Keeping your dog fit and healthy is easy when you’re using large dog bowls. It helps keep the meal portioned and saves you from the hassle of refilling the bowl. Moreover, unlike small size bowls, large dog bowls grow with dogs. So, whether you have a small or giant breed, a large dog bowl can be really beneficial in the long run.
Benefits of Large Dog Bowls
Diet-wise, it depends on your dog as dogs have varying caloric needs. It varies by age, activity levels, and health. Good news is, you can easily calculate this using the RER and MER formula. RER refers to the Resting Energy. MER, on the other hand, refers to the Maintenance Energy Requirement.
Just as their names suggests, these formulas are used to determine the caloric needs of dogs when in rest and when on the move. These are useful information if you want to keep your dog healthy. However, we’re not gonna delve into this, but if you your dog is obese, it’s probably best to know.
As a rule of thumb, the bigger the breed is, the more calories that it needs. This also applies with active dogs. So, to answer the question of whether your dog needs a large dog bowl or not, you will have to consider its life stage, lifestyle, and health. Better yet, consult a veterinarian.
Large Dog Bowls and Feeders Buyer’s Guide
Capacity
First thing that you need to check when purchasing a large dog bowl is its capacity. The capacity is usually expressed in cups but some manufacturers uses ounces. This information tells you how much food a bowl can hold.
At most, large dog bowls can hold up to 20 cups of food, both wet and dry. Their smaller counterpart can hold up to 4 cups of food which is just enough for small and medium-sized dogs. If you have a giant breed, choose a large dog bowl that can hold bigger meals.
Material
Second thing that you need to check is the material. The material gives you an idea if the dog bowl is safe to use and sturdy. Typically, large dog bowls are made from stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic. Each differs in terms of safety features and stability.
Stainless steel bowls are rust-resistant and dishwasher-safe. They’re easy to clean and do not harbor germs easily. They’re the most durable, however, stability-wise, this material is not sturdy unlike ceramic bowls. The latter is heavier but is less durable.
Plastic, on the other hand, is also safe to use as it’s usually food-grade. However, there are bowls that are made from low-quality plastic. If you’re planning on purchasing one, make sure that it has a food-grade label and chew-proof.
Design
Large dog bowls come in various designs. You will find bowls that are elevated. This dog bowl is great for dogs with orthopedic conditions. They allow dogs to have their meals without having to bend over or strain their neck or back.
You’ll also find bowls that are collapsible. These bowls are ideal for outdoor use. They’re very lightweight and compact. Traditional bowls like stainless steel bowls are also very common. They’re very durable and easy to clean.
Dishwasher-safe
Most dog bowls are dishwasher-safe, meaning they can be washed with warm water and can tolerate strong detergent. Stainless dog bowls, for example, are generally dishwasher-safe and stain-proof. However, be careful when purchasing this kind of bowl as they’re often not as good as advertised.
Top 10 Large Dog Bowls
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl
Description:
If you have a messy eater, consider this vet recommended slow feed bowl by Outward Hound. This slow feed features a fun, unique maze-like protrusions that slows down dog’s eating and helps with portion control. Made from plastic, this bowl measures 11.75 x 11.75 x 2.25 in in dimension and weighs 1.25 lbs.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder can hold up to 4 cups of dog food which is great if you have a large-sized dog. It has a non-skid bottom to reduce food and water spills. Plus, it’s also safe to use and does not contain harmful chemicals that could harm your dog. It’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- slow feeder
- can hold up to 4 cups of food
- non-slip bottom
- food-grade
- BPA-free and Lead-free
Cons:
- not fully chew-proof
QT Dog Brake-Fast Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl
Description:
If your dog is both a big chewer and a speed eater, this QT Stainless Dog Bowl is for you. This bowl is made of tough, chew-proof material. In addition, it has three protrusions which forces dogs to eat slowly and enjoy their food. This feature also prevents bloating and other unwanted gastric problems.
QT Stainless Steel Dog Bowl measures 1 x 11 x 2.75 in in dimension which is a great size for large and giant-sized dogs. What’s great about this bowl is it can hold up to 12 cups of food, both dry and wet. Plus, it has a tip-resistant bottom to minimize the noise and reduce spilling and skidding.
