Most responsible dog owners crate train their dogs. A high-quality wire crate can provide the perfect safe, den-like experience for your pet. A crate is an invaluable tool when potty training a puppy, and riding in a crate is the safest way for your pet to enjoy a road trip.
For your dog’s welfare and comfort, it’s essential that your pet is well-hydrated when he’s in his crate, especially on warm days. Although you can use a traditional dog bowl, the most efficient, safest way to provide your dog with a drink is to use a dog crate water bottle.
Read this buyer’s guide for our reviews of the best dog crate water bottles on the market today and much more!
1. Lixit Top Fill NO-Drip Water Bottles for Dogs – Best Value Dog Crate Water Bottle
2. Poodle Pet Water Feeder Bottle – Excellent Reliability
3. Pika Dog Crate Water Bottle – Best Value Water Bottle
4. DidPet Pet Feeder Crate Water Dispenser – Lightweight and Low Cost
5. Heydou Pet Dog Water Bottle – Easy To Clean
6. COCOPET 122 Drinking Dog Water Bottle – Excellent Budget Water Bottle
7. Vannon Dog Water Dispenser – Superior Quality Water Dispenser Bottle
7 Best Dog Crate Water Bottles – Reviews
Now, we review our favorite seven dog crate water bottles so that you can choose one that best suits your needs.
1. Lixit Top Fill NO-Drip Water Bottles for Dogs
Suitable for use inside or outside the crate
44-ounce capacity
Ideal for traveling
The Lixit Top Fill No-Drip water bottle has a decent 44-ounce capacity and is very easy to fill. The top filling lid and stainless steel nozzle are durable and built to last, making this an excellent value bottle with plenty of appealing features.
On the downside, the plastic mounting brackets aren’t very durable and do tend to break quite easily. That’s a shame because the brackets can be mounted in two different places on the bottle, offering you flexibility. Also, the metal ball can become stuck in the nozzle, so you need to check the bottle regularly to be sure that your dog doesn’t go thirsty.
PROS
- Top-filling design
- Durable and well-made
- Large capacity
CONS
- Balls can become wedged in the nozzle
2. Poodle Pet Water Feeder Bottle
Good value
12-ounce capacity
Eco-friendly plastic construction
The Poodle Pet Water Feeder Bottle is lightweight and has a relatively small capacity of 12 ounces.
The bottle is made from eco-friendly, pet-safe plastic and is very easy to fix to the crate. To refill the bottle, you need to unscrew the bottle from the base and turn the bottle over. The metal nozzle works via gravity and vacuum sealing that controls the flow of water.
The nozzle is compatible with some other larger water bottles, so you can swap it out if you need more water for your pet. Some users have reported problems with the bottle leaking, and sometimes the metal nozzle falls off, allowing the ball to drop out, which could be dangerous for your dog.
PROS
- Well-priced
- Lightweight, pet-safe plastic
- Nice design that screws securely to the crate
CONS
- Small capacity and does tend to leak slightly
3. Pika Dog Crate Water Bottle
Excellent value for those on a tight budget
15-ounce capacity
Stainless steel spigot with three stainless steel balls
If you’re shopping on a limited budget, the Pika Dog Kennel Water Dispenser offers the best value for money. The water bottle has a generous 15-ounce capacity, features a well-designed spigot, and has a simple, easy-to-use attachment.
Two mounting holders fix the bottle easily to the crate, and the stainless steel drinking pipe features three stainless steel balls for adjustable water flow. The bottle is made using pet-safe, eco-friendly, plastic, making it safe for puppies and adult dogs too.
The only real small downside to this product is that it can’t be washed in very hot water as that can cause the plastic to deform and the bottle may leak.
