Whether you’re embarking on an exciting road trip, enjoying a refreshing hike, or simply running errands around town, keeping your canine companion hydrated is just as crucial as it is for yourself. Forget the hassle of carrying your pet’s bulky regular bowl; Travel Dog Bowls and bottles are designed for ultimate convenience on any adventure. These portable solutions ensure your furry friend always has access to fresh water, no matter where your travels take you.
We’ve rigorously tested and researched numerous travel dog bowls and bottles, evaluating them based on key features like durability, material safety, portability, and ease of cleaning. Our top recommendation, the Leashboss Splashless Water Bowl, stands out with its food-grade silicone construction, spill-reducing broad lip, and tip-resistant geometric design. Discover our comprehensive list of top travel dog bowl picks to find the perfect hydration solution for your four-legged travel buddy.
Our Top Picks for Travel Dog Bowls:
Best Overall: Leashboss Splashless Travel Dog Water Bowl
Best Collapsible: Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl
Best for the Car: Valterra Water-Hole Pet Dish
Best for Car (Runner-Up): Kurgo No Spill Dog Travel Bowl
Best Bottle: MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
Best Bottle (Runner-Up): KONG H2O Insulated Dog Water Bottle
Best Splurge: Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
Best Fabric Bowl: Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl
Best for Messy Drinkers: LumoLeaf Dog Water Bowl
Best Kit: KindTail Portable Dog Bowls
Best Overall
Leashboss Splashless Travel Dog Water Bowl
Photo: Amazon
Price: $23 at Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Leashboss.com
What We Like:
- Mostly splash-proof design
- Maintains shape when lifted
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
What We Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for flat-faced, bearded, or giant dog breeds
The Leashboss Splashless Travel Dog Water Bowl features a unique geometric design that significantly reduces tipping, whether in a moving car or when bumped by an enthusiastic dog. The bowl’s broad lip is designed to minimize water spillage during transit. While it might not be entirely “splashless” as advertised, it performs admirably in keeping water contained.
Constructed from safe, soft silicone that is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, this bowl includes high sides and a tapered lip to further prevent spills. It also features a non-skid base and boasts a larger water capacity than many other portable options, making it a great travel dog bowl for larger breeds too, despite the manufacturer’s note.
Cleaning is convenient as it’s dishwasher safe, though you may need to pay extra attention to the corners to remove any buildup. Our testers found its design to be particularly appealing among travel dog bowls.
Volume: 40 ounces | Materials: Silicone | Colors: Gray
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Caption: A Labrador Retriever easily drinks water from the splashless Leashboss travel dog bowl.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Judy Duhr
Best Collapsible
Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl
Photo: Amazon
Price: $14 at Amazon | $10 at Chewy | $15 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Generous capacity for larger dogs
- Includes a hook for water bottle attachment
- BPA-free silicone for pet safety
- Backed by a 1-year guarantee
What We Don’t Like:
- Slightly heavier compared to other collapsible bowls
Collapsible dog bowls are the epitome of travel convenience. Simply clip one to your belt, store it in your car, or slip it into your backpack. Their portability makes them an essential travel dog bowl for any pet owner on the go.
During our tests of various collapsible silicone bowls, we found many to be quite similar in design and appearance, often varying only in color and seemingly produced by the same manufacturers.
The Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl distinguished itself with its substantial capacity and additional user-friendly features. It is marketed as food-safe and BPA-free, which is a reassurance not always provided by similar products.
Its larger size is a significant advantage, reducing the need for frequent refills, especially beneficial for larger or very thirsty dogs. (However, its size means it’s less pocket-friendly than smaller alternatives.) It comes equipped with both a carabiner and a silicone loop, which can be used to attach a disposable water bottle, keeping your hydration essentials conveniently together. This travel dog bowl is also dishwasher safe and supported by a one-year warranty.
Volume: 40 ounces, 50 ounces | Materials: Silicone | Colors: Navy
“The Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl was by far my favorite water bowl. The size is great, it can hold plenty of water, and it has a convenient clip to carry it with you.” —Maureen Curtis, chocolate lab owner
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Caption: An Australian Shepherd enjoys a drink from the Bonza large silicone collapsible travel dog bowl.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Sarah Naftzger
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Caption: The Bonza collapsible travel dog bowl is shown with a water bottle attached using the convenient clip.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Sarah Naftzger
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Caption: The Bonza large collapsible travel dog bowl is displayed in its fully expanded form on a wooden surface.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Sarah Naftzger
Best for the Car
Valterra Water-Hole Pet Dish
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $19 at Amazon | $19 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Excellent spill and splash resistance, ideal as a car travel dog bowl
- Proudly made in the USA
- Dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning
What We Don’t Like:
- Lid can be challenging to remove and reattach
The Valterra Water-Hole Pet Dish stands out as the premier travel dog bowl for car journeys, effectively preventing spills and splashes, even on winding roads or bumpy terrains. Its innovative top ring features an inner lip that expertly contains water, preventing sloshing.
