8 Best Water Bowls for Basset Hounds – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

One of the Basset Hounds’ most recognizable features—their long ears—is likely also the bane of its existence. Some dogs’ ears are so long that they drag on the ground or hang into their food bowls, creating a mess and putting them at risk of infections and wounds. That’s why it’s so important for owners to do their due diligence to ensure their Basset Hound’s ears stay clean and healthy as much as possible.

A water bowl designed specifically for long-eared dogs is a worthwhile investment to keep your pup’s ears dry. These bowls have long, narrow openings to redirect floppy ears to the sides instead of the inside of the dish.

Keep reading for our reviews of the eight best water bowls for Basset Hounds so your pup’s ears can stay dry, clean, and healthy.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

The 8 Best Water Bowls for Basset Hounds

1. Dogit Elevated Dog Bowl – Best Overall

Our best overall choice is the Dogit Elevated Dog Bowl, an elevated dog bowl to provide a comfier drinking position for your pup. Its anti-skid feet keep the bowl from sliding across the floor while your Basset Hound drinks. The bowl is made of melamine, but the stainless-steel insert is removable and safe to put in your dishwasher. It comes in several colors and two size options, but we recommend the large for adult dogs. This product is available in a single bowl or a combo containing a slow feeder bowl.

The listing claims the bowl’s capacity is 30 ounces but it appears to be much less. Also, because the insert is removable, it’s loose in the melamine bowl, which can make noise when your dog is drinking.

---

2. Fed “N” Watered Spaniel Bowl – Best Value

The Fed “N” Watered Spaniel Bowl provides the best water bowl for Basset Hounds for the money. This highly affordable product holds up to 23 ounces of water, so you don’t need to fill it as often. It has internal molded rubber feet to keep the bowl from sliding around on the floor and because they’re mounted internally, you’ll never lose them. The bowl is long and narrow to redirect your Basset Hounds ears away from its food and water. In addition, this product is dishwasher safe to make cleaning easy.

The bowl is on the bigger side, so you may need to wait until your Basset Hound is a bit older to use it.

---

3. Flipo Ear Clear Dog Bowl & Mat Set – Premium Choice

Sometimes you want the best bang for your buck, no matter the price. While the Flipo Ear Clear Dog Bowl and Mat Set is pricier than others on our list, you’re getting more value because it’s a two-bowl set. This all-in-one feeding solution consists of two narrow and elevated bowls to keep your dog’s ears out of its water and food and a no-mess feeding mat to control spills. The bowls are made of durable, sturdy plastic material that makes them dishwasher safe.

Though the advertisement says the bowl holds 36 ounces, they seem smaller. This means you’ll be filling the water more often, and your Basset Hound’s meal servings may be too big for the bowl. Also, since the bowls are so small, your pup may make quite a mess when it drinks.

---

4. PETish Spaniel Bowl for Long Ear Dog – Best for Puppies

The ergonomic PETish Spaniel Bowl for Long Ear Dog is a great option if you have a Basset Hound puppy. The bowl comes in two sizes, but the medium is the one we’d recommend for puppies. This 17-ounce bowl has high sides to redirect your pup’s long ears and a rubber-padded bottom to make it skid-proof. In addition, because it’s stainless steel, the bowl is easy to clean, rust-proof, and will last for ages.

The bowl has a smaller capacity than others and will probably need to be filled more than once daily. Though it has a rubber bottom, particularly exuberant Basset Hound puppies still may be able to tip it over.

---

5. CAM Pets Large Size, Pair of Raised Dog Bowl for Large Dogs

The CAM Pets Large Size, Pair of Raised Dog Bowl for Large Dogs is a large capacity option that reduces neck pressure for dogs while they eat or drink. It has a non-slip base to prevent it from sliding across your home as your Basset Hound drinks and a long, narrow opening to redirect long ears outside of the bowl. The bowl is lightweight and has a handy carrying handle on the side, making picking it up easier for folks with arthritis or weakness. This product is also advertised for use with dogs who have to wear a cone, making it highly versatile.

Because the bowl is so lightweight, it can be easy for some dogs to tip it over. Additionally, the manufacturer does not state if this product is dishwasher safe.

---

6. Navaris Ceramic Dog Bowl Water & Food Bowl for Dogs with Long Ears

The Navaris Ceramic Dog Bowl – Water & Food Bowl for Dogs with Long Ears is a stylish option for pet parents who want a bowl with a little more aesthetic for their homes. Its ceramic design makes it non-porous and dishwasher safe to keep it hygienic. At just over two pounds, this bowl is spill-proof for even the most exuberant drinkers. Its tall, narrow opening allows your long-eared Basset Hound to drink comfortably. This is the biggest capacity bowl on our list, holding 64 ounces.

Because the bowl is made of ceramic, it is pricier and more fragile than other options. If it gets dinged, the chips can harbor harmful bacteria or cut your pup. Extra care must be taken to keep your pet safe.

