Published on: 11/02/2019, updated on: 10/14/2021

The Best Dog Water Fountain: Entertaining Hydration for Your Pet

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The summers are getting hotter! Your dog absolutely must always have easy access to clean water to stay hydrated. Since leaving out a big bowl of clean water isn’t the safest or healthiest option, what other option is there?

Top Pick

I asked myself this question until I found out about the PetSafe Drinkwell Indoor/Outdoor Dog Fountain. It’s the best dog water dispenser to provide your dog with a constant stream of clean water. This ensures that your dog always has access to clean water even when you’re not around.

Of course, the PetSafe Drinkwell isn’t the only top-rated dog water fountain worthy of your attention. In our review of the best dog water fountains below, you’ll find a variety of top-quality options. Let’s get started finding the perfect one for you and your pup!

Here are some other great options:

  1. Dog Water Dispenser Pet Fountain
  2. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
  3. Petmate Replendish Pet Waterer with Microban
  4. Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog and Cat Water Dispenser
  5. PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel Dog Fountain

The Top Dog Water Fountains Reviewed

PetSafe Drinkwell Indoor/Outdoor Dog Fountain – Best Overall

PetSafe Drinkwell Indoor/Outdoor Dog Fountain, Pet Drinking Fountain for Dogs and Cats, 450 oz. Water Capacity

The Drinkwell Indoor/Outdoor Dog Fountain is the best dog water dispenser because, unlike others, it's suitable for both outdoors and indoors.

Key Features

  • Comes with two containers that hold 3.5 gallons of water
  • Made from BPA-free plastic
  • Treated to be UV-resistant, preventing fading from sun exposure
  • Generates a single stream of water into a deep plastic bowl
  • Carbon and foam dual filtration
  • Replaceable carbon water filter

You are not limited in regard to where you can install this silent yet effective dog water dispenser. Put it inside, outside, or anywhere else, your dog can easily reach it. Its body is made of plastic, but it’s safely treated to resist the damaging effects of sunlight, so it won’t degrade if left outside. And since the fountain is watertight, you can install it indoors without worrying about leakages.

Installing it is super simple, and it has a huge water reservoir that can provide your dog with clean drinking water for days. On the downside, though, it doesn’t come with a cleaning kit for the pump. It’s also a bit expensive.

Pros

  • Easy to clean plastic components and dishwasher safe
  • Provides a steady stream of filtered water
  • Filtration eliminates germs and bad tasting water
  • Holds a lot of water
  • Lightweight for easy moving around
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Doesn’t come with a cleaning kit for the pump in spite of the high price

The Verdict

If you want a dog water dispenser that doesn’t require frequent refilling and tempts your dog to take a drink, this is a great option.

PetSafe Drinkwell Everflow Fountain

Overall Rating - 4.7 stars out of 5

Dog Water Dispenser Pet Fountain – Best Outdoor Dog Water Fountain

Dog Water Dispenser Pet Fountain - Upgraded 2019 Easy Paw Activated Dog Steps Eco-Friendly Pet Water Fountain with New Durable Leak-Proof Dog Bowl Hose Fresh Water Funny Dog Toys Keep Pets Cool

This is the best dog water fountain if you’re looking for an option that lets your dog have fun and stay hydrated at the same time.

Key Features

  • Comes with a leak-proof dog bowl hose
  • Automatic water bowl pet dish included
  • Suitable for medium to large-sized dogs
  • Sturdy metallic build
  • Rust-resistant

The design of this water dispenser allows your dog to amuse himself or get a drink. Learning to work the device is also a good mental exercise for your dog. When he steps on the trigger, the nozzle will splash out water, providing drinking water and an amusing game.

The water dispenser is built with sturdy parts, which makes it ideal for medium to large-sized dogs looking to stay cool, get a drink, or simply have fun. Simply leave it connected to an open water outlet, and it's good to go.

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However, some small dogs may not be strong or heavy enough to trigger the mechanism, so this one is best for dogs over 20 pounds.

Pros

  • Provides your dog with a reliable stream of clean water
  • Dogs can work the dispenser themselves
  • Easy to set up
  • Provides a stimulating experience to keep your dog engaged and happy
  • A highly durable product that’s suitable for outdoor use
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Only suitable for outdoors
  • Not a good option for small, weak, or sick dogs

The Verdict

If you’re looking for fun water time in your own backyard that likewise keeps your dog hydrated, this is the best dog water dispenser you and your dog could ask for.

