9 Best Dog Water Dispensers of 2020

Every dog owner needs a reliable water dispenser to ensure proper hydration for their barking buddies. Here are the top 9 candidates for the Best Dog Water Dispensers, carefully selected from the recommendations of fellow dog owners.

The thing is, you want a water dispenser to suit your dog’s needs, but not all dispensers are created equal. So, we’ve decided to put together reviews of the best dog water dispensers and evaluate them based on important criteria including material and capacity. 

Keep reading to find out more about our choices and how you can pick the perfect dog water dispenser for your furry best friend!

With ita BPA-free tank and stainless steel bowl, this water dispenser isn’t just durable, but it’s also extra hygienic. Such reliable construction and convenient capacity make the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station the best choice from our point of view.

9 Best Dog Water Dispensers

Kicking off our list with a popular product, the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is a solid choice for dog owners seeking a water dispenser that provides moving water.

It features an adjustable pump that allows you to control the water flow according to your dog’s needs. It keeps water fresh and clean thanks to the replaceable carbon filter (with 50% more carbon than generic models) that eliminates foul taste and odor.

This water dispenser is made from premium plastic, free of BPA to ensure the safety of your dog. It has a large water capacity of 5 liters, which means less refilling frequency and you can even use it for multiple pets.

The submerged pump makes for quieter operation, while the free-falling stream adds more oxygen to the water for extra freshness. 

The PetSafe Drinkwell Pet Fountain is also easy to clean. You can disassemble the pump to clean separately and just put the other parts on the top shelf of the dishwasher.

Receiving thousands of positive reviews, the AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer is both reliable and affordable, making it a great option for many dog owners.

This water dispenser features a durable design, with a base made of PP (polypropylene) and a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) transparent water bottle that lets you monitor the level of water at a quick glance. 

It uses gravity to maintain a consistent supply of water, but you need to add pre-filtered water to the tank since there are no built-in filters. This dispenser holds up to 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.

It has cut-out handles on the sides for easy moving, while the rubber feet prevent skidding for secure placement. This dispenser also comes in a large size, but a feeder must be included.

Offering lots of value for money, the Petmate Deluxe Cafe Waterier is a good budget option that still delivers a nice quality service.

This water dispenser is made of environmentally-sustainable PET plastic with a simple design that’s simple to set up. It works by gravity to automatically and steadily supply the water bowl to extend the time between refills.

The convenient design of this dispenser lets you move it easily around the house thanks to the cut-out side handles. The bottle is also easy to disassemble so you can clean the dispenser without trouble, either by hand or in the dishwasher.

This particular model of the Petmate water dispenser holds up to 0.75 gallons (2.8 liters), but it’s also available in 0.25, 1.5, and 3-gallon sizes. The dispenser comes in multiple colors to suit your taste.

If you’re particularly concerned about the cleanliness of your dog’s drinking, then you may want to consider the Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer.

It features Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection, which prevents bacterial growth in the bath to reduce bad taste and smell.

This water dispenser is made of PET plastic that’s safe for your dog to drink from. It works by gravity to slowly supply the water bowl to keep it always full and prolong the time between refills.

The cut-out side handle lets you move the dispenser easily around the house. You can simply clean the dispenser either by hand or in the dishwasher.

This model of the Petmate water dispenser holds up to 4 gallons, but it’s also available in 0.5, 1, and 2.5-gallon sizes.

Praised by thousands of dog owners, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station is another reliable water dispenser that offers convenience and durability.

The water tank is made of BPA-free plastic. It locks into place to help stop spills and knock over. The sturdy construction is completed with a stainless steel bowl that’s more durable and hygienic for your dog.

This dispenser also works by gravity to maintain a constant supply of water for your puppy throughout the day. It’s easy to disassemble for facilitated cleaning, and it’s also dishwasher-safe for extra convenience.

The cut-out side handle allows you to carry the dispenser around the house without hassle. This particular model of the PetSafe water dispenser holds up to 128 ounces, but it also comes in 64 and 320-ounce sizes.

The iPettie Kamino Pet Water Fountain is a fantastic choice for dog owners interested in something more technologically-oriented yet still reliable to use.

It features a USB-powered pump that delivers moving water to pique the interest of your dog. The pump was even upgraded to operate as quietly as possible without disturbing you or your pet.

This modern water dispenser is available in 3 color options, equipped with a soft LED light around the water-level window to further attract your dog towards the fountain. There’s a switch on the power cable that lets you quickly turn the light on or off whenever you want.

The iPettie water dispenser is made of BPA-free plastic to keep your pet safe and healthy. Moreover, it has an upgraded carbon filter to remove unwanted food debris, hair, odors, and tastes from the drinking water.

This 3-liter dispenser comes with a graduated window so you can view the current water level at any time.

The Bergan Automatic Pet Waterer is a great option if you’re looking for a dog water dispenser to use outside the house.

Designed specifically for the outdoor environment, this dispenser easily connects to any standard garden hose. You just need to tighten the inlet port then turn on the faucet to fill the water bowl.

It’s also pretty easy to adjust the water level to suit your furry friend. Simply remove the lid, loosen the plastic nut, and move the float valve up or down to achieve the desired level.

