When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Traveling With Your Dog? The Most Important Thing To Bring

Portable Dog Water Bottles For Travel, Hiking & Walking

Traveling with your pet or pets can be a great experience and create memories for a lifetime.

In order to enjoy a trip fully, you must be prepared and that’s what I want to help you with today by finding the best water bottles for dogs and cats as well as kits that include food bowls.

Related Product: Let your dog help bring some supplies on your next hike using the Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack (click to view on Amazon).

We have two cats that travel with us full-time in our travel trailer.

My wife I and I quickly realized the problem with their food and water bowl was that they’re big and not very portable.

They work great at home, but when carrying them around they quickly felt huge and the food in the food bowl started going everywhere.

I didn’t know that there were such great solutions that made both of them more portable and easy to use during travel.

See Also: 6 Best Portable Dog Fences For Camping (RV & Outdoor)

There are even water bottles for pets that go on hikes or walks, I mean, how cool is that?

I wanted to make sure this list of the best dog water bottles and pet bowls for travel had something for everyone.

I’ll review each kind and talk about what activity it’s best for to help you decide what kind is right for you and your dog or cat.

Preview
Airline Approved

Modoker Airline Approved Pet Travel Bag, Weekend Dog Travel Set for...

Day Trips

UPSKY Dog Travel Water Bottle Bowl Collapsible Dog Bowls, 2 in 1 Pet...

Comsun 3-Pack Collapsible Dog Bowl, Foldable Expandable Cup Dish for...

Car Ride/Outdoors

Heininger PortablePET 3059 Waterboy Travel Water Bowl for Pets...

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle, Lightweigh, Leak Proof Portable Travel Dog...

Hiking/Walks

lesotc 2022 Upgraded Pet Water Bottle for Dogs,Dog Water Bottle...

Size (inches)
16 x 8 x 14

9 x 3.8 x 3.8

5.1 x 5.1 x 0.5 Folded

12 x 8 x 4

10 x 2.7

5.5 x 3

Weight
3 lbs

11 Ounces

6.9 Ounces

12.6 Ounces

8 Ounces

5 oz

Water Capacity
12 fl oz (collapsible bowl)

10 fl oz

12 fl oz

96 fl oz

19 fl oz (Smaller Size Available)

18 fl oz (Larger Option Available)

Food Capacity
24 Cups

7 ounces

1.5 Cups

None

None

None

Airline Approved

Preview
Modoker Airline Approved Pet Travel Bag, Weekend Dog Travel Set for...

Size (inches)
16 x 8 x 14

Weight
3 lbs

Water Capacity
12 fl oz (collapsible bowl)

Food Capacity
24 Cups

Day Trips

Preview
UPSKY Dog Travel Water Bottle Bowl Collapsible Dog Bowls, 2 in 1 Pet...

Size (inches)
9 x 3.8 x 3.8

Weight
11 Ounces

Water Capacity
10 fl oz

Food Capacity
7 ounces

Preview
Comsun 3-Pack Collapsible Dog Bowl, Foldable Expandable Cup Dish for...

Size (inches)
5.1 x 5.1 x 0.5 Folded

Weight
6.9 Ounces

Water Capacity
12 fl oz

Food Capacity
1.5 Cups

Car Ride/Outdoors

Preview
Heininger PortablePET 3059 Waterboy Travel Water Bowl for Pets...

Size (inches)
12 x 8 x 4

Weight
12.6 Ounces

Water Capacity
96 fl oz

Food Capacity
None

Preview
MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle, Lightweigh, Leak Proof Portable Travel Dog...

Size (inches)
10 x 2.7

Weight
8 Ounces

Water Capacity
19 fl oz (Smaller Size Available)

Food Capacity
None

Hiking/Walks

Preview
lesotc 2022 Upgraded Pet Water Bottle for Dogs,Dog Water Bottle...

