If you have a curious or ever-hungry dog, you may have already experienced walking in on your pup dumpster diving and gobbling up the garbage from your trash can.
This is not only messy and gross but can be dangerous for your dog, especially if it happens to eat potentially toxic or hazardous stuff you have thrown out.
The good news is – there is an easy solution to keep your furry companion out of your trash. You will need to buy a suitable dog-proof trash can to store all of the garbage safely away from reach by your dog.
By investing in one of the best dog-proof trash cans, you can save yourself the trouble and time of having to clean up the mess after your dog has tipped it over or has taken all of the garbage out of it.
More importantly, you can save yourself the worries, time, and money for dealing with an injured or sick pup and with emergency veterinary care.
Read on to find out what to look for when choosing the most suitable dog-proof trash can and why you should buy one.
We have included our top-rated recommendations for the different types of trash cans that will help keep your home clean and your furbaby safe and away from the garbage.
When You Really Need A Dog-Proof Trash Can
If you are in doubt about actually needing such a dog-proof trash can, then you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your pup enjoy dumpster diving?
- Is it overly curious, hyper-energetic, and always getting into trouble?
- Do you throw away food leftovers that contain potentially toxic ingredients for canines, such as onions, garlic, cooked bones, corn on the cob or just the cob, chocolate, sugar-free products, and others?
- Do you throw away the containers or leftover detergents, insecticides, cleaning products, medicines, or other chemicals?
- Does your garbage include sharp and potentially hazardous objects such as tin can lids, sharp pieces of plastic, wood, plastic bags and containers, wooden skewers, or others?
- Do you worry about the bacteria which grow in the leftover food and other products you throw out?
If the answer to one or more of these questions is “yes,” then it is a wise idea to invest in a good quality and secure dog-proof trash can. This will help keep your home clean and sanitary and give you peace of mind that your four-legged companion will not get poisoned, injured, choke, or suffer a GI tract obstruction while going through your trash.
When You Don’t Need A Dog-Proof Trash Can
In some cases, there are dog parents who can live without such a dog-proof trash can. This is the case, if:
- Your pup is too small, too uninterested, or too lazy to try to get into the garbage.
- You have a place or a way to keep the trash safely away from your dog at all times, such as keeping it in a closed pantry.
The Different Types Of Dog Proof Trash Cans: Pros And Cons Compared
The dog-proof trash cans can be different in size, shape, volume, and functionality.
There are dog-proof trash cans that are manual and others that are automatic. In other words, the former need to be opened and closed manually, while the latter offers a hands-free experience. Each type has its pros and cons.
Manual Dog Proof Trash Cans
These are the more affordable and easy-to-find trash cans, which require that you open and close the lid with your hand. While they are easy to use, they can become messy if you often throw out garbage with your hands dirty or full.
Plus, some of them can be opened easily by a curious or overly eager and smart dog.
Automatic Dog Proof Trash Cans
The automatic trash cans are more sanitary and easier to use, even if your hands are messy or full. They usually have a sleeker design. But at the same time, they are more expensive, and due to the mechanism and moving parts, they are less durable and can easily break.
The 8 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans
Best Overall: Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close Trash Can with Foot Pedal
The overall best dog-proof trash can by Amazon Basics will help keep your dog out of the garbage. It is available in multiple sizes, and thanks to its rectangular shape can fit flush by the wall and take up less space.
The elegant trash can has a nifty pedal, so you don’t need to open the lid or close it with your hands. Your pup won’t be able to open it thanks to this feature unless it is very intelligent and learns how to operate with the pedal.
Plus, its stainless steel finish is fingerprint and smudge-proof, so your trash can will look sleek and clean at all times.
Its lid has a soft-close mechanism for quiet operation. You can lock the cover in a stay-open position when taking out the garbage or using the trash can continuously.
The plastic bucket inside can be removed and washed easily.
It is pretty heavy, which makes it hard to topple over by an average doggo.
You can buy this dog-proof automatic trash can in sizes 1.3, 3.1, 7.9, and 13.2-gallons, as well as in bundles of two in different sizes.
Best Value: simplehuman 13 Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock
This dog-proof trash can is efficient, and yet you won’t need to break the bank for it.
Thanks to its flat back, the semi-round trash bin can be placed flush against the wall to save space and to make it harder to be knocked over by your furbaby. Its size is 14 (W) x 18.9 (L) x 26 (H) inches.