PROS
- Ideal for small dogs
- BPA-free, non-toxic ABS plastic
- Lightweight and low priced
CONS
- Can’t be washed in hot water
4. DidPet Pet Feeder Crate Water Dispenser
Excellent value for those on a tight budget
15-ounce capacity
Stainless steel spigot with three stainless steel balls
The DidPet Standing Pet Feeder Water Dispenser is a lightweight bottle that has a reasonable 15-ounce capacity and comes with three adjustable steel balls so that you can customize the water flow to suit your pet’s requirements.
The plastic used to make the bottle is pretty durable and sturdy, although unfortunately, you can’t use hot water to clean the bottle, and it isn’t dishwater friendly. You need to remove the bottle from the crate to refill it and turn it over. Also, the nozzle can be a bit noisy when the dog is drinking, which could be a problem for you if your dog’s crate is in your bedroom. Some users have reported that the “O” ring needs frequent adjustment or replacement.
PROS
- Large capacity
- Low cost and lightweight
- Durable plastic construction
CONS
- Not dishwasher safe and can’t be washed in hot water
5. Heydou Pet Dog Water Bottle
Well-priced and lightweight
11.2-ounce capacity
Compatible with other plastic bottles
We like this dog crate water bottle, as it’s well-priced and simple to attach. However, on the downside, the bottle has a less durable feel than some of the other products we reviewed.
The bottle is made from BPA-free food-grade plastic and features a stainless steel tip that’s a good size for small to medium-sized dogs. The bottle itself has an 11.2-ounce capacity, although if you want a larger bottle, you can replace it with a larger one.
You can choose from three colors, too. The bottle has a ripple-wall interior panel to prevent it from sliding around on the crate bars, and the screw-in holder is simple to fit. Cleaning is a breeze, as you can take the bottle apart completely.
The main downsides of this water bottle are that the capacity is too small for larger dogs, and the bottle can be tricky to refill.
PROS
- BPA-free, food-grade plastic
- Choice of three attractive colors
- Simple screw-in holder
CONS
- Not suitable for larger dogs
6. COCOPET 122 Drinking Dog Water Bottle
Inexpensive and lightweight
13.5-ounce capacity
100% money-back guarantee
This dog crate water bottle from COCOPET is inexpensive and lightweight. However, it’s not the most durable and can be prone to leaking.
The bottle has a 13.5-ounce capacity and is available in three pretty colors. Also, the bottle is pet-safe since it’s made from BPA-free plastic. The stainless steel tip has three stainless steel balls that are adjustable, and there are two clips included for easy, hassle-free attachment to your dog’s crate.
Unfortunately, the price of the product is somewhat reflected in the performance, as the balls can sometimes get stuck, cutting off the supply of water for your dog. Also, if you have a puppy or a serial chewer, this bottle’s plastic components won’t resist your pet’s teeth. That said, the manufacturer does offer a 100% money-back guarantee that you don’t get with most other similar products.
PROS
- Low-cost and lightweight
- Choice of three attractive colors
- Easy dog crate attachment
CONS
- Plastic components vulnerable to chewing
7. Vannon Dog Water Dispenser
Inexpensive and lightweight
34-ounce capacity
Leakproof design
The Vannon dog crate water bottle is a new version of the product that’s been recently updated and upgraded.
This bottle has a clever no-drip design and is leakproof. The one-piece nozzle design is robust and sturdy and includes roller balls that work efficiently and effectively. The stainless steel used to make the nozzle and balls is food grade for your pet’s safety, and the bottle features a clever anti-slip design.
You can remove the cap from the bottle to refill it without the need to take the bottle off the crate, and the bottle’s generous 34-ounce capacity means that your pet will never be thirsty.
In the unlikely event that you’re dissatisfied with this bottle, the manufacturer offers a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.
PROS
- Exceptional quality
- Choice of two pretty colors
- Anti-slip design
- 100% money-back guarantee
CONS
- More expensive than other bottles but of superior quality
Why You Should Use a Dog Crate Water Bottle Dispenser
There are several reasons why you should use a cage water bottle in your dog’s crate:
- Water in a standard pet bowl can quickly become stale and unpalatable for your dog.