While the lid ensures spill-proof performance, it can sometimes be a bit stiff to remove and re-secure during cleaning. However, once properly sealed, it provides reliable leak protection. Both components of this travel dog bowl are conveniently dishwasher safe (top rack).
Constructed from durable hard plastic, the bowl is available in light blue or beige. A tester who frequently travels with dogs in her car noted this as a long-standing favorite for on-the-road hydration.
Volume: 32 ounces | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Blue, beige
“The Valterra Water Hole-Pet Dish is the only bowl that’s truly splashproof. I use it in the car and camper, and mostly it just stays in my car all the time and has for years.” —Judy Duhr, Director of Speak Rescue and Sanctuary
[:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/waterhole-blue-maryjo-dilonardo-011-a0a669020cc5493aa28ca1963baf139a.jpg)](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/CeyB-zsy9PVlECSzDhyWJgFhxos=/750×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/waterhole-blue-maryjo-dilonardo-011-a0a669020cc5493aa28ca1963baf139a.jpg)
Caption: A mixed breed dog drinks from the blue Valterra Water-Hole pet dish, designed as a no-spill travel dog bowl.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo
Best for Car (Runner-Up)
Kurgo No Spill Dog Travel Bowl
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $14 at Amazon | View on Chewy
What We Like:
- Dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning
- Wedge-shaped bottom to sit flat on car seats
- Easily packable due to its silicone material
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be awkward to empty completely
This vibrantly colored silicone travel dog bowl from Kurgo is ingeniously designed with a wedge-shaped base to ensure it sits level on car seats. It also features a wide lip to minimize water from splashing over the edge.
While generally effective, some water spillage might occur during particularly bumpy rides or sharp turns. The soft silicone material allows for easy compression, making it simple to pack in a backpack or luggage.
An interesting characteristic of its spill-resistant design is that it can be slightly difficult to empty out any remaining water, as liquid tends to remain trapped within the lip. However, it is dishwasher safe, ensuring easy cleaning and preventing grime buildup within the rim.
Volume: 24 ounces | Materials: Silicone | Colors: Blue, red
[:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kurgo-splashfree-red-maryjo-dilonardo-011-63df02150e284eccb8c1e702333b7646.jpg)](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/cs3lXFoEwL4aH2AgmErBC9iAGfg=/750×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kurgo-splashfree-red-maryjo-dilonardo-011-63df02150e284eccb8c1e702333b7646.jpg)
Caption: A Border Collie drinks from the red Kurgo No Spill Travel Dog Bowl designed for car use.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo
Best Bottle
MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $20 at Amazon
What We Like:
- Designed to fit in standard car cup holders
- Enables one-handed operation for easy use on walks
- Unused water can be returned to the bottle, minimizing waste
What We Don’t Like:
- Not dishwasher safe, requires hand washing
Our testers were pleasantly surprised by the practicality of the MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle. Its user-friendly design allows for effortless one-handed operation and it conveniently fits into a car cup holder, making it an excellent choice for car travel dog bowl needs.
To hydrate your dog, simply tilt the bottle, press the button to fill the attached lid with water. If your dog doesn’t drink all the water, just press the button again to drain the excess back into the bottle, conserving water.
Features include a locking mechanism to prevent accidental spills and a carrying strap for portability. Constructed from BPA-free plastic, this bottle must be hand-washed. It is available in two sizes, but the smaller size is more suited for smaller dogs or shorter outings.
