Top 10 Best Dog Water Fountain Brands of 2020 (Updated Review)

A dog water fountain keeps fresh drinking water circulating so you don’t have to keep changing it manually. But did you know that pet water fountains can actually make your dog’s water healthier? This is a great way to prevent water from getting stagnant and decrease the risk of bacteria build up.

Studies have shown that pet water bowls are much dirtier than meets the eye, gathering bacteria and germs that make dogs sick. Part of the reason for this is the fact that water is standing, which becomes a great breeding ground not only for bacteria, but similarly to large pools of standing water, it also attracts insects and vermin.

Using a dog water fountain is not only a good way to prevent these risks, but also encourage a dog to consume more water. Thus, we’ve tested many different brands of water fountains for dogs, assessing different factors. Below are the best dog water fountains we’ve liked the most in the past.

Using a Dog Water Fountain in Our Household

We’ve been using water fountains for dogs in our household for years, and I was very familiar with their concept and benefits even before testing brands for this review.

Most good quality pet water fountains are equipped with replaceable water filters that remove impurities from their drinking water. A good dog water fountain will also aerate the water to keep it fresh, because as mentioned above, stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria which exposes your dog to health risks.

There is also a peace of mind that your dog stays consistently hydrated. Dog water fountains typically hold a lot more liquid than a traditional dog water bowl, so you won’t need to worry that your pet will run out while you’re away from home and you won’t have to constantly change the water. Moreover, they’re also more enticing for dogs to drink from.

ALTERNATIVES: The Best Auto-Fill Dog Water Bowls

How Much Water Should My Dog Drink Daily?

Before we get to our best dog water fountain reviews, let’s talk about hydrating your dog. There are many factors that will contribute to how much water a dog needs to drink each day. If you’re having a hard time figuring out your pet’s hydration needs, consult your vet about his daily water requirement.

The general rule of thumb is that every dog should drink about 1 ounce of water for every 1 pound of their body weight each day.

The factors that will determine your dog’s water needs include:

• A dog’s size
• The amount and type of food that the dog eats
• A dog’s activity level
• The weather

If your dog is extremely active, he’ll need to drink more water. Likewise, if the weather is hot, your pooch will need access to more water. Check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s water intake for any reason.

Most dogs will drink when they are thirsty if there is clean, fresh water available. But some health conditions will result in a dog not drinking as much as needed. In this case, the best dog water fountains may entice your pooch into increasing his daily water intake.

Which Dog Water Fountain Is Right for Your Pet?

As you’ll see below, I’ve done a ton of research and testing to find ten of the best pet water fountains for this review, and I’ll be sharing the pros and cons of each model down below. I’ve found the best dog water fountains for large breeds, multi-pet households and even the best option for families on a budget.

My overall top choice is the Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain. This dog fountain is easy to clean, holds enough water for a large breed or multiple smaller dogs, and has a sleek design that will fit well in any home, but it’s also one of the more costly ones.

Now, let’s dig deeper and discuss all of these pet fountains, and I’ll explain all about the different features of each, including my top Big Max fountain pick, and show you some other great alternatives.

Picking the Best Dog Water Fountain

As I was reviewing best dog water fountains, there were a few features that I needed to look for. It was very important for these products to be easy to clean. If it takes 30 minutes to clean a pet fountain, dog owners are just going to settle for a water dish.

A dog water fountain also needs to be made of durable, quality materials that will blend in with any home’s decor. I know it sounds funny, but they also need to be functional. Of course, that should be obvious, but some dog fountains just aren’t worth the expense.

While doing my research, I found that some fountains on the market only last for 1-2 years. I don’t know about you, but if I spend more than $50 on an item I expect it to last a lot longer than that.

Finally, the best dog water fountains have to be affordable for pet owners on a budget. Nowadays, most of us are trying to cut our budgets to make ends meet. Our dogs shouldn’t have to suffer for the decline in the economy, so being smart about your purchases is what it all comes down to.

The Best Dog Water Fountain Brands

1 Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain
The overall best dog water fountain

If you’re the one in charge of keeping your home clean, you probably have the same appreciation for stainless steel that I do. The Pioneer Pet Big Max Fountain is one of the only water fountains on this list that can be washed in the dishwasher. Stainless also matches any homes decor.

If you’re wondering how the fountain works, it’s actually pretty simple. There’s a small motor that pumps the water up through the fountain. In my video review you’ll see that the fountain comes apart into two pieces. The motor sits in between the pieces and attaches with small suction cups.

When it’s time to clean the Big Max fountain, you just take the two pieces apart and throw them in the dishwasher or wash them in hot water with a mild detergent. The motor houses a replaceable filter that removes impurities from the water.

While the fountain itself is easy to clean, the motor is made of plastic and a bit more difficult to take apart and wash. The Big Max fountain holds 1 gallon of water. That’s 128 ounces, so it’s fine for large breed dogs. However, if you have a multi-pet household you’ll have to fill this fountain a couple of times per day.

