We all love taking adventures with our dogs but it's not always ideal to have to carry around your pet's usual food and water bowls, especially if they're on the bulky side. That's why a travel dog bowl is a really handy purchase you'll be able to use time and time again, ensuring your best friend is hydrated with a full belly.
What to consider when picking a travel dog bowl
Portability: The main requirement for a travel dog bowl is that you need to be able to take it wherever you and your dog like to go. This can depend on the type of holiday you tend to take. If you're going to be staying in one place, you can get away with one that doesn't fold down, but if you're moving around quite a bit, go collapsible. We'd also suggest opting for one that can be attached to your bag or belt with a carabiner for easy access.
Size and capacity: Naturally, a smaller dog will require a smaller bowl, while a larger dog will want a bigger one. You'll also want to consider how much room the bowl will take up in a backpack, so you may want a collapsible one.
Cleaning: As you'll want to ensure your dog is drinking and eating from a clean bowl, look out for a travel bowl that is easy to clean by hand when you're out and about, or that it's suitable for the dishwasher.
Materials: Dog travel bowls can be made from several different materials but you'll notice the majority are soft and made of silicone. While they tend to work out as cheaper, lightweight and fold down small, this might not be for you if your pooch likes to chew or are particularly boisterous as they may knock it over.
Related: How to cool down a dog
The best travel dog bowls to buy
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dog travel bowls
ZUOFENG Collapsible Travel Silicone Dog Bowl
Just 1.3cm when folded, this 100 per cent silicone dog bowl collapses so it will take up minimal space on your travels. It opens easily and folds flat and the included carabiners can be used to hook the bowl to a backpack, leash or directly to your trousers. According to the brand, when flat, it can even be used as a frisbee!Size: 17.4 x 13.2 x 1.9 cmWeight: 50gCan hold: 350ml of water or 1.5 cups of dog foodReview: "We were going travelling with our dog (lurcher) and needed a compact bowl so we could travel light. This was ideal, even though our dog is quite big (40kg) he used it many times without any problems. It looks quite small, but holds about 150ml water at a time, just enough for him to have a drink. It collapses flat, and has a handy clip to attach to a backpack. Well worth the money if you need something like this."
Crufts Pet Travel Bowl
This durable and tough pet travel bowl is non-slip and made from lightweight silicone. Easy to clean when you're done, just collapse it back down and put it in your bag. Storing this collapsible travel bowl is that easy. The Crufts travel bowl comes with a handy carabiner clip that will attach securely to any bag or belt loop, and features a water bottle holder too. The fun bright colour means you'll always be able to find it, wherever you are.Size: 25.4 x 11.3 x 3.4 cmWeight: 60g
Outward Hound travel bowl
Made of nylon, the sturdy, reinforced design of this travel dog bowl maintains shape after multiple uses. It dries quickly and folds flat for easy storage.Size: 13.34 x 17.78 x 15.88 cm**Weight: **22.6 gCan hold: 5 LitresReview: "What an excellent product very happy with my purchase and so is my dog . Arrived promptly. It folds flat to pack neatly . I would recommend this product. Perfect for taking out and about."
Kurgo No Spill Dog Travel Bowl
If you and your pooch often travel in the car, this is the ideal dog travel bowl for you and means you won't need to stop constantly to make sure your dog is hydrated. The unique wedge design ensures that the water bowl lays flat on the seat, and the tapered lip means that water will not spill out of the bowl while travelling in the car. Just bear in mind that it doesn't collapse so not ideal for popping in a bag.**Size: **18.54 x 6.99 x 18.54 cmWeight: 227 gCan hold: 700 ml of water or dog foodReview: "Excellent for travelling/walking, great sturdiness and even my bulldog can't manage to spill so thumbs up."
Ruffwear Quencher Cinch Top Bowl
This portable fabric dog bowl has a waterproof lining for your pup's food and drink. It's lightweight and foldable, making it easy to transport and store and it has a wide base for stability and a tapered opening to avoid spillage.Size: 20.5 x 20.5 x 11.51 cmWeight: 113gCan hold: 2.5L capacityReview: "The is the perfect travel bowl. Picked up two large and also have one medium from another purchase. The waterproof internal membrane really does work."
Roll up travel bowls
These two dog travel bowls are designed with a non-skid silicone mat to prevent bowls from moving around. The set can then be rolled up and put directly into the waterproof package, which is convenient to carry.Size: 39 x 35.5 x 5 cmWeight: 300gCan hold: Single bowl capacity 600ml
Portable Dog Water Bottle
If you fancy something different, what about a dog water bottle instead? BPA-free, it can be used with just one hand. Simply turn the lock key to the right, press the water key to fill the trough with water then release the water key to stop the water. Between the neck and the body, there is a silicone loop which make the connection even closer, meaning water won't seep out.Size: 22.8 x 8 x 7.7 cmWeight: 1190gCan hold: 350ml capacityReview: "I have to review this as it has been used every day since I got it. When you're out walking and your dog is panting like crazy and you don't want to be carrying too much, this is the perfect answer. My young pup uses it. It has a safety catch so it doesn't leak in your bag, and a hanging hook so you can loop it onto the outside if you prefer. Undo safety catch, press button do water can flow into the 'bowl'. If your dog doesn't finish, you can press button again and the water will flow back into the storage part. Really good idea, and feels sturdy."
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