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?
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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