- A regular water bowl collects dust, scraps of food, and general detritus, leaving the water quality contaminated and unhealthy for your pet.
- If the weather is warm, algae quickly grow in a standard water dish, making the water dirty.
- If you place a regular water bowl in your dog’s crate filled to the brim with water, there’s a risk that the bowl will get tipped over, and the water spill, leaving your dog thirsty and his crate wet and uncomfortable.
A water bottle dispenser quickly and effectively solves all those problems, keeping the water fresh, and potentially saving you a lot of hassle, and ensuring that your pet always has plenty to drink.
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How Long Can Dogs Go Without Water?
Your dog should have plenty of fresh drinking water available to drink 24/7/365.
Even a healthy dog in good physical condition can’t manage for more than a few days without access to water, potentially even less in very warm weather. Dogs with kidney problems and other health conditions are at a greater risk.
The water consumption of dogs depends on a number of things. However, adult dogs usually drink around an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day as a minimum. Some dogs might drink more, depending on how much exercise they are having and how warm the weather is.
If a dog is deprived of ample water, he will quickly become dehydrated, which is a very serious health condition that can be fatal.
What Is Dehydration In Dogs?
Dehydration is a very common, potentially fatal condition that can affect any size, age, or breed of dog.
A dog becomes dehydrated when he isn’t getting sufficient water and electrolytes or is losing a lot of fluid due to a medical disorder or injury. Dehydration can cause serious organ damage, and the dog might even die.
Dehydration can be caused by certain diseases. Also, a dog can become dehydrated if he is repeatedly vomiting or suffering from diarrhea. However, the most common cause of dehydration is simply that the dog doesn’t have access to all the water he needs, especially during the warm summer months.
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Is My Dog Dehydrated?
Dehydration presents with a few telltale signs, including:
- Dry gums
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Collapse
- Weakness
- Loss of skin elasticity
If you think your dog is dehydrated, you can use the following simple test to check.
- Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch a tiny piece of skin on the dog’s back or on the top of his head.
- If the dog is well-hydrated, the skin will spring back into place as soon as you release it.
- When the dog is dehydrated, the skin contains less moisture, so it moves back into place more slowly. In severe cases of dehydration, the skin doesn’t spring back at all.
A reduction in skin elasticity is referred to as a “skin tent.” Usually, dogs that are obese or emaciated have a very mild skin tent. That doesn’t mean that the animal is dehydrated. Also, older dogs and those with excessive skin folds or very long, thick fur are difficult to assess.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is dehydrated, always consult your vet right away.
How Does A Dog Crate Water Bottle Work?
Dog crate water bottles have a metal drinking tube that contains one or more stainless steel ball bearings inside. That setup creates what’s called a “vacuum valve.”
A vacuum valve holds the water inside the tube between the ball and the open end of the drinking tube, creating a seal. When the ball bearing moves, the seal is broken, and the vacuum is released. So, when your dog licks or moves the ball bearing, water flows down the tube. The flow of water keeps the ball bearing moving and the water flowing.
However, when the dog stops drinking, the ball settles again at the end of the drinking tube. A film of water forms and the valve is effectively closed again.
The average water feeder comprises a plastic BPA-free water bottle that’s fixed into a plastic holder, a screw-on bracket, or some other form of an attachment system. Ideally, you want a dripless design with a roller-ball style nozzle and height adjustment ability.
Do Dog Crate Water Bottles Always Drip?
Yes. Initially, your dog crate water bottle will release a tiny drip of water as the new vacuum seal is formed. That’s because the water volume inside the bottle and the air space need to equalize to form the vacuum and seal the bottle. That tiny droplet of water is the after-effect of that equalization process and is absolutely normal.
So, if you spot a single drop of water at the end of the bottle’s drinking tube, that doesn’t mean that the bottle is leaking. You can help to seal the bottle when it’s first filled up and mounted in the crate by tapping the ball bearing a few times with your fingertip. That will release a little bit of water and accelerate the equalization of the vacuum pressure.
