Keep Your Pup Hydrated On-the-Go With These Collapsible Dog Bowls
Taking your dog for a hiking adventure can be a great way to get the two of you some exercise, not to mention explore new sights, smells, and sensations of the Great Outdoors. But having to pack those bulky dog bowls is a pain—especially when it's one more thing to carry in your day-pack! Hydration is a must when it comes to long hikes; especially so when weather is warm or you'll be tackling more strenuous climbs. So skimping on water for your pooch is a serious no-no, and you'll want to steer clear of letting them drink from puddles and streams since runoff and parasites can present a health issue.
Thankfully, there are some incredibly well-designed collapsible dog bowls that make it easy to bring your pup's water dish along with you. These hiking and travel-friendly dog bowls avoid the bulk of a regular water bowl and most even come with a carabiner attachment for super simple carrying (just clip on your belt and go!). All you need is enough water for the two of you and you're good to go!
How to Choose the Best Collapsible Dog Bowl
As you begin your search for the perfect travel dog bowl to bring along on your adventures, there are a few key factors to keep an eye on when choosing your own collapsible food or water container. Size, clean-ability, material, and usability are all important considerations to take into account. Ask yourself these questions while you search, and remember to read the reviews!
1. What material is the bowl made from?
Many collapsible dog bowls are made from silicone or a soft plastic. These are easy to carry along, lightweight, and more often than not, dishwasher-safe (just be sure to read the label first and throw it on the top rack). Other collapsible dog bowls are made from waterproof fabric, meaning they're small enough to stuff into your pocket or rucksack. Just be sure the bowl you choose is made from food-grade materials, is resistant to mold, and free from dangerous chemicals like BPA and lead.
2. Is it dishwasher-safe? How will you wash it?
Check to see if your collapsible dog bowl is dishwasher safe. If so, that will help ensure a good, deep clean. If not, you'll want to find an option that does not contain too many crevices, so it's easy to wipe off when hand-washing.
3. How big of a collapsible dog bowl does your pup need?
Travel dog bowls come in a wide range of sizes, but you'll want one that's large enough for your dog's food and water needs, but still small enough to fit in your backpack or bag.
4. How easy (or difficult) will it be for your dog to use?
Because they're meant to travel, collapsible dog bowls are made from lighter weight materials to be more portable. But that means they will also be more easy for your pup to accidentally knock over (or spill in the car or camper). Look for collapsible dog bowls with a stable base, or maybe even skid-proof features if your pup tends to be an excited eater or drinker.
5. What do you plan to use it for?
Consider the ways in which you and your pooch will be using the container. Camping trips? Frequent hikes? Road trips to grandma and grandpa's house? This will help you decide what materials and additional features you'll want to prioritize as you shop.
We narrowed it down to a handful of options that best meet the needs of adventurous puppers. Check out these collapsible dog bowls .
The 13 Best Collapsible Dog Bowls
- Best Fabric Bowl: Ruffwear Trail Runner Series
- Best for Messy Eaters: Winsee Collapsible Dog Bowls with Mat
- Best for Short Trips: LUTER Collapsible Dog Bowls with Lids
- Best Silicone Bowl: Prima Pets Silicone Bowl
- Best Slow-Feeding Collapsible Bowl: Fooubaby Collapsible Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
- Most Sturdy: Mud River The Quick Quack Dog Bowl
- Best Budget-Friendly: SLSON Collapsible Dog Bowl
- Most Colorful Selection: Target Collapsible Dog Bowl from Sun Squad
- Best for Brachycephalic Breeds: Mountainsmith K-9 Backbowl
- Best for Small Dogs: PetBonus Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowl
- Best for Large Dogs: Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl
- Best Quick-Drying: Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl
- Best Two-in-One Travel Bowl: Xerath Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowl
Best Fabric: Ruffwear Trail Runner Series
Ruffwear travel dog bowls are consistently ranked high with reviewers, and offer a number of canvas collapsible dog bowls that come in various sizes and colors. They're made from a PVC-free coated canvas that's safe for dogs, very durable, and easy to clean. We love that they're so ultra-lightweight—these fold up small enough to fit in your pocket, making these perfect for runs or hikes with your pup! (Hint: Check out their Artist Collection, which sport iconic outdoor scenes on the fabric for an extra bit of flair.)
Shop Now: Ruffwear Trail Runner Series, $15; amazon.com
Best for Messy Eaters: Winsee Collapsible Dog Bowls with Mat
This collapsible double dog bowl is a great skid-proof option that won't slide around if your pooch gets a little excited during dinner time. The two silicone bowls are made from a BPA-free material and are fused together to the attached mat, meaning no sliding or getting pushed around. It comes with a carabiner clip so you can easily hook it onto your pack. Added bonus—the mat will catch any food or water that splashes out of the bowls while your pup enjoys his snack. Skid-proof and easy to clean? It's no wonder it has so many 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Shop Now: WINSEE Collapsible Dog Bowls with Mat, $20; amazon.com
Best for Short Trips: LUTER Collapsible Dog Bowls with Lids
These adorable pastel-colored pink and blue collapsible bowls are made from silicone material and come with a handy lid that attaches to the top. Reviewers say it they're perfect for stashing a meal of kibble on the road and also keeps water sealed within—great for quick trips where mealtime needs to happen on-the-go. Pre-portion just how much food or water your pooch will need while you're out together, and once they're empty, collapse back to save space.