Overall Rating - 4.6 stars out of 5

PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain – Best Indoor Water Fountain

PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Dog and Cat Water Fountain, Automatic Drinking Fountain for Pets, 168 oz.

If you’d rather have your dog water fountain indoors, the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is a great choice. The price is reasonable, and its build reliable.

Key Features

  • Can hold up to 1.3 gallons of water
  • Uses a replaceable carbon and foam water filtration system
  • Adjustable pumps for controlling the rate of water flow
  • Made with durable plastic
  • Silent performance

The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum is suitable for dogs of all sizes. Its operation is also silent and neat, making it a no-mess and unobtrusive addition in your home. It features a large reservoir and filtration system that allows you to go days before refilling the fountain, too.

That same filtration system removes debris, tastes, and odors from the water, keeping it clean and healthy. The pump cleaning kit is sold separately, though, which seems unfair considering the fountain’s price.

Pros

  • Large reservoir and filtration system
  • The water flow of the pump is adjustable to suit your pet’s needs
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
  • Suitable for dogs of all sizes

Cons

  • Quite pricey
  • Doesn’t come with a pump cleaning kit
  • Only suitable for indoor use

The Verdict

If you want an indoor dog water fountain that won’t make a mess or be noisy, the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain comes highly recommended.

Keep Your Cat or Medium-Sized Dog Healthy with a Water Fountain

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

Petmate Replendish Pet Waterer with Microban – Most Affordable

Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer with Microban Cat and Dog Water Dispenser 4 Sizes

If you want a quality water dispenser for your dog that won’t put a major dent in your wallet, the Petmate Replendish Pet Waterer with Microban is a great choice.

Key Features

  • Available as a 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 4-gallon option
  • Keeps water clean in the reservoir bottle
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Suitable for dogs of all sizes
  • Made with BPA-free plastic
  • Comes with a charcoal filter

Scoring this dog fountain will cost you far less than $20, and installing it is straightforward and easy. It's also one of the few dog water dispensers that you can truly install anywhere since it doesn't require an outlet to work.

Unlike other water dispensers that use electricity, the Replendish Pet Waterer uses gravity to deliver water from a reservoir bottle into a bowl at the bottom. As your dog drinks from the bowl, more water will be released to refill the bowl.

However, while this is a practical and simple solution, a rambunctious dog can easily knock it over, making a huge mess.

Pros

  • Protects against bacteria growth with a carbon filtration pad and Microban antimicrobial surface
  • Works without electricity
  • Automatically refills the bowl
  • Very affordable price and also cost-effective because it doesn’t use electricity
  • You can get it in a size that best meets your dog’s needs
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Cons

  • The filtration system is not as comprehensive as that of other dog water dispensers
  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Can be tipped over

The Verdict

If you want an affordable dog water dispenser that’ll save you money on electric bills, go for the Petmate Replendish.

Petmate Replendish Feeders and Waterers | DrsFosterSmith.com

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog and Cat Water Dispenser – Best for Big Dogs

Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog and Cat Water Dispenser, Large Drinking Water Fountain with Purifying Filter, 6L Capacity

This water dispenser from Dogit gets top marks for its affordability and suitability for large dogs. It works like a huge dog bowl that your big dog can easily drink from without having to bend.

Key Features

  • Multistage filtration system
  • Holds 1.5 gallons of water
  • Elevated design
  • Suitable for large dogs
  • Suitable for indoor use
  • BPA-free

The elevated height of the water fountain makes it suitable for large and aging dogs by reducing their need to bend to take a sip. The fountain's pump keeps the water fresh by running it through a silent multistage filtration system. It's also easy to clean and maintain, making it suitable for dog parents and their buddies.

If your dog is on the smaller side, though, this is not a great choice. Height-wise, it could be uncomfortable for them to use.

Pros

  • Consumes minimal electricity
  • Elevated design lets your big dog drink from a comfortable position
  • Provides a continuous supply of clean drinking water
  • Operates silently
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Only suitable for medium to large-sized dogs

The Verdict

If your dog is a big fella, then this water dispenser could be a perfect choice.

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel Dog Fountain

PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Fountain - Filtered Water - 128 oz. Water Capacity

This option from PetSafe seduces dogs to take a drink with its five freefalling streams. Aside from being effective at keeping your dog hydrated, the product is also durable thanks to its stainless-steel design.

