
Additional Features: | Heats water |
The K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl is a thoughtfully designed stainless steel bowl for dogs that spend a lot of time outside. It has a built-in heater that prevents water and wet dog food from freezing. This bowl isn’t meant to heat food and keep it warm. Instead, it’ll always keep your dog’s food and water at a safe temperature.
The bowl has a chew-resistant steel-wrapped cord, and all electrical parts are safely concealed. It’s also MET-listed, which means that it was approved by an independent quality control lab.
Because this bowl is mainly for outdoor use, it’s suitable for larger working dogs. Smaller dogs may have difficulty using this bowl because it’s rather large and deep.
- Prevents water from freezing
- Electric cord is chew-resistant
- Safety-approved by an independent lab
- Too large for small dogs
- Doesn’t keep wet food warm
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick The Best Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
In general, stainless steel is a great material for dog bowls. However, some myths and facts taken out of context can make some people hesitant about switching their dog bowls to stainless steel. Here’s additional information for frequently asked questions that will help provide more clarity on whether your dog will benefit from a steel bowl.
Which is better for dog bowls: glass or stainless steel?
Overall, stainless steel is the superior option when compared to other common materials used for dog bowls. High-quality stainless steel is rust-free and is often dishwasher safe. Unlike glass and ceramic bowls, stainless steel bowls won’t break if you accidentally drop them.
You also won’t have to worry about any chemicals seeping into your dog’s food and water, like low-quality plastic and aluminum bowls.
Do stainless-steel dog bowls rust?
No, true stainless-steel dog bowls won’t rust if you continue to clean and wash them properly. Bowls that do rust may not be made with real stainless steel, or they’re not taken care of very well.
Chemical cleaners, chloride, high humidity, and abrasions can also cause stainless steel to rust. If you regularly clean your dog’s stainless-steel bowls according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you shouldn’t see any rust on the bowls.
Do stainless steel bowls cause tear stains?
Stainless steel bowls don’t cause tear stains in dogs. The bowl material isn’t the main factor that may cause tear stains to appear around dogs’ eyes. Bacteria in food can cause eye infections, which can make your dog’s eyes tear up and stain its face.
Therefore, bacteria-resistant stainless-steel bowls can help prevent eye infections, but as long as you regularly clean your dog’s bowls, they’re less likely to develop an eye infection.
Do dogs not like metal bowls?
Some dogs may not like the sounds that metal bowls make. They can create clanging and scraping sounds whenever dogs try to eat out of them. To reduce the noise, try using a stainless-steel bowl with a rubber bottom, so it won’t slide around and make loud sounds. You can also place a non-slip silicone mat to keep the bowl in place and muffle any additional noises.
Are stainless-steel dog bowls microwave-safe?
The one inconvenient thing about stainless steel bowls is that they’re not microwavable. Stainless steel reflects microwaves, which can cause sparking. Therefore, it can be inconvenient for people who warm up their dog’s wet food before serving.
How We Selected These Stainless-Steel Dog Bowls
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog bowls reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog bowls available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog bowls. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Conclusion
Our reviews indicate that the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl is the best stainless steel dog bowl. This well-designed bowl features a dishwasher-safe double bowl insert within a handy drip/crumb tray.
The Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl is another great option with many more size varieties and is set at a relatively affordable price.
Overall, stainless steel dog bowls are durable, rust-free, and easy to clean. They’ll also last you a very long time and will be worth the higher price that you pay for them.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy