Every pet owner knows the importance of making sure their animals stay healthy and hydrated throughout the day. Whether that is part of a special diet, or making sure they drink water whilst you’re out of the house during the day. As a result, dog water dispensers are a popular option for those wanting a technological solution.
Research tells us that as a rule of thumb, a dog requires approximately 1oz per water, per pound of body weight. This then goes up depending on the activity levels and puppies will need even more. All of this adds to the importance of finding the best water dispensers on the market right now. We’ve put together a list of the best dog and pet water dispensers, along with the key features and benefits of each as well as pros and cons to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
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PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Cat and Dog Drinking Fountain, 70 oz Capacity Automatic Water Dispenser for Pets, Durable Easy to Clean Ceramic Material, Dual Free Falling Streams, Filters Included
PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Cat and Dog Drinking Fountain, 70 oz Capacity Automatic Water Dispenser for Pets, Durable Easy to Clean Ceramic Material, Dual Free Falling Streams, Filters Included
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PetSafe Drinkwell 1/2, 1, or 2 Gallon Pet Fountains, Best for Cats, Dogs and Multiple Pets, Adjustable Stream, Fresh Water Dispenser, Easy to Clean Design, 2 Filters Included
PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain, 50 oz Capacity Fresh Filtered Water Dispenser for Cats and Medium Sized Dogs, Filters Included,Gray,3.12 lbs (White Box Packaging)
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PetSafe Drinkwell 1/2, 1, or 2 Gallon Pet Fountains, Best for Cats, Dogs and Multiple Pets, Adjustable Stream, Fresh Water Dispenser, Easy to Clean Design, 2 Filters Included
PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain, 50 oz Capacity Fresh Filtered Water Dispenser for Cats and Medium Sized Dogs, Filters Included,Gray,3.12 lbs (White Box Packaging)
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat Water Fountain - 168 Oz Capacity - Best for Cats and Small to Medium Dogs - Fresh, Filtered Water Dispenser - Filters Included
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PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Cat and Dog Drinking Fountain, 70 oz Capacity Automatic Water Dispenser for Pets, Durable Easy to Clean Ceramic Material, Dual Free Falling Streams, Filters Included
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat Water Fountain - 168 Oz Capacity - Best for Cats and Small to Medium Dogs - Fresh, Filtered Water Dispenser - Filters Included
PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station or Water Station - Gravity Feeders or Pet Water Dispensers - Automatic Cat Feeder, Dog Feeder, Pet Feeder - Dog or Cat Water Fountain, Pet Water Fountain, Waterer
PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Cat and Dog Drinking Fountain, 70 oz Capacity Automatic Water Dispenser for Pets, Durable Easy to Clean Ceramic Material, Dual Free Falling Streams, Filters Included
We have put together a list of the top 10 best dog water dispensers below, along with the key information about each one. You will see a summary of the pros and cons at the bottom of each product, to help make the decision-making process easier. It is important to note that many of these water dispensers will work with a wide range of pets, so always do your research and make sure it meets the requirements of your favorite animals.
First on our list of the best dog water dispenser products is this one from Easy-Clean. A simple, yet effective way to ensure dogs and other animals get the water they need throughout the day. It is an automatic filling water bowl that will work for animals of all sizes, particularly cats and dogs.
It will save you time and effort by having to grab the bowl, clean it and refill every time you spot it is empty. The water bowl includes a compact float valve and this ensures that the bowl stays filled at all times even when multiple dogs are drinking at the same time. In terms of dimensions, it is 14 x 8.5 x4 inches, and the hose comes in either a 5-foot or 10-foot option depending on how close to a water point you wish to place it.
Pros
Cons
It will automatically refill the water bowl thanks to the compact float valve that is built-in
You can choose from a 5-foot or 10-foot hose depending on where you need to place it in your home
No more worrying that your dog will run out of water whilst you’re at work
It is a relatively basic system made from plastic so some people may worry about how long it lasts.
