The Best Ceramic Dog Bowls — Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: December 12, 2022
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Every dog owner needs to have some sort of food and water bowl for their dog at all times. Although a lot of vets and other professionals recommend stainless steel dog bowls because they are the least likely to harbor bacteria, ceramic dog bowls are another great alternative. In fact, most dog owners choose ceramic dog bowls because they are durable and attractive. A wide variety of options are available, including those that are budget-friendly, large and small, ceramic dog bowls as part of a set, and even those that are personalized.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, ceramic bowls come with a few other significant advantages. Firstly, they are quite heavy, which is great if your dog tends to slide their bowl around while eating. As a result of the heavy bottom, they don’t tend to tip easily. As a result, the bowl tends to be weighed down. Furthermore, a quality glaze on it will make it as easy to clean as stainless steel. Additionally, the glaze prevents bacteria from growing on the bowl. 

Let’s take a look at the top ceramic dog bowls on the market and discuss which one is right for your dog.

  1. Frisco Bones Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
    • Non-skid bottom ensures it stays put during eating and drinking and minimizes spills
    • Made of clean, white ceramic material with stylish tan accenting and bone shapes
    • Available in 2.5- and 4.5-cup sizes
    Check Chewy
  2. Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
    • Affordable price tag works with any budget
    • Made from durable glazed ceramic stoneware
    • Dishwasher safe making it easy to clean
    • Lead and BPA-free
    • Available in multiple sizes
    Check Chewy
  3. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
    • Available in a very large size — up to 8 cups!
    • A large, heavy base ensures the bowl stays put and won't tip over
    • Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Bone Dry Striped Dog Bowl Set
    • Silicone rings ensure the bowls stay put
    • Dishwasher-safe
    • BPA- and lead-free
    • Available in several sizes for different size dogs
    • Two color options
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Frisco Paw Print Ceramic Personalized Dog Bowl
    • Adorable paw print decorative detail
    • Available in 2.75- and 5-cup sizes
    • Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
    Check Chewy

Top Picks: The Best Ceramic Dog Bowls Today

#1. Best Overall: Frisco Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl

Among all ceramic dog bowls on the market, the Frisco Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl is the best. This ceramic bowl has a tan accent around the bottom and is made of white, clean ceramic. As a result of its natural style, this bowl will fit well with almost any décor. Additionally, the bone shapes give the bowl some personality.

Messy eaters will appreciate the non-skid bottom, which keeps it in place better than other bowls. Consequently, this helps to minimize spills and ensures that the bowl is kept where it is supposed to be in the first place. There is no need to be concerned about it showing up after meals in the middle of your kitchen. 

Additionally, you can choose between two different sizes: 2.5 cups and 4.5 cups. Please note that this is the maximum amount of food that can be consumed. As such, you should choose a size that is larger than the portion your dog usually consumes. It is usually best to size up when in doubt. It is important to note, however, that this bowl is designed for medium and large dog breeds. Dog breeds of small size may find it difficult to cope with the size, while dog breeds of large size might not have enough food to sustain them. 

Pros and Cons of the Frisco Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl

ProsCons
To prevent spills, the bottom is designed with a non-skid surface.Designed for medium to large dog breeds, not small or giant ones.
You can choose from a 2.5-cup or a 4.5-cup bowl.
The exterior of the bowl features an adorable bone design.
Best Overall
Frisco Bones Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
  • Non-skid bottom ensures it stays put during eating and drinking and minimizes spills
  • Made of clean, white ceramic material with stylish tan accenting and bone shapes
  • Available in 2.5- and 4.5-cup sizes
Check Chewy

2. Best Budget Ceramic Dog Bowl: Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl

It may be worth looking at the Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl if you are on a tighter budget. Compared to other products out there, this bowl is much less expensive. Generally, you’re going to save a few dollars. However, it is plenty practical for most pet parents, and it’s quite aesthetically pleasing as well. 

This bowl is made from durably glazed stoneware. It is crafted to be quite dense, which helps it withstand constant use. Even larger dogs can use it without much of a problem. It is also dishwasher safe, which makes it extremely easy to clean. You can utilize it for both food and water – or you can buy two and use one for both!

