Are Dog Food Mats Worth It? A Guide for Messy Eaters
Kibble on the floor, a puddle by the water bowl, a bowl that slides across the kitchen. If that sounds familiar, a dog food mat might be the easiest fix. Here's what a feeding mat does, which size to choose and how to keep it clean.
Are dog food mats good for dogs?
Yes. A dog food mat doesn't change what your dog eats, but it makes mealtime easier for both of you:
- Protects your floor from spills, drool and water splashes
- Keeps bowls in place thanks to a non-slip backing
- Creates a fixed feeding spot, which helps with routine
- Makes cleaning easier: wipe the mat instead of the floor
Help for messy drinkers
Some dogs splash more water than they drink. Put the water bowl on a mat that catches drips, and use a bowl with a non-slip base so it doesn't slide. Our bone-shaped mat has an absorbent memory foam core that soaks up small spills.
Which dog food mat size do you need?
- 12" × 18" rectangle: one or two small bowls; small dogs and cats
- 19" × 14" bone: two small to medium bowls
- 30" × 18" bone: two large bowls; large dogs and enthusiastic eaters
Tip: choose a mat a few inches wider than your bowls on every side.
Bone mat or rectangle mat?
Bone-shaped mat
Polyester top with a soft, absorbent memory foam core and a non-slip back. Best for catching water drips. Spot clean with cold water.
Rectangle mat
Polyester top with a non-slip neoprene rubber back and an edge-to-edge print. Best if you want to wash it often: warm water and mild soap, then lay flat to dry.
How to clean a dog food mat
- Daily: shake off crumbs and wipe with a dry cloth
- Weekly: rectangle mat with warm water and mild soap; bone mat spot cleaned with cold water, no detergent
- Always: let it dry flat, never in the dryer
Dog food mat FAQ
Are dog food mats waterproof?
Our rectangle mat has a rubber back that stops liquid from reaching your floor quickly. The bone mat is absorbent rather than waterproof. It soaks up small drips so they don't spread.
Can cats use a dog food mat?
Yes. Smaller mats are ideal for cats. See our cat food mats.
Do food mats stop bowls sliding?
Yes. The non-slip backing grips the floor, and the mat gives the bowls more grip than bare tile or wood.