There are many things to consider when taking care of your best friends and on the top of the list is a constant supply of clean, fresh water, which is essential to your dog’s health.
You can use a regular water bowl, but is that what’s best for your dog? A regular water bowl can run dry, tip over, or breed a host of bacteria that can make your dog sick. For that reason, a water fountain may be one of the best ways to keep your dog safely hydrated.
A water fountain with a filtration system will supply your dog with a constant source of water that’s clean and fresh. True Care Veterinary Hospital says that clean water helps carry nutrients, aids digestion, and maintains body temperature.
Proper hydration is essential for efficient digestion. If your dog is well-hydrated but suffers from a sensitive stomach, check out our recommendations for the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs.
So, what fountain is best for your dog and your home? We tested 16 water fountains and found the top 3 best for small dogs and the top 3 best for large dogs along with 10 honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall For Small Dogs: Petsafe Drinkwell Fresh Water Fountain | This is a one-gallon filtered watering system that’s perfect for keeping your pets hydrated indoors. Simply keep it full and the pump will filter and refresh the water all day. | Check Price |
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Best Fancy Fountain For Small Dogs: Petsafe Drinkwell 360 | This little free-flowing fountain beauty is perfect for multiple pets. Think “Buckingham Fountain” for your pet. It’s made from stainless steel and has an adjustable flow rate. | Check Price |
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Best Value Fountain For Small Dogs: Catit Flower | A pretty and unique ergonomic design gives your pet fresh water through a water softening filter. It has a nice-sized reservoir and superior filtration. | Check Price |
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Best Overall For Large Dogs: Petsafe Platinum Water Fountain | A large 1.3-gallon reservoir gives your pet a constant waterfall of water into this large basin water trough. We like that the design keeps splashing to a minimum while large dogs are drinking. | Check Price |
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Best Bubbler Fountain For Large Dogs: Zeus Fresh And Clear Drinking Fountain | Triple action water filtration and a large bubbler surface provide constant fresh water with less splashing from the fountain. The elevated design makes it easier for large or elderly dogs to reach. | Check Price |
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Best Budget Fountain For Large Dogs: Petsafe Indoor/Outdoor | Here’s an extra-large 3.5-gallon capacity fountain that you can use anywhere you need it. The UV-resistant plastic makes it especially good for outdoor use. | Check Price |
How We Narrowed Down the Best Dog Water Fountains
While searching for the best dog water fountains, we considered top brands known for their ability to be cleaned easily and assembled and have a good filtration system. We looked at the cost of filters and what materials were used. We also wanted to find dog water fountains that looked great in the home and weren’t too noisy.
We also looked into top pet innovators like PetSafe. They started manufacturing pet products in 1991, and now they are in 52 countries around the world that deliver high-quality products for your pets.
They believe in core values of listening to their customers, constant improvement, and innovative designs to make products that win innovation awards.
We wanted to include a range of colors, designs, materials, and shapes to help you better decide what you wanted in your home. We also considered what kind of material was used to produce the fountains. With this in mind, we made sure that products did not contain toxins harmful to canines.
Finally, we searched the internet for top-rated dog fountains that owners love for hydration, form, and function. We looked at top fountains from online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Chewy.
We finally chose 16 of the top fountains and put them to the test. We loved 3 for large dogs and 3 for small dogs enough to recommend and added 10 honorable mentions. We’ll get right down to business and tell you what dog fountains we loved and why.
Best Dog Water Fountains Reviews
1. Best Overall for Small Dogs: Petsafe Drinkwell Fresh Water Fountain
Product Ratings
| Materials | 4/5 |
| Ease of cleaning and assembly | 5/5 |
| Filtration and cost | 4/5 |
| Noise | 3/5 |
| Aesthetics | 4/5 |
Dimensions: 12.6 x 11.26 x 5.25 inches | Weight: 3.53 Pounds | Capacity: 1-gallon | Brand: Petsafe | Material: Plastic | Dogs: Small Breeds
What We Liked
- Cascading stream of water will encourage your dog to drink more
- Integrated water reservoir minimizes the need for refilling too often
- BPA-free materials are simple to clean and healthier for your pet
What We Didn’t Like
- A few complaints about build quality issues developing after a year or so
- Louder than other models and can be scary for timid pets
- Stainless steel base splashes a bit
Our first entry comes from industry legend PetSafe, which has been in business for 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down. With that said, it’s all about quality.
The simple design provides a fresh water fountain in a cascading stream that gives the water your dog needs. A built-in reservoir means that you will have more than enough water for your pup and the adjustable stream gives you a customized flow. Since this fountain is BPA-free, you don’t have to worry about what’s leaching into the water.
The large 1-gallon capacity means your pet will always have clean water and the filter means you don’t have to refill it as often to keep it fresh.