Size (inches)
5.5 x 3

Weight
5 oz

Water Capacity
18 fl oz (Larger Option Available)

Food Capacity
None

Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Dog Water Bottles & Travel Bowls Reviews & Info

1. Modoker Pet Travel Bag

Modoker Airline Approved Pet Travel Bag, Weekend Dog Travel Set for...

Check Price at Amazon

This portable pet food and water set from Modoker comes with six pieces that will make traveling with your dog more convenient.

It comes with two collapsible silicone bowls, one water resistant mat, two large 12 cup food carriers, and it all goes into a bag that’s made to fit under an airplane seat.

In the food carriers you can put food and snacks, but not water.

Together they can hold up to 24 cups of food. Each bowl holds 1.5 cups of food or 12 ounces of water.

Although it’s the heaviest product in today’s comparison, this pet food travel set has the most accessories.

The only thing I am missing is a container for water, but that is easy to bring on the side water bottle holder.

See Also: Best Lightweight Hiking & Backpacking Chairs Reviewed

I like that each item fits in the included bag. It makes it easy to put in a bag or carry between the truck and the trailer or from your home.

Products that come organized out of the box are great for RV living because it makes them easy to store.

The collapsible bowls are light and easy to take outside when needed.

The bag also has a small zip pocket for doggie bags and more compartments for storing toys, leashes, and more

The Modoker Pet Travel Bag is mostly made to put in the car when you’re heading to visit somebody for the weekend or bringing on a plane.

But the collapsible bowls are extremely lightweight and portable and could be brought on a hike or walk to use as a portable water bowl for your dog.

It’s a great multi-use pet travel kit.

PROS

  • 2 12 Cup Food Containers
  • 2 Collapsible Bowls
  • Great Portability
  • Airline Approved
  • High Quality Bag Included

CONS

  • No Water Bottle Included
  • Heavy
  • Large

2. UPSKY Dog Water Bottle Dog Bowls

UPSKY Dog Travel Water Bottle Bowl Collapsible Dog Bowls, 2 in 1 Pet...

Check Price at Amazon

UPSKY has made a dog water bottle that looks like a protein shaker but the inside is split in half so you can store both food and water in it at the same time.

One compartment can hold 10 oz of water and one that can hold 7 oz of food or snacks.

There are also two collapsible 12 oz bowls included you pour the food and water into.

The container is FDA approved by being BPA free, lead-free, and using food-grade PP material.

How does the lid stop the water from spilling into the food compartment?

The lid is also divided into two sections with a silicone gasket that seals over the water side of the bottle.

Instead of twisting on the lid, it locks into place with 4 plastic tabs.

There is a smaller lid for each side of the dog water bottle so you can pour water or food one at a time without making a mess.

It can be placed in a backpack for hiking or walks without the worry of leaks.

See Also: Best Folding Oversized Moon Chairs For Camping Reviewed

The dog water bottle also comes with a plastic grid filter you can place over the top of the water side once you’ve filled it.

It prevents any of the food from falling into the water when you are filling it.

You want to put the water in first and the food second to prevent any water from getting into your pet’s food.

The UPSKY Dog Water Bottle Dog Bowls is perfect for when you’re going hiking or traveling for the day.

This is the best solution I have seen for a 2 in 1 with both food and water.

It’s portable, easy to use, and easy to clean. If 10 oz of water and 7 oz of food isn’t enough for a whole day worth of hiking, you can always bring two containers and have double the amount.

The collapsible bowls can be used to give your dog water from a water fountain or your own water bottle and are great for always having on hand.

PROS

  • Food & Water Storage
  • 2 Collapsible Bowls
  • Easy Clean & Fill
  • Lightweight
  • Easy To Pour
  • FDA Approved,
  • BPA & Lead Free

CONS

  • No Bag Included
  • Low Water Capacity

3. COMSUN Collapsible Bowls

Comsun 3-Pack Collapsible Dog Bowl, Foldable Expandable Cup Dish for...