It is an affordable and easy-to-use 13-gallon trash can with a convenient step pedal for hands-free opening and a silent closing feature.
There is an added safety slide lock to keep the lid secured if you leave your dog unsupervised around it.
The reasonably priced trash can is compatible with the standard liners and is available in black, gray, mocha, stone, white, and light gray color options.
Best For Recycling: simplehuman15.3 Gallon Hands-Free Dual Compartment Trash Can
If you want a dog-proof dual receptacle for recycling, then we recommend this top-rated one by Simplehuman.
It is rectangular shaped for an easy fit in tight spaces and has a large capacity of 15.3 gallons.
The trash can has a strong pedal that can withstand more than 150,000 steps.
It contains two bins – for recycling and for garbage, and the inner buckets, which are easy to take out, throw out or wash.
The recycling bin has a built-in liner dispenser, as well as a rim for the liner and a drip guard to keep it looking nice and clean at all times.
The hands-free bin has a special compartment where you can place an Odorsorb filter.
The size of this dog-proof recycling bin is 22 (L) x 14.2 (W) x 25.8 (H) inches, and it is available in black stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, rose gold stainless steel, and white stainless steel options, as well as in a smaller 12-gallon size.
Best Touchless: iTouchless 13 Gallon Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Filter
This trash can is specially designed to prevent dogs or other pets from opening it and diving inside the garbage.
It has an automatic lid with a pet-proof motion-activated sensor. This means that you don’t need to touch the lid when throwing garbage out.
Thanks to its taller build and heavier weight, the iTouchless trash can is hard to reach or knock over by most dogs.
If you have a highly intelligent and inventive pup, you don’t need to worry because this pet-proof trash can has an added PetGuard lock which you can use when you need to go out and leave your pup unsupervised around the trash can. A nifty light indicator will let you know when the touchless function is on and when the lid is safely locked.
Thanks to the added odor-absorbing AbsorbX filter, any nasty smells will be absorbed and contained inside.
The touchless motion-activated lid sensor is powered by 4 D-size batteries. Or you can buy one with an optional AC adaptor for it. The only problem that some people find is that replacing the batteries located on the inside of the lid can be quite a messy experience.
The stainless steel finish and the sleek design will look good in any home or office.
The bin is available in various sizes, shapes, and forms for any need.
Best For Bathroom: ELPHECO 2.5 Gallon Waterproof Motion Sensor Small Bathroom Trash Can
Suppose you want to keep your curious dog away from the trash in your bathroom. Then this small bathroom trash can is one of the best options you can find.
The 2.5-gallon trash can is small and slim enough to fit next to the toilet or elsewhere, even in the tiniest bathroom.
It is made of a durable ABS material and is IPX5 waterproof, so your trash can will not be damaged by the moisture or humidity in the bathroom or leave unsightly rings underneath it from the water.
The trash can is fitted with a battery-powered motion sensor and a quick-open lid for easy and sanitary operation. After 5 seconds, the lid will close itself automatically. There is a button that you can press if you want to keep the lid open or close it manually when you are taking out the trash.
Thanks to the automatic lid and the small opening on top, it will be pretty hard for your nosy pup to open this trash can and gain access to the nasty stuff inside.
Its overall size is 11.8 (L) x 5.9 (W) x 12.6 (H) inches, and it works with two size AA batteries.
Outdoor Garbage Bin Lock: Doggy Dare Trash Can Lock
If you want to keep your dog out of your large outdoor waste bin, this simple yet ingenious trash can lock by Doggy Dare is an excellent option.
It is affordable, and you won’t need to buy a whole new garbage bin. Instead, you can buy and easily install this heavy-duty bungee cord lock on your existing waste bin.
The Doggy Dare trash can lock comes in medium and large sizes. The medium will fit an average 30-40 gallon garbage can, and the large size is suited for larger 40 to 60-gallon garbage cans.
It is easy to install and easy to operate. All you need to do is unlock the heavy-duty buckle on top when you need to open the garbage can and then lock it back when you are ready. The buckle will endure a lot of wear and tear, and yet it is designed for easy one-hand opening.
This lock is also perfect for keeping any wild animals, livestock, rodents, and pests out of your garbage.
This is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to puppy-proof your existing outdoor garbage bin.
