Let’s face facts here, feeding time for dogs can be a very messy affair. Whilst your pooch is digging into their food, a lot of it can end up outside the bowl. Dog food and water are not good news for a sensitive floor surface and a waterproof dog feeding mat is a great way to protect it. To help you find the best food mat for your dog, we’ve tested and reviewed dozens of options and come up with list of the 10 best dog food mats around. Check it out to find the mat that will best suit your four-legged friend.
This is a great non-toxic, non-allergenic pet food mat that is completely safe for your dog. The high-quality silicone is heat resistant which means that it’s safe to pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. In between washing it can be wiped down easily with a cloth.
The raised outer lip is particularly useful for containing liquids and means that it can be used to protect laminate floors that would suffer badly from water damage. The anti-slip properties of the silicone means it won’t skid across the floor at meal times and the bowls stay in situ during vigorous feeding sessions.
Made of durable FDA approved silicone which is non-toxic and non-allergenic
Available in black or grey
Completely dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Raised edges to contain spillages
Dimensions are 18.6 x 11.8 inches which is ideal for smaller dogs
Prevents bowls from skidding off the mat
A nicely designed dog food mat manufactured from FDA grade silicone to guarantee safety for your dog. The mat is available in three sizes: small (18 x 12 inches), medium (24 x 16 inches) and x-large (34 x 23 inches). The choice of three different colours means that you can choose one that will match your colour scheme.
The soft and flexible material make it easier to clean dried-on food but can make it tricky to carry to a sink if it is full of water and food debris. The anti-slip bumps on the top and bottom surfaces prevent it from sliding around and prevent dishes sliding off.
Manufactured from FDA approved safe silicone
Available in a range of sizes and three colours
Easy to clean and dish washer safe
Clever curved front edge so dogs don’t stand in a mess when feeding
Anti-slip bumps on top and bottom surface
Small raised edge (half an inch) to retain spillages
Flexible and can be rolled up easily for travel
The Senmipy Silicone dog food mat is ideal for dogs and cats! Silicone is renowned for not sticking to anything, making this an incredibly easy matt to clean as any dried mushed-up food that might find its way onto this mat can simply be shaken off. Leaving you to give it a quick sponge down in the sink – no scrubbing required. It can even be put into the dishwasher for a thorough clean, for that extra bit of convenience.
This mat is non-slip, and raised sides to catch any runaway water, keeping your floor free from stray food and water. It BPA-free, non-allergic, non-toxic, and comes in three sizes and seven colors, so you can find the perfect mat to match your home and your pup. There’s really nothing bad we can say about this product, it ticks all the requirement boxes and more.
Waterproof with raised edges to protect your floor from spillages.
Made from durable, dishwasher-safe silicone for easy cleaning.
Comes in three sizes and seven colors options
Raised dots on the top side to prevent bowls and pets from slipping.
Easy to clean, just stick it under the tap and wipe it down.
BPA-free, non-toxic, and non-allergenic.
There’s something appealing about this quirky mat that’s in the shape of a bone and embossed with little bone shapes. It’s available in a small (18.2 x 13.1 inches) or large size (23.4 x 17.4 inches) and two colours. The availability of a pack of two presumably means that you could use one for a feeding bowl and one for a water bowl.
It’s made from plastic that is free from bisphenol A (BPA) for peace of mind for pet owners worried about the health effects of this compound. The mat is hard, rigid and robust.
There is a lip of about an inch high all around the mat to prevent spillages and it has skid resistant feet on the underside to keep it still. However, it is wipe-clean only and is not dishwasher safe which some owners may see as a disadvantage.
Quirky bone shaped design with embossed bone patterns
BPA free plastic to allay safety concerns
Available in two sizes and colours and as a pack of two
Hard and rigid with a high lip to prevent spills
Non-slip feet on the underside
Wipe clean only
This rectangular dog bowl mat is available in plenty of colour options and as large (19 x 12 inches) or extra-large (24 x 16 inches). Because it is made of food grade silicone it is extremely safe and has no pores in which mould and food debris can collect. It’s dish washer safe and has a quarter of an inch lip around the edges.
