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The best automatic dog feeder can help you feed your pup at the right times, even when you’re not home. After all, feeding your dog at certain times every day can be tricky, especially if you go out during their dinner time or sleep in past their breakfast time. Thus, these feeders are a convenient option that helps keep your dog’s routine consistent.
However, there are a lot of automatic dog feeders on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? This article will cover a variety of top-rated products to help you choose one for your canine companion.
What is an Automatic Dog Feeder?
A smart dog feeder refers to a dog feeder that automatically dispenses meals. You can schedule food to be poured into the dog bowls at certain times, and some can link to your phone to help you control it remotely. It’s a great way to ensure that your dog’s feeding schedule stays consistent even when you’re busy.
How Does an Automatic Dog Feeder Work?
Each smart dog feeder works differently, but most involve you filling a container with food and scheduling a time for the food to come out. You can usually control how much food is released and when. Many of these products are advertised as automatic cat feeders, but they still work for dogs.
The feeders are usually plugged into the wall or battery-operated, but how you schedule the food time depends on the specific feeder. Of course, these feeders are designed for when you’re not home to feed your dog, but you should also test them when you are home to make sure they’re operating properly. If the feeder has an app, it can alert you if there’s an error with the machine.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Automatic Dog Feeder
Here are a few aspects to consider when choosing an automatic dog feeder:
Size
Large dogs often eat much more than little dogs, so the size of their food bowl needs to hold that. Check the dimensions of the feeder and its dog bowls to ensure your dog’s meals will fit.
Food Capacity
Food capacity can also matter, especially for large dogs. For most automatic dog feeders, you’ll fill the container, and then it will dispense for each meal. Thus, large dogs will go through the stored food faster than small dogs.
Other feeders only let you have a set number of meals, regardless of size. If you don’t mind refilling the feeder regularly, food capacity might not matter to you, but if you need a certain number of meals to dispense before refilling, double-check the capacity.
Convenience
Most dog parents favor smart feeders that are easy to use and clean. The goal of automatic feeders is to make mealtime easier, so if setting it up takes a lot of time, it might not be worth the cost.
Features
Additional features may be important, depending on what you’re looking for. Some automatic feeders use Wi-Fi to operate, while others function on a timer system. Some have cameras so you can check on your furry friend when you’re not home.
Cost
Extra features lead to an extra cost. So, you’ll need to decide if a smart feeder’s price is worth it based on how often you’ll use it and how beneficial it’ll be.
Best Automatic Dog Feeder Products
Below are a few of the highest-rated smart dog feeders on Amazon.
#1 – WOPET 6L Automatic Dog Feeder
Best Wi-Fi Enabled Automatic Dog Feeder
The WOPET Pet Feeder links to Wi-Fi, so you can use your phone to control it. Through an app, you can schedule feeding times on your phone and select feeding portions. There’s also a manual feeding button if you don’t always want to rely on the app. It can hold about 1.6 gallons of pet food, and it’s only suitable for dry kibble. It functions using wall-powered or battery-powered features. You can even record a custom voice message for your pet to let them know that it’s time to eat.
You can schedule up to 15 meals a day for your dog, which is beneficial for pets that eat fast and need smaller portions at a time. The feeder has an infrared sensor that prevents more food from pouring if the bowl is already full. The kibble storage is transparent to make it easy to see when it needs to be refilled. Whenever you pour food in, there’s a latch at the top to keep it secure from greedy pets. The feeder comes apart into several pieces for easy cleaning. It comes with a white or black exterior.
Features:
- Uses Wi-Fi
- Can schedule meals and portion food using an app
- Can program up to 15 meals per day
- Holds 1.6 gallons of kibble
- Wall-powered or battery-powered
- Sensor prevents too much food from being poured
- Can record voice messages for pets
#2 – PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Feeder
Most Versatile
This automatic dog feeder distinguishes itself as a reliable, innovative tool for pet owners looking to manage their dogs’ dietary schedules with precision and ease. Its capacity for convenience and assurance is clear in its flexible meal programming that allows for up to four meals per day, each adjustable in portion sizes. This feeder’s automatic distribution takes into account your dog’s health needs and feeding habits, making it ideal for pets with specific dietary requirements. The device also impresses with its robust build quality, minimalistic design, and a large food storage capacity that can hold up to 25 cups of dry food, promising a worry-free feeding experience even when you’re away from home.
Additionally, the PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Feeder showcases a commitment to the integration of technology with pet care. Notably, it features voice recording and playback, allowing your pets to hear a personalized call to mealtime even when you’re not around – a thoughtful feature that adds a touch of warmth and familiarity. Furthermore, the feeder also has an easy-to-navigate LCD screen which simplifies setting up feeding schedules and portion sizes. A built-in infrared sensor, another key feature, prevents overflows, ensuring your pet’s feeding area stays clean. Overall, the PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Feeder is a game-changer in the world of automated pet feeding, pairing reliability with a suite of user-friendly features that make it an outstanding choice for today’s pet owners.
