The Best Water Troughs for Pets
A good water trough can be a great way to make sure your pet is getting all the hydration they need. These bowl extensions don't just hold more water but make it easier for your pet to drink out of thanks to their curved edges. But not every water trough will provide your dog with the quality drink they deserve, which is why we've made this list of the best of the best. Read on to see how your dog can start taking bigger and happier gulps of water today.
What to Look For
We looked for three main things when seeking a water trough to recommend: can the trough hold plenty of water? Is it designed to be easy to drink from? Finally, is it easy to clean and does it have features that stop spills from happening? Every water trough on our list met or surpassed our standards in these areas. Neater Pet Brands provided our favorite water trough thanks to its adjustable height and convenient non-skid feet. And for bigger breeds, the Lucky Farm feeder provided an easy automatic drink with plenty of water to go around. Keep reading to see which water trough will be slaking the thirst of your pooch today.
Neater Pet Brands Jumbo Water Trough
This water trough is accessible to pets of all shapes and sizes and makes things easier on their humans, too. Its height-adjustable legs and high, sloped walls ensure pets of any size can get a drink without causing any spills. And since it can hold over a gallon of water, it’s perfect for households with multiple pets that may want a drink at the same time. Convenience for multiple pets—whether they drink individually or all at once—makes this our favorite water trough.
Pros
- The smooth plastic material is easy to clean.
- It has pads that prevent it from skidding, which will come in handy if you plan to nourish more than one pet at the same time.
Cons
- Its large size means it can be awkward to carry when filled.
Peday 304 Large Dog Water Trough
Large and in charge
Large dogs can get thirsty, and those big appetites are just what this water trough is designed to deal with. With a capacity of over two and a half gallons and durable stainless steel construction, it’s still easy to carry thanks to its extended edge grips. Its steel body also makes it easy to clean and prevents any accumulation of bacteria. Fesh drinking and easy cleaning are the defining features of this water trough.
Pros
- Its steel build makes it difficult for dogs to tip over.
- The jumbo sizing means less time spent taking it into the kitchen or bathroom for refills.
- It’s more affordable than many other troughs.
Cons
- It only comes in a plain grey color.
Lucky Farm Automatic Water Trough
Home on the range
For the very largest dogs—or even bigger animals—this water trough is a must. Lucky Farms has made a trough that can pump an industrial level of water into a relatively compact space, making it ideal for outdoor animals who consistently need rehydration. Plus, its filtering system ensures that the water they drink will stay clean even if left unattended. Professionals like farmers and those with the very biggest breeds will greatly benefit from this water trough.
Pros
- The automatic, stationary nature of this water trough eliminates the need to take it back inside for refills.
- Its stainless steel design keeps it from rusting.
Cons
- You’ll likely need an adapter to make your hose compatible with this water trough.
Macgoal Stainless Steel Automatic Water Trough
Any outside dog should stay hydrated, and this water trough is perfect for that. It’s designed to supply clean water with ease and consistency thanks to its drainage hole and simple-to-change filtration system. The stainless-steel body also keeps it from warping or rusting even after long periods of outdoor use. Add an easy installation process and a comparatively low price point, and you have a great water trough for any dog who stays outside.
Pros
- The stainless steel does a good job of retaining water at a cool temperature.
- It’s remarkably easy to clean.
Cons
- Like many automatic troughs, it will likely need an adapter to work properly with your hose.
Little Giant Fence Water Trough
For good neighbors
Setting up this water trough is a simple matter thanks to its handy clips. It’s designed to be hung from a wire fence or rail, making it an easy choice for keeping your pooch hydrated on hot days. The polyethylene resin is also surprisingly durable and designed to resist cracks and fissures. When it comes to a straightforward choice for keeping your dog from getting thirsty outside, this water trough is tough to beat.
Pros
- It’s competitively priced compared with many other troughs.
- The bright coloring makes it easy to spot dirt and residue that indicate it needs to be cleaned.
Cons
- There’s no clip for the bottom, meaning it can spill if bumped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get a water trough instead of a bowl?
Most bowls are very easy to spill, and even the best and biggest of them can only hold so much water. A water trough will have greater stability and can contain enough water to keep your pets hydrated throughout the day. They’re especially useful if you have larger dogs or ones who like to take a drink at the same time.
What material should I work for in a water trough?
We’ve found that the best water troughs tend to be made from stainless steel, as this makes them both resilient as well as easy to clean. However, some types of hard plastic can make for a good water trough as well if you make sure to clean them with regularity.
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