A dog travel bowl is a convenient way to bring food and water on the go for your pet. Some are also collapsible, making them more portable.
It’s easy to store, and it has a carabiner clip for attaching it to your bag or pet leash. It’s also dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.
Material
As the name suggests, a travel dog bowl should be portable and easy to store. It should be made of a durable material that is also watertight and easy to clean. It should also be designed to be a good fit for your pet’s mouth. The bowl should not have any sharp edges that could injure your dog if they try to take a drink or food from it while traveling.
Typically, travel dog bowls are made from plastic or stainless steel. They may have a rim or lid to prevent spillage and choking. They may also have a floating compartment to limit the amount of water that can be consumed at one time. This is helpful if you have a thirsty dog that tends to overdrink and can cause water sloshing in the car.
Another option is a collapsible travel dog bowl that can be collapsed down to a small size when not in use and then opened up again for use. These are often made from a sturdy silicone that is also BPA free and food safe, they can easily be wiped down and are great for keeping in your car to use on the go. They are also very light making them easy to carry and can be attached to your dog’s crate or their travel bag using the carabiner.
For those who are concerned about plastics, there are travel dog bowls that are made from a biodegradable bamboo material. These are a good choice for the environment and are more likely to be made from recycled materials as well. Bamboo is also less prone to surface damage which can create grooves or other nooks that collect food debris and foster the growth of harmful bacteria.
For those who are not concerned about plastics, there are also travel dog bowls that are made from insulated fabric. These are a great choice for those who like to hike or camp and want their dog to be able to easily access water while they are out and about. These are also lighter than most plastic travel bowls and can be easily tucked into a backpack or tent.
Design
Many dog travel bowls are made of plastic, fabric or silicone. These are good options because they are waterproof and will keep food or water from spilling. They are also easy to clean and will stand up to the rough handling of dogs on the go. Some of the more innovative bowls are collapsible and can be stuffed into a small space to make them easier to carry. Others come with a carabiner that allows the owner to attach the bowl to their bag, leash or other accessory. Some are even reusable, making them an excellent choice for long road trips.
Some of the more popular dog travel bowls are shaped like a wedge to help them lay flat on a car seat. They also feature a lip to prevent water from sloshing around on bumpy roads or sharp turns. These travel bowls are great for dogs who love to eat and drink on the go.
If you are looking for a more compact option, check out the Ruffwear Quencher Cinch-Top Packable Food and Water Bowl. This travel bowl has a cinch-top lid and a drawstring closure, which makes it easy to pre-fill with your dog’s favorite snacks before leaving home. It can hold up to a cup and a half of food or water, but it collapses down to just a few inches wide. It’s an excellent choice for hiking or camping trips, as it can be crammed into a backpack without adding too much weight.
Another great option is the Youthink pet pot system, a stackable set of food and water bowls that can connect to each other and lock in place. This is a great option for big car journeys or long travel on foot because you can stop and feed your dog, protect their food or water from spills and then refuel them later in the same spot. It’s also a great choice for camping or other outdoor adventures because you can protect the food from spoiling and save it for later in a sealed unit. The bowls are also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning them simple and quick.
Portability
Keeping a dog travel bowl on hand can help protect pets from diseases that they may contract from drinking unclean water or eating from unknown sources on vacation. Some of these illnesses are very dangerous and can even be fatal for pets. Travel bowls that are lightweight and compact are a great addition to any outdoor bag and can be used for camping trips, caravanning, or even just walking around town.
A collapsible travel bowl can also be handy for hiking or road trips when the pet owner needs to stop and feed or hydrate their dog on a regular basis. They are typically made from food-grade materials such as stainless steel, silicone, or plastic and come in a variety of sizes to suit all types of dogs. Some are even insulated to keep the food or water from sloshing around during rough road trips.
Some of the newer travel bowls are made from a fabric material that folds into a small pouch that can be easily tucked into a backpack or pocket. These are generally not as sturdy as the more traditional metal or plastic travel bowls and may be more susceptible to leaking and mold growth. They also require more frequent washing than the plastic or metal options to ensure that they stay free of bacteria and germs.
Other options include a bowl that can be folded into a triangular shape and zipped away until it is needed for food or water. Some of these options are made from recycled or upcycled materials and use a waterproof liner to prevent leaks. These can be handy for a long hike or jog in the backcountry where there are few reliable water sources. Some of these bowls can even be hung from a belt loop, bag, or leash with the built-in carabiner clip for easy access.
For a slightly more expensive option, a pet parent can purchase the Cycle Dog Trail Buddy Collapsible Dog Travel Bowl that is made from durable canvas and eco-friendly materials. It has a large capacity that is suitable for any size of dog and it can be folded down into a convenient triangular shape that fits in a backpack or even a purse. The bowl has a built-in carabiner clip that makes it easy to attach to a bag, backpack, or leash and can hold up to 64 ounces of water. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product go to benefit the work of the Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization.
Cleaning
Many dog owners don’t bother to clean their dogs’ dishes between uses. Whether that’s due to busy schedules, not caring or just plain laziness, it is an unhygienic reality. Bacteria can build up on the surface of any dish, even stainless steel. The best way to prevent that is to wash a bowl regularly, especially after every use.
The FDA recommends hot soapy water and a good rinse. You can also use the sanitary cycle in a dishwasher. If you decide to hand-wash, be sure to use a separate sponge or cloth that is reserved for your pet’s bowls only, so that bacteria doesn’t get transferred to other surfaces.
Communal bowls, like those found in restaurants or cafés, pose an additional risk. Since dogs use their paws and snouts to reach into communal water bowls, they could be contaminated with environmental items, such as leaves, or fecal matter. The latter is particularly dangerous, as a host of intestinal parasites thrive in fecal-contaminated water and can spread from dog to dog.
When choosing a travel bowl for your pup, look for one that is easy to clean and sanitize. Stainless steel is an excellent option for this because it resists germs and is hygienic to use. Plastic bowls, on the other hand, can be more difficult to sanitize, so opt for a ceramic or glass one instead.
Finally, a melamine dish is another easy-to-clean option for a travel bowl. Its hygienic properties make it resistant to mold and mildew, and it’s available in a wide variety of designs.
You’ll also want to choose a bowl that won’t collapse or spill water in your car, around curves and on bouncy roads. This silicone and rubber model by iPetLife fits the bill, as it has an inner lip to keep food and water from spilling. It’s also dishwasher safe and BPA-free. The only downside is that it’s a little on the pricey side. However, it’s well worth it considering how long the bowl will last and its ease of cleaning. Besides, it looks great too!