Volume: 12 ounces, 19 ounces | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Blue, pink
“I really didn’t expect to like the MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle, but I really loved it. I was easily able to drive down the road and give my dog water right, and keep it in the cupholder.” —Judy Duhr, Director of Speak Rescue and Sanctuary
[:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/malsipree-bottle-blue-judy-duhr-021-fcdf6c911c9841b29e1677c47f9cc6e9.jpg)](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/iY0zQkirJHA_JlnauGKefY-CwDc=/750×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/malsipree-bottle-blue-judy-duhr-021-fcdf6c911c9841b29e1677c47f9cc6e9.jpg)
Caption: A tri-color dog is offered water from the blue MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle during travel.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Judy Duhr
Best Bottle (Runner-Up)
KONG H2O Insulated Dog Water Bottle
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $17 at Amazon | $25 at Chewy | $40 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Insulated to maintain water coolness
- Constructed from BPA and phthalate-free materials
- Water can be easily poured back into the bottle to save water
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires two hands for operation, less convenient for walks
- Hand wash only, not dishwasher safe
The KONG H2O Insulated Dog Water Bottle is designed to keep your dog’s water refreshingly cool, whether you’re hiking scenic trails, driving in the car, or relaxing at the beach. However, the stainless steel insulation adds weight compared to other bottles, which is a trade-off for temperature control.
Its screw-off cap doubles as a convenient travel dog bowl. Simply pour water into the cap for your dog to drink, and any leftover water can be easily poured back into the bottle, minimizing waste.
Unlike the MalsiPree bottle, this model requires two hands to operate, making it slightly less convenient for use during activities like walking. It is made from BPA and phthalate-free materials and is recyclable.
Equipped with a carabiner clip for easy attachment to backpacks, it is available in four colors. One tester with a large dog mentioned that the small cap-bowl made it challenging for her dog to drink adequately.
Volume: 15 ounces | Materials: Plastic, stainless steel | Colors: Black, blue, orange, red
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Caption: The KONG H2O Insulated Dog Water Bottle with its cap being used as a travel dog bowl.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo
Best Splurge
Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $50 at Amazon | View on Yeti.com | View on Publiclands.com
What We Like:
- Constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel for maximum durability
- Available in a wide array of colors to match your style
- Dishwasher safe for easy and thorough cleaning
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for use in cars or during hiking due to its weight and lack of spill-proof features
The Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl is undeniably a premium, splurge-worthy option. Owners consistently praise its impressive quality and durability. It features a robust, non-slip ring recessed into the base, a significant improvement over many bowls with easily detached rubber feet.
Beyond its functionality, this travel dog bowl comes in a variety of colors, not just the standard stainless steel finish, allowing for personalization. It’s dishwasher safe or can be easily hand-washed.
Although not insulated, the heavy stainless steel seems to keep water cooler for longer compared to other materials. While it’s a pricier option, its durability suggests it’s a long-term investment. It’s not ideal for in-car use due to water spillage or for hiking due to its weight, but its sturdiness and ease of cleaning make it a favorite for campers and travelers who need a reliable bowl at their destination.
Some users even use it in cars, opting to fill it only during stops. One tester remarked, “If this had a lid, it would be absolutely perfect,” highlighting its near-perfect design for stationary use during travel.
Volume: 32 ounces, 64 ounces | Materials: Stainless steel | Colors: Black, pink, red, coral, olive, orange, navy, green, seafoam, stainless steel
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Caption: A dog rests near the durable and premium Yeti Boomer 8 travel dog bowl.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Erin Hooker
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Caption: A Yeti Boomer 8 stainless steel travel dog bowl is shown on a coffee table, highlighting its design and color options.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Erin Hooker
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Caption: The robust Yeti Boomer 8 travel dog bowl is presented in a home setting to demonstrate its stability and design.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Erin Hooker
Best Fabric Bowl
Ruffwear Quencher Dog Bowl
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $20 at Amazon | $20 at REI
What We Like:
- Machine-washable for ultimate convenience after messy outings
- Extremely lightweight and packable, perfect for hiking and travel
What We Don’t Like:
- Features a loop instead of a carabiner for attachment
From renowned outdoor gear manufacturer Ruffwear, the Quencher Dog Bowl is a collapsible square bowl crafted from durable polyester fabric with a waterproof lining. It folds compactly, easily fitting into a backpack or pocket, making it an excellent travel dog bowl for adventures. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy cleanup after muddy hikes.
It includes an integrated loop for carrying but lacks a carabiner for clipping to gear. The bowl holds its shape well when filled, but very enthusiastic dogs might tip it over.
It dries relatively quickly and is available in attractive, vibrant colors.