Dogness has created this pet water fountain with a 2-liter capacity, making it the perfect size for small to medium-sized dogs. This dog water dispenser doesn’t automatically refill like some on the list but it does offer a range of helpful features and functions. You get a water level window with an LED to observe when it needs refilling.
The main benefit of having this water dispenser is that it has a circulating filtration system that uses a charcoal filter to purify the water. Circulating the water throughout the day helps the dogs drink healthier and more hygienic water. The pump is very quiet and will switch off when the water level goes below a certain point so you don’t need to worry about it affecting anyone or breaking. This system is made from BPA-free materials and only takes a few minutes to set up and start using. Likewise, cleaning and replacing filters is easy to do.
Pros
Cons
A 2-liter capacity water dispenser for your pets
It includes a circulating filtration system that helps to clean the water throughout the day
The pump is very quiet and the LED turns into a nightlight so as not to disturb anyone
This drinking fountain doesn’t connect to the mains water and automatically refill so if you have a large dog or multiple pets, it may not be the most suitable
The Petmate cat and dog water dispenser is one of the more budget-friendly solutions to the problem of keeping your pets hydrated throughout the day. Available in either a 1.5-gallon or 3-gallon capacity, as well as a range of colors it is a great choice for dog owners with a busy lifestyle. The 3-gallon system should easily accommodate larger dogs.
It has been designed with efficiency in mind, from the cutouts to make it easy to carry without spilling, through to the wide-mouth for animals to drink from and the quick disassemble for cleaning. You simply put the bottle onto the tray and let it gradually provide water for the pets. We do appreciate this is one of the more budget-friendly options and if you’re wanting a more complex option that connects to the mains or filters the water during the day then you will need to spend a bit more money.
Pros
Cons
The Petmate dog water dispenser is available in either a 1.5-gallon or 3-gallon capacity
It has been designed to be easy to carry, clean, and move around as required
The wide mouth and 3-gallon option is perfect for larger dogs
The next pet water dispenser that makes it onto our list are these pet fountains from PetSafe. Available in either 0.5-gallon, 1-gallon, or 2-gallon sizes, you can choose the perfect size for your pet or collection of pets. These fountains promote drinking by offering a continuous stream of water thanks to the efficient pump.
You can adjust the flow to make sure that the stream of water delivers exactly what your pet requires each day. The water fountain has been designed to be spill-resistant and also tip-resistant which is a big bonus given how clumsy some dogs can be! As part of keeping the water fresh, it has a dual-filtration system within, using a carbon filter and a foam filter that works together with the pump for maximum freshness and safety. You can put the dog water fountain in the top rack of the dishwasher to ensure its stays clean.
Pros
Cons
Available in either a 0.5, 1, or 2-gallon capacity to fit your pets requirements
It has a pump that circulates water around the bowl to improve the freshness
It has a dual-filtration system built in to make the water as clean and safe as possible
Some have reported that the fountain isn’t that powerful but it still seems to work well enough for most
PetSafe continues to deliver excellent dog water dispensers and this original version has a 50oz capacity, delivering fresh filtered water for both cats and small dogs. We would advise going for a bigger model if you have larger dogs or multiple pets, but fortunately, PetSafe has a great range to choose from.
The water fountain design has been proven to entice pets into drinking more water throughout the day and it also helps keep the water fresh. The replaceable carbon water filter also keeps it fresh and safe for your pets. These pet fountains are easy to clean, thanks to being dishwasher safe and you have the option of changing the stream depending on the flow rate required for your specific cat or dog. They also offer US-based customer service which is a bonus for those who want help with their PetSafe pet drinking fountain.
