Skip to main content

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

The best types of water dispensers for dog crates

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.

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

This is why dogs have tails, according to science
A dog's tail serves a greater purpose than just balance
Dog stands on a pedestal

Our pets bring us huge amounts of joy with their wet noses, adorable pointy ears, and happy tails. While the ears and nose both serve pretty similar functions in humans, we don't have the benefit of a tail. But why do dogs have tails? It all comes from the evolution of their ancestors millions of years ago, and these appendages still prove quite useful to pups and other animals today. Here's everything you need to know about tails in dogs.
How did tails develop?

Early fish may have sprouted tails to better swim in the ocean. But when those ancient creatures first stepped out on land, they kept their tails, which changed shape and size depending on their specific needs. Truly, nearly every vertebrate species in the animal kingdom has a tail, with very limited exceptions, including us.

Read more
Can dogs eat shrimp? The answer may surprise you
How to cook, cut, and prepare shrimp for dogs
A French bulldog puppy wearing a yellow sweater stands next to a dog bowl in front of a blue background

When dog owners are in the kitchen, it's only normal to have an extra pair of eyes watching their every move. Furry friends are never far away when food is around, and it's all too easy to toss your dog a table scrap their way when they look up with those pleading eyes. How could you say no?
Unless a dog is dealing with dietary restrictions or medical issues, the occasional bite of people food won't hurt. Of course, it's important to make sure that whatever you're feeding them is safe for canine consumption, as so many dog owners go to the internet to double-check. That's why you're here!
If you've been wondering, "Can dogs eat shrimp?" -- you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know about feeding dogs shrimp so you can get back to cooking.

Can dogs eat shrimp?

Read more
The best oversized dog beds your pup will love
One of these dog beds will help your puppers have a good night's sleep
Dog in bed with white blanket over his head

If you’ve ever come home from work and caught your pup snoozing on your bed, you know. Dogs like a soft place to lie down every bit as much as we do. And why not? They spend as much as 18 hours a day sleeping.

Big dogs, in particular, can develop health-related problems, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint pain, as they age. Not only does the right bed provide comfort and support, but it also enhances good sleep, which is equally important for their cognitive health. The right bed is also one that gives your pooch plenty of room to stretch out comfortably.
Our top recommendations
So, how big should a dog bed be? Take a look at these oversized dog beds for your favorite pup.
FunnyFuzzy Large Dog Cushion Bed

Read more