Water makes up about 50% of a dog’s body weight (in contrast to 60-70% in a human). Proper hydration is thus vital for our dogs' health, and having a great dog water bottle by your side will ensure your dog does not lack water when out and about.
Of course, good water intake also aids digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.
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Are water bottles good for dogs?
Yes, in fact there are water bottles out there designed specifically for dogs. These are usually pretty nifty in that they are usually stainless steel, leak proof and have some kind of nozzle at the top that also doubles as a drinking bowl/ spout.
Why Use a Dog Water Bottle
Practical dog water bottles are a convenient way for your pet to stay hydrated, especially during walks, hikes, or any outdoor activities. A good dog drinking water is designed with a built-in drinking trough or dispenser, making it easy for your dog to drink.
Dog water bottles also help keep the water clean, prevent waste, and reduce the need to carry separate bowls. They are also a good way of measuring your dog’s water intake to ensure they drink enough throughout the day, if they don’t have another water bowl nearby.
How much water does a dog need?
Here is a rough requirement based on weight. You will see that the requirements can vary massively from only 150 to 300mL in a tiny toy poodle or chihuahua, to over 2L in a Saint Bernard.
|
Dog Size/Weight |
Daily Water Intake |
|
Small Dogs (Up to 4.5 kg) |
150 to 300 mL |
|
Medium Dogs (5-11 kg) |
300 to 750 mL |
|
Large Dogs (12-23 kg) |
750 mL to 1.5 L |
|
Extra Large Dogs (24-34 kg) |
1.5 to 2.25 L |
|
Giant Breeds (35+ kg) |
2.25 L and up |
What to Look for in a Dog Water Bottle
When choosing a dog water bottle, try to consider factors like size, material, ease of use, and how easy it is to clean. You want to get a really good portable dog water bottle essentially.
The bottle should be made from durable, BPA-free materials (either plastic or ideally stainless steel) and have a sufficient capacity for your dog's needs. The size of the bottle should therefore be dictated by the size of your dog and how long you are going to be out for.
If you use a dog walking bag, make sure you choose a water bottle that can fit inside. Some bags come with a specific mesh holder, others have a main compartment for your water bottle.
Also, consider how the water is dispensed. Some bottles have a trough that you can fill, while others have a ball-bearing dispenser dogs can lick.
What size portable dog water bottle do I need?
Here is a rough table showing the bottle size arranged by dog size/ weight. However, this is really just a rough indication and what really matters is how long you are going to be away from home.
| Dog Size/Weight | Suggested Water Bottle Size |
|---|---|
| Small Dogs (Up to 4.5 kg) | 200 to 400 mL |
| Medium Dogs (5-11 kg) | 400 to 600 mL |
| Large Dogs (12-23 kg) | 600 mL to 1 L |
| Extra Large Dogs (24-34 kg) | 1 to 1.5 L |
| Giant Breeds (35+ kg) | 1 to 1.5 L |
Which dog water bottle is the best?
There are numerous dog water bottles available, but some stand out due to their unique features, durability, and user-friendly designs. Here are our top five picks:
- H2O4K9 Dog Water Bottle: This bottle features a stainless steel construction and a lid that can be used as a water bowl. It comes in several sizes (from 270ml to 700ml) and colours, making it easy to find the perfect one for your pooch.
- Tuff Pupper PupFlask: This innovative stainless steel water bottle includes a built-in, leaf-shaped bowl for easy drinking. It’s also leak proof and comes in a few different colours. The great thing about it is that it comes in bigger sizes, up to 40oz (1.1L). This makes it ideal for the bigger dog sizes. They also give a lifetime warranty, but as it’s an American brand, this may be difficult to make use of if you live outside USA.
- Highwave AutoDogMug: Another pretty innovative product in my eyes, this unique bottle fills a bowl with water when you squeeze it and automatically stops when you release it. Any unused water goes back inside the water bottle. It basically mimics drinking from a normal water bowl, so your dog never has to use a public water bowl which can be infested with various pathogens.
How to Train Your Dog to Use a Water Bottle
Training your dog to use a water bottle may take a little patience, but it can be done! The same process applies with training him or her to do anything else. Start by showing your dog the bottle and dispensing a small amount of water. Encourage your dog to lick or drink the water from the dispenser or the attached bowl.
Repeat this process over several days, either at home or when you go out. You can gradually increase the amount of water. Remember to always praise your dog for showing interest in the bottle and drinking from it.
Did you know? Some dogs prefer to drink water from a running water source. If you think your dog is not drinking enough water from their bowl or water bottle, you could try to get them to drink from a faucet or a pet fountain!
Do you have another favourite water bottle for your dog?
If there is a great water bottles you feel other dog owners should know about, get in touch with us and we may add it to this article so others can benefit as well! Stay tuned for more tips and product recommendations to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!