Features:
- Programmable meal schedules: up to four meals a day with adjustable portion sizes
- Large storage capacity: Holds up to 25 cups of dry food
- Voice recording and playback: Personalize your pet’s feeding time with your own voice
- Easy-to-navigate LCD screen: Simplify setting up feeding schedules and portion sizes
- Infrared sensor: Prevents overflows and keeps the feeding area clean
- Robust build quality with a minimalistic design
#3 – WellToBe Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for Multi-Pet Households
The WellToBe Automatic Pet Feeder has two dishes to serve two pets side-by-side. The dispenser needs Wi-Fi because it’s controlled by an app, allowing you to give your dogs food even when you’re not home. On the app, you can schedule when the food will dispense and how much. You can also set up the feeding schedule using the buttons on top of the feeder. The machine has an anti-clog system, and the kibble falls into two dishes using a separator.
It holds about one gallon of food, and when it’s low, it will flash to alert you. The storage container isn’t transparent, so you’ll need to rely on the sensor to know when to refill it. The feeder can hold enough food to feed small dogs for 15 to 20 days. You can record a 10-second voice message to remind your dogs to get their food. It can be powered using a cord or batteries. This is a convenient option for two small-to-medium-sized dogs, as long as one dog isn’t likely to steal the other’s food before they can eat it. The feeder comes in black or white.
Features:
- Can schedule meals through an app or on the feeder’s display
- Can program up to 6 meals per day
- Pours food for two pets at a time
- Holds 1 gallon of kibble
- Alerts you when food is low
- Has a clog-free design
- Wall-powered or battery-powered
- Can record voice messages for pets
#4 – PetSafe 5 Meal Food Dispenser
Best for Fast Eaters
This PetSafe product has a simpler design than some of the other best automatic dog feeders, but it’s just as convenient. It has a rotating tray that can hold five separate meals. You can start with one meal exposed, and when it’s time for the next meal, the feeder will rotate to reveal a pre-portioned meal for your pup. Using the buttons on the feeder, you can decide when another meal will be available. You’ll need to portion the meals yourself rather than having the machine do it for you.
If you want to give your dog another serving right away, you can press the “feed now” button on the feeder. It’s great for fast eaters and dogs on a diet because you can give them several smaller meals throughout the day if needed. The tray that the food goes in is removable and dishwasher-safe. It may not have as many bells and whistles as the electronic options, but it’s a straightforward design that’s great for when you’re not home. Some portions can include treats instead of food if you want to reward your pup while you’re away.
Features:
- Can schedule up to 5 meals per day
- Each compartment can hold 1 cup of food
- Works with wet or dry food
- Dishwasher-safe
- Battery-operated
#5 – PetSafe Analog 2 Meal Programmable Feeder
Best on a Budget
This smart pet feeder is the most affordable option because it’s a simple design that can program two meals at a time. Each meal has a dial timer, and when it reaches the time set, the flap will open to reveal the food. You can set the times at any half-hour increments. Each compartment can hold up to 1 1/2 cups of dry or wet food. You can either use the compartment for two separate meals or two smaller portions of one meal.
You’ll need to refill the feeder every morning, so it’s best for pet parents who might not get home in time for their pets’ meals or those who want to sleep in. Setting up the meals only takes a few seconds. The lids close securely so sneaky pets can’t access the covered food. When the trays get dirty, you can remove them and place them in the dishwasher. The feeder is battery-operated.
Features:
- Can schedule meals using the dial timers
- Can program two meals at a time
- Each compartment holds 1 1/2 cups
- Works with wet or dry food
- Dishwasher-safe
- Battery-operated
#6 – Ymiko Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for Easy Setup
With the Ymiko Automatic Pet Feeder, you can dispense up to four meals per day. It can hold 0.8 gallons of food to ensure the food is fresh when your pet eats it. For small dogs, it can provide food for about one week, depending on your dog’s diet. You can program your dog’s meals using the light-up screen on the front of the feeder. When scheduling your pet’s meals, you can also record a 10-second voice message to let your furry friend know it’s time to eat.
This automatic dog feeder is easy to set up. All you have to do is pour the food in and set up the meal times. The food storage is transparent, so you can see when the food is getting low. It has an anti-clogging design to ensure your pets don’t get hungry while you’re away. It can be powered using a wall plug or batteries. The feeder can be cleaned using a damp cloth.
Features:
- Can schedule meals on the feeder’s light-up display
- Can program up to four meals a day
- Holds 0.8 gallons of kibble
- Has an anti-clogging design
- Wall-powered or battery-powered
- Can record voice messages for pets
#7 – Petory Timed Automatic Feeder
Best Pet-Proof Storage Design
The Petory Timed Feeder has an airtight storage container with a secure lid. It’s designed so food won’t fall out if your dog shakes it. It has a clog-free design that can fit all kibble shapes. The feeder’s storage space holds up to 1 gallon of kibble, which is just under 17 cups of dry dog food. To schedule the meals, you can use the display screen on the feeder. It only takes a few moments to set up the feeding times and portions.
