6 Best Large Cow Trough | Built to Outlast the Herd

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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.

You need a trough that holds enough water so you are not refilling it twice daily, survives sun and ice, and stays clean enough that your herd drinks from it. The trouble is that “large” means different things to different brands. The material, shape, and drain setup decide whether that tank lasts ten years or leaks by its first winter. Here are six troughs that actually deliver on capacity and toughness.

This guide is based on comparing the manufacturers’ published specs and patterns across verified customer reviews. You get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing claims.

The right large cow trough depends on how many gallons it holds, what it is made of, and how well it handles your weather. These six picks cover every scenario from a small hobby farm to a large livestock operation.

In this article

  1. How to choose a Large Cow Trough
  2. Quick comparison table
  3. In-depth reviews
  4. Understanding the Specs
  5. FAQ
  6. Final Thoughts

Our Picks at a Glance

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 50-Gallons
Best OverallRubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 50-Gallons4.5★1,553 ratingsThis is the trough that keeps showing up on real farms — over 1,500 owners back its rugged simplicity. You get water that stays safe for young animals because the trough is only 12 inches deep.Check Price on Amazon
Little Giant Poly Oval Stock Tank, 75 Gallons
Versatile ValueLittle Giant Poly Oval Stock Tank, 75 Gallons4.4★410 ratingsA full 75 gallons in an ergonomic oval shape that handles rough farm life — 50% more water than the Rubbermaid.Check Price on Amazon

How To Choose The Best Large Cow Trough

Buying a big trough is a decade-long purchase if you pick the right one. Here are the three factors that separate a troublemaker from a trusted tank.

Capacity — The right gallons for your herd size

A single cow drinks roughly 10 to 15 gallons per day. A 50-gallon trough serves a small handful of animals before it needs a refill, while a 75-gallon or 100-gallon unit buys you a full day or two between checks. If you have more than four or five head, you want to start at the 75-gallon mark and go up from there. The biggest trough in this guide holds 294 gallons — enough for a large herd or a multi-day buffer during a heatwave.

Material — Plastic versus galvanized steel

Plastic troughs (structural foam or polyethylene) resist rust completely, stay cooler in direct sun, and weigh less if you need to move them. The trade-off is that some plastics can crack under extreme cold or rough handling. Galvanized steel is tougher against physical abuse from horns and hooves, but it can dent, and over many years the zinc coating may wear through. Galvanized also heats up faster in summer, which some owners say warms the water.

Drainage and cleaning — The often-overlooked chore

A trough without a built-in drain means you are tipping or bailing every time you scrub algae or top up with fresh water. Most larger plastic troughs include a molded drain hole (often sized for a 3/4-inch fitting) so you can attach a garden hose and empty it in minutes. Galvanized tanks are easier to tip by design but may lack a pre-drilled hole. Both types require regular cleaning — the easier that is, the more likely you will actually do it.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For Capacity (Gallons) Material Dimensions (L x W x H) Amazon
Rubbermaid Commercial Products 50-Gallon★ Best Overall Best Overall 50 Gal Structural Foam Plastic 52″ x 31″ x 12″ Amazon
Little Giant 75-GallonVersatile Value Versatile Value 75 Gal Polyethylene Resin — Amazon
Tuff Stuff 64-Gallon Circular Tub Premium Build 64 Gal Recycled LDPE 36″ x 36″ x 19″ Amazon
Banks Outdoors Wild Water 50-Gallon Wildlife & Hunting 50 Gal UV Stabilized Polyethylene — Amazon
Behlen Country RE328 294-Gallon Heavy Duty 294 Gal Galvanized Steel 96″ x 36″ x 24″ Amazon
Behlen Country ST216 70-Gallon Best for Planters ~70 Gal Galvanized Steel 72″ x 24″ x 12″ Amazon

In-Depth Reviews

★ Best Overall

1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 50-Gallons

Our pick — 4.5★ from 1,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.

Structural Foam50 Gallons
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank

Check Price on Amazon

This is the trough that keeps showing up on real farms — over 1,500 owners back its rugged simplicity.

You get water that stays safe for young animals because the trough is only 12 inches deep. That 12-inch height means calves and smaller livestock can drink without straining, unlike the taller Behlen ST216. The 50-gallon capacity (52 inches long by 31 inches wide by 12 inches tall) serves 3 to 5 head comfortably between refills. What wins owners over is the durability — 209 buyers specifically call it out. The RigidCell construction and built-in body stiffeners prevent the walls from bulging under a full load, so you do not get leaks. The structural foam plastic (an extra-dense, impact-resistant plastic material) is made in the USA and backed by a 10-year limited warranty, which is rare at this price tier. Buyers report using it as a dog pool, a pond, and even a whole-house filtration collection tank. The feedback is consistent: water stays cool in the sun, the smooth surface has no sharp edges, and it simply does not leak. The only real friction comes from the drainage — some owners find the drain setup straightforward while others wish it were easier.

