Finding the Right Dog Bowl Size – A Simple Guide 

When I got my first dog, I honestly didn’t think twice about what kind of bowl he ate from. I just grabbed one that looked “good enough.” But pretty soon, I noticed he wasn’t comfortable either the bowl was too deep, too high, or just too small for his meals. That’s when I realized how much sizing like – dog bowl size in cm and dog bowl size in ml- actually matters.

Picking the right bowl isn’t just about how cute it is, it’s about how comfortably your dog eats and drinks. So whether you’re wondering about serving bowl sizes, or trying to figure out the correct dog bowl height, I will walk you through all the essentials. I’ll break down bowl sizes and names, what works best for small and large dogs, and how to match the dog bowl dimensions to your pup’s actual needs.

Dog Bowl Size Chart

Dog Bowl Size Chart

Size really does matter when it comes to food bowls. To make things easier, you can refer to a chart that includes dog bowl size in cm, dog bowl size in ml, bowl sizes in oz. This helps ensure you’re picking the most suitable option for your dog’s size, appetite, and needs. 

SizeDog WeightBowl DiameterBowl HeightCapacity (Cups)Recommended For
XX-SmallUnder 5 lbs (2.3 kg)3.5″ – 4″ (9 – 10 cm)1″ – 1.5″ (2.5 – 3.8 cm)¼ – ½ cupTeacup Yorkies, Pomeranians, Papillons
X-Small5 – 10 lbs (2.3 – 4.5 kg)4″ – 5″ (10 – 12.5 cm)1.5″ – 2″ (3.8 – 5 cm)½ – 1 cupChihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Maltese
Small10 – 20 lbs (4.5 – 9 kg)5″ – 6″ (12.5 – 15 cm)2″ – 3″ (5 – 7.5 cm)1 – 2 cupsPugs, Mini Schnauzers, Shih Tzus
Medium20 – 35 lbs (9 – 16 kg)6″ – 7.5″ (15 – 19 cm)3″ – 4″ (7.5 – 10 cm)2 – 3.5 cupsCocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Beagles
Med-Large35 – 50 lbs (16 – 23 kg)7.5″ – 8.5″ (19 – 21.5 cm)4″ – 5″ (10 – 12.5 cm)3.5 – 4.5 cupsBorder Collies, Staffies, Aussies
Large50 – 75 lbs (23 – 34 kg)8.5″ – 10″ (21.5 – 25.5 cm)4.5″ – 6″ (11.5 – 15 cm)4.5 – 6 cupsLabs, Goldens, Huskies
X-Large75 – 100 lbs (34 – 45 kg)10″ – 11.5″ (25.5 – 29 cm)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)6 – 8 cupsGSDs, Rottweilers, Dobermans
XX-LargeOver 100 lbs (45+ kg)12″+ (30+ cm)7″+ (18+ cm)8 – 10+ cupsGreat Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards

Dog Bowl Height Chart

Not all dogs should be eating with their heads bent low to the ground. In fact, depending on your dog’s size, breed, and even age, the correct dog bowl height can make eating much easier and healthier. 

A good way to find the right height is by measuring from the floor to your dog’s lower chest. This gives you a rough idea. This small detail in your feeding setup can have a big impact on digestion and overall comfort. Consider this chart for better understanding 