Petsafe customer service is USA-based and always ready to help. We loved the quality guaranteed and this unit worked great inside our home during testing. Our dogs loved it and the cat did too.
We loved that even with multiple pets using the same fountain, the capacity was large enough to keep them hydrated for a couple of days before needing a refill.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON2. Best Fancy Fountain for Small Dogs: Petsafe Stainless 360 Pet Fountain
Product Ratings
| Materials | 4/5 |
| Ease of cleaning and assembly | 3/5 |
| Filtration and cost | 4/5 |
| Noise | 4/5 |
| Aesthetics | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 14.63 x 14.75 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 4.28 Pounds | Capacity: 1-gallon | Brand: Petsafe | Material: Stainless Steel | Dogs: Small Breeds
What We Liked
- Has a larger capacity for less refilling and great for multiple pets
- A customizable water flow provides 5 different falling streams
- Made from durable and hygienic stainless steel
- Fancy, attractive design for inside the home
What We Didn’t Like
- The marks for minimum and maximum water levels are difficult to read
- Some dog owners have said that customer service can be problematic
Here is yet another PetSafe product. What more can we say about a company that has great customer service, is US-based, and has a 30-year track record? We trust their products and other pet owners agree!
This fountain is so pretty. We loved the circular design that reminded us of a Parisian fountain. Its 1-gallon capacity makes it easy to have lots of fresh water for multiple pets. It also has a customizable water flow, so you can amp it up or tone it down to keep your pet interested in drinking without making it scary or too splashy.
We loved the stainless steel material because it gives a chic, modern feel perfect for any home, but it is hygienic and easy to care for. Make sure to clean the filter of fun with this fountain. Did we mention you can pop it in the dishwasher to keep it clean? That’s one of our favorite features of this fountain.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON3. Best Value Fountain for Small Dogs: Catit Flower
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Ease of cleaning and assembly | 4/5 |
| Filtration and cost | 4/5 |
| Noise | 3/5 |
| Aesthetics | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 14.63 x 14.75 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.32 Pounds | Capacity: ¾ of a gallon | Brand: Catit | Material: Plastic | Dogs: Small Breeds
What We Liked
- Cute design contemporary design with a center daisy
- Water says clean due to filtered design
- Adjustable water to soften the flow for skittish pets
What We Didn’t Like
- Makes loud noises when water levels are low
- Smaller drinking area which is not ideal for multiple pets
- Does not accommodate water needs of larger dogs
Next is the cutest fountain on the market! We went crazy over the bright green color and the sweet daisy fountain in the center. This adorable fountain has 3 different water flows so you can set it the way your dog likes it.
It holds approximately 100-ounces (¾ gallon) so that your dog has enough water for the day. It is also made of BPA-free materials and has an ergonomic design that is perfect for senior or disabled pets.
One of the problems we found with this fountain is that it does make noise when it goes down to a certain level. Luckily, it has a water window so you can see levels at any given time.
Our small dogs and cat love this fountain, and we love that the flow can be adjusted to accommodate them without needing to have additional fountains in our home.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY4. Best Overall for Large Dogs: Petsafe Platinum Water Fountain
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Ease of cleaning and assembly | 4/5 |
| Filtration and cost | 4/5 |
| Noise | 3/5 |
| Aesthetics | 4/5 |
Dimensions: 15.88 x 10.63 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 4 Pounds | Capacity: 168 ounces | Brand: PetSafe | Material: Plastic | Dogs: Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Free-falling water should tempt your furballs to drink throughout the day
- Elevated bowl is ideal for older pets or dogs with arthritis
- Generous capacity of over 1-gallon is ideal for households with multiple pets
What We Didn’t Like
- Lots of small parts make it hard to assemble and clean
- The bowl can overflow causing a big mess
- Noisier than other fountains which can frighten skittish pups
Here’s another entry from PetSafe that is perfect for big dogs. This huge 168-ounce (1⅓ gallons) capacity water fountain is perfect for not only big dogs but all pets in your home, making it a versatile tool in the war against dehydration.
Because of the large capacity, you have a constant supply of freshwater and have to refill less often. We loved the efficiency! Like any good fountain, this fountain has an adjustable flow, so you can adjust it to your pet’s needs.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best Bubbler Fountain for Large Dogs: Zeus Fresh and Clear Drinking Fountain
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Ease of cleaning and assembly | 3/5 |
| Filtration and cost | 4/5 |
| Noise | 4/5 |
| Aesthetics | 4/5 |
Dimensions: 9.75 x 12 x 6.75 inches| Weight: 1.68 Pounds | Capacity: 1.5 gallons | Brand: Hagen | Material: Plastic | Dogs: Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Large 1.5-gallon capacity is made for multiple pets and more clean water
- Easy to clean which means no junk in the water line
- Quiet pump for keeping the house quiet and pets happy
What We Didn’t Like
- There is no window to gauge water levels to ensure that it is properly filled
- Harder to refill because it doesn’t have handles which can be problematic for seniors and the disabled
Here is an elevated bowl designed by Zeus. Elevated designs are perfect for larger dogs, seniors, or dogs with limited mobility.
