Estimated read time: 5 minutes
The short answer
Your pet's bowl isn't the problem; it just has no walls. The MessMate Bowl + Splash Guard Set pairs a non-slip stainless steel bowl with a silicone splash guard sized to fit each other exactly, so there's no measuring, no guessing and no chance of a bad fit. The raised wall catches food and water on the way out and returns it to the bowl. Both pieces are top-rack dishwasher safe.
In this article: Why fit is the hard part · What's in the set · For dogs · For cats · Customer photos · Choosing colors · Set, guard or bundle? · FAQ
The hard part of fixing spills is getting the fit right
Most owners know what they want: keep the water and food in the bowl. The trouble starts when you try to buy an add-on. Is your bowl 6 inches or 8? Is that the base or the rim? Does the lip count? Get it wrong and the accessory sits loose, which is worse than nothing.
A guard needs a bowl between 7" and 9" across the top opening. If you'd rather not measure, or your bowl is an unusual shape, the answer is to buy them together so the sizing is already solved. (If you do want to measure, here's how to measure your dog's bowl for a splash guard.)
What's in the Bowl + Splash Guard Set
- One non-slip stainless steel pet bowl. Food-grade stainless interior, rubber base that stays put on hard floors.
- One MessMate silicone splash guard, food-grade and BPA-free, matched to the bowl.
Flex the guard, seat it inside the rim and press the edge down. It lifts out in one motion for cleaning, and both pieces go on the top rack of the dishwasher. It works the same for dry food, wet food and water.
For dogs: the dunker, the gulper and the bulldozer
If your dog paws at water, drips from their chin or pushes kibble up the side of the bowl, a wall at the rim is the simplest fix. Pets who make a mess with food, water or both are exactly who this set is for. It's designed for medium to extra-large dogs. It isn't designed for small dogs or toy breeds.
It also helps with the wall behind the bowl: most of the water that reaches your paint went over the rim first. See how to protect the wall behind your dog's water bowl.
For cats: kibble fishing and paw-dabbling
Large cats who scoop food out with a paw, or tap at the water, benefit from the same raised wall. The set is designed for large cats, not kittens. If your cat is picky about bowls, remember that preferences differ, and our 30-day return policy covers unused items in their original packaging.
Customer photos: before and after
Choosing your colors
Pick a bowl color (Blue or Green) and a guard color (Gray Cream, Sky Mist Blue, Purple or Light Gray), eight combinations in all. The colors are cosmetic; the fit is the same across all of them.
Set, guard alone, or the complete bundle?
| You have… | Best choice |
|---|---|
| A round 7"–9" bowl you love | Splash guard on its own |
| No bowl, or an unusual one, and you want a guaranteed fit | Bowl + Splash Guard Set |
| Water drips and crumbs on the floor too | Complete Mealtime Set (adds a waterproof mat) |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to measure my bowl before buying the set?
No. The bowl and guard are sized to each other, so the fit is guaranteed.
Does it work for water and food?
Yes: dry food, wet food and water.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes, both pieces on the top rack.
What pets is it for?
Medium to extra-large dogs and large cats. It isn't designed for small dogs, toy breeds or kittens.
What if it doesn't cut the mess at my house?
Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery. See shipping and returns.
No measuring. No guessing.
A bowl and guard made for each other. Free U.S. shipping and 30-day returns.
A portion of every MessMate sale goes to dog rescue organizations, in memory of Spud.