Choosing the Right Water Filter For Your Dog

Choosing to provide your dog with filtered water is a personal decision. As a general rule, if pet owners are drinking filtered water, then their dogs probably should too. With so many different types and brands of dog water filters, it can be hard to choose the right one to buy for your dog. Below, I share tips on choosing a water filter that benefits you and your dog. And yes, I’ve used each one of these personally.

Types of Dog Water Filters

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

By far, reverse osmosis water filter system is the easiest way to get filtered water. It’s basically always available. Pet owners can purchase reverse osmosis units from local hardware stores and install themselves. If you’re not particularly handy, there are companies that can install the system for you.

Pros

• Continuous supply of filtered water.
• Filters are changed yearly.
• Easy installation and access to new units from local hardware stores.
• Works great for larger dogs or homes with multiple dogs.
• Great tasting water.

Cons

• Units can cost between $150-$300.
• Filters can cost $50-$80.

Carbon Water Filters

Carbon water filters are available in many different formats. Some attach to kitchen faucets, some are built into refrigerator water systems and others are attached to water containers. All varieties can be easily found at your local hardware center or large retail chain.

These products contain carbon filters, which remove some harmful bacteria, chemicals and trace metals. Some brands remove fluoride and chlorine while others don’t, so always research each brand before purchasing. If you have large dogs, a carbon water filter is neither cost nor labor effective. As for taste, I think the reverse osmosis system does a much better job.

Pros

• Water filters and replacements are easy to find and purchase.
• Extremely easy installation.
• Price is low to moderate, depending on unit purchased. (Under $50.)

Cons

• Doesn’t remove all harmful bacteria, chemicals, fluoride and chlorine.
• Must replace filters often; sometimes monthly.
• Neither cost nor labor effective for large dogs or multiple dog homes.

Dog Water Fountains

Yes, there really are dog water bowls that filter water continuously! I was a bit skeptical at first, but having dogs that refuse to drink water if a blade of grass was floating in it, I purchased one immediately.

Dog water fountains contain carbon filters and water is constantly recycled through the attached water filter. Not only is tap water filtered, but water is also automatically filtered after your dog drinks, removing grass, dirt, hair or whatever else your dog may have come into contact. Keep in mind, some water filters can be noisy, which can scare some dogs away from the water bowl.

My favorite dog water fountain brand is Drinkwell Zen Fountain by Petsafe. I highly recommend stainless steel or glass bowls because they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions (see details here). Having a large dog, it’s difficult to find bowls that my dog doesn’t trip over or take up too much space in my home. However, the Drinkwell Zen Fountain bowl was a great solution for this problem. For homes with multiple small dogs, I highly recommend the Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel Fountain.

Pros

• Products are easily accessible online or at large pet retailers.
• Extremely easy installation. All you have to do is fill the bowl with water, then plug it in.
• Most dogs enjoy drinking from it; you’ll soon notice dogs licking water from the running fountain.

Cons

• Cost ranges between $50-$110, depending on the size you choose.
• Water filters need to be replaced often; sometimes monthly for large dogs or multiple dog households. Costs range between $5-$10.
• You have to add water to the fountain daily. If water levels dip, the system will make a horrible sound, which can scare dogs. Plus, it will ruin the device.
• Some dogs refuse to drink out of them. I had one dog that refused to walk into the kitchen once we installed our fountain, so choose a quiet version.

Regardless of the water filter you choose, providing your dog with filtered water is the right thing to do!