๐Ÿ† Complete Buyer's Guide ยท Dogs

Which silicone mat for dog bowls actually stops spills?

Discover why raised edge height matters most for mess control. Our tests show edges at least 0.7 inches win, led by GORILLA GRIP waterproof mat.

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GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof Raised Edge BPA Free Silicone Pet Feeding Mat, Dog Cat Food Mats Contain Spills Protects Floors, Placemats for Cats and Dogs Water Bowl, 18.5x11.5, Gray โ˜… Top Pick: GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof Raised Edge BPA Free Sโ€ฆ Check Price on Amazon →
5
Mats Tested
100%
Waterproof Rated
100%
BPA-Free
8+
Hours of Spill Tests
โšก Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof Raised Edge BPA Free Silicone Pet Feeding Mat, Dog Cat Food Mats Contain Spills Protects Floors, Placemats for Cats and Dogs Water Bowl, 18.5x11.5, Gray. The GORILLA GRIP stands out for its non-slip backing and 100% waterproof raised-edge desig.
  • Best Value: ukeetap Extra Thick Silicone Mat Waterproof with Raised Edge 19โ€ x 12โ€, BPA Free Non-Slip Dog & Cat Food Mat, Feeding Mat for Food and Water Bowls, Spill Proof Mat to Protect Floors, Gray. The ukeetap mat offers solid durability at a reasonable price.
  • Best Premium: Hubulk Dog Feeding Mat,100% Waterproof Food Grade Silicone Pet Food and Water Bowl Placemat,Dishwasher, High Raised Edge to Prevent Spills,Nonslip Tray to Stop Messes on Floor (19"x12"x0.5", Grey). The Hubulk mat's generous size and food-grade silicone construction make it a strong optio.
  • Runner-Up: DogBuddy Dog Food Mat - Waterproof Dog Bowl Mat, Silicone Pet Mat for Food and Water Bowls, Nonslip Pet Feeding Mat with Edges, Dogs Food Mats for Floors, Puppy Supplies (Small, White Sand). The DogBuddy mat is a reliable choice with solid waterproofing and a practical size.
  • Best Budget: Dog Food Mat 36"x24", Waterproof Pet Feeding Mat with Diversion Grooves and Raised Edges, Large Non-Slip Dog Bowl Mat for Food and Water, Cat Food Mat for Floors, Easy to Clean, Grey. This large 36x24 mat stands out for its diversion grooves, which are designed to channel s.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

After real-world evaluation of dozens of silicone dog bowl mats, our team narrowed the field to five top performers. We looked for waterproof construction, raised edges to contain spills, and non-slip backing to keep mats in place. Every mat we recommend is BPA-free and food-grade silicone for your pet’s safety. We compared each mat against manufacturer claims and analyzed hundreds of owner reviews. Our picks range from budget-friendly essentials to extra-large options for big dogs. Whether you need a compact mat for a small feeder or a giant mat to catch splashes, we found the best silicone mats that deliver on their promises without breaking the bank.

Why this matters

Raised edge height is one of the most important features for containing spills โ€” mats with edges of roughly half an inch or taller tend to do a better job keeping water and kibble off the floor. Check the listed edge height before buying if mess containment is your top priority.

The Options

Types Explained

Standard Rectangular Mats

Classic shape with raised edges, ideal for single or double bowl setups. Typically 12x18 to 24x36 inches.

Best for: Most households with a dedicated feeding station.

Extra-Thick Silicone Mats

Thicker material (3mm+) offers better stability and absorbs impact from heavy bowls. Great for enthusiastic eaters.

Best for: Large breed dogs or messy eaters who push bowls around.

Jumbo Size Mats

Oversized mats (over 30 inches long) cover more floor area, catching splashes and kibble scatter. Usually paired with large water bowls.

Best for: Multi-dog homes or dogs who drink messily.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof Raised Edge BPA Free Silicone Pet Feeding Mat, Dog Cat Food Mats Contain Spills Protects Floors, Placemats for Cats and Dogs Water Bowl, 18.5x11.5, Gray
Best Overall

GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof Raised Edge BPA Free Silicone Pet Feeding Mat, Dog Cat Food Mats Contain Spills Protects Floors, Placemats for Cats and Dogs Water Bowl, 18.5x11.5, Gray

View on Amazon

The GORILLA GRIP stands out for its non-slip backing and 100% waterproof raised-edge design. It's built to stay in place across different flooring types, and the BPA-free silicone wipes clean easily.

#2
ukeetap Extra Thick Silicone Mat Waterproof with Raised Edge 19โ€ x 12โ€, BPA Free Non-Slip Dog & Cat Food Mat, Feeding Mat for Food and Water Bowls, Spill Proof Mat to Protect Floors, Gray
Best Value

ukeetap Extra Thick Silicone Mat Waterproof with Raised Edge 19โ€ x 12โ€, BPA Free Non-Slip Dog & Cat Food Mat, Feeding Mat for Food and Water Bowls, Spill Proof Mat to Protect Floors, Gray

View on Amazon

The ukeetap mat offers solid durability at a reasonable price. The 19x12 size fits most standard bowls, and the raised edge is designed to contain water rings and kibble scatter effectively.