Pros:
- slow feeder
- chew proof material
- can hold up to 12 cups of food
- tip-resistant
- BPA-free and Lead-free
Cons:
- a little bit expensive
Frisco Pyramid Elevated Dog & Cat Diner
Description:
Frisco Pyramid Elevated Dog Bowl is ideal for dogs with arthritis, injuries, and mobility problems. With this bowl, dogs can easily reach their food without having to bend over and strain their back and neck. Plus, it comes with two large stainless steel dog bowl so you’ll have extra for water or snacks.
Made from coated wrought iron, Frisco Pyramid Elevated Dog Bowl measures 19.75 x 10 x 8.25 in in dimension and weighs 2.64 lbs. It can hold up to 8 cups of food, both wet and dry food. Plus, the bowls are dishwasher-safe, rust-resistant, and stain-proof, and to reduce spills and splatter, the stand features a pyramid frame and a sturdy base.
Pros:
- elevated stainless dog bowl
- chew proof
- can hold up to 8 cups of food
- dishwasher-safe and stain-proof
- pyramid frame and sturdy base
Cons:
- not a great option for small and medium-sized dogs
Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl
Description:
If you have a giant breed and needs a bowl that can hold big meals, consider Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl. This bowl can hold up to 17 cups of dog food, both wet and dry. What’s more is it comes in a set of sizes and bundles so you’ll have extra bowls for treats and water.
In addition, Frisco Stainless Bowl is rust-resistant and stain-proof. It’s also easy to clean and does not harbor germs easily unlike other types of dog bowls. In terms of size, this bowl is designed for medium and large-sized dogs. It measures 6.69 x 6.69 x 2.56 in in dimension and weighs 2.85 oz.
Pros:
- stainless steel bowl
- chew-proof, rust-resistant, and stain-proof
- can hold up to 17 cups of dog food
- comes in many different sizes
- available in bundles
Cons:
- not as good as advertised
OurPets Durapet Premium Rubber-Bonded Stainless Steel Bowl
Description:
Our Pets Premium Stainless Steel Bowl could be the one that you are looking for if you have a dog that just loves playing around and making messes during meal times. Made from high-quality, heavy-duty stainless steel, this bowl features permanently-molded rubber base ring which can stand up to even the messiest and playful dog.
Suitable for large and giant-sized dogs, this bowl measures 9.625 x 9.56 x 3 in in dimension and can hold up to 13 cups of food, both wet and dry. Moreover, it’s dishwasher-safe which means that it can tolerate warm water and strong detergent. Plus, it’s available in four different sizes.
Pros:
- high-quality, heavy-duty stainless steel
- permanently-molded rubber base ring
- can hold up to 13 cups of food
- dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- rubber base rings falls off easily
PetWeighter Elevated Dog & Cat Bowl
Description:
If your dog has a medical condition that worsens with bending or kneeling, consider this elevated dog bowl by PetWeighter. This dog bowl is designed for dogs particularly large dog breeds with mobility problems. It helps protect their neck, back and joints by allowing them to keep an upright position while having their meals.
In terms of capacity, this bowl can hold up to 8 cups of food, both wet and dry. What’s great about it is it has a removable bowl that serves as its base. You can fill the bowl with water, sand or any material that can add weight to the bowl so that it won’t be knocked over easily by your dog. For hassle-free cleaning, this bowl is made to be dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- elevated dog bowl
- sturdy removable base
- can hold up to 8 cups of food
- dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- not fully chew-proof
- expensive
Frisco Elevated Collapsible Travel Bowl, 8 Cups
If you love going on road trips or outdoor adventures with your dog, Frisco Elevated Dog Bowl is for you. This elevated dog bowl features a collapsible frame and bowls which you can take anywhere without any hassle. The frame is made from plastic while the bowls are made from Silicone.
