The Best Heated Pet Bowls
While we prefer to cozy up inside with a comfortable blanket and a warm fire, many pets still enjoy roaming outside when the weather gets cold. The problem is that when the temperature drops below freezing, giving them access to water becomes more difficult. That's where heated pet bowls come in. They're just like regular water and food bowls, except you can plug them into wall outlets to stay warm and keep their contents from freezing. We've rounded up some of the best models on the market so your furry friend can continue to enjoy the crisp air while staying hydrated and fed at the same time.
What to Look For
The best heated pet bowls share many of the same features as standard pet bowls but with a few added considerations. Like a regular bowl, an ideal heated pet bowl should be durable, sanitary, and easy to clean. But it should also be safe and reliable, particularly when it comes to the electrical and thermostatic elements that keep the bowl heated in cold weather. Our favorite bowl is the plastic model from K&H Pet Products, which offers an easy way to keep your pet’s food from freezing throughout the year. For owners of feline friends, we also love the cat-specific model from K&H Pet Products, which is specially designed to hold food and water for outdoor kitties. Wherever you live and whatever kind of pet you have, read on to find a bowl that works for you and your furry friend.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Water Bowl
Freeze free
Heated water bowls don’t need to be sophisticated contraptions with lots of moving parts to work effectively. Take, for example, this bowl from K&H Pet Products. It’s almost indistinguishable from a regular water bowl, only it uses an electrical cord and 12 watts of heat to keep its contents warm when the temperature drops. The cord is wrapped in steel wire, too, so you don’t have to worry about your pup biting or destroying it.
Pros:
- At 12 watts, this bowl heats up reliably without wasting too much energy.
- We appreciate that it comes in a few different sizes to fit various breeds.
Cons:
- It may not keep water from freezing in extremely cold and windy temperatures.
Namsan Heated Outdoor Dog Water Bowl
Hydration station
Whether you have dogs, cats, or another outdoor pet, this plastic bowl from Namsan can keep them hydrated throughout the year. The plastic is BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about poisoning your furry friend, and the thermostatic element is fully sealed inside, keeping it protected from the elements. The bowl holds more than half a gallon of water, which should be plenty for most medium-sized pets.
Pros:
- We appreciate the red indicator light, which lets us know when the bowl is on.
- The cord is wrapped in steel wire to protect it from being chewed or destroyed.
Cons:
- When heated, some water may evaporate depending on the temperature outside.
Toozey Adjustable Temperature Heated Water Bowl with Timer
Water whenever
If your pet is especially picky or you want greater control over the temperature of their water, this model from Toozey can help. It’s one of the most advanced heated water bowls on the market, featuring two temperature settings, a timer with four settings, and a whopping 35 watts of power. Not only does that allow you to customize the temperature based on the weather outside, but it also allows you to customize it based on your pet’s particular needs.
Pros:
- We appreciate the small LCD screen, which allows us to monitor the temperature at all times.
- The high-temperature setting keeps water from freezing even in extremely cold climates.
Cons:
- Because of the advanced technology, this model is a little less durable than some others.
K&H Pet Products Stainless Steel Heated Bowl
Sturdy solution
While plastic bowls are often cheaper, nothing beats the durability and convenience of a classic stainless steel bowl. Not only does stainless steel tend to last longer than plastic, but it’s also easier to wash and keep clean between uses. In addition to these advantages, this stainless steel bowl from K&H Pet Products is also thermostatically heated to keep your pup’s water or food at the perfect temperature all the time.
Pros:
- We appreciate that this bowl has been certified by several agencies for safety.
- It comes in multiple sizes, making it suitable for all dog breeds.
Cons:
- In especially cold climates, the water may still freeze if the bowl is in the path of wind or snow.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat Bowl
Kitty corner
We want to give our outdoor cats all the freedom they need, even when the weather turns cold, but sometimes keeping them fed at the same time can be a challenge. That’s why we love this bowl from K&H Pet Products, which keeps their water and food from freezing, no matter the temperature. Thermostatically controlled to turn on and off as needed, this water and food bowl set works in various climates and environments, making it suitable for all households.
Pros:
- We love that this unit includes bowls for water and food, making it convenient for daily use.
- The bowls are removable and are easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- In more temperate climates, the bowl may overheat the food, leaving it dry and stale.
What is a heated pet bowl?
A heated pet bowl is just like a regular food or water bowl for your pet, only with a thermostatic element that can keep it heated in cold temperatures.
Why do I need a heated pet bowl?
Heated pet bowls are great if you live in a cold-weather environment and have a pet that still likes to be outside when the temperature drops. A heated pet bowl will keep your dog or cat’s food and water from freezing. Your pets will stay fed and hydrated, and you won’t have to constantly refill their outdoor bowls.
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