Best dog water bottles for travel and outdoors
If you have a dog that just loves the outdoors, then you need to ensure that your pooch stays well-hydrated while on the go. One way to accomplish this is to utilize your own water bottle and use your hand or a collapsible dog bowl. While this is reasonably convenient, it can lead to undue wastage of water. After all, you cannot pour the leftover water back in the bottle. Enter dog water bottles to the scene.
So, which are the best dog water bottles for travel and outdoors?
In this article, we will look at answering exactly the same question and list some of the best dog water bottles for walking, travel and other outdoor adventures such as camping and hiking. We will discuss the major benefits of carrying a dog water bottle and also share the major factors to consider before picking the best dog water bottle for your pooch.
Read on to find out which are the best dog water bottles available in the market!
Do not forget to check out our article on the best dog travel bowls if you are looking for a collapsible dog water bowl as an alternative.
Best dog water bottle list
Some of best dog water bottles for travel and outdoors are listed below:| Picture | Product | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | H2O4K9 K9 Unit Insulated Dog Water Bottle | 25 fl. oz.; 9.6 oz. | |
 | Highwave AutoDogMug | 20 fl. oz.; 10 oz. | |
 | H2O4K9 (KONG H2O) Standard Dog Water Bottle | 25 fl. oz.; 7.2 oz. | |
 | Tuff Pupper PupFlask Dog Water Bottle | 24 fl. oz.; 5.0 oz. | |
 | OllyDog OllyBottle Water Bottle | M: 20 fl. oz.; 5.5 oz. L: 34 fl. oz.; 7.2 oz. | |
 | Water Rover Dog Bowl and Bottle | S: 8 oz.; 3.5 oz. M: 15 fl. oz.; 4.3 oz. L: 26 fl. oz.; 9.6 oz. XL: 26 fl. oz.; 11 oz. | |
 | TOPSOSO Silicone Folding Dog Water Bottle | 13.5 fl. oz.; 5.2 oz. | |
 | Kurgo Gourd Travel Dog Water Bottle | 24 fl. oz.; 7.0 oz. | |
 | LumoLeaf Portable Pet Water Bottle | 20 fl. oz.; 5.1 oz. | |
 | M&MKPET Dog Water Bottle | M: 12 fl. oz.; 4.5 oz. L: 18 fl. oz.; 5.9 oz. |
What is a dog water bottle and why should you carry one?
Proper hydration is extremely important to dogs as dehydration can lead to lethargy and multiple health issues. Typically, a dog needs around 0.75 to 1.0 fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. While some of the hydration can be in form of moist food, most of the hydration would still come from water and your pooch would need anywhere between 8 ounces to 25 ounces of water per day.
Dogs tend to pant a lot more while engaging in outdoor play or activities such as hiking, backpacking and hunting, so you need to carry enough water during these activities.
Dogs gulp water using the back of their tongues, so having the water in a stable bowl or tray is generally a better and waste-free option than relying on cupped hands. This is where these dog water bottles come into the picture.
In its design, a dog water bottle is not much different from a human water bottle. It has a food-grade plastic, stainless steel or silicone bottle with an attached tray, mug or bowl that can be used by the canine to drink water. Some dog water bottles have the drinking bowl or tray hinged with the lid, while others have it as a separate attachment to the bottle. Many of them also include a carabiner or shoulder belt to carry them conveniently during outdoor trips.
Dog water bottles offer some distinct advantages as a water source for your dog during walks and travel. The major pros and cons of carrying dog water bottles are summarized below:
- Dog water bottles reduce wastage as you would no longer have to throw away excess water that the dog does not drink. You can simply add it back to the bottle.
- Having a separate water source for the pet can help you in keeping a tab on the hydration levels for your pet.
- Having a separate water reservoir for your dog is more hygienic for you and your dog. You can only dispense a small amount of water that your pup will drink, leaving rest of the water saliva-free.
- A separate water source also means that you can have additives added to your own or your canine’s water.
- Since dog water bottles have a water bowl or drinking tray attached to the bottle, they are more convenient than cupped hands and collapsible bowls.
