Header

Must-Have Travel Bowls for Dogs: Compact, Practical, and Ready for Travel

Published on January 23 by Julia

Traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a road trip, or a vacation. However, just like us, dogs need to stay hydrated and nourished while on the go. This is where travel bowls come in handy—compact, portable, and practical solutions to make sure your furry friend gets their meals and water while you're out exploring.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best travel bowl for your dog? In this guide, we’ll break down some of the top features to look for, as well as some of the best options on the market.

What to Look for in a Travel Bowl

Before diving into product recommendations, let’s first consider what makes a good travel bowl for dogs:

  1. Portability: The whole point of a travel bowl is to make feeding and hydration easy on the go. Look for a bowl that folds or collapses so it won’t take up much space in your bag.
  2. Durability: Your travel bowl needs to withstand being tossed around in a car or bag. Choose bowls made from sturdy materials like silicone, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic.
  3. Ease of Cleaning: After a long day of travel, the last thing you want is to deal with a dirty bowl. Choose a design that’s easy to clean—preferably dishwasher-safe or can be wiped down quickly.
  4. Size & Capacity: Consider your dog’s size and how much water or food they typically need. A larger bowl may be necessary for big dogs, while smaller breeds can make do with a more compact design.
  5. Non-slip Base: When feeding your dog in a moving vehicle or an unstable environment, you want a bowl that won’t slide around. Look for bowls with rubberized or silicone bottoms to keep it in place.

Now that you know what features to consider, here are some of the best travel bowls for dogs that combine all of these elements:

1. Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl

Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners looking for a no-fuss, collapsible option.

The Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl is one of the most popular travel bowls out there. It’s affordable, lightweight, and folds flat, making it easy to slip into any bag or backpack. Made from durable, food-safe, and BPA-free material, the bowl expands into a full-sized feeding dish in seconds. It’s perfect for both water and food, and the waterproof design ensures no leaks or spills.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Collapsible and portable
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Not as sturdy as other options for larger dogs

2. Ruffwear Quencher Bowl

Best for: Active dogs who love to travel and need a sturdy, high-quality bowl.

Ruffwear is known for its durable, high-performance pet products, and the Quencher Bowl is no exception. Made of a tough, water-resistant fabric, it can hold both water and food without getting soggy. This bowl is collapsible and folds neatly into itself, but it’s designed with a reinforced fabric bottom for stability. It comes in different sizes, so it’s a great option for all dog breeds.

Pros:

  • Durable and reliable
  • Machine washable for easy cleaning
  • Folds down compactly

Cons:

  • Fabric may absorb odors after prolonged use

3. Loving Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl

Best for: Travel-savvy pet owners looking for a versatile, stylish bowl.

The Loving Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl offers a unique design that blends functionality with fashion. Made from flexible silicone, it folds flat and is easy to carry. Its silicone construction also means it won’t crack or warp over time, and it’s safe for both food and water. The bowl’s non-slip base ensures that it won’t slide around, even during car rides.

Pros:

  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Non-slip bottom
  • Flexible silicone construction

Cons:

  • Can retain some odors over time

4. Petmate Replendish Waterer with Travel Bowl

Best for: Longer trips when you need both food and water options in one.

The Petmate Replendish Waterer is a dual-purpose travel solution. It comes with both a waterer and a collapsible travel bowl, making it ideal for longer trips when you want to carry food and water simultaneously. The Replendish is equipped with a water reservoir to keep your dog hydrated for extended periods, while the travel bowl is collapsible and easy to pack. It's a great option for road trips or camping.

Pros:

  • Dual-purpose for food and water
  • Keeps water fresh for longer
  • Great for extended trips

Cons:

  • Heavier than single-purpose bowls

5. Neater Pet Brands Neater Feeder Deluxe

Best for: Mess-prone dogs or owners who want to minimize spills.

For dogs that are a bit messy when they eat or drink, the Neater Feeder Deluxe is an excellent solution. This elevated travel bowl comes with a spill-proof design that keeps both food and water inside the bowl. The base is made of sturdy plastic, and it includes a mess-catching reservoir at the bottom to prevent spills from reaching your travel area.

Pros:

  • Spill-proof design
  • Elevated for easier access
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons:

  • Less portable due to size

6. Kurgo Collapsible Dog Bowl

Best for: Versatile and easy-to-use design for all breeds.

The Kurgo Collapsible Dog Bowl is another excellent option for dog owners who need a lightweight and compact travel solution. It’s made from food-safe silicone that’s both durable and flexible. The bowl is easy to collapse and expand, and it features a non-slip base to keep it steady while your dog eats or drinks. It comes with a carabiner clip, so you can easily attach it to your bag or leash for easy access.

Pros:

  • Carabiner clip for easy attachment
  • BPA-free, food-safe silicone
  • Non-slip base

Cons:

  • Can be a bit shallow for larger dogs

7. ZippyPaws Adventure Dog Bowl

Best for: Hiking and active outdoor trips

The ZippyPaws Adventure Dog Bowl is another excellent choice for active dogs and outdoor lovers. This bowl is made of durable, non-slip material and comes with a carabiner clip that allows you to attach it easily to your backpack or leash. It’s perfect for hiking, camping, or any other outdoor activity where your dog needs to stay hydrated on the go.

  • Pros:
    • Non-slip base ensures stability on uneven surfaces
    • Carabiner clip for easy attachment
    • Available in two sizes to accommodate different breeds
  • Cons:
    • Slightly more rigid than other collapsible options, making it harder to fold down completely flat

When it comes to choosing the best travel bowl for your dog, it’s all about balancing portability, durability, and ease of use. Collapsible bowls made of silicone or fabric offer the best flexibility, while stainless steel or plastic options might be better for dogs who are rough on their gear. Whether you're on a short weekend trip or an extended road trip, the right travel bowl will make sure your dog stays hydrated and fed, without adding unnecessary hassle to your travels.

Now that you know the top options, it’s time to pick the one that fits your dog’s needs—and hit the road with your best friend!