This one is unique from the previous models because it holds 200 ounces (1.5 gallons), making it ideal for multiple pets. It has a quiet pump and has a great capacity for multiple pets in your house. It has a beautiful blue color and is BPA-free, beautiful, and chic.
This model is a little higher maintenance than some of the other models on the list. It is recommended to change foam filters and the gravel filter about once a week to ensure that your pet water is safe and clean.
This fountain has a dual function replacement filter which is ideal for keeping your pets’ drinking water clean by collecting everything from food to dog hair. The filter is also great at taking out impurities of tap water.
Our favorite feature of this large dog water fountain is that it gently bubbles out the top which makes it less messy as it runs. We put a mat under every fountain, but this one has less splashing than the others we tried.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON6. Best Budget Fountain for Large Dogs: Petsafe Indoor/Outdoor
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Ease of cleaning and assembly | 4/5 |
| Filtration and cost | 3/5 |
| Noise | 4/5 |
| Aesthetics | 4/5 |
Dimensions: 20.5 x 13.9 x 15.5 inches | Weight: 11.7 Pounds | Capacity: 450 ounces | Brand: PetSafe | Material: Plastic | Dogs: Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Huge 3.5 gallons capacity is great for multiple pets and stays full for longer
- Indoor and outdoor use makes it multifunctional
- UV resistant coating keeps it looking new in the sun
What We Didn’t Like
- The large design makes it difficult to put in the dishwasher
- Difficult to handle due to the size and can be problematic for some people to lift
Last but not least on our list is another PetSafe product. This is the biggest capacity fountain on the list! What makes it so ideal and a great value is that you can use it indoors or outdoors.
This fountain has UV protection which helps keep it looking fresh even after a long summer in the sun. This fountain does not have any protection from freezing, so don’t use it outdoors until the daytime and nighttime temperatures rise above 40 degrees.
We thought what made this piece highly functional is that it has two reservoirs making it easier to refill. The sides of the bowl are higher which is not ideal for senior dogs or disabled dogs although it keeps the water contained more so than other models. It also has a dual filtration system that captures dirt, food, and fur in the water.
We love this water fountain for our back porch. We let our dogs play outside as much as they like and we know that they will have plenty of fresh water to drink. We keep it out of the summer sun to keep the water cooler, but the plastic won’t bleach from the sun.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Product | Materials | Ease of Cleaning & Assembly | Filtration & Cost | Noise | Aesthetics |
| Best Overall for Small Dogs | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Best Fancy for Small Dogs | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Best Value for Small Dogs | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Best for Large Dogs | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Best Bubbler for Large Dogs | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Best Budget for Large Dogs | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
The winner is the Petsafe Drinkwell Fresh Water Fountain for small dogs and the Petsafe Platinum Water Fountain for large dogs. PetSafe delivers when it comes to pet products and these two fountains are no exception.
These fountains are high quality, durable, and pet safe. They work great indoors, provide plenty of clean water, and splash less on the floors than some others we tested.
Pick the Best Dog Water Fountain for Your Pup
When looking for the best water fountain, we take several factors into account before making our final decisions. These are the things we suggest that you keep in mind when shopping for the perfect fountain for your dog.
Capacity
This is an important factor because you want to make sure that your pets have enough water. Think about how many pets you have in the house, and how much they tend to drink. Buy accordingly, and you’ll minimize the amount of time you spend refilling the reservoir.
Materials
Make sure all plastic is food-grade and BPA-free. Consider stainless steel or ceramic if you’re looking for something more durable. We love stainless steel for cleanliness, but it is a bit noisier.
Ease of Cleaning and Assembly
Time to disassemble, clean, and assemble your fountain is important. Dishwasher safe, simple construction, and easy assembly were key factors in our testing.
We avoided testing fountains that look like they have a lot of nooks and crannies that will harbor bacteria and mildew. The exception to this was the Catit flower fountain, which we couldn’t resist, and it is harder to clean.
Filtration and Cost
Check for reusable filters or you might end up with a stiff ongoing bill for replacements. The choice to purchase disposable filters can be a good choice if you’d rather not clean the filters regularly.
Carbon-activated media is ideal for removing any taint from your dog’s drinking water.