- You would have to invest in an extra pet gear and carry an extra item during your outdoor trips. Hence you would have to account for its weight and space.
From the above discussion, it is clear that dog water bottles are a convenient item to carry to ensure proper hydration for pets during walks, travel or outdoor adventures such as camping and hiking. Now let us look at some of the best dog water bottles available in the market!
Which are the best dog water bottles for travel and outdoors?
H2O4K9 (KONG H2O) K9 Unit Insulated Dog Water Bottle – Best dog water bottle
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Material: Stainless-steel water bottle with a silicone sleeve and BPA-free plastic drinking bowl.
Size and Weight: 25 fl. oz.; 9.6 oz.
Price: $$$
Features:
- Self-insulating counterpart of the best-selling H2O4K9 dog water bottle. Features a food-grade stainless-steel bottle, with a silicone sleeve and BPA free plastic bowl. Made in China and now part of the KONG family.
- Features a patented BPA-free large capacity lid with a wider, deeper drinking trough than the standard model. Free from hinge points and uniquely-designed to make it easier for the dog to drink from.
- Silicone outer shell provides additional insulation. Wide mouth makes it easier to re-fill or add ice.
- The bottle is designed to fit in the standard car/RV/stroller cup holders.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Available in over four color combinations. Backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.
Details:
H2O4K9 dog water bottles by Doggear (formerly Bampz) have been the best-selling pet travel bottles for quite a few years now and there is a good reason for that. Now with the association with KONG, the world’s premier pet gear company, you can only expect good things from this brand. It would now be rebranded as KONG H20.
The H2O4K9 K9 Unit insulated dog water bottle is a one step ahead of the standard H2O4K9 dog water bottle. Though we love both of them, we preferred to list the K9 Unit as our top pick simply because of the insulation capabilities it offers.
The H2O4K9 K9 Unit insulated dog water bottle features a self-insulating water bottle made of durable yet lightweight, food-grade 18/8 stainless steel. The water bottle has a BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free plastic twist lid that also doubles up as a serving bowl. A silicone sleeve around the bottle helps in maintaining the temperature for a longer time and also makes the bottle sound and impact resistant. Both the bottle and the lid are fully recyclable, so you can purchase the bottle without worrying about the impact on the environment.
The K9 Unit has an overall diameter of a tad over 3 inches (3.2″ x 3.2″ x 10″), which is slightly bigger than the diameter of the standard water bottle. It can still fit in most car/stroller cup holders. People have even used fit it in cycling bottle carriers/cages, though it is indeed a tighter fit when compared to the standard option. The only complaint that you may have with this dog water bottle is that it does not come with a clip or carabiner, and you would have to purchase one separately to fit in the loop provided with the bottle. There is also a neoprene Neosling carrier (do not worry, the insulated bottle does fit the standard Neosling even though it is advertised as not-compatible) with matching color, available for easy transportation on the shoulder.
At a generous capacity of 25 oz. and weighing less than 10 ounces, the H2O4K9 K9 Unit insulated dog water bottle is suitable for most dog breeds – medium to large. If you want a smaller bottle, you may want to check out the 9.5 fl. oz. standard H2O4K9 water bottle. This self-insulating bottle can keep the water cold for up to 4-5 hours even in the hottest weathers.
One of the best features of the H2O4K9 K9 Unit insulated dog water bottle is its twisted lip drinking bowl. The twist top lid is virtually unbreakable and designed specifically to suit a canine’s natural drinking style. Most dogs would love the fresh water and there is no metal after-taste, if you are worried about that. Like the bottle, the drinking bowl/lid is dishwasher safe, though, you are better off by washing it with hand.
The H2O4K9 K9 Unit bottle is available in over four color combinations and like all H2O4K9 products, it is backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer. Just make sure your purchase it from an authorized reseller only.
- High-quality, insulated dog water bottle made of food-grade stainless steel with a BPA-free plastic drinking bowl. Backed by the KONG brand.
- The silicone sleeve and self-insulating container can maintain the water temperature for up to 4-5 hours.
