Kennel Gear 20 oz Bowl System: Setup and Daily Use Tips
By RuffLand® Performance Kennels | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to mount, fill, and clean the Kennel Gear 20 oz Bowl System for mess-free feeding in crates, plus daily care habits that keep water fresh and kibble contained.
Quick answer
Mount the Kennel Gear 20 oz Bowl System at your dog's chest height using the latch-on attachment, fill it with fresh water or measured kibble, and clean it daily with warm soapy water. Check the latch and bowl rim each morning before your dog uses it.
Why placement matters more than bowl size
A 20 oz bowl holds enough for most dogs during a car ride or a few hours in a crate, but only if the bowl stays level. Mount it too high and water sloshes toward the back wall; too low and a large dog can paw or nose it loose. Aim for a height where your dog can drink without crouching deeply or stretching upward. For growing puppies or dogs that lie down to drink, a lower mount is usually more comfortable, but check that the bowl does not rest on the crate floor where it can be stepped on.
When the latch system is not the right fit
The latch-on design works best on crates with compatible wire or bar spacing. If your crate has thick composite panels, irregular bars, or no clear mounting point, the bowl may not seat securely. In that case, use the bowl as a floor bowl inside the kennel rather than forcing the latch. Also note that the catalog does not list a capacity beyond 20 oz, so measure your dog's typical water intake before relying on it for long trips.
Step-by-step setup and daily care
- Pick the mounting height: With your dog standing in the crate, position the bowl so the rim sits near chest height. Mark the spot on the crate bars before attaching anything. If your dog has to lower its head sharply or stretch its neck, adjust before latching.
- Attach the latch and test stability: Secure the latch-on mount to the crate bars, then press down firmly on the bowl rim and try to slide it sideways. It should not shift more than a fraction of an inch. A bowl that slides easily will spill during travel; reposition or tighten the latch.
- Fill with measured food or water: Use the Pet Food Scoop to portion kibble, or fill the bowl with fresh water to the fill line you can see. Leave a small headspace so liquid does not splash over the rim. Overfilling is the most common cause of mess in a moving crate.
- Remove and clean daily: Unlatch the bowl, empty leftovers, and wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry before reattaching. Skip the dishwasher unless the bowl manufacturer confirms it is safe; the catalog does not list dishwasher compatibility for this bowl.
- Do a morning latch check: Before each use, press the bowl down and tug gently to confirm the latch is engaged. Look for cracks or loose parts on the mount. Replace the bowl if the latch no longer holds firmly; a loose bowl is a spill and chew risk.
Product facts
- Kennel Gear 20 oz Bowl System: The 20 oz bowl attaches with a secure latch-on system for kennels, crates, and travel. A latched bowl stays put when a dog paws or bumps it, reducing spills inside the crate.
Kennel Gear 20 oz Bowl System - Pet Food Scoop: The Pet Food Scoop is a BPA-free polypropylene measuring scoop that is dishwasher safe. A dedicated scoop lets you portion kibble consistently and clean up quickly after feeding.
Pet Food Scoop