We have a chocolate Labrador and a Beagle mix, and I usually have to fill it once each day. It’s not a problem for me, as I work from home, but it’s something to be aware of if you work outside the house.

This fountain sells for about $63 on Amazon. It falls in the middle of the price range for the best dog water fountains, and I think it’s definitely worth the money. It’s durable, easy to clean and most buyers have raved about using this fountain for many years.

 

2 Dogit Fresh Drinking Fountain for Large Dogs
The best dog water fountain for large breeds

If you have an extra large dog or multiple large breeds, you’re going to need a fountain that can hold a lot of water. For owners in this situation, I recommend the Dogit Fresh & Clear Fountain. It holds a whopping 355 ounces, which is about 2.77 gallons!

I instantly noticed the unique design of this this fountain. It sits on a pedestal that raises the water access point to about 14 inches off the ground. I love this feature, because it’s easier for tall dogs and especially beneficial for pups with arthritis and other joint issues.

This fountain is also equipped with a replaceable filter, but as you’ll see in my video review, this one is a lot more difficult to clean than the Big Max fountain. This fountain has many different pieces, which not only makes it more difficult to clean, it’s also more difficult to fill.

This one also has a small motor, which means it requires electricity to run. Fountains like this one do a great job of aerating the water, but they’re difficult to take traveling. You can’t use them while on-the-go, and you won’t be able to take fountains like this with you while camping or adventuring where there is no electricity.

You can purchase the Dogit Fresh & Clear Drinking Fountain for Large Dogs for about $58 on Amazon – another fountain that falls in the middle of the price range for similar products.

 

3 Aspenpet Gravity Waterer for Dogs
The best dog water fountain for traveling

Rounding out my top three, the Aspenpet Gravity Waterer isn’t an automatic drinking fountain, but it does continuously supply your pooch with fresh water. This waterer is available in multiple sizes. The one I feature in my review video holds 2.5 gallons of water.

2.5 gallons of water is plenty for our two dogs, so I only need to fill this fountain once per day. The design is simple – as your dog drinks, gravity pulls more fresh water down into the bowl.

It’s easy to clean, too. The bowl is dishwasher safe on the top rack, and you can give the storage tank a quick wash and wipe down as well. There are a few inaccessible crevices in the storage tank, but letting those areas air dry has worked fine for me.

We use the Big Max fountain when we’re home, but we also travel with our dogs a lot. As I mentioned earlier, traveling with an electric fountain is not always ideal. Something simpler, like the Aspenpet Gravity Waterer is ideal for any type of travel. You also won’t need to worry about this fountain stopping if the power goes out.

We bring it camping and on long car rides. It’s great for quick stays in a hotel or to bring along when visiting family and friends. We even like to bring this waterer along with us when we go picnicking in the park. It’s lightweight and small, so it’s easy to bring this along with you anywhere.

Another great benefit with this fountain is that it is made in the USA. That’s important to me, and if it’s important to you too, the Aspenpet Waterer is one of very few options for the best dog water fountains made in America.

Don’t get too excited though. This product isn’t without its flaws. There is no filter with this fountain, which means that all of the drool and debris left behind by your dog is going to be mixed in with his drinking water.

Not only is this one of the best dog water fountains for traveling, it’s also the best option for dog owners on a budget. You can buy the 2.5-gallon Aspenpet Gravity Waterer on Amazon for about $20.

 

4 PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain
The best adjustable flow water fountain

Some dogs aren’t comfortable drinking out of a water fountain at first. Most will come around, but some especially timid dogs will never really get used to the flow of water. That’s why I wanted to include the PetSafe Drinkwell Original Fountain.

This fountain is really only a good option for 1 or 2 small dogs. If you have a medium or large breed dog, this won’t work for you. Likewise, if you have more than 2 small pups I don’t think this fountain will hold enough water to satisfy their thirst all day while you’re away.

Similar to the other automatic water fountains, this one has a replaceable charcoal filter to remove impurities in the water. My favorite feature of this fountain is adjustable flow knob. You can customize it to meet your pet’s needs, which is great for timid dogs that may be nervous around other fountains.

I also appreciate that this fountain is dishwasher safe, and it’s also safe for your pet. The plastic used to make the PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain is BPA free. This is a VERY important feature to look for if you’re buying a fountain made of plastic. This pet fountain is noisier than other similar products, so keep that in mind if you think it may bother your pet.

 

5Catit Design Fresh & Clear Drinking Dog Fountain
The best dog water fountains for small breeds

While it’s ideal to find an elevated water fountain – like the Dogit Fresh & Clear fountain – is great for large breeds, small dogs won’t be able to reach the water. The best dog water fountains that sit close to the floor are a better choice for small dogs. That’s why I wanted to include the Catit Design Fresh & Clear Fountain.