Shop Now: LUTER Collapsible Dog Bowls with Lids, $14; amazon.com
Best Silicone: Prima Pets Silicone Bowl
This collapsible dog bowl comes in multiple sizes and colors with a quick-release carabiner clip for convenience. Most importantly, it is made from pet-safe food-grade silicone, with a BPA-free rim. It's lightweight, easy to clean, and folds down to only half an inch. Reviewer Mandy D. writes that she's been using hers for over a year and that they're "still going strong. I have not had a problem. I was concerned due to some other reviews but they have not become brittle or hard to clean." And for less than $10, it's easy to see why these are so popular!
Shop Now: Prima Pets Silicone Bowl, $9; amazon.com
Best Slow-Feeding Collapsible Bowl: Fooubaby Collapsible Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
If your pooch tends gulp water or gobble food, this option made by Fooubaby can help slow her down. One of two containers in the set was made with ridges at the bottom of the bowl, a design that can help slow dogs from eating or drinking too fast. Just be sure to throw it in the dishwasher after using to ensure any sticky bits of food aren't left on the bottom.
Shop Now: Fooubaby Collapsible Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, $15; amazon.com
Most Sturdy: Mud River The Quick Quack Dog Bowl
The Mud River Quick Quack dog bowl is a fabric option that can hold up to 12 cups of food or water. The outer canvas design includes a leak-proof liner and folds flat for easy storage. Reviewers say this bowl works well on rough and tough outdoor activities, like a day trip to the beach or weekend camping trip.
Shop Now: Mud River The Quick Quack Dog Bowl, $18; amazon.com
Best Budget-Friendly: SLSON Collapsible Dog Bowl
With a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 6,500 customers on Amazon—this little set of travel bowls is doing something right! These bowls come in a two-pack at only $6, making this a super-affordable option that'll work on any travel excursions you and your pup head out for. You can pick your size and colors, and they come with carabiners attached. Reviewers say they're durable, simple, and easy to clean.
Shop Now: SLSON Collapsible Dog Bowl (2-Pack), $6; amazon.com
Most Colorful Selection: Target Collapsible Dog Bowl from Sun Squad
If nothing else, this is easily the most vibrant color palate we've seen on a dog bowl. But from a functional standpoint, this has all the basics, too. The Target find is made from silicone, and collapses to a small size. It also comes with a carabiner clip so you can attach with a flash to a leash, backpack, or belt loop. So cute!
Shop Now: Target Collapsible Dog Bowl from Sun Squad, $3; target.com
Best for Brachycephalic Breeds: Mountainsmith K-9 Backbowl
Short-nosed dog breeds like bulldogs and pugs may find it easier to drink and eat from a shallower dish. This lightweight dog bowl is water resistant, folds up flat, and snaps on the sides to create its unique shape. This collapsible dog bowl is different from the rest because it is short and square-shaped, making it a good fit for any brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds. The opening is plenty wide, and your dog will have no trouble reaching the bottom.
Shop Now: Mountainsmith K-9 Backbowl, $14; amazon.com
Best for Small Dogs: PetBonus Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowl
The PetBonus set actually comes with four collapsible dog bowls for only $10—a great bang for your buck, especially with pet parents of multiple dogs. The brightly colored bowls are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and each come with an attached carabiner. Each bowl holds up to 1.5 cups of water or food—perfect for a small to medium sized dog.
Shop Now: PetBonus Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowl (4-Pack), $10; amazon.com
Best for Large Dogs: Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl
The Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl comes in a large or extra-large size, which is great for big pups who need to eat or drink a little more than their small friends. Reviewers say they're lightweight and sturdy, with many writing that they've been pleasantly surprised with how well they work with their big dogs. The large bowl size can hold 40 ounces, and the extra-large bowl holds 55 ounces. It also has a carabiner for easy carrying, is dishwasher safe, and quick-drying... just what any large pup on the go needs.
Shop Now: Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl, $12; amazon.com
Best Quick-Drying: Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl
This "port-a-bowl" is lightweight and compact, and folds down flat for easy storage. It's a good fit for medium and larger pups, since it holds 48 ounces of food or water. It's designed specifically for drying fast because of its nylon material, so while the fabric may not be quite as sturdy as some of the others on this list, the Outward Hound option works well for a quick water break when you and your pooch are on the move.
Shop Now: Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl, $6; amazon.com
Best Two-in-One Travel Bowl: Xerath Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowl
If you're looking for a collapsible dog bowl that can do double duty for food and water, without having to carry around two separate bowls, this Xerath option has you covered. Just keep in mind that the proximity of the containers may mean this is a better fit for delicate eaters since water and food may fly if your hound is a more excited eater.
Shop Now: Xerath Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowl, $11; amazon.com