Best Appearance: UEV Wooden Tilt Out Trash Cabinet with Hideaway Drawer
This trash cabinet not only looks great but is also highly efficient for keeping your garbage tucked safely away from the floor and from your pet.
It comes in four striking designs and color options and mimics a free-standing kitchen cabinet while hiding the trash can inside.
The cabinet is made of high-quality MDF wood material, which is waterproof and sturdy. It has a useful and removable bamboo counter and cutting board, so you can use it for food prep or for storing kitchen items or appliances too.
There is a drawer on the top of the cabinet for added usefulness and storage.
The size of this beautiful dog-proof tilt-out trash cabinet is 13 (D) x 20.5 (W) x 35.6 (H) inches, and it fits garbage cans up to 10 gallons.
Best Butterfly Lid: simplehuman 11.9 Gallon Butterfly Lid Kitchen Step Trash Can
This reasonably priced butterfly lid trash can has a sleek and slim design and is designed in a way to make it hard for dogs or other pets to open it and dive into the garbage.
Thanks to its narrow body, you can fit it in tight spaces or flush against the wall or cabinet. You can buy it in various size options from 4.8 gallons up to 11.9 gallons.
Its size is 23.3 (L) x 10.4 (W) x 26 (H) inches, and it has a removable inner bucket which is easy to wash and keep sanitary.
It has a fingerprint-proof brushed stainless steel finish and clever split doors which open once you step on the pedal. This makes accessing and throwing out the garbage a quick, clean, and hands-free experience.
The pedal is super strong and has been tested for lasting for more than 150,000 uses, which means pressing it 20 times every day for 20 years.
There is a silent close feature so that your dog doesn’t hear you opening and closing the trash can.
You can lock the two split doors open for easy access, take out the garbage and replace the liner, or pull out the inner bucket and wash it.
The elegant trash can has a non-skid base to keep it in place, even if you or your pet pushes it.
How A Dog-Proof Trash Can Help You
If you are still deliberating whether or not it is worth buying a dog-proof trash can, here are some of the main reasons you may want to consider.
Increase Hygiene
A trash can that is properly sealed and which keeps all garbage inside will help increase the hygiene in your home and property. Plus, it will prevent your pup from eating, licking, or spreading around bacteria-laden leftovers.
Reduce Choking And Obstruction Hazards
You may not realize this, but you are probably constantly throwing out things that, while looking harmless to you, may pose a real choking or intestinal blockage hazard for your pup if it happens to get hold of them.
Things like cooked bones, plastic bags, containers, or indigestible trash can be very dangerous for your furry companion.
Keeps Away Dangerous Foods
There are foods and ingredients we use and eat daily that can be toxic to dogs. Eating some of them, like grapes, onions, leeks, garlic, raisins, chocolate, xylitol-sweetened products, and others, can make your dog sick and, in some cases, can lead to severe health problems and even death.
Keeps Away Harmful Chemicals
If you throw out insecticides, detergents, or any other chemicals in your trash, then you need to keep your furry companion safely away from it because eating them can make your pet very sick or even kill it.
Protects Your Pet From Sharp things
With a dog-proof trash can, you will minimize the risk of your dog cutting its mouth, throat, or intestines with sharp objects such as broken glass, sharp plastic, wood items, and others.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans
Here are some main features to look for when picking the best dog-proof trash can.
Material
Choose a trash can that is made of a material that is durable and easy to clean. And one which isn’t easily stained or smudged, if you want a stainless steel trash bin.
If your dog is strong enough to topple your trash can over, you may want to opt for a heavier dog-proof one with a non-slip base.
Type Of Lid
If you want a hands-free experience, then opt for an automatic lid with a motion sensor or one which opens by stepping on a pedal.
Keep in mind that some dogs are highly intelligent, quick learners, and can learn how to operate the pedal, so if you choose a trash can like this, it is better to get one with an additional pet-proof lock.
Shape
Sleek and narrow trash cans take up less space, but larger and rounder ones are harder to be toppled over.
If you have limited space, try to find a trash can that can fit in between two walls or objects to limit your pup’s access to it.
Easy Cleaning And Maintenance
Choose a trash can that is easy to clean on the outside and inside. Most of them have removable buckets which can be washed.
Some trash cans have the option to lock the lid open so you can access the liner and bags and throw out the trash and replace it easily.