Check Price at Amazon

Collapsible dog food and water bowls are awesome while traveling with space and weight limitations.

Comsun sells a two pack of collapsible bowls that you can use for food, snacks, or water.

They are made out of food grade silicone which is BPA and lead-free.

There are carabiners included so you can hang them on your backpack or hook them to your dog’s harness when hiking or going for a walk.

They also easily fit in a purse or fanny pack.

The reason I love collapsible bowls so much is due to the small amount of space they take up when not in use.

These are only .5 inches high and around 5 inches in diameter when folded down.

This means that I can put them in a backpack and they won’t take up much space. Silicone is also lightweight.

Another cool thing with these collapsible bowls is that you don’t have to fold them all the way up.

You can stop in the middle and have a medium sized bowl instead.

When fully set up each bowl can hold up to 12 ounces of water or 1.5 cups of food.

I appreciate the included carabiners.

Again, small things matter, and even though you could go out and get some carabiners yourself, I like it when the company has thought about how the product is used and how it can give you ideas on how to use it.

I have a few collapsible bowls in my kitchen but none of them have portable features like this one with the little handle for the carabiner.

Note that the COMSUN Collapsible Bowls are pretty small sized and fit small pets the best.

Comsun also makes a model for medium and large dogs (click to view on Amazon) that holds twice the amount of water (25 ounces) but is also slightly wider in diameter (7 inches).

They are still very portable and lightweight making them perfect for carrying around in a bag or purse for walks or hikes.

PROS

  • Safe Materials
  • Durable
  • Portable
  • Collapsible
  • Lightweight
  • Includes 2 Bowls
  • Different Sizes
  • Carabiners Included

CONS

  • No Food Container
  • No Water Container

4. Heininger PortablePet WaterBoy Travel Water Bowl

Heininger PortablePET 3059 Waterboy Travel Water Bowl for Pets...

Check Price at Amazon

The PortablePet WaterBoy will get the prize today for the best water bowl to use during a car ride or in your RV.

This is a spill proof water container that can hold 3 quarts of water with a special shielded water reservoir for mess free drinking.

There is also a big handle that makes it easy to carry around and a big hole to make it easy to fill up.

This portable dog water bottle/bowl is designed in a way that will stop water from spilling and make it easy for your pet to drink it, the WaterBoy is the essential pet product for the road.

It works by using a small bowl that screws onto the opening of the flat dog water bottle.

The bowl is a cone shape with just a few holes in the bottom. Water will only flow into it while your dog drinks which is why it won’t spill while you are driving.

See Also: Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer For Camping & Travel

It’s large enough for big dogs, and unless you have ten big dogs in your car that need water, 3 quarts should last long enough on the road to not have to fill up at every rest stop.

Thanks to the durability of this product I also wouldn’t think twice about putting the PortablePet WaterBoy outside my trailer or carrying it around everywhere.

This could easily be used as the primary water bowl for your pet due to its versatility and ease of use. When not in use it can stand upright for storage.

This dog water bottle doesn’t come with a sealed lid which means you cannot use it to store water when in the vertical position. It must be lying flat in order to not spill.

The easiest way to clean it is by using a bottle brush, but the handle-part is tricky to get through. It’s not impossible though, so don’t let it discourage you too much.

PROS

  • Versatile
  • Holds Lots of Water
  • No Spill
  • Stands Upright for Storage
  • Built in Handle
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Hard To Clean Inside
  • No Waterproof Lid

5. MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle, Lightweigh, Leak Proof Portable Travel Dog...

Check Price at Amazon

This dog water bottle (can also be used for cats) is the most innovative product I have seen today.

It’s basically a water bottle with a water dispenser built into the lid.

Fill it with water and then press a button to let the water run into the upper spoon shaped part where your pet can access it.

There are two sizes, 12 or 19 ounces. The spoon lid part for drinking is the same size no matter what option you choose.

The only thing that will change is the water bottle size.