What Owners Love

  • Proven durability with a 10-year warranty from Rubbermaid Commercial Products
  • Shallow 12-inch height makes it safe for young animals to reach the water
  • Smooth, ribbed base and body stiffeners prevent warping and deformation

What to Watch For

  • 50 gallons may run short for a larger herd — you will refill more often
  • The drainage system divides opinion; some owners find it finicky

The final call: If you want the most-reviewed, most-trusted plastic trough on the market — built for years of outdoor abuse without rusting — this is it. If your herd needs more than 50 gallons per filling cycle, step up to the Little Giant 75-gallon below.

Versatile Value

2. Little Giant Poly Oval Stock Tank, 75 Gallons

Polyethylene75 Gallons
Little Giant Poly Oval Stock Tank

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A full 75 gallons in an ergonomic oval shape that handles rough farm life — 50% more water than the Rubbermaid.

When the Rubbermaid 50-gallon runs short for your herd, this Little Giant gives you a meaningful 50% more capacity — 75 gallons versus 50 — without a huge jump in footprint. The oval design eliminates corner stress points, which is the most common failure spot in rectangular plastic tanks. The polyethylene resin (a tough, flexible plastic material) is impact-resistant and fights warpage and stress cracks, so it can handle a thirsty steer leaning on the rim without splitting. Owners mention that the size is perfect for goats, donkeys, and even two huskies cooling off in summer. The 3/4-inch drain hole fitting (standard garden-hose compatible) makes emptying straightforward, but the drain plug itself is sold separately. The biggest caveat is that some units arrive without a pre-installed drain plug, and a handful of owners flag leakage around the opening if the seal is not tight. On the plus side, the molded rim makes carrying the empty trough manageable by yourself, and the variety of available sizes (15 to 150 gallons) means you can scale up later without switching brands.

The Strong Points

  • 75-gallon capacity is the real balance for a small-to-medium herd — 50% more than the Rubbermaid
  • Oval shape with molded rim eliminates corner stress and makes handling easy
  • Impact-resistant polyethylene resin resists warpage and cracks

The Honest Flaws

  • Drain plug not included; you need to buy the separate STKIT kit
  • A small number of owners mention leakage around the drain fitting area

The owner who needs more than 50 gallons but does not want to jump to a 100+ gallon tank will love this middle ground. If you want a ready-to-fill trough with the drain plug included in the box, skip it.

Premium Build

3. Tuff Stuff Products KMB100 Circular Tub, 64-Gallon

Recycled LDPE64 Gallons
Tuff Stuff Products KMB100 Circular Tub

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This is the oddball on the list — a 64-gallon round tub made from 100% recycled LDPE (low-density polyethylene, a flexible rubber-like plastic).

It has a flexible, almost rubbery feel that bounces back from bumps, unlike the rigid foam of the Rubbermaid. At 19 inches deep, it is noticeably taller than the shallow plastic tanks, which makes it a better fit for mature cattle or as a patio pond rather than for calves. The circular footprint (36 inches in diameter) saves space in a corner of the barn. As one owner put it, the tub replaced a fountain reservoir of twice the volume that had sprung a leak. Durability is the top thing owners praise — 9 out of 51 reviews mention it specifically — and the impact-resistant material bounces back from bumps that would crack a rigid plastic. The trade-off for that flexibility is that at 20 pounds empty, it is the lightest large trough here, which is great for moving but means you may need to weigh it down or anchor it in windy or high-traffic areas. Buyers also note the 19-inch depth is excellent for koi ponds and water features if your trough does double duty.

The real edge: Made from recycled LDPE with a rubber-quality feel, so it absorbs impacts rather than cracking — 64 gallons of smart, eco-conscious design.

The honest catch: The round shape and taller walls make it less ideal for small or young animals that need a lower rim to drink from.

Best for: buyers who want a dent-proof, lightweight round trough and value recycled materials — the 64-gallon capacity fits a medium herd well. Think twice if you have calves or goats that need a shallow drinking edge; this 19-inch tub is too tall for them.