If you got an overly active or aggressive dog, you can fasten the Bergan water dispenser to the floor or mount it into a wall with tabs located on the back of the bowl.

This 48-ounce dispenser refills automatically, so it’s less likely to overflow.

Sporting an innovative design, the PetSafe Drinkwell Sedona Pet Drinking Fountain does a great job encouraging dogs to drink because it delivers moving water.

The continuous motion also helps inhibit the growth of bacteria in the water bowl for a more hygienic experience. Moreover, this dispenser has replaceable carbon filters to eliminate foul odors and tastes, maintaining the freshness of the water.

The pump of this dispenser is submersible to make the operation less noisy, white the sound of circulating water offers a soothing effect for anxious pups.

The tower of the Sedona Pet Fountain is made of ceramic and the bowl itself is made of impact-resistant plastic. It’s sturdy and easy to clean, holding up to 3 liters of water.

Last but definitely not least, the Gulpy Jr. Water Dispenser for Pet is a handy method to make sure your dog stays hydrated on the go.

It’s an awesome solution for long outings, trips, and car rides where you simply can’t take the main dispenser with you. It’s basically a travel bottle with a foldable water bowl.

When it’s time for your dog to drink, you just open the dispenser into the bowl configuration and then squeeze the bottle to push out some water into the bowl so it’s ready for your pet.

The bottle holds up to 10 ounces of water, and the dispenser is available in 5 vibrant colors.

Why Buy a Dog water Dispenser?

Just like us humans, dogs also need their daily intake of water to stay healthy and hydrated. Water is just as essential for them as it is for any living creature, playing a critical role in maintaining all vital body functions.

As a rule of thumb, dogs should drink an average of 1.5 ounces of water for every pound of body weight per day. This brings about the question: How do you make sure that your barking buddy is drinking enough water? 

Well, that’s where a dog water dispenser comes in, guaranteeing that your best friend always finds a way to drink water for the following benefits:

• Improves metabolic functions – water facilities every single metabolic process that happens in your dog’s body. This includes breathing oxygen, digesting food, pumping blood through veins, as well as fueling the brain and muscles.

• Gets rid of toxins – inside a dog’s body, water delivers fresh oxygen to the cells and clears out harmful toxins by transporting them to the kidneys for excretion. Without water circulating in your dog’s system, toxins will build up and damage its vital organs.

• Regulates body temperature – in several ways, water is necessary for a dog’s body temperature regulation. They use it to cool down when they drink, take a dive into a kid’s pool, and even when they pant. However, panting also causes your dog to lose water through its tongue, so it’s crucial to keep this in mind if you own a particularly active dog.

• Supports dogs’ sniffing power – dogs need their noses to be moist so that they can efficiently pick up the faintest scents. Water helps keep a dog hydrated with a moist nose to perform any working or sporting tasks.

To make sure your dog gets all of the above-mentioned benefits, don’t forget to check multiple times throughout the day whether or not the bowl is empty of water.

If you’re planning to go away for the day, be sure to leave enough water in the dispenser to comfortably last your dog while you’re out. Also, keep in mind that dogs need more water to drink on hot days, so make sure you give your pet extra water on such days.

What to Look for in a Dog Water Dispenser?

When shopping for the best dog water dispenser, there are a number of factors you should first consider before making a purchase so you can make the right decision. The following points are the most important ones:

Bowl Size

Right off the bat, you should be looking at the size of the bowl and whether or not it matches the size of your dog. 

You want the bowl size of the dispenser to be as close as possible to your dog’s food bowl size. That way, you won’t end up buying a Chihuahua-sized bowl for a Rottweiler or the other way around!

Additionally, you may want to take into account the depth of the bowl. You see, some dogs (including mine!) like to play with their water when they go for a drink, which results in a messy drinking area. Using a deeper bowl can help prevent stray water from splashing around.

Tank Volume

Having a tank is a major advantage of using water dispensers since they eliminate the need for frequent refills. This lets you go about your day without worrying that your dog isn’t hydrated enough.

Obviously, a larger tank volume means higher water capacity, and in turn, fewer refills for you! So, when you’re looking for a dog water dispenser, it’s best that you go for a product with a tank size that fits in your daily schedule.

Depending on the tank size, you may need to add water once daily, every other day, once a week, or even every couple of weeks!

A tank that’s about 60 or 70 ounces can comfortably last a medium or large dog for almost an entire day, requiring you to add water only once throughout the day.

Material

Typically, you’ll find dog water dispensers made of one of three main materials: plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s break them down:

Plastic

This is the cheapest option when it comes to materials used in manufacturing dog bowls. It’s better suited for disciplined dogs, not biters, as they won’t chew on it.

Plastic bowls are a popular choice among dog owners on a budget. However, such bowls also have a shorter service time compared to other materials. 

Besides being prone to degradation over time, plastic bowls are also easier to sustain damage. Moreover, some materials in the plastic may leach and dissolve into the water, leading to serious allergic reactions.

If you decide to join the club, make sure that the plastic is free of BPA and other harmful compounds.