- Leak-proof twisted lip drinking bowl is designed to make it easier for dogs to drink from. Patented design.
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
- Fits most cup holders and ergonomic and sleek enough to fit backpacks, bike cages, and even strollers.
- Available in over four color combinations and backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.
- Slightly bulkier than most other portable pet travel water bottles.
- Does not come with a carabiner and a clip or Neosling carrier has to be purchased separately.
Highwave AutoDogMug – Best plastic dog water bottle
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Material: BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free ABS plastic bottle and mug.
Size and Weight: 20 fl. oz.; 10 oz.
Price: $$
Features:
- Smartly-designed dog travel mug with a BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free ABS plastic bottle and bowl. Featured in the Oprah Magazine and made in the US (check beforehand or buy directly from the manufacturer to avoid counterfeits).
- Patented one-handed hydration system is simple to use: Squeeze the bottle to fill the 4″ mug and release to return the water back.
- The bottle is designed to fit in the standard car/RV/stroller cup holders.
- Comes with a removable Velcro strap to attach to a backpack or use as a handle.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Available in over six color combinations. Backed by a one-year warranty by the manufacturer.
Details:
The Highwave AutoDogMug is an excellent plastic dog water bottle and mug combo, especially if you are looking for a water container for hiking and other outdoor activities. Why else you think it featured in the Oprah Magazine and overwhelmed with so many knock-off models?
The Highwave AutoDogMug features an innovative dog water mug with a BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free ABS plastic bottle and bowl. The original product is made in the US and you must ensure that you buy it directly from the manufacturer or a reseller based in the US.
The dog bottle has a diameter of around 3-inches and is about 8.5 inches tall. It is designed to fit in the standard car, RV and stroller cup holders. The drinking mug is 4-inches in diameter and big enough to suit most dog breeds.
The innovative aspect of the Highwave AutoDogMug is its patented one-handed hydration system. It is pretty simple to use – simply squeeze the bottle to fill the water in the mug. Once done, simply release and the leftover water is drained back in the bottle. Its design means that it is not totally dry once used and hence you should carry it outside the backpack.
The Highwave AutoDogMug comes with a removable Velcro strap to attach the bottle to a backpack or use as a handle. It also has a metal clip to hold the bottle when empty. The bottle is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
The Highwave AutoDogMug is available in over six color combinations and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.
- Innovative dog travel water bottle with a built-in drinking mug. BPA-free plastic bottle and drinking mug. Featured in the Oprah Magazine and made in the US.
- Patented hydration mechanism that fills the drinking mug when squeezed. No water wastage as leftover water drains back when released.
- Designed to fit car and stroller cup holders. Dishwasher safe.
- Available in over six color combinations and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.
- You need to keep squeezing the bottle to keep the water in the mug.
- Because of the design, not totally leak-proof and compact. Must not be carried within a backpack.
- There is a major problem with counterfeit knock-offs, so always check “Shipped from” location before ordering.
H2O4K9 (KONG H2O) Standard Dog Water Bottle
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Material: Stainless-steel water bottle with a BPA-free ABS plastic bowl.
Size and Weight: 25 fl. oz.; 7.2 oz.
Price: $ to $$
Features:
- Best-selling, stainless steel dog water bottle with a food-grade metal bottle and BPA free plastic bowl. Now part of KONG family and marketed as Kong H2O. Leak-proof and rugged.
- Features a virtually-unbreakable twist top lid with no hinge points. This uniquely-designed twist top lid bowl makes it easier for the dog to drink from.
- Designed to fit in the standard car/RV/stroller cup holders.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Available in six colors with or without the Neosling carrying sleeve. Backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.
- A smaller, 9.5 fl. oz. dog travel bottle is also available from the same manufacturer.
Tuff Pupper PupFlask Dog Water Bottle
Material: Stainless-steel water bottle with a silicone drinking cup.
Size and Weight: 24 fl. oz.; 5.0 oz.
Price: $$$
Features:
- High-quality stainless-steel dog water bottle with a leaf-shaped, food-grade silicone drinking cup. Suitable for all dog breeds.