At 6.8-inches high, it’s ideal for small breeds and homes with cats that would enjoy sharing the fountain. This fountain holds 100 ounces of water, which is enough to serve two or three small breed dogs while you’re gone during the day. It’s also equipped with a carbon filtration system to ensure Fido gets the cleanest water possible.

One of the best features that the Catit Design Fresh & Clear Drinking Fountain offers is its virtually silent motor. It does make an annoying gurgling noise when it’s running low on water, but once you add more you’ll barely hear it.

Again, it’s vital that you look for products made with safer plastics. This fountain is made with food safe, BPA-free plastic, according to the company. One thing to note is that plastic fountains, like this one, can become scratched. Bacteria will fester in these scratches and could make your pet ill over a long period of time.

 

6PETKIT Dual Mode Pet Fountain

This is definitely the most intelligent dog fountain on this list. If you’re a tech junky, you’re going to love this one! The PETKIT Dual Mode Fountain has two different modes – one for daytime and one for night time – that offer a large power savings over traditional fountains that run continuously all the time.

This one also offers an advanced filtration system that is equipped with mesh screens, an activated carbon filter and ion-exchange-resin. The company claims that it is completely silent when running, which is perfect if background noise is distracting or annoying to anyone in your household.

With a 70-ounce capacity, this isn’t the right choice for large breeds or multi-pet households. However, the PETKIT Dual Mode Pet Fountain is equipped with a couple of unique features -a filter change reminder and a water-shortage alert.

 

7Uniclife Automatic Pet Water Fountain

This fountain has a small LED light on the top, as you can see in the photo above. If you have a pooch that has a hard time seeing in the dark or just want the extra night light in your home, the Uniclife Automatic Water Fountain may be a good option for you. It only holds about 60 ounces of water though, so it’s only appropriate for small dogs.

With a carbon filter and an easy-to-clean dish, it’s easy to see why I call this one of the best dog water fountains. The little water stream that comes out of the fountain also entices most pets to drink more water than normal. This is especially beneficial if your dog has kidney trouble.

Some buyers weren’t impressed with the quality of this water fountain, but it’s quite a bit cheaper than other similar products. I think this is a case of “you get what you pay for.” If you’re just looking for a small fountain that won’t see every day use or won’t get a lot of wear and tear treatment, this is a great option.

 

8iMounTEK Dog Geyser Water Fountain

This fountain has a very unique design. It’s not like the other best dog water fountains on this list. The iMounTEK Geyser Water Fountain attaches to your outdoor hose. It’s easy to use, but does require some extensive training.

The fountain is powered by a foot pedal. Once you train Fido to press the pedal down, a steady stream of water will be available. This fountain offers a great way to give your dog an unlimited supply of fresh drinking water when he’s outside.

While it has it’s advantages, you have probably already guessed that there are a few downfalls with this fountain too. For starters, you’ll need to train your pet to use the iMounTEK Dog Geyser Water Fountain. If your pet loves water, he’ll probably take to it quite easily. If he’s timid or doesn’t like the water, you’ll probably never be able to get him used to this fountain.

On the other end of the spectrum, this fountain could also pose a problem for dogs that are playful and enjoy the water. Your dog may end up playing in the geyser instead of drinking from it.

 

9The Easy-Clean Water Bowl

This water fountain ends up on our review list because it has valve that fills the bowl as soon as your pet takes a drink. Once the water lowers the valve, the water in The Easy-Clean Water Bowl will automatically rise back to the fill line. How’s that for easy and time saving?

The Easy-Clean Water Bowl is also equipped with a 10-foot long hose that is wrapped in metal. It connects to your outdoor hose spigot, and is extremely durable to stand up to any unexpected puppy chewing.

You can see in the photo above that the bowl is completely round. That means no small crevices to clean. You can easily wipe it out with a clean, damp cloth. The valve also hinges open so you can clean in there as well. A lot of buyers are surprised to find such a versatile dog water fountain at such a reasonable price.

On the down side, the plastic is extremely lightweight. While this is great if you need to move the bowl around, it means your pooch will be able to kick it over quite easily too. It’s not a major problem, but it does mean a lot of wasted water if you have a hyperactive dog.

 

10PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain

In my opinion, this is the most aesthetically pleasing dog fountains on this list. Comes in a neutral color and has a very simple two-tier design. I think the PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Fountain has an elegant look that would fit in with any home’s decor.

I also love that this fountain offers two tiers. If you have two dogs, they can both drink at the same time without having to step all over each other to reach the water. It also holds 100 ounces of water, so it will be efficient for at least 2 dogs.

A replaceable carbon filter removes impurities from the water, and the free falling stream keeps the water aerated. The plastic is BPA-free, and the fountain is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain makes an annoying gurgling noise when the water runs low. You’ll have to be sure to carefully clean the plastic so it doesn’t become scratched and harbor bacteria. Also, some reviewers say that they were disappointed with the overall quality of this product for the price they paid.

READ NEXT: 5 Best Dog Water Bottles To Keep Pets Hydrated on Daily Walks

Want to share this?