GUNNER Dog Bowl Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

If you’ve shopped for dog gear lately, you’ve probably seen GUNNER’s rugged kennel accessories. Their food crate, often called the GUNNER dog bowl, promises to be tough, spill-proof, and easy to clean. But with a higher price tag than standard stainless bowls, you might wonder if it’s worth the investment. We tested the GUNNER FOOD CRATE - DUSK to see if it lives up to the hype.

In this review, we’ll break down the design, durability, and real-world performance. We’ll also compare it to stainless steel options and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your dog, especially if you have a heavy chewer or use a kennel.

Design and Build Quality

The GUNNER Food Crate is made from a heavy-duty, impact-resistant plastic that feels far more substantial than typical plastic bowls. The wide base prevents tipping, and the low profile makes it easy for dogs to eat without straining. The interior is smooth with rounded corners, which makes cleaning a breeze—no more scrubbing stuck kibble from crevices.

We tested the Dusk color, which has a sleek, matte finish that hides scratches well. The bowl is available in other colors, including a Ducks Unlimited Blue version, if you want to match your gear. The build quality is clearly a step above generic bowls, and it feels like it can take a beating.

• Wide, non-slip base for stability
• Smooth interior for easy cleaning
• Available in multiple colors to match your setup

Durability: Can It Handle Heavy Chewers?

One of the biggest selling points of the GUNNER bowl is its durability. We put it through a week of use with a 70-pound Labrador who loves to push his bowl around and occasionally chew on it. The bowl showed no signs of cracking or warping, even after being tossed across the floor. The plastic is thick and flexible enough to absorb impact without breaking.

For comparison, stainless steel bowls can dent and are noisy when pushed around a kennel. The GUNNER bowl is quieter and won’t scratch your floors. While no bowl is completely indestructible, this one is clearly designed for heavy use. If you have a dog that destroys plastic bowls, this is a strong candidate.

• Thick, flexible plastic resists cracking
• Quieter than stainless steel in kennels
• Survived rough play in our tests

GUNNER Bowl vs Stainless Steel

Stainless steel bowls are the classic choice because they’re cheap, easy to sanitize, and chew-proof. However, they have downsides: they slide around, make noise, and can dent. The GUNNER bowl solves these issues with its non-slip base and quieter material. It’s also easier on your dog’s teeth if they tend to bite the bowl.

The trade-off is price. The GUNNER bowl costs significantly more than a standard stainless bowl. But if you’re using it in a kennel, the added stability and reduced noise might be worth it. Plus, the GUNNER bowl is designed to fit perfectly with their kennel accessories, like the FAN KIT, which can be mounted for airflow.

• Non-slip base vs. sliding stainless
• Quieter in kennel environments
• Higher upfront cost but longer durability

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the GUNNER bowl is straightforward. It’s dishwasher safe, but we found hand washing with warm soapy water works just fine. The smooth surface means food doesn’t stick, and there are no seams or corners for bacteria to hide. After a week of use, it still looks new.

One thing to note: the bowl is not designed for use in a microwave, and you should avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface. If you’re using it for water, the wide opening makes it easy to dump and rinse. Overall, it’s one of the easiest bowls we’ve cleaned.

• Dishwasher safe, but hand washing is easy
• No crevices for bacteria buildup
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers to keep the finish

The GUNNER Food Crate is a well-built, durable bowl that lives up to its reputation. It’s not the cheapest option, but for kennel use or heavy chewers, it offers real benefits like stability, quietness, and easy cleaning. If you’re on the fence, consider the GUNNER FOOD CRATE - Dusk or the Ducks Unlimited Blue version—they’re built to last and will likely outlast several cheaper bowls.