Free calculator

Dog bowl size and height finder

Find the bowl capacity and rim height that suit your dog’s size, so meals are comfortable and less messy.

Breed (optional)Weight (kg)Shoulder height (cm)Measure from the floor to the top of the shoulder blades while your dog stands.

Pick a breed or enter your dog’s weight.

Capacity: leave room for the meal

A good bowl holds a full meal with space to spare, so food is not pushed over the edge as your dog eats. Roughly, dogs under 4 kg are comfortable with about 500 ml, dogs of 4 to 10 kg with around 900 ml, and anything larger with a bowl of 1.5 litres or more. Water bowls should be generous, because a small one runs dry on a hot afternoon.

Height: measure your dog, not the bowl

Stand your dog on a level floor and measure from the ground to the top of the shoulder blades. A comfortable rim usually sits a little below the lower chest: about 15 cm under shoulder height for large dogs, less for small ones. Your dog should be able to eat with a relaxed neck, neither craning down nor reaching up.

Raised bowls tend to help tall dogs, older dogs with stiff joints and dogs that push their bowl around the floor. For large, deep-chested breeds, the evidence on raised bowls and bloat is mixed, so it is worth asking your vet what they recommend for your dog.

Questions about this tool

Is stainless steel the best material?

It is the easiest to keep hygienic because it does not scratch or hold odours, and it survives the dishwasher. Heavy ceramic is fine while it is free of cracks. Scratched plastic can harbour bacteria.

How often should I wash the bowl?

Food bowls after every meal, water bowls at least once a day. A quick daily wash stops the slimy film that builds up in water bowls.