Dog BreedDog Shoulder HeightRecommended Bowl Height
ChihuahuaUnder 10″ (25 cm)2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
PomeranianUnder 10″ (25 cm)2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
Yorkshire TerrierUnder 10″ (25 cm)2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
MalteseUnder 10″ (25 cm)2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
Shih Tzu10″ – 14″ (25 – 36 cm)4″ – 6″ (10 – 15 cm)
Pug10″ – 14″ (25 – 36 cm)4″ – 6″ (10 – 15 cm)
Jack Russell10″ – 14″ (25 – 36 cm)4″ – 6″ (10 – 15 cm)
Miniature Schnauzer10″ – 14″ (25 – 36 cm)4″ – 6″ (10 – 15 cm)
Beagle14″ – 18″ (36 – 46 cm)7″ – 10″ (18 – 25 cm)
French Bulldog14″ – 18″ (36 – 46 cm)7″ – 10″ (18 – 25 cm)
Cocker Spaniel14″ – 18″ (36 – 46 cm)7″ – 10″ (18 – 25 cm)
Border Collie18″ – 22″ (46 – 56 cm)10″ – 12″ (25 – 30 cm)
Australian Cattle Dog18″ – 22″ (46 – 56 cm)10″ – 12″ (25 – 30 cm)
Siberian Husky18″ – 22″ (46 – 56 cm)10″ – 12″ (25 – 30 cm)
Labrador Retriever22″ – 26″ (56 – 66 cm)12″ – 15″ (30 – 38 cm)
Golden Retriever22″ – 26″ (56 – 66 cm)12″ – 15″ (30 – 38 cm)
German Shepherd22″ – 26″ (56 – 66 cm)12″ – 15″ (30 – 38 cm)
Rottweiler26″ – 30″ (66 – 76 cm)15″ – 18″ (38 – 45 cm)
Bernese Mountain Dog26″ – 30″ (66 – 76 cm)15″ – 18″ (38 – 45 cm)
Doberman Pinscher26″ – 30″ (66 – 76 cm)15″ – 18″ (38 – 45 cm)
Great Dane30″+ (76+ cm)18″ – 22″+ (45 – 55+ cm)
Mastiff30″+ (76+ cm)18″ – 22″+ (45 – 55+ cm)
Saint Bernard30″+ (76+ cm)18″ – 22″+ (45 – 55+ cm)

Small Dog Bowl Size Chart

If you have a Chihuahua, Pomeranian, or another small breed, the bowl you choose should match their smaller mouths and portion needs. The small dog bowl size typically ranges from 350 to 500 ml (or 12 to 17 oz) in volume, and the dog bowl size in cm is usually between 10 to 14 cm in diameter.

Giving your small dog a bowl that’s too big can make eating awkward and messy, and even discourage them from finishing their food. Look for shallow, easy-to-access bowls made of safe, non-slip material.

Dog BreedWeight RangeBowl DiameterBowl Capacity
ChihuahuaUnder 6 lbs (2.7 kg)4″ – 5″ (10 – 13 cm)Up to 1 cup
Pomeranian3 – 7 lbs (1.4 – 3.2 kg)4.5″ – 5.5″ (11 – 14 cm)Up to 1 cup
Yorkshire Terrier4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg)4.5″ – 5.5″ (11 – 14 cm)Up to 1 cup
Maltese4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg)4.5″ – 5.5″ (11 – 14 cm)Up to 1 cup

Medium Dog Bowl Size Chart

Medium-sized dogs, like Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, or Border Collies, need bowls that give a balance between being too shallow and too deep. The medium dog bowl size usually falls around 500-900 ml or 17-30 oz, and the dog bowl size in cm typically ranges from 15-20 cm in diameter.

The goal here is to make sure your dog can eat comfortably without having to chase their food around or dip their nose too far into the bowl. If the bowl is too deep, it can be frustrating; if it’s too shallow, their food might end up outside the bowl more than inside. Choosing the right bowl sizes and names helps support healthy eating habits and makes cleanup easier too.

Dog BreedWeight RangeBowl DiameterBowl Capacity
Beagle20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)2 – 3 cups
Cocker Spaniel20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg)6.5″ – 7.5″ (16 – 19 cm)2 – 3 cups
French Bulldog16 – 28 lbs (7 – 13 kg)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)2 – 3 cups
Miniature Schnauzer11 – 20 lbs (5 – 9 kg)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)2 – 3 cups

Large Dog Bowl Size Chart

If you’ve got a big pup, think German Shepherds, Labradors, or Great Danes, you’ll need to size up, and not just for the food portion. The large dog bowl size is designed to accommodate both the quantity of food and the larger muzzle size. These bowls typically hold over 900 ml and can go up to 2,000 ml depending on your dog’s appetite.

Look for bowls that are at least 20-28 cm in diameter and made from durable materials. You also want to make sure they don’t slide around the floor while your dog eats. 