The material is completely lead and BPA-free, so you can rest assured that it is free from any potential toxins. Like many bowls, this one comes in multiple sizes. The largest size is 5.3 cups, which is larger than most bowls on the market. Of course, the smaller the size, the less expensive the bowl is. The only downside we found was that some dog owners found the non-skid bottom came off after washing the dish in the dishwasher. It’s because the non-skid feet are just cork glued to the bottom. If you are considering whether or not to go with this bowl rather than another, this may be something to consider.

Pros and Cons of the Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl

ProsCons
It’s made of stoneware with glazed exteriors, so it should last you a long time.When placed in the dishwasher, some customers found that the non-skid bottom unglued.
As it is dishwasher-safe, it is very easy to clean.
It is made of lead-free and BPA-free material.
The price is great for those on a tighter budget who still want a high-quality ceramic dog bowl.
Best Budget-Friendly
Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
  • Affordable price tag works with any budget
  • Made from durable glazed ceramic stoneware
  • Dishwasher safe making it easy to clean
  • Lead and BPA-free
  • Available in multiple sizes
Check Chewy

3. Best Large Ceramic Dog Bowl: Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish

The Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish may be a good choice if your dog is on the larger side.

There is a need for larger food bowls for larger dogs. In the end, they simply eat more food. This bowl is quite large compared to most others. You can even get up to eight cups, which is probably more than most pets will ever require. 

This bowl has a large base and is heavy, which is a feature that many pet owners will appreciate. Keeping the eating area clean and preventing spills is made easier by the fact that it cannot be tipped over easily. In addition, the bowl won’t move much, so it will stay in one place. 

It looks nice and is extremely easy to clean thanks to its high-gloss finish. This product is dishwasher-safe and doesn’t contain any harmful toxins, such as BPA. One of the downsides we noticed several customers complained about is that the stoneware is thin compared to what they expected.

Pros and Cons of the Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish

ProsCons
With an eight-cup capacity, this is an excellent bowl option for bigger dogs.There has been some complaint from customers about the thinness of the stoneware.
Its durable ceramic construction prevents tipping and additional movement while your dog eats or drinks.
The dish is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Best Large Bowl
Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
  • Available in a very large size — up to 8 cups!
  • A large, heavy base ensures the bowl stays put and won't tip over
  • Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Ceramic Dog Bowl Set: Bone Dry Striped Dog Bowl Set

For dog owners looking for a set for one or more dogs, the Bone Dry Striped Dog Bowl Set will be a perfect choice.

In most cases, dogs need both a bowl for their water and a bowl for their food. Due to this, companies often offer sets of bowls that meet both needs. Among the dog bowl sets in this category is the Bone Dry Striped Dog Bowl Set. A small discount is applied to the cost of two bowls, saving you a few dollars over the price of two bowls individually. 

These bowls have a silicone ring around the bottom, which prevents them from sliding. The ring is pretty good at holding them in place, even though they are not particularly heavy. 

In order to clean these bowls, you can simply put them in the dishwasher. You don’t have to worry about BPA and lead leaching into your dog’s bowl because they’re BPA and lead-free. It is fine to use both food and water in each bowl. 

However, these bowls do come in smaller sizes, which is worth keeping in mind if your dog is very large. These may not be the best choice for a dog owner with a larger breed. 

Pros and Cons of the Bone Dry Striped Dog Bowl Set

ProsCons
For a reduced price, this set comes with two pet bowls.The bowls do not come in particularly large sizes, so it may not accommodate a larger dog breed.
You won’t have to worry about toxins since they are BPA and lead-free.
It is held in place by a silicone ring around the bottom.
Best Set
Bone Dry Striped Dog Bowl Set
  • Silicone rings ensure the bowls stay put
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • BPA- and lead-free
  • Available in several sizes for different size dogs
  • Two color options
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best Personalized Ceramic Dog Bowl: Frisco Paw Print Ceramic Personalized Dog Bowl

A Frisco Paw Print Ceramic Personalized Dog Bowl is a great option for those interested in getting their dog’s name on a bowl. Upon purchase, you can personalize this bowl with the name of your pet. Two small dog paws are also included for decoration. 

In addition to the standard size of 2.75 cups, this bowl is also available in a five-cup size. Generally, this should be suitable for most smaller dogs out there. Obviously, this is the maximum fill limit, so it would be best to get something a bit bigger than you actually need. 

