Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best types of water dispensers for dog crates

By

A dog’s crate is their little home within your home. Crates create a sense of security for dogs where they can enjoy the coziest blankets and their favorite toys. They are a safe haven from scary fireworks, new animals, or strangers in your home, and they also are great for puppy training. But sometimes the simplest detail like a good water source can be overlooked.

Several great methods are available for providing dogs with water in their crate, offering efficient and mess-free solutions so your favorite pup can relax and quench their thirst.

Bulldog eating from bowl in metal crate
CarlyDybka/Getty Images

Dog crate water bottle dispensers

Water bottle dispensers for dogs are supersized versions of ones you would find in a hamster cage. Available in a number of sizes to suit your dog’s needs, these bottle dispensers clip onto the sides of the crate. You no longer have to be concerned about your dog knocking over bowls and making a mess in his crate.

Recommended Videos

A water dispenser helps ensure your dog’s crate remains dry and comfortable to sleep in. It is easy for your dog to use and will provide a constant supply of water.

Water bottle dispensers are affordable and durable, and include options that are eco-friendly. These bottles are lightweight and can be removed for easy refills. Read reviews before purchasing a water dispenser to ensure there are no common issues like leaking or loose pieces that could fall off and become a choking hazard.

If you buy a high-quality water bottle dispenser, you will be rewarded with an efficient, clean, and handy way to keep your dog hydrated and happy.

Lixit Top Fill Water Bottles for Dogs

Your pet may look a bit like a hamster drinking from this cage-mounted water bottle, but he’ll stay hydrated and happy in his crate. As Amazon’s choice for dog crate water bottles, Lixit’s crate-friendly water dispenser has a lot to boast. This is an incredibly easy choice for pet parents, as you don’t have to remove it to refill it — just pour in water from the top! Your pet stays hydrated through a food-quality stainless steel tube that runs through the bottle. It also features a no-drip valve at the end, so you won’t have to worry about messes when he’s done getting refreshed. It’s a win-win!

Dog crate water bowl

If you like the water bowl design combined with the bottle dispenser efficiency, then a water bowl designed specifically for dog crates may be the best option for you and your furry friend. These bowls are designed with built-in hangers or attachments to secure the bowl on the side of the crate. If your dog is clumsy or just takes up a lot of space in his crate, this design will help prevent spilling.
This bowl allows your dog to drink normally. Some dogs don’t like the bottle dispenser nozzle and will feel more comfortable drinking out of an elevated bowl. Additionally, this bowl design is much less likely to leak than some bottle dispensers.

MidWest Stainless Steel Snap’y Fit Dog Kennel Bowl

With over 1,500 positive reviews on Chewy, this stainless steel water bowl for dog crates is one of the most popular choices. This bowl uses “patented, bracketed locks” to clip to any side of any kennel. Although easy to attach and remove, the locks secure the bowl in place — no spillage here! It comes in four sizes to fit a variety of spaces, as well. Stainless steel means no rust or breakage, either.

According to product reviews on Chewy, pet parents love this bowl because it’s secure, durable, and easy to mount. Without any plastic parts on the bowl, stand, or lock, there will be no pieces for your dog to chew or knock around. It also prevents pups from digging in their bowl — simply mount it higher off the ground! Finally, the stainless steel materials are meant to last, so you won’t have to worry about replacing the bowl for a while.

Guardians’ Removable Stainless Steel Water Food Feeder Bowls

If you’re worried about the difficulty of removing and attaching a water dish every time you need to fill or clean it for your pet, your perfect pet bowl is here. Guardians’ stainless-steel-and-plastic bowl set can be used as one or two bowls, since the metal dish sits inside the plastic one. When it’s time to clean them out, just take the stainless steel bowl out of the plastic shell et voila!

Attaching this bowl to the side of your dog’s cage will take only minutes with the instructions provided on the product listing. Reviews agree that installing the bowl is simple, and the bowl stays secured to the crate.

Regular water bowl

If you prefer to use a regular water bowl in your dog’s crate, it should be small enough to fit comfortably in the corner of the crate but still hold ample water to hydrate your pup.

Using a regular water bowl may entail some DIY creativity to keep the bowl secure. To prevent the bowl from tipping over and flooding the crate, you should consider some form of tie or Velcro to hold it in place.

You can use two-sided Velcro and attach one side to the floor of the crate and the other to the bottom of the bowl. You may still run into problems with your dog stepping in the bowl accidentally and spilling water.

A regular water bowl is an economical choice but may require a little daily cleanup in your dog’s space. This option is great for anyone who wants to be a little creative with crate design.

These are three great options to keep your dog hydrated and healthy in his crate. You will love how convenient and affordable all of these options are. Each one has pros and cons and should be chosen based on the best fit for your lifestyle and your dog’s personality.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
PawTracks
The 6 newest dog breeds: What sets them apart
If you’re thinking of bringing home a new dog, consider one of these elusive breeds
A Bracco Italiano runs on the beach

Some dog owners (and fans of dogs) can name dozens of dog breeds like the back of their hands, but others can't even tell the difference between a dachshund and a Corgi. That's OK! As long as a dog owner knows how to take good care of their fur baby, they don't necessarily need to know the fun facts. At the same time, learning about different dog breeds can be valuable in certain situations, whether you like watching dog shows or are considering volunteering at a rescue.

Even if it's just for fun, there's a lot you'll want to know about the six newest dog breeds in the show universe. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one of the largest dog breed registries in the world, and it oversees the standards and requirements for each new breed that's created. Since 2021, it has welcomed six new breeds to its ranks, and you may have even seen these dogs in a local or televised dog show.

Read more
The 3-3-3 rule: A guide for adjusting your new dog to life at home
A rescue dog's timeline in their new home
Australian shepherd smiling while people pet him

Bringing home a new dog can be one of the most fun, joyful, and memorable things you'll ever do, but that doesn't mean it's always going to be a walk in the park. After all, adding four more paws to your family is a big decision to make, and it requires a lot of research, time, and care from everyone in your home. But if you do the research, practice consistency, and remain patient and loving with your new furry friend, you'll set yourself up for success!

In the dog rescue world, a tried-and-true rule called the 3-3-3 rule can help new dog parents learn what to expect and how to help their dog thrive during their first few months at home. This adjustment period is vital for everyone's feelings of safety and happiness in the family, but a little love, time, and patience go a long way. No two 3-3-3 rule dogs will be on the exact same timeline, but knowing this rule can give new adopters a sense of peace and understanding during an unstable time.
What is the 3-3-3 rule?

Read more
Why dogs lick their paws: When to worry about excessive licking
First, find out why they do this and then go from there
Dog licks his paw and the floor while lying down

Some dogs just love to lick, whether that’s our faces, another dog, the floor, the couch, or themselves. And most of the time, the licking is normal behavior. But what if you notice your dog is excessively licking their paws? Is this a cause for concern or just a normal grooming routine?

According to experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC), occasional paw licking can be perfectly normal for dogs, especially after returning from a walk in the rain or mud. However, if your dog is constantly and frantically licking their paws, there may be cause for concern. So if you're wondering why dogs lick their paws, we'll walk you through all the standard reasons behind this quirk.
Why dogs lick their paws

Read more