We all know it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. The same is true for our dogs. It is especially important for them to keep hydrated when outdoors in hot weather or if they have been playing or exercising. But how do you keep your dog hydrated when you are out walking or hiking, or even out playing at the dog run? A portable water bottle for dogs can help your dog stay hydrated even when out on the go.
This post will look at what a portable water bottle is, the benefits to using one, and what to look for if you decide to get one for your dog.
Table of Contents:
Related: The Best Automatic Water Bowl For Your Dog
What Is A Portable Water Bottle For Dogs?
A portable water bottle for dogs is a water bottle that you can take anywhere you go with your dog that allows you to both store the water and provide your dog with a bowl to drink from when needed.
How Does A Portable Water Bottle Work?
Portable water bottles work in various ways, depending on the type you buy.
Some water bottles come with an attached bowl that you can fill up with water, others have a bowl screwed into the bottom of the bottle that you have to disassemble before giving your dog water.
There are water bottles that you need to squeeze to get the water to come out of, and there are those where you can just pour out the amount of water you need to give to your pup.
Types Of Portable Water Bottles
Let’s go over the different types of portable water bottles available, so you can choose the one that is right for you and your dog.
Pourable
Pourable water bottles allow you to pour out the amount of water you need into a drinking bowl. There are two types:
- Attached water bowl.
- Separate water bowl that needs to be unscrewed from the bottom of the bottle.
Attached Water Bowl
Portable water bowls with an attached drinking bowl generally have a locking mechanism to prevent water from coming out of the bottle when not wanted. To use this type of bottle, unlock the bottle and tilt it forward to fill the attached bowl with water.
Separate Water Bowl
These types of water bottles are like a traditional stainless steel water bottle, only there is a bowl attached to the bottom of the bottle. In order to use the drinking bowl, you need to unscrew it from the bottom of the bottle. You then open the top of the water bottle and pour the water into the bowl.
Squeezable
A squeezable water bottle generally has a drinking area on the top of the bottle. This type of bottle works by squeezing the bottle, which allows the bowl to fill up with water.
What Are The Benefits To Using A Portable Water Bottle?
- You always have clean water on hand to give to your dog when needed.
- Easy to carry around with you.
- Your dog won’t need to share a water bowl with other dogs.
- Unused water can go back into the bottle on some varieties, decreasing waste.
- Provides your with clean water while hiking, thus avoiding potentially contaminated bodies of water your dog may drink from.
What Are The Cons To Using A Portable Water Bottle?
- Size. They only hold a small amount of water, so if you have a large fog or are out on a long walk or hike, you may need to refill the bottle more than once.
- Drinking area may not be big enough to accommodate some dogs.
- Most need to be hand washed.
What Should I Look For When Purchasing A Portable Water Bottle For My Dog?
Some things to look for when purchasing a portable water bottle include:
Water Capacity
Look for a bottle large enough to accommodate your dog for the length of your activity.
Drinking Area
The drinking area should be large enough to accommodate your pup. They should be able to comfortably drink from the bowl.
Locking Mechanism
A locking mechanism can help prevent unwanted leakage.
Method Of Filling Bowl
The method of filling the water bowl is important to consider. If you need to tilt the bottle to pour it, you may need to hold the bottle in a tilted position in order for your dog to drink. If you opt for a squeezable bottle, you may have to hold the bottle in a squeezed position in order for your dog to drink. Choose a method that is easiest for you to use, especially if you have arthritis or other issues with your hands.
Cleaning
Cleaning your water bottle should be easy to do. Check if components of the water bottle come apart for easy cleaning, especially if the bottle is hand wash only.
BPA Free
All water bottles and drinking bowls should be Bisphenol-A (BPA) free. BPA is a chemical used in manufacturing plastic and can be toxic if ingested. It is important to be sure the water bottle you choose is free from this toxic substance.
Best Portable Water Bottle For Dogs
Here are 5 portable water bottles for dogs. Product information is according to the manufacturer. We have selected from different types of portable water bottles available to give you an idea of the different types available.
It is important to note that all of these are listed by the manufacturer as “leak free”. In reality, none of these are really leak free if they are not held in an upright position. Anytime a water bottle is on its side or being jostled around on a walk, there is a possibility for leakage.
Best Overall
MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
This is the most common type of portable water bottle. It has an attached drinking bowl with one handed activation of the water.
- Available in various colors.
- Leak proof.
- One hand operation: press button to release water to drink and press again to recycle remaining water back into the bottle.
- Fits most car cup holders.
- Available in 12 and 19 oz. sizes.
- Made with food grade, BPA free plastic.
- Hand wash.
Best With A Filter
Petkit Dog Water Bottle With Filter
This water bottle is similar to the one above, but comes with a carbon filter. This is helpful when hiking with your dog or if you are going to be by a lake, pond, or other body of water that is not safe for your dog to drink.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in two sizes, 10 and 14oz.
- Made of food grade, BPA free plastic.
- Lead free.
- Coconut shell, activated carbon filter.
- Leak proof.
- One hand control to release the water.
Best With A Separate Water Bowl
Hemli Portable Dog Water Bottle
This is a stainless steel water bottle with the drinking bowl screwed into the bottom of the bottle. A detachable food bowl is also included.
- Available in various colors.
- Comes in two sizes, 32 and 64 oz.
- Includes an 8 oz. detachable water bowl.
- Bowl is BPA free.
- Also includes a 7 oz. food bowl.
- Has a carrying case with a strap.
- Contains a mesh pocket to hold poop bags.
- Stainless steel.
- Insulated.
- Leak proof lid.
Best Squeezable Water Bottle
Lesotc Upgraded Dog Water Bottle
This bottle works by squeezing the body of the bottle and filling up the drinking bowl attached to the top. This particular water bottle does not require you to hold the bottle in the squeezed position in order for your dog to drink from it.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in two sizes, 18 and 21 oz.
- BPA free.
- Water locking valve.
- Leak proof seal.
- Bowl is foldable.
Best For Large Dogs
Tuff Pupper PupFlask
This water bottle has a wide drinking area that is best suited for large dogs. It is also dishwasher safe.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in two sizes, 27 and 40 oz.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Stainless steel.
- Leak proof seal.
- Wide drinking cup.
- Quick release button.
- Unused water drains back into bottle.
- Foldable water cup.
- Insulated sleeve sold separately.
- BPA free.
Keeping our dogs hydrated is an important part of maintaining their health. A portable water bottle for dogs ensures your dog has fresh, clean water when they need it, whether on a walk, hike, or at the dog run.
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.