Having a dog brings a lot of joy to your life. Having a dog who likes to eat trash can bring a lot of frustration as well.
To help you keep your sanity in tact and your home clean, we've put together a list of our five favorite dog proof trash cans.
Our Top 5 Picks - Best Dog Proof Trash Cans
Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
#1 - iTouchless 13 Gallon Pet Proof Can | ||
#2 - Simplehuman Semi-round trash can | ||
#3 - Simplehuman slim step trash can | ||
#4 - Rubbermaid Step-On Lid Trash Can | ||
|
#5 - iTouchless Soft Step Stainless Trash Can |
Why is a Dog Proof Trash Can Important?
The most obvious reason is because it prevents your dog from eating the trash but that’s just a start. A dog proof garbage can will also prevent your dog from eating something poisonous or otherwise hazardous.
Many foods that we regularly enjoy can be toxic to dogs, rotten food can be toxic to anyone, and who knows what else they can ingest in the trash if they are able.
Without a dog proof trash can, you might not catch your dog's naughty behavior in time to prevent a tragedy.
Pits from certain fruits can pose both a choking hazard and a poisoning risk. Fruit pits can get lodged in the intestines if swallowed.
Besides giving your dog access to things that can be poisonous or cause choking hazards, an overturned trash can might make one heck of a mess.
Spills that happen when a trash barrel overturns can stain your floor and attract bugs and other pests.
A dog proof trash can will help you cut down on both hazards and messes. At the very least, you won't spend as much time chasing your dog out of the kitchen. When your dog isn't spending as much time in trouble, everything will be better all around.
Choosing the Right Trash Bin
Choosing the best trash bin to prevent your pup from late night raids is more than just finding one with a lid. We kept several important factors in mind when choosing the best dog proof trash can:
- Hands-free or minimal touching required
- Reduces odors
- Durable material that fits into your decor
- Fits standard-sized trash bags
- Space-saving design
Price was also a consideration but when it comes to keeping your trash secured, cheaper isn't necessarily better. There are different quality levels, even for things like trash cans.
Hands-Free/Minimal Touching Required
One feature we like is having hands free operations and minimal touching required.
Going to the bin with a handful of waste is a pretty easy job until you arrive and realize you need to deal with a lid before you can toss the waste.
Hands free operation allows you to remove the lid without having a hand free and it also eliminates the need to wash your hands every time you go to the waste basket.
I always appreciate any product that helps me save time, even in small ways.
Odor-Reducing
Odors, especially in kitchens, can be a significant annoyance. Another thing that's a problem with smelly trash cans is that dogs can't resist them.
I want to dispose of trash conveniently, but I don't want it to become a forbidden dog snack, either. That’s why one of our criteria is odor reduction.
Odor protection is a feature that always matters, regardless of the type of can you ultimately buy.
Durable and Attractive Material
A trash can that qualifies as dog proof will need to be durable. These trash barrels should withstand highly-energetic puppies, curious adults, and incorrigible golden retrievers.
While durability is a criteria, there’s no reason durable has to mean ugly. For that reason, it’s important that the cans we choose be nice looking and something you would not mind having in your home.
Luckily, when looking for durability and “un-ugly”, there are still many many choices.
Uses Standard Trash Bags
There's nothing more annoying than finding that you need trash bags in a different size and not having them at hand. Good cans will fit the types of trash bags that people are likely to have in the house.
One of the most common sizes that the better receptacles will fit is 13 gallons. If you're like me, you probably keep this size in your house, anyway.
If you don't run out of the bags you need, the trash can will stay that much cleaner.
Space-Saving Design
Every room could use a little more space, and your trash cans don't need to take up a lot.
When you opt for space-saving choices, you don't need to compromise on style. We've reviewed options that not only take up less space but still look good and function as intended.
Dog Proof Trash Cans - Our Top Picks
Here are our top picks for dog proof trash cans:
iTouchless 13-Gallon Pet Proof Trash Can
One of the most significant advantages this trash can offers is a touchless operation. All you need to do is wave your hand or arm to get the can to open. I like how I don't need to put down anything I'm carrying to use it.
Another nice feature is an activated carbon filter for better odor control. It's nice not to have to think about walking into the kitchen and getting hit with odors first thing.