Key Features

  • Can hold one gallon of water
  • 360-degree water pattern from five nozzles
  • Uses a replaceable carbon water filtration system
  • Adjustable flow control
  • Made with rust-resistant stainless steel
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • BPA free plastics

The stainless-steel design of this fountain is non-porous and easy to clean. It also makes an attractive option for indoor/outdoor installation and is large enough to accommodate multiple dogs—or pets if your dog and cat get along alright.

It uses a carbon and foam dual-filtration system to deliver a steady stream of clean water and can be set up to refill automatically—no worrying about refills. However, it’s not as quiet as most other dog fountains, and the pump cleaning kit is sold separately.

Pros

  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
  • More than one dog can drink from the fountain at the same time
  • Carbon and foam dual filtration
  • Automatically refills if connected to a water outlet

Cons

  • The waterfall effect can be quite loud
  • Pump cleaning kit sold separately

The Verdict

The PetSafe Multi-Pet Fountain is an interesting looking dog water solution that’ll look good in your home and make sure your dogs always have access to clean water.

How to Clean the PetSafe© Drinkwell® Stainless Steel Multi-Pet Fountain

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

Dog Water Fountain Buying Guide

Who Should Buy a Dog Water Fountain?

A dog bowl is a traditional way of providing your dog with water, but the water in a bowl needs to be changed often to prevent your dog from drinking stale or unclean water.

This makes this option ideal if you’re a busy dog parent or rarely at home.

A dog water fountain provides your dog with access to a Constant stream of clean, cool water. Because the water in a dog fountain is constantly flowing, it doesn’t get a chance to stagnate, making it inhospitable for bacteria and other organisms.

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Most dog water fountains also come with a filtration system that further purifies the water. The most commonly used type of filtration system in dog fountains are replaceable carbon filters. Such a system prevents water from developing bad taste or odors. It also extracts debris and other particles from the water.

Aside from providing your dog with a clean and reliable source of water, a fountain also tempts your dog to drink. Watching the steady bubbling or cascading of water will encourage your dog to take sips.

If you’re rarely home to provide your dog with fresh water in his bowl, consider getting a dog water fountain. Some can be connected to a water hose that’ll refill the fountain automatically. It’s also a great solution for keeping your dog hydrated and entertained on hot days.

Depending on you and your dog, you can get one that’s suitable for installation inside the house or outside. Some types run on electricity while others don’t. It all depends on what works best for you and your dog.

Features the Best Dog Water Dispenser Must Have

There are a variety of dog water fountain types available. To pick the best one for you and your dog, make sure it has the following features:

Water Capacity

The larger the water capacity of a water fountain, the less frequently you’ll have to refill it. You don’t need a water fountain with the largest capacity, unless you have more than one dog, or have one big thirsty dog.

A typical dog drinks about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. The amount of water consumed per pound will go up during hot days or on days when your dog is especially active. Your water fountain must have the capacity to provide for this.

Even though the benefit of a water fountain is you don’t have to refill it every day, it’s recommended that you change its water every couple of days. This will ensure that your dog is getting the cleanest water possible, not recycled water.

Materials

A dog water fountain may be made of plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel. Plastic types are the most common and usually the least expensive, but stainless-steel fountains are generally the most durable.

Whichever material you choose, make sure it’s BPA-free and toxin-free. Also, make sure it has antimicrobial protection to prevent odors or bacteria from flourishing in the fountain.

Filters

The best quality dog water fountains always come with water filters. The filter’s function is to remove particles, debris, and chemicals from the water, making it safe for your dog to drink. Some fountains use multiple filtration systems, while others use just one.

Whatever the number, make sure it’s effective at providing your dog with clean, odor-free, and fresh-tasting water.

Noise

The best dog water fountains make no noise while working. The less noise a fountain makes, the less of a nuisance it'll be in your home, and the more likely your dog will be to use it.

Budget

Lastly, go for a fountain that’s within your budget. You don’t have to go for the most expensive, but you shouldn’t aim for the cheapest one either. Rather, aim for the one that’s within your budget and offers all the features you need.

What is Dog Water Fountain?

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of dog fountains to choose from for your best friend, but if you want a durable option that’s convenient for everyone, be sure to pick one from our list of best dog water dispensers.

Just remember that the best water fountain for your dog will depend on your dog’s size and where you intend to install it. The PetSafe Drinkwell Indoor/Outdoor Dog Fountain is ideal for dogs of all sizes. It’s also pet-friendly and durable, making it an excellent choice.

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