Noise
Look into user reviews so you can be confident the fountain you’re considering doesn’t have a noisy pump that will disturb you. Some fountains get louder as the water level gets lower, but reviewers are quick to point this out.
Aesthetics
There are some great-looking water fountains on the market that won’t ruin the aesthetics of your home. Some of the fountains that work better don’t look as great, but we think it’s easy to find one that looks good and works well too.
You may need to train your dog to use your new fountain and if you are looking for tips check out our review of the best training books on the market.
Honorable Mentions
1. Petsafe Drinkwell Seascape
This petite water fountain is perfect for small and few pets. Its 70-ounce capacity has moving water and a carbon filtration system to help keep the water clean and fresh. This design is beautiful and quiet, which makes it perfect for your timid little one.
One of the drawbacks of this fountain is its small size which means you can run out of water faster, and it is harder to see water levels in this model. If you are looking for something pretty and slightly larger, we suggest the Catit Flower.
2. Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain
Here is another petite fountain. The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain is stainless steel and holds 60 ounces of water. This fountain is ideal for a limited number of pets because of the one-sided drinking bowl. It has a replaceable charcoal filter and two-piece construction.
The simple construction makes it easy to disassemble for easy cleaning and filter replacement.
Like the PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape, its limited size can be too limiting for your home. It is also hard to see water levels in this model. Once again, we suggest the Catit Flower for its larger capacity and viewing window.
3. Petmate Replendish Gravity Water
The Petmate Replendish Gravity Water Dispenser is a non-electric water fountain. It is also the least expensive on the list. We love how simple this is and that it can go anywhere and fit anywhere. It’s made of BPA-free materials, which are safer for your pet.
The issue with this product is that no filtration system circulates water and keeps it fresh and clean, so we much prefer the Petsafe Drinkwell 360 as a water-cleaning fountain.
4. PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Drinking Fountain
We loved the look and idea of this multi-tier pet fountain. Because of the elevated level, this one is ideal for seniors and disabled dogs. The Drinkwell makes it easy for dogs who can’t bend over. It holds 100 ounces, so it has a good capacity and is dishwasher safe.
This can be a noisy fountain when water levels are low, and it is not ideal for larger breeds or multiple pets. If you are looking for something a little more robust, try the Zeus Fresh and Clear Drinking Fountain.
5. Ipettie Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
We immediately loved this beautiful design that reminds us of a beautiful table fountain. It’s made of ceramic to be hygienic and can hold up to 71 ounces of water. This gorgeous ceramic fountain can be displayed anywhere in your house.
One issue we have with this piece is that it’s made of ceramic and can be broken easily. If you are looking for a round fountain design to perk up your home’s design try the Petsafe Drinkwell 360.
6. Pioneer Pet Swan Drinking Fountain
This fancy fountain is made of white plastic and holds 80 ounces. The clean design is dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing. Why not give your pampered pup an upscale design?
The small design and lack of a level window make this an issue. If you are looking for form and function consider the Catit Flower.
7. PetSafe Cat and Dog Water Fountain
This is one high-end look for a pet water fountain. This beautiful pagoda design is made of porcelain and stoneware. We loved that it comes in red, taupe, white, and Himalayan Blue. This is a stylish piece for any home. The Pagoda holds 70 ounces and has an upper and lower level.
This one is like the Ipettie Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain in that it can be broken easily. If you are looking for a beautiful but more robust design, then the Petsafe Drinkwell 360 may be the one for you.
8. Uniclife Pet Water Fountain
How cool is the Uniclife Pet Water Fountain? We loved this fun design with a blue led light for night drinking. This model snaps together for easy assembly after cleaning. An ultra-quiet pump completes the look. This one will not work with multiple pets or large breeds, and it is recommended for dogs under 40 pounds.
The pump is a bit noisy, and the overall construction is not as robust as it should be, so we prefer the Petsafe Drinkwell Fresh Water Fountain.
9. Dogness Pet Water Fountain
Dogness Pet Water Fountain is pretty, simple and futuristic. This is a beautiful design that comes in blue, pink, and white and has an LED light to illuminate the watering hole at night.
This fountain is not like a standard fountain but is more of a bubbler. There have been concerns the water may not be as aerated as with other models, so if you’re looking for more circulation, take a look at the Petsafe Platinum Water Fountain.
10. Tri Gato Outdoor Water Fountain
If you want your dogs to stay hydrated outdoors even when you’re not around, then this is the one for you. Just attach the hose and turn on the water. To make this work, your dog steps on the peddle and activates the fountain.
This style of outdoor fountain may not work for all dogs and there is a learning curve when it comes to a dog using it. The hose has to be constantly on for this fountain to work. If you want something that is easy for all dogs to use outdoors, we suggest the Petsafe Indoor/Outdoor Water Fountain.