I suggest getting the 19 ounce version since more water for your dog or cat is never a bad idea.

The 19 oz version is 10 inches tall in total and 2.7 inches wide.

That’s just slightly taller than a plastic water bottle and it weighs about the same.

The water is completely sealed inside the dog water bottle when not in use.

There is a switch next to the water dispenser button that will lock it so it won’t accidentally be pressed and start dispensing water in a bag or backpack.

See Also: Best Plastic Rugs & Mats For Outdoor, RV & Patio Use

There is also a string lanyard around the neck of the bottle you can put your hand through if you just want to carry it with you.

Thanks to its design it’s easy to use with one hand.

This is an excellent dog water bottle to bring on a walk or a hike where you don’t want to stop and pour water in a bowl.

Just hold it in front of your pet, flip the switch and press the button to fill the water reservoir.

The spoon shape makes it easy for any size of dog or cat to lick up the water will very little waste.

If there is still water left in the reservoir just tilt up the dog water bottle and press the button again to let the extra water drain back into the bottle.

The MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle is a fantastic way to get your pet water on hikes or walks.

It’s extremely portable, easy to use, and very clean since it never has to sit on the ground.

There is also minimal waste due to the spoon water dispenser shape and the ability to drain extra water back into the bottle.

I suggest this dog water bottle for any dog owner, it’s a very handy gadget you will probably end up using daily.

PROS

  • Sling Rope To Carry
  • Minimal water waste
  • Antibacterial materials
  • Lightweight
  • Clean
  • Leakproof

CONS

  • Can break if dropped

6. lesotc Water Bottle for Dogs

lesotc 2022 Upgraded Pet Water Bottle for Dogs,Dog Water Bottle...

Check Price at Amazon

The Iesotc dog water bottle is another bottle with a water dispenser lid combo.

If you like the MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle reviewed above but would prefer something that can become even smaller than the Iesotc dog water bottle is what you are looking for.

Instead of being made of hard plastic, the Iesotic is made of soft high density polyethylene and silicone.

All the plastics used are non-toxic, BPA-free, soft, and don’t smell.

The way this dog water bottle works is the water is stored in the bottle that’s made of a soft plastic.

The bowl/lid is made of silicone that is very bendable.

When in travel position the silicone bowl folds down over the bottle part making it very compact (5.5 inches tall and 3 inches wide).

When you want to give your dog some water you fold up the silicone bowl, twist the water lock on the cap to the open position, and squeeze the bottle to fill the bowl.

See Also: Best Non-Electric Coffee Makers For Camping & Daily Use

There is a straw that goes down into the water bottle so you can squeeze water into the bowl from an upright position even if water levels are low.

The bowl part also has one side that is longer than the other so you can feed your dog water horizontally if you prefer that style.

If there is any water leftover you can release it back into the bottle.

The lid/bowl is attached to a long screw socket that is completely watertight. It won’t spill any water in your bag or backpack.

There are water level markers on the bottle to help you keep track of how much water your dog has had through the hike or day.

There is a heavy duty strap included you can use to secure the dog water bottle to your wrist or clip it to your backpack.

The smallest size holds 18 fl oz of water but there is a larger 21 fl oz size as well.

Both sizes are extremely lightweight the 18 oz weighs only 5 oz when empty.

The lesotc Water Bottle for Dogs is another genius bottle with a bowl/lid combo that is perfect for bringing water for your dog on walks or hikes.

It’s very portable, and because of the soft, durable plastic, it’s very drop resistant which is a huge bonus for walking and hiking with it in your hand.

PROS

  • Very Compact
  • Durable Plastic
  • Large Water Capacity
  • Wrist Strap
  • Water Lock Lid
  • Very Portable
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Can Be Hard To Turn Lock
  • Water Not Refillable Via Bowl

What To Look For In A Dog Water Bottle

Durability

It’s really easy to drop stuff when walking or hiking and if your dog is really excited about getting some water they may also knock the water bottle right out of your hand.

Getting a dog water bottle or bowl that is made of plastic will help combat the occasional drop so you can keep using it longer.

Most of the options on this list are made of silicone or soft plastic and will hold up against almost anything.

If you are considering a dog water bottle made with hard plastic asking yourself if it will survive being dropped a few times might save you some problems in the long run.

Food Storage

If you are looking for a simple way to get water for your dog or cat while on a walk or a short hike then a standard water bottle like the last two reviewed above are going to be your best options.

If you are planning on being out with your pet all day long or you are going on a road trip you may want to consider some of the options that include food storage.

Or get some silicone collapsible bowls you can pour the food and water into from separate containers.

Water Waste

You don’t want to run out of water for you or your dog, especially if you are out on an adventure with no safe water sources nearby.

There isn’t always a ton of space for extra water bottles which means you are going to want to get a dog water bottle that will have as little water wasted as possible.

Portable dog bowls are nice because they are lightweight and can be used for both food and water but they are often messy and can spill a lot of water when your dog is drinking from them.

The dog water bottles with a bowl built into the lid are usually the best at saving water since you can control the amount of water that goes into the bowl directly and easily drain any leftover water back into the bottle.

Keeping Things Clean

Cleanliness can also be an issue with collapsible dog bowls.

When you place them on the ground they often get covered in dust and dirt which can be an issue if you are storing them in your bag or backpack.

Luckily most of the collapsible portable dog bowls on this list come with carabiners you can use to clip them to the outside of your bag.

It might not be the biggest issue but it’s something to look for in a portable dog water bottle.

The kinds that have the bowl on the lid are often the cleanest since you don’t need to set them on the ground.

Woman hiking in the mountains with her dog
Dog water bottles usually have a dispenser that makes giving your pet water on a walk or hike easy.

Conclusion & My Recommendations For Best Dog Water Bottles

There are lots of fantastic options for travelers with pets. I hope you feel like you have gotten some help in search of the best travel bowls.

I have answered some questions in the FAQ related to this and let me know in the comments if you have any additional questions.

Today’s recommendations are based on what kind of traveling you do.

The products compared today differ a lot in size and features, so let’s go over a few traveling scenarios.

UPSKY Dog Travel Water Bottle Bowl Collapsible Dog Bowls, 2 in 1 Pet...

Best Dog Water Bottle For Day Trips – UPSKY Dog Water Bottle Dog Bowls

Dogs get hungry, especially when they are hiking or playing. In some cases, you are going to want to bring a little food along with you as well as water.

The UPSKY dog water bottle/food container is not only a way to bring food and water it also comes with two collapsible bowls that can be used to give your dog water from other sources like a drinking fountain or water tap.

For short hikes and walks, you probably won’t need to bring any food and a regular dog water bottle will be just fine but for day trips and long hikes, the UPSKY is a fantastic choice.

The only downside to it is you may need to bring another bottle of water along since it only holds 10 fl oz of water.

But because of the collapsible bowl, you can put the water in you can use a regular water bottle for this.

Heininger PortablePET 3059 Waterboy Travel Water Bowl for Pets...

Best For Car Travel & RV Use –  PortablePet WaterBoy Travel Water Bowl

The PortablePet Waterboy is the best versatile water bowl for your dog or even cat.

Since it’s car friendly you can have it out even while you’re driving and it doesn’t make any kind of mess on the floor which is great for having in your RV or trailer.

It has a big handle that will make it easy to move between places. It’s durable, lightweight, and made of safe materials.

Along with the fairly large water capacity this a winner in the camping and travel water bowl category.

lesotc 2022 Upgraded Pet Water Bottle for Dogs,Dog Water Bottle...

Best Dog Water Botter For Hikes & Walks – lesotc Water Bottle for Dogs

The dog water bottles with a lid that also doubles as a bowl has become way popular these past few years and with good reason.

