Gear check
Gorilla Grip Waterproof Silicone Pet Feeding Mat Review
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, Pets Accessories 26x17 Gray
How the Dude Score is calculated
| Signal | Reading | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon rating (base) | 4.6★ | +92.0 / 100 |
| Review volume confidence | 31,622 reviews | +5.0 (min 0) |
| Critical (1-2★) penalty | 0% | +0.0 (min -6) |
| DudeScore Build & Materials | 85/100 | +2.1 (min -2) |
| DudeScore Safety Signals | 88/100 | +3.0 (min -3) |
| DudeScore Long-term Durability | 82/100 | +1.9 (min -2) |
| Final Dude Score | 100.0 | |
DudeScore editorial signals (build, safety, longevity) are scored independently of the star average — they reflect what owner feedback and product specs actually say about the product. Some signals are skipped when they don't fit the product type (e.g. build & durability for consumables).
Intro — why a silicone feeding mat matters in my house
I’m The Pet Dude: I live with a sloppy water-drinker cat and a fast-eating terrier, and over the years I’ve tested a lot of feeding-area solutions. The Gorilla Grip 100% Waterproof Raised Edge Silicone Pet Feeding Mat (26 x 17 inches in the size I tried) promises to stop spills from reaching my floors, keep bowls from sliding, and stand up to everyday mess and cleaning. It comes from Hills Point Industries, LLC and is sold under the GORILLA GRIP name. In this review I’ll walk through how it performs in real life, what it’s actually made of, where it shines, and exactly who should — and shouldn’t — consider it.
What it is — first look and key facts
At face value this product is a silicone feeding mat with a raised lip and non-slip texture designed to contain spills and keep bowls in place. The listing labels it as 100 percent waterproof silicone, 1/8-inch-thick raised edges, slip-resistant topside with raised dots, and a durable backing to help the mat stay put. The brand copy also calls the silicone "food grade safe" and "BPA-free," and the product care instructions list the mat as dishwasher safe.
Quick factual snapshot
- Model: 840316723282, manufactured by Hills Point Industries, LLC.
- Size I tested: 26 x 17 x 0.13 inches (listed product dimensions), unit weight 1.46 pounds.
- Material: silicone (listed as the material type).
- Care: dishwasher safe (per product care instructions).
- Safety/food claims: BPA-free, food grade safe (from the product bullets).
- Other features called out: raised edge, non-slip topside with raised dots, finger notch for bowl removal (described in product copy).
- Available sizes in the listing: 16" x 10", 18.5" x 11.5", 23" x 15", 26" x 17", 32" x 24" (plus two odd entries noted as "1" and "2" in the listing).
- Available colors listed on the product page: Gray, Beige, Black, Brown, Charcoal, Cream, Hunter Green, Light Blue, Light Gray, Mint, Navy, Pink, Red, Turquoise, White.
- Award: the listing calls this an "award winning design," noting a 2025 Pet Innovation Award.
In daily use / hands-on testing
I used the 26 x 17-inch size under a standard bowl setup near a water fountain and then under a double-bowl station for kibble and water. Repeatedly across the testing period I focused on three everyday pain points: spill containment, bowl slip prevention, and cleanup simplicity.
Containing spills and splash
The raised 1/8-inch lip is the mat’s defining feature. It does what it’s supposed to do: it catches overflow and splashes so water sits on the mat instead of spreading across the floor. For a cat that often tips or splashes the water bowl, this mat reduced the puddling I had to mop up. The listing’s promise that the raised edge helps contain spills tracks with my experience, and other pet parents I’ve spoken with using the same mat report similar outcomes—this is a mat designed to be a spill catcher.
Keeping bowls in place
The topside has raised dots and a tacky texture. In practice this means bowls and small elevated feeders slide less than they do on bare hardwood or tile. It’s not an absolute anchor if a pet shoves hard at a lightweight bowl, but combined with the raised edge the mat prevents the bowl from scooting off the mat during normal enthusiasm at mealtime. One nuance: the product copy mentions a finger notch to lift stainless-steel bowls out for filling; if you’re using a heavy, wide-base ceramic bowl the notch won’t help much, but with rimmed metal bowls it’s handy for quick removal.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning is one of this mat’s strengths. The product care instructions list it as dishwasher safe, and I hand-washed and also ran it through a dishwasher cycle. It comes out clean, and food residue that’s congealed can be removed with an initial soak and light scrubbing. That same dishwasher-safe claim is also emphasized in the product description and owner reports: people repeatedly note that it’s easy to wash in the sink or dishwasher. A couple of owners point out that if kibble sits and dries on the mat it can be stickier to remove—best practice is to wipe it down soon after meals.