For travelling, it’s super easy to roll up the mat and secure with elastic bands. A series of raised dots on the top surface stop bowls from slipping off during feeding times.
Available in a wide range of colours and two larger sizes for bigger dogs
100% dishwasher safe
Small raised edge and flexible texture to aid storage when travelling
Non-slip dots on top surface
A good option for larger dogs or for dogs who create a lot of mess during feeding time! The raised paw print design manages to grip larger dishes and the quarter inch raised rim stops water from slopping over the edge and onto the floor.
The silicone is completely safe and there are no cracks or seams for food particles to gather in. It is a flexible material though, and this is a large mat, so it will not stay rigid if you need to carry it to a sink to pour off water.
Large mat available in several colours so suitable for larger dogs
Small raised rim to prevent spillages
Flexible material that is suitable for the dishwasher
Cute paw print embossed design
A good choice for the design conscious dog owner who wants a pet food mat that looks good. It’s available as a small (12 x 18 inches) or large (14 x 25 inches) version. The mat works by absorbing spillages before they can reach your floor surface. There would be a limit to how much the micro fibre could absorb but it is an ultra-absorbent material. A rubber backing stops moisture from leaking through.
For cleaning, you can pop it in the washing machine on a cold wash but you can’t use it in the tumble drier.
Made from ultra-absorbent micro fibre to soak up spillages and splashes
Available in many attractive and colourful designs
Rubber backing to prevent slipping and to stop water leaking through onto the floor
Machine washable
A medium sized dog food mat (18.5 x 11.5 inches) that will suit a medium sized dog but may not be quite big enough for two very large dog bowls. Because it is made of FDA approved silicone it is safe and durable and will withstand spillages and stains. The lip around the edge is lower than in some other dog mats for food bowls but it has a neat appearance that feels less bulky.
There are a range of colour options and the heat resistant material is suitable for cleaning in your dishwasher. There is a cute little paw design in one corner which is a nice design feature.
Made from non-slip and durable silicone
Suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher
Neat and not bulky
Suitable for medium dogs
Small lip around the edges to catch spillages
Cute paw print design detail
A very portable and flexible mat made from FDA approved silicone. This is a light weight option for keeping your pet’s spillages in check. There is plenty of room (20.5 x 14.5 inches) for two medium sized bowls. The lip is around half an inch which will contain most spillages but the flexible material can make it tricky to carry when there is a lot of water on it.
The design is an attractive bone shape and it is available in black or a variety of very vibrant colours. There is a small carrying handle for ease of transport.
Light weight and flexible
Attractive bone shaped design
Available in many vibrant colours
FDA approved silicone which is dishwasher safe
The raised rib design of this pet food mat lifts the bowls out of the spillages and the raised edge protects the floor surface beneath from spilled water. The compact (16″ x 8″ inches) design is flexible enough to be rolled away when not in use but robust enough to survive a dishwasher.
The mat stays in one place during feeding and most (but not all) bowls should be kept in place by the ridges. The mat is available as a pack of two.
Raised ribbed design and small lip to catch spillages
Neat and compact and can be rolled away easily
Manufactured from silicone
Dishwasher safe and durable
Hundreds of past customers have ranked this food mat very highly indeed. When you put it down, the high lip keeps everything contained and away from your floor. At the bottom is an anti-skid surface to prevent the bowl from moving around too much when your dog is chowing down. The silicone material that it is made from is free of any harmful chemicals.
Convenience is another factor that is worth mentioning. When it comes to cleaning, all you need to do is wipe it down or put it in the dishwasher. As for the size, it is best suited to medium and large size dogs. There is also a money-back guarantee which offers you extra reassurances.