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Continuous Dripping
If the water bottle keeps on dripping or emptying itself out completely, there’s a problem. However, you can usually fix that by following these simple steps:
- There should be a rubber gasket inside the bottle cap. If that’s missing, the bottle will leak. You can either replace the gasket or replace the bottle, whichever is the cheapest option.
- Try filling the bottle completely with water that’s at room temperature. That will speed up the vacuum process and stop the bottle from dripping.
- When the bottle is full, fasten the top securely, tap the ball bearing over your sink, and then fix the bottle to the dog crate.
- Tap the ball bearing again. The bottle should stop dripping within a few minutes. Smaller bottles generally stop dripping more quickly than larger ones.
- If you have a large 32 or 64-ounce bottle, hold the bottle facing upwards. Squeeze the bottle until a tiny amount of water is forced out. Now, turn the bottle over and hang it on your dog’s crate. Since larger bottles take longer to form a vacuum, that action has the effect of speeding up the process and stopping the bottle from dripping.
If none of the above fixes work, it’s usually best to simply replace the bottle.
Where Should I Place The Water Bottle In The Crate?
Generally, dog crate water bottles are mounted on the wall of the pet cage. The bottle should hang in a vertical position but without dripping.
Make sure that the bottle is high enough that your pet can drink without having to twist his neck to reach the nozzle but not so high that comfortable drinking is impossible.
Temperature changes can affect the action of the vacuum seal within the water bottle, so always keep the cage water dispenser away from windows where direct sunlight can shine on the bottle and warm the water.
How Do I Train My Dog To Use A Dog Crate Water Bottle?
Before you buy one of our recommended water bottles, you need to train your pet to use one. Although that might at first seem like a daunting undertaking, teaching your pet to use his new cage-mounted water bottle is not as tricky as it seems.
Preparation
Most dogs are curious creatures that like to explore new things with their mouths, and you can use that to your advantage here.
Begin by using a sports drink bottle, the kind with a cap that restricts the water flow.
- Fill the bottle with clean water.
- Wait until your pet is thirsty, and then offer him a drink from the bottle, opening the cap so that only a small amount of water comes out.
- Smear some peanut butter or some other tasty treat that your dog loves on the tip of the bottle’s cap to tempt your pet to try it.
- Once your pet is comfortable with licking the bottle cap, you can squeeze a tiny amount of water out of the bottle. Usually, the dog will happily drink the water as it trickles into his mouth.
- If your pet still hasn’t got the gist of what you want him to do, try replacing the water in the bottle with warm chicken or beef broth. That’s sure to tempt even the most unwilling pup to take a sip!
Introducing The Dog Crate Water Bottle
Start by using a standard water bottle with the pet adapter attached to it. The water will only flow from the bottle when the pet licks the bottle adapter and moves the ball bearing inside. Make sure that you adjust the flow to suit your dog, and keep the water flow light until your dog gets used to it.
Hold the bottle vertically, as it will be when it’s in place in the dog’s crate. Again, smear something tasty across the device to encourage the dog to drink.
Most dogs quickly get the gist of what you need them to do. However, I recommend that you keep an eye on your pet when you first begin using the dog crate water bottle and monitor his water consumption.
Related: Is it ok to feed my dog in his crate?
In Conclusion
Did you enjoy our guide to the best dog crate water bottles? If you found this guide helpful and informative, please go ahead and share.
Of the dog crate water bottles that we reviewed, our favorite is the newly upgraded Vannon Dog Water Dispenser.
The bottle features a no-drip, leakproof design and has food-grade, stainless steel roller balls that work effectively to deliver a constant supply of water to your pet. You can remove the bottle cap to refill it without needing to take the bottle off of the dog crate. We love the fact that this large bottle holds 34 ounces of water, so you can be confident that your dog will never be left thirsty.
Finally, the manufacturer offers a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.
What dog crate water bottle did you choose? Tell us in the comments box below!