Dog BreedWeight RangeBowl DiameterBowl Capacity
Labrador Retriever55 – 80 lbs (25 – 36 kg)8″ – 10″ (20 – 25 cm)4 – 6 cups
Golden Retriever55 – 75 lbs (25 – 34 kg)8″ – 10″ (20 – 25 cm)4 – 6 cups
German Shepherd60 – 90 lbs (27 – 41 kg)8.5″ – 10.5″ (21 – 27 cm)4 – 6 cups
Boxer55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg)8″ – 10″ (20 – 25 cm)4 – 6 cups

Raised Dog Feeder Dog Bowl Height Chart

A raised dog feeder dog bowl height is especially useful for medium to large breeds or senior dogs who might struggle with bending down. It helps reduce neck and back strain and helps with better posture while eating. In some cases, a raised bowl can even improve digestion and reduce the risk of bloating especially for deep chested breeds.

To find the correct dog bowl height, measure from the ground to just below your dog’s chest. For example, a medium-sized dog might need a bowl height of around 20-30 cm, while a large dog could require 30-45 cm. Whether you’re shopping for everyday feeding or dealing with health-related issues, a raised dog feeder can make mealtime much more comfortable.

Dog BreedWeight RangeBowl DiameterBowl CapacityRaised Feeder Height
ChihuahuaUnder 6 lbs (2.7 kg)4″ – 5″ (10 – 13 cm)Up to 1 cup2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
Pomeranian3 – 7 lbs (1.4 – 3.2 kg)4.5″ – 5.5″ (11 – 14 cm)Up to 1 cup2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
Yorkshire Terrier4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg)4.5″ – 5.5″ (11 – 14 cm)Up to 1 cup2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
Maltese4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg)4.5″ – 5.5″ (11 – 14 cm)Up to 1 cup2″ – 4″ (5 – 10 cm)
Beagle20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)2 – 3 cups5″ – 7″ (13 – 18 cm)
Cocker Spaniel20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg)6.5″ – 7.5″ (16 – 19 cm)2 – 3 cups5″ – 7″ (13 – 18 cm)
French Bulldog16 – 28 lbs (7 – 13 kg)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)2 – 3 cups5″ – 7″ (13 – 18 cm)
Miniature Schnauzer11 – 20 lbs (5 – 9 kg)6″ – 7″ (15 – 18 cm)2 – 3 cups5″ – 7″ (13 – 18 cm)
Labrador Retriever55 – 80 lbs (25 – 36 kg)8″ – 10″ (20 – 25 cm)4 – 6 cups10″ – 15″ (25 – 38 cm)
Golden Retriever55 – 75 lbs (25 – 34 kg)8″ – 10″ (20 – 25 cm)4 – 6 cups10″ – 15″ (25 – 38 cm)
German Shepherd60 – 90 lbs (27 – 41 kg)8.5″ – 10.5″ (21 – 27 cm)4 – 6 cups10″ – 15″ (25 – 38 cm)
Boxer55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg)8″ – 10″ (20 – 25 cm)4 – 6 cups10″ – 15″ (25 – 38 cm)

Also read: Dog Foods list

FAQs 

What is the average dog bowl size?

The average dog bowl size really depends on your dog’s breed and weight. For most dogs, it falls between 500 to 900 ml (about 17-30 oz) and has a diameter of 15 to 20 cm. But always check based on your dog’s actual food portion and snout size.

How do I convert dog bowl size in inches to dog bowl sizes in cm?

One inch equals 2.54 cm. So if a bowl is 6 inches in diameter, that’s about 15 cm. Knowing both dog bowl size in inches and dog bowl sizes in cm can also help when comparing international products or sizing charts.

What size dog bowl should I get for a puppy?

Puppies do best with a small dog bowl size at first-usually around 350-500 ml (12-17 oz). As they grow, you’ll need to scale up. Always choose a bowl that matches their current meal portion and isn’t too deep for their little faces.

 How do I know if my dog needs a raised bowl?

If your dog is large, older, or seems to struggle while eating from floor-level bowls, consider a raised dog feeder dog bowl height that’s more aligned with their chest. This can ease pressure on joints and make eating more comfortable.

Are there different bowl sizes for wet vs dry food?

Yes. Wet food tends to be denser and sit lower in the bowl, so you may want a slightly wider and shallower bowl. Dry food can be served in deeper bowls. Either way, knowing your dog’s meal type and portion helps choose the ideal dog bowl size in ml or bowl sizes oz.

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