Pros
Cons
Perfect for cats and small dogs, this PetSafe Drinkwell has a capacity of 50oz
The dog water fountain and filtration system helps to keep the water fresh and clean all day long
Easy to clean and adjustable streams are just two extra features you will love
It doesn’t have a big capacity and it’s only really suitable for cats or small dogs
The platinum PetSafe Drinkwell dog water fountain offers everything the original does but just on a bigger and better scale! With a capacity of 168oz, it is perfect for both cats, small dogs and medium dogs. In our experience, it will cover most pets you have, even those larger dogs that require a lot more water.
As before, you get a free-falling fountain that entices your pets to drink more water during the time, stopping you worry that they become hydrated. The filtration system via a carbon water filter will remove bad tastes, odors, and other harmful content. The larger reservoir means less time spent refilling it and thanks to it being BPA-free and dishwasher safe, everything about this water fountain screams safe and efficient.
Pros
Cons
You get a larger 168oz capacity with this PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum water fountain
It has an adjustable stream and filtration system to maximise water freshness
Made with BPA-free materials for added peace of mind
It doesn’t connect to the mains water so if you want to leave your pets all day, then make sure it has the right capacity you require
PetSafe has created a pet food station and a water station that look identical, but allow you to keep them fed and watered at any time of the day. Each one is sold separately and the focus in this article is on the dog water fountain. Available in either 64oz, 128oz, or 320oz, you can select the most suitable one for your specific pet requirements.
These are gravity feeders that allow your pet to stay hydrated throughout the day, even at night. Made with BPA-free plastic, it feels strong and robust enough to not get knocked over by the dog as they greedily drink from the dog water fountain. The bowl itself is stainless-steel, making it more hygienic and easy to wash thanks to you being able to put the bowl in the dishwasher.
Pros
Cons
You can get a pet food station or a water station from PetSafe
The water station is available in either a 64oz, 128oz, or 320oz capacity
This dog water fountain is made from BPA-free plastic and the bowl is made from stainless-steel
It doesn’t have a water pump so the water doesn’t get circulated around in the same way as other systems on the list
Pioneer has developed this stainless-steel dog water fountain that focuses on durability and cleanliness. At a capacity of 60oz, it isn’t the biggest on the list so if you want to leave your pets for the day then it may not be sufficient for medium and larger breeds of dog.
The pump inside circulates the drinking water to make it more appealing to your pet, whilst also keeping it fresher and cleaner for longer. The high-grade stainless steel is dishwasher safe for added convenience and the charcoal filter within that filters the water is easily replaceable and it is advised to be swapped approximately every 2 to 4 weeks. You can also move the spout around to minimise the noise of water hitting the stainless-steel drinking fountain.
Pros
Cons
This drinking fountain has been made with high-quality stainless steel for extra durability
The charcoal filter keeps the water fresh and clean, being swapped out approximately every 2 to 4 weeks
It is dishwasher safe for added convenience
It only has a capacity of 60oz, so it is targeted at those with cats and smaller dog breeds
This dog and cat water fountain have been designed for households with multiple pets or dogs of larger sizes, thanks in part to its 128oz fountain. Continuously moving the water around promotes drinking and helps keep the water fresh, leading to health benefits for your pets.
The constant circulation helps to prevent bacteria growth but thankfully the low-voltage pump is very quiet and it shouldn’t disturb you during the day or at night. The manufacturer has also designed the ramp to reduce splashing. The 3-layer activated carbon filter helps improve the taste and quality of the water supply, but you do need to regularly clean it. Thankfully, you only need to hand wash the pump and the rest can go into the top rack of your dishwasher.
Pros
Cons
This pet water fountain has a 128oz capacity which means its perfect for multiple pets or larger dogs
The quiet fountain helps to circulate the water and reduce bacteria growth
It has a 3-layer activated carbon filter to improve the quality and taste of the water your pets drink
You will need to replace the filter which adds to the ongoing costs for this type of dog water dispenser
The last automatic dog water dispenser to make it onto the list is this Pagoda-style system from PetSafe. With a 70oz capacity and made from porcelain, it offers an alternative to the traditional plastic/stainless-steel bowl. It is important to remember with this capacity, it’s aimed at cats and small-medium-sized dogs.