- Features a leak-proof design with a release button the cap to lock/unlock water flow. Leftover water flows back to the bottle.
- Wide-mouth allows adding ice to the water. Dishwasher-safe.
- Comes with an oversized plastic handle and a nylon strap for easy transportation.
- Available in four color combinations and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.
- A plastic water bottle option is also available from the same manufacturer.
OllyDog OllyBottle Water Bottle
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Material: BPA-free Eastman Tritan plastic
Size and Weight:
- Medium: 20 fl. oz.; 5.5 oz.
- Large: 34 fl. oz.; 7.2 oz.
Price: $ to $$
Features:
- High-grade dog water bottle made of BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free Eastman Tritan copolyester plastic.
- Unique patent-pending design with a full-sized, slide-on water tray attached on the side. Has water markers on the side to track hydration.
- Features a wide-mouth with a leak-proof silicone ring on the cap for easy twist opening. Can be used for both humans and pets.
- Easy to clean. The bottle and tray set are dishwasher safe.
- Available in two sizes and four vibrant colors. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Because of its shape, does not fit the car and stroller cup holders.
Water Rover Dog Bowl and Bottle
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Material: BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free plastic bottle and bowl.
Size and Weight:
- Small: 8 oz.; 3.5 oz.
- Medium: 15 fl. oz.; 4.3 oz.
- Large: 26 fl. oz.; 9.6 oz.
- Extra Large: 26 fl. oz.; 11 oz.
Price: $ to $$
Features:
- A popular pet water bottle made with BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free plastic. Latest models are made in the US. (check with the seller before purchasing).
- Has a bowl fitted with the lid that gets automatically filled when the bottle is placed on a flat surface or squeezed while standing.
- Leak-proof, spill-proof design, with a clip to attach the bottle to the waistband or belt.
- Wide-mouth allows adding ice to the water. Dishwasher-safe.
- Available in four sizes and eight color combinations. Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Fits most car and stroller cup holders.
TOPSOSO Silicone Folding Dog Water Bottle
Material: Food-grade silicone resin water bottle with a BPA-free ABS plastic lid.
Size and Weight: 13.5 fl. oz.; 5.2 oz.
Price: $.
Features:
- Ultralight, collapsible dog water bottle with a silicone resin bottle and BPA-free plastic lid. Made in China.
- The bottle is soft and can be collapsed into the lid when empty.
- The unique bowl-shaped lid can double up as a travel bowl and also provide additional protection against leaks.
- Easy to disassemble in three parts. Dishwasher-safe.
- Comes with an aluminum carabiner for easy portability.
- Most suitable for small to medium dog breeds. Also available in smaller and larger sizes.
Kurgo Gourd Travel Dog Water Bottle
Material: BPA and PVC-free plastic bottle with a detachable dog bowl attached at the bottom.
Size and Weight: 20 fl. oz.; 5.1 oz.
Price: $$
Features:
- A unique pet travel bottle with a standard wide-mouth design and a detachable bowl at the bottom. The auto dog mug and pet travel bowl set are PVC and BPA-free.
- The bottle can be used for humans as well as pets. The bowl holds 8 oz. of water at one time.
- Easy to clean. The bottle and bowl set are dishwasher safe.
- Available in three colors and backed by a hassle-free Kurgo Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects.
- Does not fit in the car and stroller cup holder.
LumoLeaf Portable Pet Water Bottle
Material: BPA-free ABS plastic bottle with a food-grade silicone drinking bowl.
Size and Weight: 20 fl. oz.; 5.1 oz.
Price: $
Features:
- Popular dog water bottle with a BPA-free ABS plastic body and cap and a food-grade silicone drinking tray. 1-piece molded design. Made in China.
- Smart drinking bowl shape makes it easier for the pet to drink through. The drinking tray is removable and can be attached to standard 30/38 mm. neck water bottles.
- Leakproof operation with two rubber-rings in the screw cap.
- Fits into car and stroller cup holders for easy portability.
- Comes with a removable aluminum carabiner to attach the bottle to a backpack or belt loop.
- Available in three fashionable color combinations.