Wildlife Special

4. Banks Outdoors Wild Water 50 Gallon Deer and Wildlife Watering Tank

UV Stabilized PE50 Gallons
Banks Outdoors Wild Water 50 Gallon Tank

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Designed for remote placement where UV resistance and low evaporation matter most — not a daily-use trough for a cattle herd.

This 50-gallon tank is built specifically for the hunting property or wildlife plot. The UV-stabilized polyethylene (a plastic treated to resist sun damage) resists the sun degradation that turns cheaper black plastic brittle after a couple of summers. The rectangular shape with a 3-foot trough length reduces evaporation compared to a wide-open round tank. Owners confirm deer, robins, and other critters hit it regularly. The 45-pound weight is manageable for a single person to slide into a pickup bed. The mild frustration is the included grape-flavor powder samples that reportedly do not dissolve and leave residue on the bottom — those are easy to discard before first use. Aside from that, the tank itself is durable and the happy-animal feedback is universal.

Why It Stands Out

  • UV-stabilized polyethylene resists sun damage better than standard plastic troughs
  • Narrow rectangular shape reduces water evaporation versus wider round designs
  • Light enough at 45 pounds to transport to remote locations

The Small Gripes

  • Included flavor powder samples are useless and leave a sticky residue
  • At 50 gallons, it is best for a small plot, not a high-volume cattle operation

Reach for this if: you are setting up a water source on a hunting property or wildlife plot — the UV protection and evaporation control are built for that job. Look elsewhere if you need a daily-use trough for a large cattle herd; 50 gallons will run dry too fast.

Heavy Duty

5. Behlen Country RE328 294-Gallon Galvanized Round-End Tank

Galvanized Steel294 Gallons
Behlen Country RE328 294-Gallon Tank

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If you are managing a serious number of cattle, this tank is the closest thing to a permanent water source you can buy — 294 gallons.

At 294 gallons, it dwarfs every other trough on this list. It holds nearly six times the Rubbermaid 50-gallon and nearly four times the Little Giant 75-gallon. The galvanized steel (steel coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent rust) is designed to shrug off horns, weather, and decades of farm use. The 96-inch length (8 feet) means multiple animals can drink at the same time without jostling. Owners consistently praise the build quality and appearance, with 76 buyers calling out quality and 44 highlighting the clean silver finish. While designed for livestock, this tank has found a second life as a massive raised garden planter — 55 reviews mention planting flowers and vegetables in it, often with drainage holes drilled into the bottom. The common complaint is shipping damage: tanks are nested for delivery, and some arrive with dents or sticky labels that leave marks. At 94 pounds empty, this is a permanent placement, not something you move around.

The scale advantage: 294 gallons means you can go days between refills even with a large herd — no other pick here comes close.

The trade-off: Galvanized steel can dent during shipping, and the tank is heavy enough that you will place it once and leave it.

The commercial-grade farm or ranch where daily refills are not an option will want this tank — 294 gallons buys you serious time between water checks. Not for anyone who needs to move or reposition a tank seasonally; 94 pounds and 8 feet of steel stay put.

Best for Planters

6. Behlen Country ST216 Shallow Galvanized Steel Round End Stock Tank, ~70 Gallons

Galvanized Steel70 Gallons
Behlen Country ST216 Stock Tank

Check Price on Amazon

Classic shallow galvanized build that doubles as a gorgeous raised garden bed — roughly 70 gallons at 12 inches deep.

This shallow galvanized tank gives you the durability of steel without the towering walls that make it hard for smaller animals to reach. The top lip is reinforced with a heavy steel tube rolled into the rim. The 20-gauge galvanized steel bottom resists corrosion from wet ground contact. Owners have turned these into everything from a dog pool to an outdoor wash tub table, but the most popular use is as a raised planter. One owner reports it still holds up beautifully after four years of use with just drilled drainage holes. Quality is mentioned by 44 buyers, and versatility by 29, reflecting how many different jobs this tank handles. The honest downsides: the size can vary slightly between units (dimensions range from 68-3/4 to 71-1/4 inches long), and the shipping labels are famously hard to remove — some customers note residue lasting over a year. The tank ships without any outer packaging, so check for dents on arrival, though most reports say it arrives in great shape.

The Winning Traits

  • Shallow 12-inch depth is perfect for calves, dogs, and raised garden beds alike
  • Reinforced steel tube rim and 20-gauge galvanized bottom for long-term strength
  • Versatile enough to be a trough, a planter, a wash tub, or a cooling pool

The Quirks

  • Adhesive shipping labels are extremely difficult to remove completely
  • Dimensions and capacity are approximate and can vary slightly between units

Grab this if: you want the versatility of a shallow galvanized tank that works as livestock water, a garden planter, or a patio feature — the 70-gallon capacity covers all three. skip it if you are intolerant of sticky-label residue or need a fixed, precise capacity.