Waterproof mat with anti-skid bottom
Made of 100% safe materials
Convenient cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher
Suitable for medium and large size dogs
This dog food mat is spacious enough that you don’t have to worry about your pet spilling their food and water all over your floor. Anything which spills onto it are redirected into the grooves and prevented from leaving the mat by the raised outer lip.
As well as having a high level of rigidity and durability, it is also nice and easy to fold. The silicone material has a number of positive properties including being anti-microbial, non-toxic, stain resistant, and waterproof. And it is easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher as you choose.
Designed to prevent spills from getting on your floor
Rigid and durable
Easy to clean
Stylish design for modern homes
If you are looking for a simple and affordable pet bowl mat, this one could prove to be the ideal choice. It is relatively small in size, but still provides a decent enough area to prevent spills from your pet’s food and water.
On the top, it is highly absorbent, while the bottom has some anti-skid backing to ensure that it doesn’t move too far out of place. It will fit bowls between 5” and 7”, so make sure that you take the time to measure yours before purchase. Plus, it is machine washable.
Machine washable
Fast drying
Anti-skid backing
Made of absorbent microfiber
While this pet food mat comes in the basic range, it is still a highly popular choice thanks to its waterproof design and anti-spill edges which keep everything well contained. As dogs can get a little too enthusiastic when they are eating and drinking, there is an anti-slip base to prevent the mat from going too far.
You can fold mat up if you want to store it or bring it around elsewhere. Three different colors are available, so you can choose the one that best suits your home.
Made of rubber-like silicone
Anti-spill edges to contain messes
Waterproof design
Backed by one-year limited warranty
The final choice on our list features a non-slip design, as well as a high level of absorbency to mop up all those food and drink spills that your dog inevitably causes. You can rest assured that it will mop up spillages in a way that is not going to seep through and damage your floor or carpet.
For many pet owners, design is also an important feature to take into account – and this one features an interesting pawprint motif. Thanks to its large size, it is a highly versatile mat which fits a high proportion of pet feeders and bowls. Alternatively, you can simply use it as a doormat. Its waterproof nature also makes it very easy to clean. You can just wash it with soap and water or hose it down as you would like. When you don’t want it out anymore, you can simply roll it up and store it away.
Easy cleaning and storage
Non-slip, absorbent design
Large enough to fit most bowls and feeders
Free e-book included
Feeding your dog in the same place every mealtime helps them to establish a routine. It is best to reserve a quiet spot that is just for them to prevent them becoming territorial about food. Water must be available at the feeding station and water bowls must be continually topped up.
This is potentially a very messy situation! Even if your pooch is a neat eater (many of them are not) there will inevitably be accidents where the water bowl is tipped, and contents spilled all over the floor. Some floor surfaces, such as laminate and wooden floors, will not stand up well to constant exposure to water and moist food. You are likely to end up with a marked and stained surface that may even warp or twist.
A dog bowl mat will provide a barrier between the mess and your floor surface.
You may also like our ultimate guide on Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners.
There is plenty of variety amongst the dog feeding mats on the market. When you are starting out it can be baffling so here are some key features that you may want your choice of pet food mat to have.
The dog bowl mat must form a waterproof barrier between the food and the floor, so it needs to be made of a material such as silicone or rubber. If it is made of fabric, check that it has a waterproof backing. The safety of the material is crucial so only choose food mats made from food grade material to ensure that they will not cause harm if your pooch chews or licks it. A non-slippery material will stop bowls from skidding off the mat and stop the waterproof dog food mat from sliding across your floor.
The feeding mat is going to need regular cleaning to keep it looking and smelling good. It must be easy to wipe down or rinse off at the sink. For a deeper clean that requires less effort on your part, you may prefer to pop it in the dishwasher or washing machine. It is important to note that not all mats are suitable for this, so check the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning.
This will depend on the size of your pooch. The idea is for both the food and the water bowl to fit on the mat at the same time and allow space for comfortable feeding. The larger your dog, the larger mat that will be needed to contain the spillages and slops.