M&MKPET Dog Water Bottle
Material: BPA and lead-free plastic.
Size and Weight:
- Medium: 12 fl. oz.; 4.5 oz.
- Large: 18 fl. oz.; 5.9 oz.
Price: $$
Features:
- Smartly-designed dog water bottle made of BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free plastic. Coated with anti-bacterial Microban. Made in China.
- Unique one hand operation with a secure lock button to dispense/stop water flow in the bowl.
- Features a silica gel ring to prevent leaks during travel. Fits the car cup holder.
- Easy to disassemble and wash with soap and water. The bottle is dishwasher safe.
- Available in two sizes and three color combinations.
How to pick the best dog water bottle for travel and outdoors?
Picking a dog water bottle should not be much different from picking any type of water bottle. But since you do not have a lot of established brands offering their products, picking the best dog water bottle can sometimes be a challenge. You need to keep the following major factors in mind before picking the best travel water bottle for your canine.
- Building material
- Design and portability
- Size and capacity
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Additional factors and considerations
Since your pet dog would need hydration at almost all times, it would probably be a good idea to opt for a couple of different bottles for everyday trips as well as outdoor travel and adventures.
Building material
The building material of the pet travel bottle is an important factor to consider as it governs the overall durability and reliability of the product. This includes the material of the bottle, drinking bowl or tray and any caps/covers etc.
All the dog water bottles that we list are made of one of the three materials – stainless-steel, silicone or plastic.
Stainless-steel is considered the best material as it is chemically inert, durable and easy to clean, but this tends to make the bottle a little heavier for its size. That is why such bottles have plastic bowls and mugs to keep the overall weight down. Tuff Pupper PupFlask and H2O4K9 (KONG H2O) K9 Unit are two examples of stainless-steel pet water bottle. The K9 Unit bottle even has a silicone sleeve to supplement the built-in insulation.
All the plastic bottles that we list are made of BPA, BPS and Phthalate-free, food-grade ABS plastic. Since dog water bottles would invariably be exposed to sunlight, chemical leaching can happen if the bottle is not BPA-free. Even the drinking bowls, trays and caps should be made of BPA-free plastic. In fact, it was the only reason why we did not list the popular Gulpy dog water dispenser in our list – It is not listed as BPA-free.
Silicone is also chemically inert and food-safe material. It is also lightweight and flexible enough to collapse. The only issue with silicone is that it has a propensity of catching dirt and mud, so you would have to be careful while using it on soiled surfaces. PYRUS Silicone Folding Dog Water Bottle is the only silicone dog travel water bottle that we listed, though a bunch of other options use a silicone tray or bowl.
Check the material of the bottle, drinking mug/bowl/tray and the cap before picking the best dog travel bottle for your pooch.
Design and portability
The design of the pet travel bottle and the drinking bowl or tray is another important factor to consider as it governs the utility, durability and portability of the bottle.
The most common design over the years has been the tray-type lid or container hinged to the bottle. While this design makes the bottle compact and convenient to use while on the move, the presence of hinges adds to a common failure point and hence makes these bottles less durable. You will find many product reviewers complaining about it.
The OllyDog OllyBottle Water Bottle mastered this by building a patented design in which the tray is not hinged to the lid but is attached separately. But again, its oversized shape means that the bottle does not fit the cup holder. Probably the most durable design is offered by the H2O4K9 dog water bottle which has a unique canine-friendly lid bowl with a twist lock and no hinges.
Among mug or bowl-shaped drinking container design, we have bottles like the Highwave AutoDogMug. These have a spill-proof container attached to the bottle that gets filled in when you squeeze the bottle or press a button. This unique design is becoming quite popular in the past couple of years, however, some people report that they have to continue to press the bottle to ensure a steady supply of water to the pet. Others have complained about the flow regulator button being a little steadfast.
Another design is the one followed by Kurgo Gourd Travel Dog Water Bottle. It is essentially a standard water bottle with wide mouth lid and the pet bowl is attached to the bottom of the bottle. This design means that your pet can use the same bowl for drinking as well as feeding. The only issue is that over time the bowl may not fit snuggly after some time because of wear and tear. But the bottle would still remain usable.