Volume: 0.75 liter (25 ounces), 1 liter (34 ounces), 2.5 liters (85 ounces) | Materials: Polyester fabric | Colors: Blue, brick, teal
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Caption: Two dogs rest beside a blue Ruffwear Quencher fabric travel dog bowl.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Mary Jo DiLonardo
Best for Messy Drinkers
LumoLeaf Dog Water Bowl
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $16 at Amazon
What We Like:
- Effectively minimizes spills and splashes, perfect as a car travel dog bowl
- Dishwasher safe for straightforward cleaning
- Helps slow down dogs that drink too quickly
What We Don’t Like:
- The top ring may occasionally detach
- Water can get trapped inside the floating disc, requiring more maintenance
The LumoLeaf Dog Water Bowl is designed with a floating disc that regulates water flow, significantly reducing spills and also preventing dogs from gulping water too rapidly. Dogs drink by lapping water that surfaces as the disc refills. It might take a moment for some dogs to understand this mechanism, as only a small amount of water is visible at the surface.
The floating disc maintains a consistent water level, even on uneven surfaces or while in motion in a car. The bowl is top-rack dishwasher safe. However, the rim can accumulate grime, and water can seep into the floating disc, necessitating cleaning approximately every three days, including disassembling the floating disc for a thorough wash, which is somewhat high-maintenance for everyday use.
Volume: 35 ounces | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Gray, white
“It took a minute for my dog to figure out how to use this. (He had to watch the foster puppies drink first!) He’s such a messy drinker that this forced him to slow down and lap a little at a time, which means less water all over the floor.” —Mary Jo DiLonardo, Product Tester
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Caption: A dog with black and white fur uses the LumoLeaf Dog Water Bowl, designed to minimize mess from drinking.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Judy Duhr
Best Kit
KindTail Portable Dog Bowls
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Photo: Amazon
Price: $30 at Amazon | $30 at Petco | View on Kindtail.com
What We Like:
- Features a lid with a handle, and two bowls stack neatly for travel
- Microwave and dishwasher safe for versatile use and cleaning
- Stable base prevents sliding while dogs eat or drink
What We Don’t Like:
- Takes up more storage space compared to collapsible bowls
Inspired by the efficient design of bento boxes, the KindTail Portabowls sets are ingeniously created for travel. They keep food securely contained with bowls nesting inside each other and a dual-purpose lid that seals everything. For mealtime, the lid easily unscrews and flips over to serve as a stable base for the smaller food bowl.
The larger outer bowl can hold up to 18 or 40 ounces of water, depending on the size. Both the larger bowl and the lid top are equipped with textured silicone to keep the bowls firmly in place during use.
In our testing, this portable system effectively transported wet dog food without any leaks, and our canine tester enjoyed a dining experience that felt more like using their regular ceramic bowls at home.
Portabowls are available in five colors (rose pink, blue, light green, lilac, and gray) and two sizes: Small (10-ounce and 20-ounce bowls) and Large (18-ounce and 40-ounce bowls), each including a lid with a handle.
Made from food-grade recycled BPA-free polypropylene, the set is microwave and dishwasher safe. While this portable kit is perfect for travel, picnics, and outdoor meals, it does occupy more space than collapsible options.
Volume: 10 and 20 ounces (small); 18 and 40 ounces (large) | Materials: Polypropylene, silicone | Colors: Rose pink, blue, light green, gray, lilac
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Caption: A dog eats from the Kind Travel Dog Bowl set, using the lid as a stable base.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
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Caption: A top-down shot of the Kind Travel Dog Bowl set showing its stacked and nested design for portability.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
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Caption: The Kind Travel Dog Bowl kit is displayed in a top-down view, showing both bowls and the lid.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada
Final Verdict
For a reliable and versatile travel dog bowl, we highly recommend the Leashboss Splashless Travel Water Bowl for both car rides and hiking. Its splash-resistant silicone design effectively prevents tipping and leaks. For ultimate portability and convenience, the Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl, with its large capacity and one-year guarantee, is another excellent choice.
What to Look For in a Dog Bowl for Travel
Material
Most collapsible travel dog bowls are made from either silicone or fabric. More rigid bowls may be constructed from plastic or stainless steel.
Prioritize food-grade materials that are BPA and phthalate-free to ensure your pet’s safety. Be aware that silicone and fabric bowls (and even plastic ones) might be tempting for dogs who like to chew.
Portability
Portability is key for travel dog bowls. Lightweight, foldable, or collapsible designs are ideal, allowing you to easily store them in a backpack or pocket—essential for dog air travel. Many include carabiners or loops for attaching to your gear.