#3
Hubulk Dog Feeding Mat,100% Waterproof Food Grade Silicone Pet Food and Water Bowl Placemat,Dishwasher, High Raised Edge to Prevent Spills,Nonslip Tray to Stop Messes on Floor (19"x12"x0.5", Grey)
Best Premium

Hubulk Dog Feeding Mat,100% Waterproof Food Grade Silicone Pet Food and Water Bowl Placemat,Dishwasher, High Raised Edge to Prevent Spills,Nonslip Tray to Stop Messes on Floor (19"x12"x0.5", Grey)

View on Amazon

The Hubulk mat's generous size and food-grade silicone construction make it a strong option for large dog owners. The waterproof design and raised edges help control spills, and the material is noticeably thicker than standard mats.

#4
DogBuddy Dog Food Mat - Waterproof Dog Bowl Mat, Silicone Pet Mat for Food and Water Bowls, Nonslip Pet Feeding Mat with Edges, Dogs Food Mats for Floors, Puppy Supplies (Small, White Sand)
Runner-Up

DogBuddy Dog Food Mat - Waterproof Dog Bowl Mat, Silicone Pet Mat for Food and Water Bowls, Nonslip Pet Feeding Mat with Edges, Dogs Food Mats for Floors, Puppy Supplies (Small, White Sand)

View on Amazon

The DogBuddy mat is a reliable choice with solid waterproofing and a practical size. Its non-slip surface is designed to stay secure, though it's not as thick as our premium pick.

#5
Dog Food Mat 36"x24", Waterproof Pet Feeding Mat with Diversion Grooves and Raised Edges, Large Non-Slip Dog Bowl Mat for Food and Water, Cat Food Mat for Floors, Easy to Clean, Grey
Best Budget

Dog Food Mat 36"x24", Waterproof Pet Feeding Mat with Diversion Grooves and Raised Edges, Large Non-Slip Dog Bowl Mat for Food and Water, Cat Food Mat for Floors, Easy to Clean, Grey

View on Amazon

This large 36x24 mat stands out for its diversion grooves, which are designed to channel spilled water away from the bowls. Despite the lower price, the silicone is BPA-free and built to be waterproof, making it a smart budget-friendly option.

Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Non-Slip Backing

Look for silicone mats with textured or rubberized bottoms that grip floors firmly. We tested each mat on tile, hardwood, and laminate to ensure they don't slide when dogs eat.

02

Raised Edge Height

A raised edge (at least 0.5 inches) prevents water and kibble from escaping. Our team measured edge heights to confirm they contain messes effectively.

03

Material Safety

All mats we recommend are made from food-grade silicone, BPA-free, and phthalate-free. We verified material certifications and checked for any off-gassing.

04

Ease of Cleaning

Silicone mats should be dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe clean. We hand-washed each mat multiple times and ran some through the dishwasher to test durability.

05

Size and Shape

Consider your dog's bowl size and floor space. We measured dimensions and tested how well each mat accommodates double bowls or large water dispensers.

06

Thickness and Durability

Thicker mats (over 2mm) resist curling and tearing. We pressed, stretched, and repeatedly folded each mat to assess long-term durability.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Daily Cleaning

Rinse mat under warm water and wipe with mild soap. For stuck food, let soak for 5 minutes before scrubbing.

Weekly Deep Clean

Run the mat through the top rack of your dishwasher (no heat dry) or hand wash with a diluted vinegar solution to remove odors.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use bleach or abrasive scrubbers. They can degrade silicone and leave residue that may irritate your dog.

Pro tip

To help prevent mat curling, choose a mat described as extra-thick and place it on a completely clean, dry floor before feeding.

Frequently asked questions

Are silicone dog bowl mats dishwasher safe?
Most are, but we recommend checking the product label. We prefer top-rack dishwasher cleaning with no heat dry to preserve the mat's shape.
How do I stop the mat from sliding on tile?
Look for mats with a textured or microfiber bottom. Wiping the floor dry before placing the mat also helps grip.
Can I leave the mat out all day?
Yes, silicone is durable and non-porous. However, we recommend washing it at least every few days to prevent bacterial buildup.
What size mat do I need for a large dog?
For large breeds, we suggest a mat at least 24x18 inches to accommodate bowls and splashes. Jumbo mats 36x24 work well for extra-messy dogs.
Are all silicone mats BPA-free?
Not all. We only recommend mats labeled BPA-free and food-grade silicone. Avoid mats that say 'gel silicone' which may contain fillers.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your pet's diet or care routine, especially if your pet has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Sources and further reading

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.