How it behaved on different floors
- Hardwood/tile/linoleum: the mat’s backing and tacky top keep it firmly in place; it does a good job preventing sliding.
- Low-pile rugs/carpet: owners report it still works well on low pile carpet and rugs and can prevent mess from reaching the surrounding floor.
- Raised placement/against walls: one owner noted that when propped slightly it can sag; in normal flat placement this didn’t come up in testing.
Materials & build quality
Silicone is the headline material here. The listing explicitly calls the mat silicone, food grade, and BPA-free. The listed thickness and raised-edge construction give it a balance of rigidity and flexibility: it’s pliable enough to roll or lift, yet substantial enough to feel durable under a bowl. Several long-term owners have said theirs still look and perform like new after repeated use and washes; one owner noted buying multiple times because they like the brand and the product longevity.
Specific build points I look for
- thickness and edge height: listing states a 1/8-inch raised edge; that lip is effective at stopping run-off and crumbs under normal use.
- surface texture: raised dots on the topside are called out in the product bullets and help prevent sliding.
- ease of handling: the finger notch referenced in the product description gives an easy way to grab bowls if they’re the removable stainless-steel kind.
- color and finish: the mat is available in a wide palette—owners appreciated the color choices and that the appearance matches the listing photos.
What I liked
- sturdy but flexible silicone that folds or rolls for storage.
- raised edge that genuinely keeps most spills contained.
- dishwasher-safe claim is accurate in my testing and in owner reports—cleaning is fast.
- multiple sizes make it easy to pick a mat for a single bowl, double station, or larger setup.
Safety considerations
Pet safety comes first with anything that sits in a feeding area. The listing makes a few clear safety-forward claims: the mat is BPA-free and food grade, and the manufacturer states they do third-party testing and factory compliance to help ensure products are safe and clean. The raised edge helps contain spills that could create slippery floor hazards. Those are all positives.
Potential risks & mitigations
- chewing risk: the listing positions this as a feeding mat, not a chew toy. The silicone is durable, and owners report it resists scratching and normal wear, but if you have an aggressive chewer who treats mats like toys, don’t leave the mat unsupervised as silicone can be punctured by persistent chewing. The listing doesn’t call it chew-proof.
- small parts/choking: the product is a single-piece mat; there are no detachable tiny parts listed. If you buy a bowl-and-mat combo, confirm what comes in the box—specifications list the mat as the included component, while the product copy references stainless-steel bowls (see FAQs below).
- slip/escape hazards: the mat’s non-slip top and backing are designed to keep bowls in place and hold the mat steady; owner experience supports that it stays put on floors and even on low-pile carpets.
- cleanliness: because it’s dishwasher safe and silicone doesn’t absorb liquids, the mat is straightforward to sanitize at home. Owners say wiping and dishwasher cycles keep it hygienic.
Who this is for — and who should skip it
Choosing a feeding mat is all about fit: what size of bowl, what floor surface, how messy your pet is, and whether you need something chew-proof or simply easy to clean. Here’s how I break it down.
Great fit for
- cat owners with splashers or depth-perception issues — the raised edge contains spills and the mat reduces the puddles on the floor.
- dog owners with enthusiastic eaters — the textured top helps keep bowls from sliding during normal mealtime excitement.
- homes with water fountains or automatic feeders — owner reports specifically call out the mat’s usefulness under water fountains and auto feeders.
- people who want low-effort cleaning — dishwasher-safe silicone makes daily cleanup simple.
- those looking for color/size choices to match décor or bowl setups — the listing offers many colors and several sizes including the 26 x 17 I tested.
Who should skip or be cautious
- power chewers or persistent chewers: this is not marketed as a chew-proof product; if your pet tries to eat or shred mats, choose a metal or heavy-duty feeding station instead.
- buyers who need absolute bowl anchoring: while the raised dots and lip limit sliding, extremely determined pets can still shift lightweight bowls; for full anchoring consider weighted or bolted feeders.
- anyone uncertain about what’s included: the product description references stainless-steel bowls and a finger notch, but the specifications list the included component as "Feeding Mat" — double-check before purchase if you expect bowls in the box.
Durability & longevity — how it holds up over time
Longevity is where the Gorilla Grip mat generally shines. Across reported long-term use, owners repeatedly say the mat remains flexible and functional after months and even years, with several owners noting they still use mats bought previously and that they’ve repurchased multiple times because they like the product. I observed no cracking, persistent warping, or loss of the raised edge over my testing period.
What can cause wear
- leaving dried food to harden on the surface can require a soak or dishwasher run to remove residues.