Dog placemats come in a variety of shapes but the most popular are rectangular or bone shaped. To add some more interest, they may be embossed with paw or bone shapes which also stop bowls from slipping off. Raised edges add rigidity and stop water leaking off the side. Rectangular feeding mats fit snugly against walls. Color is a personal choice, some owners prefer bright, vibrant colors whilst others prefer a plain grey or black.
Dog feeding mats are available in range of different designs and materials. Here are the most common:
These are rigid flat surfaces that do not bend when you pick them up so it’s easy to carry them to the sink even if a lot of water has been spilled. They have high lips of over an inch around all of the edges of a dog food tray. They cannot be folded or bent over and usually are not dishwasher proof. However, they are both light weight and durable.
Silicone is a useful material for pet feeding mats because it is totally safe and non-allergic. By choosing an FDA approved food-grade silicone you know it will not harm your pet if it is chewed or licked. Silicone bowl mats are often flexible which helps with cleaning and they are dishwasher safe.
However, they will bend if you try to pick them up and this can lead to the contents being tipped over the floor which is what you were trying to avoid in the first place! There is usually a small lip around the edge of a about a quarter of an inch.
A dog bowl mat needs to prevent feeding bowls from skidding off them and needs to stay still during feeding times. A silicone or a rubber dog mat will stay in place. Some mats have ridges or bumps on the upper surface and these are great for keeping bowls in situ.
Fabric feeding mats need to be rubber backed if they are going to successfully stop moisture from reaching the floor. Some dog placemats are made from micro fibres which are super absorbent and will soak up nearly a whole bowl of water. The advantage of these mats is that they can be cleaned in a washing machine on a cold wash. There is also a huge choice of attractive patterns and colors.
For that personal touch, you are able to add your pooch’s name to some plastic placemats just in case anyone was in any doubt who it belonged to! They are available in a variety of different designs and colors and are made from a range of materials.
A: Dirty bowls and dog placemats can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and molds that can hurt your pet and even make you ill. Microorganisms thrive in moist conditions so try to clean up spillages as soon as possible with a paper towel.
After every meal, the feeding bowl should be removed and food debris cleared away. Food bowls can be cleaned out with a designated sponge and warm water with a mild detergent. Dish washing is another good option. Don’t forget the water bowl! These are often just topped up but that will not remove food debris and pathogens. Once a day, empty it out completely and give it a good clean.
A: Dog food mats can become stained and moldy if they are not cleaned regularly. After every meal time, the pet food mat will need to be wiped down with a damp cloth and all food debris needs to be removed. This will help to prevent staining, smells and bacterial build up. It will also help to deter insects and pests from the feeding area. Then, once every few days, lift the mat and give it a deep clean. This could be in a dishwasher or washing machine if the material is suitable or it could be a good soak in mild detergent in your sink. Thoroughly dry the mat before you place it back down on the floor to prevent damage to the floor surface.
A: Many plastic placemats are available in at least two sizes. The size of bowl mat you need is usually dictated by the size of bowls that you use. It makes sense for both the water and food bowls to be placed on the same mat. There needs to be enough space to prevent them knocking into each other. If the bowls hang over the edge of the feeding mat, spillages will not be caught inside the lip and will end up on the floor. Some dogs are very messy eaters and will need a lot of space around the bowl.
Bear in mind that bowls need to be large enough to allow your dog to comfortably open and close their mouth to eat. As your puppy grows you are going to need a bigger bowl and hence a bigger bowl mat. A Great Dane is going to need a bigger mat than a miniature poodle! Ideally, you don’t want the feeding mat to protrude into a walkway in your house where it could be a trip hazard.
Eloise is the owner of a Malamute/Akita cross, a first-time mum, and an animal enthusiast from England. She comes from a family which has never gone a day without a pet (or 3!), and over the years has learned all the best tips and tricks to raising a difficult pet. A knowledge that she has put to good use, to help others navigate the limitless world of pet care.