Despite the personalization, this bowl can be cleaned in the dishwasher with ease. It can also be microwaved if you need to, which may be helpful with some dogs who are picky. There are some downsides to this product, including the sizing, which can be a bit small for some dogs.

Pros and Cons of the Frisco Paw Print Ceramic Personalized Dog Bowl

ProsCons
Two sizes are available: 2.75 cups and five cups.Dog owners have complained about the bowl’s size being too small.
Personalize the dog bowl with your dog’s name.
You can microwave the bowl.
Best Personalized
Frisco Paw Print Ceramic Personalized Dog Bowl
  • Adorable paw print decorative detail
  • Available in 2.75- and 5-cup sizes
  • Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
Check Chewy

​​What to Look For in the Best Ceramic Dog Bowl

It may seem as though all dog bowls are the same, but they’re actually quite different. Dog bowls come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and features, and some of them are better than others. Ceramic dog bowls come in many different types, making it difficult for dog owners to choose the perfect one. When shopping for a ceramic dog bowl there are specific factors that should be taken into consideration. 

There are three main factors that you should consider when looking for a great ceramic dog bowl:

  • Aesthetics 
  • Durability 
  • Ease of cleaning 

In the following sections, we will examine each of these factors in more detail:

Aesthetics

One of the first things you look at when choosing a bowl is its appearance. Ideally, you want something that you like and that goes with the decor of your house. Fortunately, there are many different bowls available, so it should be easy for you to find what you need. Today, most bowls have a modern design. White is often the color, but wood accents are also common. There are, however, many other styles to choose from.

Durability

There is a little less durability with ceramic bowls compared to other options. In the event that they are dropped or knocked into something, they can easily break. It really just depends on the bowl, since some are built to be more durable than others. 

It is also important to consider the durability of the glaze. The bowl will suddenly become much harder to clean if the glaze rubs off. Furthermore, the small holes in the stone can harbor bacteria that are virtually impossible to remove. As a result, this can also pose a health risk.

Ease of Cleaning

Your dog’s bowl needs to be kept clean so that bacteria don’t grow and cause health problems. It can therefore save you a lot of headaches to have a bowl that is easy to clean. Ideally, you should choose bowls that are dishwasher-safe. However, those with a durable glaze that can be hand-washed quickly aren’t a bad choice either.

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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

The Best Ceramic Dog Bowls — Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why should I use a ceramic dog bowl for dogs?

You can choose from several materials for your dog. Ceramic, however, is not usually at the top of the list. Stainless steel is usually recommended for safety and durability reasons. The fact that ceramic isn’t ideal for every dog doesn’t mean it’s not a good choice.

Due to their weight, ceramic bowls are less likely to spill or tip than other bowls. However, they are more likely to break. Therefore, if you step on the bowl, you may break it instead of tipping it over (which would still result in a mess).

In many cases, ceramic bowls can also be microwaved. When feeding your dog fresh food, you can always defrost the food in the microwave so that it will be warm for your dog. It is also common for dogs to like their wet food warmed. As a result, if you need to microwave your dog’s food for any reason, this is a great option.

Are ceramic bowls better for dogs?

Ceramic bowls aren’t necessarily better for dogs. As you might expect, it really depends on the quality of the bowl. Some ceramic bowls are actually quite low quality and potentially unsafe for your furry friend.

For instance, some cheaper ceramic bowls have a low-quality glaze, which can wear off quickly. Not only does this make them more difficult to clean, but it can also allow bacteria to set up inside the stone, which may potentially make your dog sick. While this isn’t terribly common, it isn’t impossible either.

Why does my dog hate stainless steel bowls?

It is common for people to get ceramic bowls after their dogs reject stainless steel bowls. So, it’s not unusual to wonder whether switching to a ceramic bowl will solve your dog’s dislike of stainless steel bowls.

It is common for dogs to simply not like the sound that the stainless steel bowl makes. Having metal collar tags can cause them to clang against the bowl, making high-pitched sounds dogs don’t like. In the absence of a tag, the bowl may bang on the floor, which may also bother your dog.

There’s no need to worry about these noises with ceramic bowls. Additionally, they are much heavier, so they shouldn’t bang against the floor. For dogs who do not like stainless steel bowls, these bowls are a much better choice.

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