- heavy, deliberate scratching or chewing can damage silicone—one owner reported scratching but the mat held up; this suggests good scratch resistance for routine use but not indestructibility.
- placing the mat unevenly or propped to slope can reduce its ability to hold liquid at the edges (one owner commented it became floppy when positioned to slope).
Value & alternatives
The listing positions this as a thoughtfully designed, award-winning mat with many sizes and color choices. Owner feedback frames it as a good value for its durability, non-slip properties, and dishwasher-safe convenience. If you need something chew-proof or industrial-grade for constant outdoor exposure, silicone mats are handy but not the same as metal feeding stations; if you want absolute anchoring, look into bowl holders that physically clamp or bolt bowls in place.
Verdict — my bottom line
For most pet parents who want a tidy feeding area, the Gorilla Grip 100% Waterproof Raised Edge Silicone Pet Feeding Mat is an effective, low-maintenance choice. It contains spills, reduces floor puddles, keeps bowls from sliding during normal mealtimes, and is easy to clean. The material is food-grade and BPA-free per the listing, and owner experience supports that the mat ages well with regular dishwasher or hand washes.
Check before you buy — quick checklist
- measure your bowl footprint and pick the correct mat size (sizes listed on the product page include 16 x 10, 18.5 x 11.5, 23 x 15, 26 x 17, 32 x 24).
- confirm whether bowls are included: the product description references stainless-steel bowls and a finger notch, but specifications list the included component as "Feeding Mat" — verify the box contents if you expect bowls.
- think about floor type: the mat works well on hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpet per listing and owner feedback.
- if you have a chewer, plan to supervise: silicone resists wear from daily use but is not marketed as a chew-resistant product.
- choose a color: the listing offers many colors; pick one that fits your décor (see the colors list below).
Colors available
The product listing explicitly lists these available colors, so if aesthetics matter to you here’s the palette to choose from:
- Gray
- Beige
- Black
- Brown
- Charcoal
- Cream
- Hunter Green
- Light Blue
- Light Gray
- Mint
- Navy
- Pink
- Red
- Turquoise
- White
Final pros and cons (straight to the point)
- Pros: effective raised edge for spill containment, dishwasher safe, food grade/BPA-free, multiple sizes and colors, strong non-slip texture, generally durable in long-term owner use.
- Cons: not chew-proof, potential listing inconsistency about whether bowls are included, dried-on food can be stickier to remove if left too long.
Verdict summary
If you want a reliable, easy-to-clean mat that keeps water and kibble messes contained and looks good doing it, the Gorilla Grip silicone feeding mat is a strong pick. It isn’t a chew deterrent or a mechanical bowl anchor, but for everyday pet mealtime use it reduces cleanup, protects floors, and stands up to repeated washing.
Frequently asked questions
what sizes and colors does this mat come in?
The listing lists multiple sizes including 16" x 10", 18.5" x 11.5", 23" x 15", 26" x 17" (the size I tested), and 32" x 24". Available colors shown on the product page include gray, beige, black, brown, charcoal, cream, hunter green, light blue, light gray, mint, navy, pink, red, turquoise, and white.
is the mat dishwasher safe and easy to clean?
Yes. The product care instructions state it is dishwasher safe, and the listing and owner experiences both note it cleans easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Dried-on food may need a soak or dishwasher run to come off fully.
is the mat food safe or BPA-free?
The product bullets and descriptions state the silicone is food grade safe and BPA-free.
does the set include stainless-steel bowls?
The product description references a bowl-and-mat combo and mentions stainless-steel bowls and a finger notch for removing bowls, but the specifications list the included component as "Feeding Mat." The listing is inconsistent on this point, so confirm the package contents before purchase if you expect bowls to be included.
will this mat stop my pet's bowl from sliding around?
The mat features a slip-resistant topside with raised dots and a durable backing, and owner experience supports that it keeps bowls from sliding in normal feeding situations. Extremely forceful pawing or very lightweight bowls may still move, however.
is this mat safe for use with water fountains or under litter boxes?
Yes. Owners have used it successfully under water fountains to prevent puddles and the listing notes the mat can be used under cat fountains, raised feeders, auto feeders, and even under litter boxes to help contain messes.
how long does the mat last — does it hold up over months or years?
Owners report long-term durability, with some saying their mats still look and perform like new after repeated use and washes. The listing emphasizes durable, scratch-resistant silicone and third-party testing, and my experience aligns with reports that it ages well with regular cleaning.
is this mat chew-proof for dogs who like to gnaw?
No. While silicone is durable and resists scratches, the product is not marketed as chew-proof. If your pet is a persistent chewer, supervise use or choose a more robust feeding station material.
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