Check out all the different designs to see which design would be most suitable for your pet. And if you are concerned about the portability, pick one which would fit a standard cup holder. If you are in doubt, opt for the H2O4K9 dog water bottle. You would find it most durably designed and comfortable to handle.
Size and capacity
The size and capacity of the dog water bottle is also an important factor as it governs the size and breed of dog it can support.
As mentioned earlier, a dog requires anywhere between 0.75 fl. oz. to 1.0 fl. oz. of water per pound of body weight per day. So, if you need a dog water bottle that can provide proper hydration to an adult 50-80 lbs. dog for over 3-4 hours, you would need a 20 fl. oz. or bigger water bottle. For a shorter trip or a smaller pet, you can very well live with a smaller 8-10 fl. oz. water bottle.
Some of the options that we listed are available in multiple sizes, so you can pick one suitable for your dog’s breed and size. The Water Rover Dog Bowl and Bottle offers maximum flexibility as it is available in four capacities. Just remember, higher the capacity, bigger and heavier will be the bottle.
Depending upon your needs and dog breed and size, pick a travel water bottle with an appropriate size and capacity.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
A dog water bottle would invariably need frequent cleaning. So, a model that is easier to clean and maintain would invariably be a better choice. We recommend that you clean the dog water bottle at least once every two days if used daily and once after every long camping or hiking trip.
A wide mouth bottle would definitely be easier to clean. All the options that we listed have a dishwasher safe bottle container, so you can simply disassemble the bottle part in the top rack. If you prefer to hand wash the bottle, you may use a chemical-free soap along with a bottle brush.
For drinking bowls and trays made of silicone, we recommend washing them with soap and water (though they are also advertised as dishwasher safe). Avoid using any chemical cleaners and dry them thoroughly before filling them again.
Check that the pet water bottle is listed as dishwasher safe before picking the best dog travel bottle for your needs.
Additional factors and considerations
In addition to the four major factors discussed above, there are a few miscellaneous additional considerations that can make a specific dog water bottle a better choice over others.
One such consideration is the is the color combination in which the water bottle is available. Bright, reflective colors are fashionable and make the bottle stand out even in low light. Almost all the options we listed are available in multiple color combinations, so you can pick the most suitable one as per your preference.
Another additional consideration is any additional accessories, if any, that come with the bottle. Things like carabiners, belt clips and straps help in carrying the bottle easily while on the go. Keep these accessories in mind before picking the best dog water bottle for your canine.
Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and post-purchase customer service support offered on the product by the manufacturer. Top manufacturers such as H2OK9 (KONG H2O), OllyDog and Kurgo offer lifetime warranties, while other manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on their products. Just make sure you make your purchase only from the manufacturers and authorized resellers to ensure that you get the genuine product and not a knock-off.
Keep these small considerations in mind as well before picking the best dog travel bottle for your needs.
Final thoughts on the best dog water bottles for travel and outdoors
Most dogs just love the outdoors, be it a simple play date in a dog park, a walk across the town or a more rigorous hiking or camping adventure. As a pet parent, you need to ensure that your Fido stays properly hydrated during these excursions. One dog gear that can help in this is a pet water bottle.
In this article, we listed some of the best dog water bottles for travel and outdoors. We looked at how a dog water bottle can help you hydrating your pooch while on the go and also shared some major factors to consider before picking the best dog travel water bottle for your pet. While our primary focus was on dogs as they are the most outdoor-friendly animals, you can use some of these water bottles for cats as well.
We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best dog water bottle for your pup. Do let us know your feedback and questions by commenting below. Until next time, have a happy outdoor trip with your Fido!
Image credits:Amazon.com
I love my AutoDogMug. I like it because it fits on my car cup holder so I can give my dog water in the car. Also love the 6 colors it comes in. Always make sure your dog products are BPA free!
Hi Ashley,
We loved the AutoDogMug too, because of its innovative design and convenient use. And you are absolutely right about BPA-free products. Any plastic pet product that is going to be exposed to sunlight must always be BPA-free.