The water bowl. Seems so simple. Fill it up with water, your dog drinks from it, fill it up again. And again. And again. For some dog parents, constantly having to refill their dog’s water bowl can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you are working long hours or have multiple dogs in your household. An automatic water bowl provides a continuous supply of water for your dog without the hassle of constantly refilling it.
For information on regular dog bowls, check out our post Here.
What Is An Automatic Water Bowl?
An automatic water bowl is a bowl that provides a steady amount of water for your dog to drink.
How Does An Automatic Water Bowl Work?
Some automatic water bowls work in a similar fashion to your toilet bowl. A float valve is contained within the bowl which senses the level of water. When it senses the water, the float valve stops the water from overflowing and keeps it at a constant level within the bowl.
Other automatic water bowls work similarly to a swimming pool. Water is constantly circulated and filtered to provide your dog with clean water.
Most automatic water bowls contain a filter of some kind to provide your dog with clean water to drink. Replace water filters on a regular basis (sold separately).
How Do I Clean My Automatic Water Bowl?
Clean your dog’s water bowl on a regular basis, as this will prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and keep our dogs healthy. As mentioned above, this also includes replacing the filter regularly.
Clean your water bowl by hand, even if there are parts that are dishwasher safe to avoid warping when it dries.
Each water bowl is different. For some, it is just a matter of taking the drinking bowl out to wash, and for others, you may have to take the entire water bowl apart to clean it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to clean your bowl.
Who Can Benefit From An Automatic Water Bowl?
Automatic water bowls can benefit both people and their dogs.
- It is good for people that are very busy, whether at home or at work.
- Households with multiple dogs or pets.
- Dogs with medical conditions that cause them to drink excessively.
- People who are out of the house for a long period of time.
What Are The Different Types Of Automatic Water Bowls?
There are several different types of automatic water bowls. Each has its own pros and cons, which we have included. The pros and cons and where you would like to place the bowl will help your decide which style is best for you. One of the top rated of each type is listed. information for each product comes from the manufacturer.
Permanent Water Bowl
This type of water bowl is installed in a wall or cabinet in your home. It requires cutting into the area of your house you want it to be installed. A permanent water bowl needs to connect to your plumbing in order for it to work, so it needs to be in a location of your home where this will be easily accessible.
Pros:
- There will always be a ready supply of water for your dog.
- You never have to take the time to refill the bowl.
Cons:
- Once you cut into the area of your home to install it, it can’t be moved without leaving a hole in the spot it was located. This will then need to be repaired.
- Your water bill may be a bit higher.
- A plumber may need to install it.
Best Permanent Wall Mounted Automatic Water Bowl
Perpetual Well Automatic Pet Water Bowl
- Cabinet mounted or wall mounted.
- Permanently installed.
- Replaceable filter (sold separately Here and Here).
- BPA free plastic.
- Designed to prevent leaks and overflow of water.
- Self filling and self draining.
- Made in the USA.
Gravity Water Bowl
This type of automatic water bowl uses gravity to keep your dog’s bowl filled with water. It contains two pieces: the bowl your dog drinks out of and the canister that holds the water.
This works by filling the canister with water. Screw the canister into the water bowl and turn it upside down. Some of these water bowls have a filter in the cap and some do not.
As your dog drinks their water and the level lowers, it allows air into the area where the top is located, which in turn fills your dog’s bowl up with water. Once the area where the cap is located is covered with water, it stops filling up the bowl.
Pros:
- You only need to fill the bowl once or twice a week, depending on the size you get and how much your dog or dogs drink.
Cons:
- Having to buy and change the filter if you get a bowl with one.
- Most are made of plastic and prone to mold. If you buy this type, wash it frequently to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
Best Gravity Automatic Water Bowl
With Filter
Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer
- Comes in 3 colors: Blue, Green, and Silver.
- Available in 4 sizes: 0.5 Gal., 1.0 Gal., 2.5 Gal., and 4.0 Gal.
- Replaceable charcoal filters (sold Here).
- BPA free.
- Uses Microban technology to prevent stains and bacteria growth.
- Bowl is dishwasher safe.
- The bottle is hand wash only.
- Made in the USA.
Without Filter
Pawzone 2 Pack Automatic Feeder and Water Dispenser
- 1 gallon size.
- Can last 3-7 days, depending on the size of your dog.
- Non-skid rubber bottom.
- Hand wash only.
- BPA free.
Electric Automatic Water Bowl
An electric water bowl is yet another type of automatic water bowl. The bowl is plugged into a nearby outlet to work. These will be your water fountain type bowls with water continuously flowing.
Electric water bowls use a circulation system to work. They contain a filter to keep the water fresh and clean for your dog to drink. Electric bowls work similarly to a swimming pool. Fill the bowl with water. When you plug it in, water becomes continually circulated through the filter as it flows through the system, providing clean water for your dog to drink.
Pros:
- Only having to fill up the bowl once a week or so, depending on the size and how much your dog drinks.
Cons:
- Needing to buy and replace the filters on a regular basis.
- Regular cleaning is also important to avoid mold and bacteria build up.
- Since this uses electricity, if the power goes out, so does the water bowl.
- Limited in where you can place it, depending on where your nearest outlet is.
- Newer models use a USB to power the bowl. You may need to buy a power block or a power strip that allows for a USB to be plugged into it.
Best Electric Automatic Water Bowl
CatCare Cat Water Fountain
- 2.5 liter.
- Stainless steel filter removes hair and debris from the bowl.
- Foam filter removes hair and debris from getting to the pump.
- Filtration filter removes 99.99% of impurities.
- Filter lasts up to 90 days. Replacements sold Here.
- Quiet pump.
- Visible water level.
- Non-slip bottom.
Smart Water Bowl
A smart water bowl is similar to the electric water bowl. It works in the same manner, using a circulation filtration system. What makes a smart water bowl different lies in its features. It may shut on and off, by using sensors to determine if your dog is near. Smart water bowls will notify you if the water level is low or the filter needs to be changed.
Pros and cons are the same as for an electric water bowl.
Petkit Eversweet Smart Pet Gen 3 Dog & Cat Fountain
- Uses a mesh screen and activated carbon filter.
- Plastic base with a stainless steel bowl.
- Indicates when to refill the tank.
- Tells you when to change the filter. Replacement filters sold Here.
- Quiet.
- Uses 4 charging methods: outlet, power, bank, batteries.
Mounted Automatic Water Bowl
A mounted water bowl is another type of automatic water bowl. This is similar to the permanent water bowl in that it needs to be mounted when used.
It attaches to a water supply in your home and uses a hose to connect from the water supply to the bowl. This water bowl uses a float valve to determine the level of water in the dish and fills it accordingly.
Pros:
- Your dog will never run out of fresh water.
- No need to fill up the bowl once it is set up.
- Unlike the permanent water bowl, this does not require a hole to be cut into anything, so you can move it to different locations if needed.
Cons:
- Having to buy and change the filters on a regular basis.
- Water bill may increase.
Best Mounted Automatic Water Bowl
Nelson Automatic Dog Waterer
- Made of stainless steel.
- Mounts on a wall or kennel.
- Connects to a faucet.
- Optional garden hose attachment.
- Remove bowl for cleaning.
- Extra parts and accessories sold Here.
- Made in the USA.
If you have a dog that drinks a lot of water or multiple dogs that cause you to constantly have to add more water to their bowl, automatic water bowls may help you avoid the constant refills while providing clean water for your dog to drink.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.