Suitable for large and giant-sized dogs, the bowls can hold up to 8 cups of dog food, both wet and dry. It has an overall dimension of 14.75 x 9.75 x 6.25 in and has a weight of 1.42 lbs which makes it lightweight to use. Moreover, it’s dishwasher-safe and does not contain any harmful chemicals like Lead and BPA that could harm your dog.
Pros:
- elevated dog bowl
- lightweight and collapsible
- can hold up to 8 cups of food
- dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and Lead-free
Cons:
- may not be a great option for aggressive dogs
Pioneer Pet Reactive Ceramic Dog & Cat Bowl
If you want to feed your dog in style, Pioneer Pet Ceramic dog bowl is for you. Made from durable and food-grade ceramic, this bold shade blue-colored ceramic bowl provides a safe, a la mode feeding experience for your dog.
Pioneer Pet Ceramic dog bowl is available in small, medium, large and oval size. The oval size can hold up to 32 ounces of dog food, both wet and dry. What’s more is it’s microwavable so your dog can enjoy hot meals during the cold and winter season. Plus, it’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- ceramic dog bowl
- chew-proof
- can hold up to 32 ounces of dog food
- microwavable
- dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- breaks easily when dropped
Frisco Wooden Patina Stool Dog Single Bowl Diner
Description:
Frisco Wooden Single Bowl Diner is great for giant breeds with big appetites and senior dogs with arthritis and joint problems. Made from Stainless Steel, this bowl comes with a chic wooden elevated frame that allows arthritic dogs to enjoy their meals without straining their backs and necks.
Capacity-wise, Frisco wooden single diner bowl is the largest bowl on our list. It can hold up to 20 cups of food, both wet and dry. Plus, this bowl is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. In terms of size, this frame measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 7 inches in dimension and weighs 3.086 lbs. What’s more is it’s available in two colors, black and white.
Pros:
- elevated stainless steel dog bowl
- chic design
- can hold up to 20 cups of food
- easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- expensive
Sam’s Pets Dan Single Wood & Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Description:
Feed your dog in style with Sam’s Pets Single Wood Stainless Dog Bowl. It comes with two rust-free, stainless steel dog bowls, durable wooden holder, and a chic metal frame that stands at a comfortable height. The design is great for senior dogs particularly those with orthopedic problems and spinal conditions.
Suitable for medium and large-sized dogs, the stand measures 9.84 x 18.5 x 5.91 in in dimension and weighs 3.3 lbs. It’s heavy and cannot be knocked over easily by dogs. Capacity-wise, the bowl can hold up to 57.5 ounces of food, both wet and dry. It’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- elevated dog bowl
- metal frame and wooden holder
- comes with two stainless steel bowls
- can hold up to 57.5 ounces of food
- easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- expensive
Best Large Dog Bowls and Feeders: Verdict
Food is one of life’s greatest pleasure, and there’s nothing else that can add to this pleasure besides a good dog bowl. By good bowl we mean a large dog bowl that can hold meals and treats. And whether you have a small or giant breed, a large dog bowl can be beneficial in the long run. It helps measure and control portion sizes and it also grows with your dog!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab one today!
FAQs about Large Dog Bowls and Feeders
Which large dog bowl is the best?
The best large dog bowl is Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl. This bowl slows down dogs’ eating and allows them to enjoy their food with its fun, unique maze-like protrusions. It can hold up to 4 cups of food, both wet and dry. It’s also easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Are large dog bowls dishwasher-safe?
Yes. All the stainless steel large dog bowls on our list are dishwasher-safe as well as plastic-made ones. They can be cleaned with warm water and can tolerate strong detergent. Moreover, they do not harbor germs easily and do not stain.
Do they have a non-skid bottom?
Yes. Most large dog bowls in our list have a non-skid bottom. They’re typically made from rubber, and they’re quite sturdy and do not fall off easily.
How much food can they hold?
The capacity differs with every large bowl. At most, a large dog bowl can hold about 20 cups of food. The smaller counterparts can hold up to 4 cups of food, both dry and wet.
Are they BPA-free and Lead-free?
Yes. All large dog bowls in our list are BPA-free and Lead-Free. They don’t contain harmful chemicals that could harm your dog.