Stainless steel

This is another common material used to fabricate dog water bowls. It offers excellent resilience, making it the go-to choice for many dog owners.

Stainless steel doesn’t rust over time, it also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals which makes it safe to use for extended periods. Additionally, such bowls are easier to clean and keep.

One drawback to stainless steel dispensers is their higher price point. However, they can last throughout your dog’s life given that you provide proper maintenance.

Ceramic

Known for its significant weight, ceramic is another durable option for dog water dispensers. This can be a huge advantage when it comes to avoiding messy situations, especially if your dog is overly active.

Also, ceramic can be designed with various patterns and styles. But the material isn’t as strong or easy to clean as stainless steel.

Outdoor VS Indoor Use

Another aspect you should keep in mind is where you’re planning to use the water dispenser. 

If your dog stays indoors most of the time, then you should be fine with a standard gravity-based or an electronic dog water dispenser.

On the other hand, if your dog spends its time out in the open, then you may want to think about purchasing an outdoor water dispenser. Such products are better equipped for the outdoor environment. For example, they can be attached to a water hose, making them easier to fill.

Automatic VS Passive

You’ll also need to make a choice between automatic and passive dog water dispensers. 

On one hand, automatic dispensers have pumps that work to keep the water moving, which is usually preferred by dogs. They also offer better filtration systems compared to passive models.

However, such dispensers don’t sit right with some dog owners who don’t like the idea of leaving their pets around a powered line close to water. Also, since they require a power supply, automatic water dispensers aren’t very portable so you can’t freely move them around your house.

On the other hand, passive water dispensers are safer to use and highly portable. They offer decent levels of filtration, but the water they deliver is standing only. Also, passive dispensers are limited when it comes to designs for multiple dogs such as multi-level and 360-degree flow.

Antimicrobial Protection

The best dog water dispensers are ones offering protection against bacteria and mold. These dispensers deliver fresh, clean water for longer times compared to regular models.

Look for dog water dispensers featuring Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection, which allows the dispenser to resist the growth of microbes such as mold, bacteria, and mildew.

Noise Level

One aspect you don’t want to overlook is how noisy the water dispenser is. As you’d expect, automatic dispensers and water fountains make louder noises than passive water dispensers. However, some newer automatic models offer reduced noise features for extra convenience.

Filtration of Water for Dogs

Filtration of water is also essential for the safety and the well being of your dog. There are many different filtration systems in the market. These types include:

• Carbon filters
• Ceramic filters
• Distillation filters
• UV filters
• Reverse osmosis filters

Similar to our water filters, some of them remove heavy metals and toxins, while others provide the highest level of purification and safety when it comes to drinking water.

Filters ensure much healthier drinking water for your furry friends. It’s also a good prophylactic measure against kidney diseases.

It’s highly important to ensure that your tap water is toxins-free and offers a decent level of purity. You can use a water testing kit to ensure the purity of the water for your dog. If you found that the water isn’t suitable for your dog, you better consider going for one of these filters.

How to Use a Dog Water Dispenser?

Most dog water dispensers are pretty simple to figure out, but here are a few tips to help you properly use the device and make the most out of your purchase:

• Make sure you change the water on a regular basis, at least once a week, to keep it fresh for your dog and safe for the dispenser.
• Be sure to clean the water bowl as frequently as possible, at least once a day, to prevent biofilm build-up and bacterial growth.
• Carefully read the instructions manual provided by the manufacturer for directions regarding proper assembly and maintenance.
• Place the water dispenser on a flat surface to ensure its stability. Otherwise, you’ll be witnessing a lot of spilling accidents.
• If you choose an automatic or electric dispenser, you should conceal the power cable especially if your dog has a biting habit. This way you can protect the cable against chewing.

Products to Combine

Some of the above-mentioned products, such as the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain and PetSafe Drinkwell Sedona Pet Drinking Fountain, use carbon filters to remove food debris and hairs, as well as bad odors and tastes.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Replacement Original Filter is compatible with both models to be used as replacement filters in place of the default ones, as they should be changed every 2 to 4 weeks to keep water fresh.

This waterproof silicone mat is a wonderful addition to your dog’s feeding and drinking area. It helps protect the floor from water spillage, keeping such spaces clean and mess-free.

If your dog suffers from bad breath, you may want to consider the Oxyfresh Pet Dental Care Solution. It’s a non-toxic formula that you simply add to your dog’s water. It’s tasteless and odorless, so your pet won’t even know it’s there. But you definitely will!

Wrapping Up

If you’re on the hunt for a water dispenser to keep your dog hydrated and healthy, then this list of the best dog water dispensers is your way to land the perfect deal.

Water dispensers are the ideal solution to have your barking best friend drink enough water throughout the day, even when you’re not home, to maintain proper body functions and lead a healthy life. You can also always use a dog water bowl alongside your automatic water dispenser. We also reviewed the best dog water bowls for you.

The PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station takes our vote as the best dog water dispenser thanks to its high-quality construction and outstanding convenience when it comes to water capacity, cleanliness, and affordability.

We’d love to know what you think about today’s winner! Have you tried it before? Or do you another favorite? Leave your answers in the comments below!