Other travel dog bowls are specifically designed for car travel, featuring splash-proof rims and bases to minimize spills on bumpy roads.
[:strip_icc()/sps-dog-bowls-test-bonza-large-collapsible-sarah-naftzger-23_crop-c6e9797ef5c34f1a947fbc54d2497126.jpeg)](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/XbWoFWPNzoVwqbSpBJS_3D0U2f4=/4000×0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/sps-dog-bowls-test-bonza-large-collapsible-sarah-naftzger-23_crop-c6e9797ef5c34f1a947fbc54d2497126.jpeg)
Caption: A close-up on the portability of the Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl, showing it and a water bottle attached to a hook.
Photo: The Spruce Pets / Sarah Naftzger
Splash-Free Features
Travel dog bowls intended for car use typically incorporate a rim or specialized lid to prevent water from splashing out. The effectiveness of these features can vary based on factors like water fill level, your dog’s drinking style, and road conditions.
Capacity
Travel dog bowls, especially those for hiking or car trips, often have a smaller capacity than your dog’s home bowl. The bowls we evaluated range from 12 to 64 ounces.
A lower capacity is convenient for small dogs, but larger dogs may require more frequent refills. Also, ensure the bowl opening is appropriately sized for your dog’s snout.
Cleaning
While you might not have access to a dishwasher on the go, ensure you clean your travel dog bowl thoroughly once you return home. Not all bowls are dishwasher safe, and some may have rims or corners where residue can accumulate. If a bowl isn’t dishwasher safe, confirm it can be easily and effectively hand-washed.
How We Tested Travel Water Bowls for Dogs
The Spruce Pets has conducted extensive testing on over 700 pet products, both in our New York testing facility and through in-home trials with volunteer testers and their pets. For travel dog bowls, we started by researching top-rated and best-selling options, narrowing our selection to 21 leading contenders.
We developed a detailed methodology to assess each travel dog bowl, focusing on usability, durability, and ease of cleaning. Dog product expert Mary Jo DiLonardo tested these bowls in diverse settings with adult dogs and puppies, providing both numerical scores and qualitative feedback. This rigorous testing process allowed us to further refine our selections and recommend our top picks.
FAQ
How often should I clean my dog’s travel water bowl?
We recommend cleaning your travel dog bowl daily with dish soap and water when in use. Even if the bowl appears clean, regular disinfection is crucial for hygiene.
Which size travel bowl should I select for my dog?
Opt for a travel dog bowl size similar to your dog’s regular water bowl. Familiarity in size can help your dog recognize it as a water source. Be prepared to refill the bowl with fresh water frequently, especially outdoors.
Is it safe to share water with your dog?
It’s best for dogs to have their own fresh, clean water in a dedicated bowl. This is especially important for dogs with health sensitivities who are more susceptible to illnesses from shared water sources.
How long can a dog go without water?
Generally, dogs can survive without water for about 72 hours but may show dehydration signs within the first 24 hours. Factors like age, health, climate, breed, and activity level can affect this timeframe.
Tested Travel Essentials
This versatile carrier backpack offers multiple travel options for your dog in a classic backpack design.
$100 at Amazon | View on Kurgo.com
Designed for safety and comfort, this padded harness evenly distributes pressure, preventing strain on your dog’s body during car rides.
$125 at Amazon | $125 at Chewy | View on Ezydog.com
This compact travel bag holds up to 10 pounds of kibble and features a convenient internal spout for easy dispensing.
$45 at Amazon | View on Ruffwear.com | View on Sportsmans.com
Rock Creek Crates Stationary Dog Crate
A Center for Pet Safety five-star rated travel crate that ensures your dog’s security during road trips and flights.
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$874 at Amazon | View on Rockcreekcrates.com
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
For this article, we purchased and tested nearly two dozen popular travel dog bowls based on recommendations from dog owners and high online ratings. We had dog owners test these bowls with their pets in cars, on walks, and at home, evaluating them on effectiveness, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
This article was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, a seasoned product reviewer for Spruce Pets. As a dedicated dog mom and foster parent to numerous dogs and puppies, she has extensive experience with various dog bowls and is always in search of the best, most durable, and effective pet products. Mary Jo has been covering topics related to pets, nature, and science for over 25 years, always aiming to provide information that improves the well-being of pets and their owners.