With a choice between AC and battery power, you can power this can in the way most convenient for your needs. I like having this type of flexibility, depending on where the can is placed. Even having to buy batteries is a small price to pay for convenience.
What's Good
- Only hand motion is required for operation
- Odor filter improves air quality
- Battery or AC power
- Fingerprint-poof stainless steel finish
- Retainer ring keeps the bag in place, uses 13-gallon trash bags
- Easy on easy off pet guard lock
What's Not So Good
- Dimensions a little small for big households
- Lacks a manual foot control
- Lid can be a bit flimsy and slow
Overall, I find this trash can an excellent choice for disposing of trash without touching anything. The stainless steel construction and compact design make this can a winner.
simplehuman Semi-Round Plastic Trash Can
A semi-round design makes placement against a wall easier. Think about how much easier it is to have the trash can out of the line of fire when your dog's running through the room. You can say goodbye to having the can toppling over.
An advantage that comes with this can is a durable steel pedal. A lid that closes without loud bangs will keep everything around the house quieter.
The large capacity is ideal for the needs of busier households. Overall, you'll find the can a welcome addition to your kitchen.
What's Good
- Custom-fit liners keep everything cleaner
- Locking lid keeps everyone out
- Steel pedal is designed to last
- Silently-closing lid
- Semi-round shape offers large capacity
What's Not So Good
- A little on the light side. Easy to knock over
- Lid does not fully seal so oder escapes
- Plastic on pedal a bit thin
The advantage of this can's design is that it is easier to place out of the way. If you're trying to avoid tipping, you can't go wrong with this design.
simplehuman Slim Plastic Step Trash Can
This simplehuman trash can uses a liner designed for a custom fit. The slim design helps the can fit into tighter spaces. Built-in wheels help you move the can into the ideal spot.
A silent-close lid helps you avoid loud noises from a slamming lid closing. It's also possible to lock the top to prevent messes if the can tips.
What's Good
- Lid closes silently and locks
- Wheels help you move the can
- Slim design helps save space
What's Not So Good
- Some have trouble fitting the lid properly
- A bit on the light side so it moves easily when bumped
Like the other simplehuman trash can, this can has a slim and convenient design. You'll enjoy this can as an option that reduces the chance of spilling garbage.
Rubbermaid Step-On Lid Trash Can
The Rubbermaid trash can allows you to open the lid easily by hand or a foot pedal. Durable rubber material helps ensure that your trash can will last a long time. As a Rubbermaid product, you can be sure it will stand the test of time.
The trash bags are designed to stay secure. Large capacity design helps suit the needs of bigger families.
What's Good
- Step-on option for opening the lid
- Bag wires help keep the bags in place
- Sturdy construction with a large capacity design
- Design suitable for all rooms
What's Not So Good
- The foot pedal is not very sturdy
- The lid may not stay secure
The slim design makes this can easy to keep out of the way, and the bag wires are helpful. If you're looking for a versatile choice, this can is a good one to consider.
iTouchless SoftStep Stainless Steel Garbage Can
Stainless steel design is designed to stay clean without requiring a lot of effort. The lid closes silently and smoothly. Standard kitchen trash bags will help you get the most out of the can.
The bag retention system eliminates the hassles associated with the bag slipping. There is also an odor control system that keeps everything smelling good.
What's Good
- Smudge-resistant stainless steel
- Durable steel foot pedal
- Quiet lid close
- Odor-control system
- Uses 13-gallon trash bags
What's Not So Good
- Slow closing cylinder wears out
- Lid mechanism built flimsy
With a stainless steel design, your trash can is perfect for every area of your home. I think you won't go wrong by choosing this option. Your dog won't have as much opportunity to get into trouble.
Conclusion
I'm going to pronounce the iTouchless Sensor Trash Can the clear winner. The convenience and versatility help it to stand out above all options for the best dog proof trash cans.
Having the option of hands-free operation and a well built durable product is always a significant convenience for me. You're probably doing a lot of things at once like I am, and this is one of the best benefits by far.
Being somewhat obsessive about keeping my kitchen clean, the stainless steel design makes cleanup easier.
The best news for all of us pet parents is that our dog's days of raiding the trash are over. Say goodbye to having to clean up trash spills.