Its porcelain design does feel higher quality than its plastic counterparts and the dual free-falling streams help circulate the water and add oxygen to it. This improves both the freshness and quality of the water, whilst encouraging your pets to drink more. It also has two bowl levels and a replaceable carbon filter to help improve the quality of the water even more. You can put the fountain in the dishwasher when it needs a clean and the submersible pump is quiet whilst running so it shouldn’t disturb you whilst you’re in the room or at night.
Pros
Cons
A stylish porcelain pet fountain that looks and feels quality, whilst delivering refreshing water to your pets
This automatic dog water dispenser has a 70oz capacity so it is perfect for small-medium dogs, as well as cats
It includes a carbon filter for improved quality
The 70oz capacity means it wouldn’t be suitable for a household with multiple pets or larger dog breeds.
The majority of research suggests that the average dog requires 1oz of water, per pound of body weight per day. This doesn’t take into account more active dogs or those that are nursing puppies, as well as puppies themselves. All of this will require more water so it is important to think carefully about the breed of dog you have and their personality, as well as the individual situation.
It is also a great idea to consider how long you will be leaving them alone. This is because if you choose to go out for the day or perhaps work long hours you want a dog water dispenser that will last until you get home.
Is it safe for my dog to drink unfiltered water?
This very much depends on the quality of your water supply but in most cases yes. Many households get their water from a treated source, or they have a water filter system in place that filters all water going into the house. If you’re uncertain, perform a test on your water supply so that you can determine the quality of the water.
The majority of dog water dispensers on our list come with some kind of activated carbon filter that helps to treat the water and deliver healthier, safer water for your pets. These filters will need replacing, so this needs to be built into your calculations but in most cases, they are fairly cheap to buy so shouldn’t be too much of a worry for you.
What capacity dog water dispenser do I need?
The first factor to consider is the type and size of the dog you have. The larger or more active your dog, the more water they will need to consume each day. Equally, if you have multiple pets or are away for long periods of time then a bigger capacity is best.
From our list, you can see that the average dog water fountain has a capacity of 70oz, which will work for cats and small to medium-sized dogs. They do increase from here and the larger you get, the more water they can provide for your pets.
Can you get dog food dispensers too?
Yes, absolutely you can. Some of the systems on our list have a matching food version if you do a bit of digging, or you can go for a separate system entirely. There are even dual-functioning systems that offer both for your pets in one dispenser. As always, make sure to do your research and find one that suits your specific requirements as it is so important that your dog eats and drinks the right amount to stay healthy and avoid health issues from developing.
What brand should I choose?
The leading brand for dog water dispensers is PetSafe, with a wide range to choose from for every type of pet and owner. They offer some high-quality, efficient dispensers that will filter the water and circulate it using an automatic pump. You will be able to choose from a range of capacities and materials, from plastic to stainless steel and even porcelain.
Having said that, other brands are available and the quality is improving all the time so you can’t go too far wrong with other brands online. The most important thing is to go for one that meets your specific requirements so that your pets get the healthy supply of water they need each day. If your preferred brand doesn’t offer that, then you should go for an alternative.
Can I get one that connects to our water supply?
Yes, there are models of water dispensers out there that connect directly to the water supply in your home. This will likely mean you pay more money for it, but for those who go out for long parts of the day, it is a fantastic option. Make sure that you take the time to measure the distance between where the dog bowl will go and where the water pipes are so that you purchase the right version.
Conclusions
We understand how important our pets are and keeping them hydrated, healthy and happy is a must. This article should help guide you through the different types of dog water fountain systems and dog water dispensers. Take the time to review each one and then make an informed decision on the most suitable dog water dispenser for your individual requirements.
If you would like to know about other water filter products including filtration systems, water bottles, and cools, as well as other water products then take a moment to search through our website today.
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