You can program six meals daily. There’s also a slow-feed mode that dispenses smaller portions of a meal to prevent your pup from gobbling it up too quickly. When it’s time to clean the feeder, the bowl disassembles and is dishwasher-safe. The feeder can be powered by a wall plug or batteries, and the product’s exterior comes in white, green, or pink.
Features:
- Can schedule meals on the feeder’s display
- Can program up to six meals daily
- Holds 1 gallon of kibble
- Has airtight storage
- Has a clog-free design
- Wall-powered or battery-powered
- Bowl is dishwasher-safe
- Has a slow-feed mode
#8 – PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for Pairing with Devices
You can pair this automatic feeder with several devices, including your smartphone, Alexa, and Amazon Echo. You can ask your Alexa or Amazon Echo to refill the food in the dish, and you can control portions and get alerts of low food on your phone. The feeder app requires an iPhone iOS 12.0 or newer or an Android 9.0 or newer. If you’re tech-savvy, this might be the option for you.
It holds about 1.6 gallons of kibble, and you can schedule up to 12 meals per day if your pet needs smaller portions. One feature is the “slow-feed mode” that dispenses small amounts of your dog’s meal for 15 minutes. To power the feeder, you can plug it into the wall or use the backup batteries. Several parts of this product come apart and can be washed in the dishwasher, such as the lid, bowl, and bowl holder.
Features:
- Can schedule meals using an app
- Links with several devices, including Alexa and Amazon Echo
- Holds 1.6 gallons of kibble
- Can program up to 12 meals per day
- Has a slow-feed mode
- Wall-powered or battery-powered
- Parts are dishwasher-safe
#9 – WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder with Camera
Best Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
The WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder is great for keeping an eye on your dog even when you’re not home. It has a smart pet camera that connects to an app. The camera has a 120-degree view. When using the camera, you can also record and use the audio chat feature. The app also allows you to schedule meal times for your pup remotely. You can even record a 10-second message for your dog that will play when the meal is poured into their bowl.
You can schedule up to six meals and 20 portions per day to help slow down your dog during meal time. There’s also a button on the feeder to manually dispense food. The storage space can hold up to 1.8 gallons of kibble. The secure lid is transparent, so you can look in and see how much kibble is left. The feeder can be powered through a wall plug or batteries.
Features:
- Can schedule meals using an app
- Can program six meals and 20 portions per day
- Has a camera
- Has audio chat and recording features
- Can record voice messages for your pet
- Holds 1.8 gallons of kibble
- Wall-powered or battery-powered
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you purchase one of the best automatic pet feeders, here are some lingering questions you might have.
Can Automatic Dog Feeders Use Wet Food?
Yes, some of the best automatic dog feeders are designed to work with wet food, but most of them won’t. Any feeders that drop food instead of lifting a lid won’t work with wet food because the food may get clogged or go bad.
Can Large Dogs Use Automatic Feeders?
Yes, some smart dog feeders can be used for large dogs. If the feeder can’t dispense enough food at one time, you may need to schedule two smaller portions around the same time. You’ll also need to refill the feeder more often for large dogs.
How Much Food Can Automatic Pet Feeders Hold?
The capacity of automatic pet feeders can vary widely based on the model and brand. Some smaller models may only hold a few cups of food, which is suitable for small pets or short absences, while larger models can hold up to several pounds of food, making them a good choice for large pets or longer periods of time. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the specific capacity of the feeder.
Are Gravity Pet Feeders Good?
A dog gravity feeder isn’t ideal, which is why none are included in this list. Gravity feeders consistently have kibble in the bowl, so it could cause your dog to become overweight if they won’t stop eating when they’re full. These feeders don’t have any options for controlling meal times and portions.
How Do You Clean Automatic Dog Feeders?
Cleaning automatic pet feeders typically involves disassembling the feeder as per the manufacturer’s instructions and then cleaning each part separately. Non-electrical parts, such as the food tray and hopper, can often be washed with warm soapy water and then thoroughly rinsed and dried, while the electrical components can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Always check the user manual first to ensure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning guidelines.
What are Some Disadvantages to an Automatic Pet Feeder?
While automatic pet feeders provide convenience, they can potentially discourage regular interaction between pet owners and their pets, as feeding times are often bonding moments. Additionally, automatic feeders can malfunction, causing overfeeding or underfeeding, and they may not be suitable for pets with specific dietary needs that require careful monitoring.
Is an Automatic Dog Feeder Right for You?
If you ever worry about your dog not getting fed on time, then a smart dog feeder might be what you need. The best automatic dog feeders can help you ensure that your pet gets fed at the same time every day. It can be beneficial when you’re not home, and even if you are home, it can add more consistency to your furry friend’s life. So, if you think this would benefit you and your canine companion, consider buying a smart dog feeder.
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