Understanding the Specs

Gallon Capacity — What is Enough?

Capacity is the single most important number on a cow trough because it dictates your daily chore cycle. A single mature cow needs roughly 10 to 15 gallons of water per day. A 50-gallon trough therefore serves 3 to 5 head before it needs a refill — fine for a small hobby herd. At 75 gallons, that stretches to 5 to 7 head. At 294 gallons, you can go multiple days without checking, which is why that size is common on large commercial operations. Always buy at least one size larger than you think you need; the extra buffer during a heatwave prevents emergency refills.

Material — Plastic vs. Galvanized Steel

Plastic troughs (structural foam or polyethylene) are lighter, rust-proof, and keep water cooler in direct sun. They are also easier to move and typically come with molded-in drain holes. The downside is that rigid plastics can crack if frozen solid or stressed by heavy animals. Galvanized steel is tougher against physical impact and can last decades if the zinc coating stays intact. The trade-offs are weight, a tendency to warm water in summer, and the risk of dents during shipping. For most buyers, the choice depends on climate: plastic for hot, dry regions; galvanized for cold climates where ice expansion is a concern.

FAQ

What size trough does a single cow need?
A single cow drinks about 10 to 15 gallons per day. A 50-gallon trough serves 3 to 5 head comfortably between refills. For a larger herd, a 75-gallon or 100-gallon trough buys you a full day or two of buffer.
Will a plastic trough crack in freezing weather?
It can if the water freezes solid and expands inside the tank. Structural-foam plastic and polyethylene are more flexible than rigid plastics, but no plastic trough is immune to ice damage. Adding a stock tank de-icer is the standard fix for winter use.
How long does a galvanized steel trough last?
A quality galvanized tank with a heavy zinc coating often lasts 10 to 20 years or more before the coating wears through. The top rim and bottom edges are the first places to show rust, so inspect those areas annually.
Can I use a cow trough as a raised garden bed?
Yes — many owners drill drainage holes in the bottom and use galvanized or plastic troughs as planters. Galvanized steel is particularly popular for this because the zinc does not leach harmful levels into the soil for vegetables.
What is the best depth for a calf or small goat?
A depth of 12 inches or less is ideal for smaller animals so they can reach the water without straining. Troughs that are 18 to 24 inches deep are better suited to mature cattle that can drink comfortably over a taller rim.
How do I clean a large trough without a drain plug?
If your trough lacks a pre-installed drain, you can either tip it to empty (doable with smaller plastic tanks) or drill a hole and install a bulkhead fitting with a ball valve. For galvanized tanks, tipping is the standard method.
Does a dark plastic trough heat up the water too much?
Black plastic absorbs more solar heat than silver galvanized steel. During extreme summer heat, some owners find the water in black plastic troughs becomes noticeably warm. Placing the trough in partial shade or using a floating shade cover helps keep it cooler.
Should I get a round or oval trough for cattle?
Oval and round-end troughs eliminate the stress-point corners that rectangular tanks develop over time. Round tanks also let multiple animals drink from any side, which reduces crowding. Oval shapes are easier to place against a fence line.
Can I leave a 300-gallon tank empty after installing it?
Galvanized steel tanks are heavy enough that they rarely shift when empty, but a lightweight plastic tank should be anchored or filled soon after placement. An empty tank can blow over in strong wind or get tipped by curious livestock.
Will rust from a galvanized trough hurt my cattle?
Zinc from galvanized steel is not considered toxic to livestock in the amounts that result from normal wear. If the tank develops rust spots, you can sand them and apply a food-grade epoxy paint to extend the life and keep the water clean.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most buyers, the large cow trough winner is the Rubbermaid Commercial Products 50-Gallon Stock Tank because it nails the balance of proven durability, safe 12-inch depth, and a 10-year warranty at a price that leaves room in the budget. If you need more capacity without jumping to a 100-gallon tank, grab the Little Giant 75-Gallon — it holds 50% more water than the Rubbermaid. And for a massive herd or a permanent installation, the Behlen Country RE328 294-Gallon is the one to reach for; its 294-gallon capacity means you can walk away for days instead of hours between water checks.

How We Picked

We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.

Sources & Methodology

Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.

As an Amazon Associate, Lawn Gear Lab earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.

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