Everything you need is in one easy to use unit and there is very little water wasted.

The Iesotc version is nice because it’s super durable. You can drop it as many times as you want and the soft plastic won’t break.

The water bowl part is made of flexible silicone that folds over the lid making the entire dog water bottle more compact and easier to stow away in a small bag or backpack.

Much like the collapsible dog water bowls on this list you can also use the silicone lid bowl to get water from other sources like a tap or drinking fountain if you run out.

It’s a multi-use product and a great water bottle for your dog you can take anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Water Bottles

What makes a dog water bottle the best?

In today’s comparison, I have looked at what I think are the most important aspects of the best travel bowls for dogs and cats.

I have made some recommendations based on different kinds of travel. The elements I have looked at today are:

  • Portability – Dimensions and weight matter. How big and heavy is it for what you get and need?
  • Health  – The materials used should be FDA approved. We want to stay away from products that are not BPA and lead-free. More about this in a question below.
  • Overall travel-friendly features. Is the lid screw on? Airtight? Leak-free? Bags? Handles? Will water/food stay if I move the product from one place to another? The things that make a product easier or harder to use based on how it’s designed and how it functions.
Dog hiking in the mountains up by the clouds
Dog water bottles are a great way to keep your companion healthy and happy on hikes or walks.

Can I bring my cat or dog on an airplane?

Bringing a cat or a dog on an airplane with you is not impossible, but it all depends on the airline you’re flying with.

PetTravel.com has excellent information about what rules each airline has and I recommend reading on their site about what you should think about and need to do when traveling with your friend.

Asking the airline simple questions about this when booking your ticket is also recommended to make sure you have the most recent information.

What is a collapsible dog bowl?

A collapsible dog bowl can fold up or down to make itself bigger or smaller for your needs.

It’s made out of silicone so it can bend easily. It goes from looking like a silicone plate to a silicone bowl.

The best thing about collapsible dog bowls is that they get very storage-friendly when not in use.

And since it’s made out of silicone, you don’t have to worry about them breaking when going down the road.

There are a lot of collapsible kitchen items that make it easier to organize the RV.

What about a portable cat litter box?

There are portable cat litter boxes so you don’t have to bring a big one if you’re traveling.

This one from Pet Fit For Life (click to view on Amazon) is a collapsible one that even comes with a collapsible cat water bowl.

It’s 16 x 12 x 5 inches which should be enough even for big cats.

Having a collapsible litter box can be great for weekend trips in the RV so you don’t have to bring the one from the house.

If you live full time in the RV, I would recommend a more permanent solution with higher durability.

The one I use in my home is the PetFusion BetterBox (click to view on Amazon) which with its high walls stops litter from flying out and makes it easy to clean in and around the litter box.

There are also disposable cat litter boxes for smaller trips.

Like this one by PetSafe (click to view on Amazon)  which could be enough if you’re going away for a few days.

This is an excellent solution if you’re staying in a hotel room.

The crystal litter helps with odor and the fact that it’s a box means that litter won’t be flying all over the hotel room carpet.

Do BPA levels matter for my pet’s water bottle or bowl?

Even though we don’t know the effects of BPA on people and animals yet, it’s good to be cautious and choose a BPA-free product.

Plastic dog bowls are known for having higher BPA levels which is why glass and stainless steel products are often recommended instead.

We’re looking at products meant for traveling, so we care about how light the products are.

That being said, we also care about the health of ourselves and our animals.

The best thing to do when picking a product is to contact the company and ask what chemicals they use in their products if you’re concerned if they’re not already marked as BPA-free.

If this is something you’re concerned about, note that it’s known that canned dog food often raises BPA levels in dogs.

You can read more about this subject here.

If you have any more questions about dog water bottles and travel bowls? Leave a comment below.

by Jenni
Jenni grew up in a small town in Idaho. With a family that loves camping, she has been towing trailers since a very young age.

Leave a Comment