---

7. Flexzion Elevated Dog Bowl

The Flexzion Elevated Dog Bowl is a stylish and ergonomic bowl available in several beautiful designs. Its tall and narrow shape redirects long ears and is perfect for older dogs with arthritis who find bending down to eat or drink a little more difficult. In addition, the curved base is convenient for owners with less mobility as it’s easier to pick up. The bowl insert is made of stainless steel to ensure hygiene and durability, and the wide non-skid rubber rim keeps the bowl in place.

As with other bowls on our list, the advertised capacity seems incorrect as it won’t hold close to its listed capacity. In addition, the bowl is quite large, which can take up a big footprint in your home.

---

8. Kruuse Buster Incredibowl

The Kruuse Buster Incredibowl is a large bowl designed specifically with long-eared breeds in mind. Its conical shape is perfect for redirecting ears, and if you choose to use this bowl for food, it also ensures your pup eats its food slowly, as getting to the inner corners is challenging. Its large capacity makes it perfect for thirsty dogs or a multi-pet household. The manufacturer does not explicitly state the materials used in this bowl’s construction, but it appears to be a heavy-duty rubber. It’s easy to clean but can stain easily if you’re using them for food.

The bowl is expensive and not dishwasher safe. It arrives with a strong scent that can linger even after washing.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Water Bowls for Basset Hounds

Let’s take a look at which factors you need to consider when choosing the right water bowl for your Basset Hound.

Shape

The bowl’s shape will ultimately determine its effectiveness for your Basset Hound. You already know that a shallow round bowl won’t work for your pup because they’re not designed for long-eared dogs. Basset Hounds need a bowl with tall, steep sides as they redirect those long ears to the sides of the bowl instead of inside of it.

Non-Slip Features

The best pet food bowls for dogs of any breed have a non-slip material on the bottom. Most of the time, you’ll find bowls with rubber rims or legs. You should actively seek out a non-slip water bowl for your Basset Hound, so your pup doesn’t have to chase its water dish around the house as it’s trying to drink. The more still your dog can be while drinking, the less likely it is for an ear to find its way inside the bowl.

Capacity

The capacity of your bowl determines how convenient it is for you. For example, a small bowl that can only hold 10 ounces of water must be refilled often, while larger bowls can be filled once a day or less. If you don’t mind refilling your Basset Hound’s bowl several times per day, you don’t need to take capacity into consideration.

Materials

The material your dog’s bowl is made of will determine its durability and lifespan.

Stainless steel is often the most popular choice as it’s rust-free, easy to clean, and non-porous. They don’t harbor potentially harmful bacteria and are very durable. The biggest downfall of stainless steel is that you’re often limited in color and design options.

Plastic bowls tend to be more affordable, making them accessible for dog owners on tight budgets. They come in a variety of colors and are highly durable. Plastic isn’t the best choice for households with big chewers. They can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if they get nicked or scratched. This is generally less of an issue for water bowls as you won’t be taking cutlery near the bowl as you would with a food dish.

Finally, ceramic bowls are heavy and stable, making them perfect for exuberant drinkers who push their bowls. They come in a wide array of colors and designs to suit any home décor. Unfortunately, ceramic is porous and will need to be cleaned daily. They are also fragile and will need to be tossed if they get nicked or scratched; otherwise, they could cut your pup.

FAQ

Why Does My Basset Hound Need a Special Bowl?

Basset Hounds should have specially designed food and water bowls to prevent their ears from dipping into their dishes and to ensure they don’t accidentally bite down on their ears while eating and drinking.

The floppiness of the ears can trap moisture inside, which can easily lead to dirt and bacterial build-up. In addition, they don’t air out well once they get wet, which can lead to infections.

What Else Can Be Done to Ensure Proper Ear Health?

Basset Hounds are vulnerable to ear infections, so the more you can do to prevent them, the better.

Regular ear cleanings are necessary for this breed. Without them, your dog may develop odorous ear wax, which can build up and cause infections. Check out our blog on how to clean dog ears for more tips. If your dog is dealing with a serious wax build-up, we don’t recommend tackling it at home. A vet or professional groomer is great to have on speed dial in this situation.

One thing you might wish to invest in is a “snood.” The snood is a garment designed to be worn on the head. Some people use them to warm their dogs in winter, while others use them to wrangle up floppy, long ears. Once your Basset Hound is used to wearing its snood, you can put it on during meals to keep its ears out of its food. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely your dog will want to wear it all day, so you should still buy special water bowls to keep your pup’s ears as dry as possible.

Conclusion

For the best overall water bowl for Basset Hounds, Dogit Elevated Dog Bowl combines high-quality construction with a design specifically for long-eared pups. Budget-conscious owners will love the Fed “N” Watered Spaniel Bowl for its price and non-slip construction. Finally, those searching for a premium bowl should consider the Flipo Ear Clear Dog Mat Set for its all-in-one feeding station design.

Hopefully, our reviews have helped you narrow down your list of prospective water bowls. However, remember you can’t rely on your pet’s bowl to keep its ears in tip-top shape. As a Basset Hound owner, part of your job is doing your due diligence in keeping your pup’s ears as healthy as possible.

• See also: 10 Best Spill-Proof Dog Water Bowls – Reviews & Top Picks

---

Featured Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock