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Best Automatic Dog Feeders to Feed Your Dog on Time
Best Automatic Dog Feeders in Review. Above is an image of the Pezakf 7L Automatic Dog Feeder with HD Camera, Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Phone APP
Feeding your dog three times a day just like they need can be a challenge. Especially when you are out to work, in school and juggling a busy schedule. It is important to keep them on track with regular meals to avoid digestive problems and to take care other food related issues.
So what do you do – Since you can’t be there all of the time why not invest in the best automatic dog feeder.
Automatic feeders allow you to feed your dog on a schedule that meet their needs. And since a one size fits all approach does not work for all canines, there is a variety of feeders for dogs.
Many of these automated feeding products will do the work of safekeeping food so your dog doesn’t guzzle it in one go by rationing and delivering meals to your dog at a convenient time.
This way you never have to worry if your dogs go hungry again, and you don’t have to turn down any more important dates. Sounds great? Let us talk about the best automatic dog feeders, the benefits of canine feeders and then we review the best automatic feeder so you can make an informed decision.
12 Best Automatic Dog Feeders in Review
So many things to look out for, right? Don’t worry, we have done that for you already. Here are the 12 best automatic dog feeders available.
1. BEST OVERALL: WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder
Automate Feeding Setting for Small or Large Dogs With a Programmable Timer on Amazon <<
The WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder makes light work of keeping your dog fed in your absence. It can deliver food from its 7L food tank from as little as 2 tablespoons to 4.5 cups. Two rotors attend to the order given. One serves small portions, while the other takes care of large ones.
Using infrared sensors, it regulates servings from spilling out of the bowl. The angled chute delivers pellets to the tray in an organized manner. This is perfect for all pet sizes. This gadget stands out because you can schedule a unique portion for the four feeding times possible.
If you are also trying to set a routine feeding time for your doggo, this apparatus is on point. It also allows a short voice recording to encourage your pet to eat. The option of connecting to the wall socket or using batteries is invaluable to running all the time.
Large capacity, tech-friendly, consistent and price fairness. These qualities make the WOpet automatic feeder a must-have for everyone.
Pros
- Two motors to attend to different orders
- Large tank capacity
- Able to dispense unique portion for each program
- Voice recording
- Dual power source
Cons
- Schedules only four servings
2. BEST BUDGET Inexpensive AmazonBasics Gravity Pet Food Feeder & Water Dispensers
Basic Gravity Fed Food and Water Dispenser for Cats and Canines <<
This basic water and dry food feeder is one of the most affordable options to feed your dog. The 2-in-1 bundle is a good bargain for anyone who want to save some money . There are no fancy bells and whistles, just a good basic option to dispense food for your dog.
The product is made from durable PBA-free plastics (PP and PET). Their transparency affords you the chance to monitor the quantity left.
There is so much to last for long with the 12lbs capacity gravity feeder and 2.5 gallons of water. Big or small, your tykes will have their fill. You don’t have to worry about the sheer size of these things. The presence of cutout handles allows you to lift it easily, while non-skid footings give it commendable balance.
It’s all about convenience, and that is why the mouth of the bottles is wide to allow you to top up and clean them. However, if you know your dog to be ravenous, it would be a good idea to try non-gravity models. There’s more! Amazon is putting their money where their mouth is by giving a one-year warranty for it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic handle to lift
- Non-skid footing for stability
- One year Amazon warranty
Cons
- Dogs risk feeding excessively
- Scheduling meal is impossible
3. PETLIBRO PLAF003 Automatic Feeder Best for Small Dogs and Cats Feeds Upto 50 Meals
Automatic Feeder for Small Dogs – Voice Recording, Sleek Design and Good Storage Capacity on Amazon <<
Your canine friend cannot miss you at mealtimes if you buy this feeder. With the 6L capacity, you can schedule as many as fifty meals and be away for a long time. You can encourage your dog to eat by recording a voice message inviting it as you would if you were around.
You must ensure the diameter of the feed is not above 0.6 inches. The design is such that it doesn’t allow clogging. A built-in infrared sensor triggers a warning light when it is low on content or jamming occurs.
An easy-to-use LCD interface allows you to be as flexible as you want in feeding your furry friend. Meanwhile, the lid locks firmly to keep food fresh and your adventurous furry friend away. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about a power cut because it has backup batteries supporting its plug-in power supply.
Pros
- Voice recording to call pet to meal
- Large feed storage
- Food stays fresh
- Backup power supply
- Anti-clog design
Cons
- Suitable for dry food only
- Only ideal for small dogs
- Portion is fixed
4. PetSafe PFD17-11859 Pet Gravity Food for Small and Medium Dogs
Budget Friendly – Easy to Use Gravity Dog Food Feeder for Small and Medium Dogs and Cats
This highly affordable device is best for those who want their dogs to be in control of their diet. Able to hold as much as 4lbs of food, your canine friends will not go hungry again. You will find this feeder helpful if you have one of those breeds that get hungry often.
The design aesthetic and compact design make it suitable for placement anywhere in the house. Washing it after use won’t take your time. Its steel bowl can go into the dishwasher, while the BPA-free plastic requires a light handwash. Meanwhile, the lid locks tightly to let food stay fresh in the reservoir.
Pros
- Powered by gravity
- Easy to usage and maintain
- Eco-friendly material
- Multiple sizes to suit different dog sizes
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Greedy dogs risk digestive problems
- Risks being toppled
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder – Wi-Fi Enabled for iPhone and Android Smartphones Amazon
This is a hi-tech automatic dog feeder from Petsafe, so get prepared to get blown off. The cute looking feed box is the perfect solution to feeding your pet while on the go. You can connect it to your home’s router and download the Smart Feed app on your android or iPhone device to control it remotely. Once done, what can’t you do?
Schedule up to 12 meals in a day from the 24 cups capacity. Determine how fast it comes out to control dog’s hurried eating using the slow feed option. Give doggo a treat with the feed now option if it behaves fine.
Apportion rations between one-eight and four cups for him when your bestie needs to diet. Better still, ask Alexa to do it for you. The power is literally in your hands!
Should any get greedy and try wrestling the feeder, you do not have to worry. The pet-proof design is uncrackable by paws. Meanwhile, premium materials like stainless steel and durable food-grade plastic are used for its construction.
And when it is time to clean up, disassemble to separate the lid, hopper, stainless steel bowl and bowl holder. Place the whole lot in a dishwasher and let it do its work. It is that simple!
Power does not have to be a problem. You can install the backup batteries to avoid losing control while you are away. Now, that’s hi-tech, so you should be ready to pay handsomely for it.
Pros
- Controlled remotely
- Flexible portions
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Quality Petsafe product
Cons
- Some users find it too advanced
6. PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Dog Feeders for Small, Medium Dogs and the Feline Friends
Easy to Use Automatic Dry Food Feeder for Dogs
You will find this machine easy to use. The principle of operation is turning a removable tray with compartments to reveal one part at a time. An advantage of this method is that it allows you to serve both dry and semi-wet feeds.
As a result, your furry friend gets to eat only a segment of 8 ounces capacity (a cup) at scheduled times. So, if your furry friend is a big eater, this isn’t for you.
There are different programming options to choose from using the LCD timer. You can even delay a meal or give your furry friend an extra treat using the feed now control. Moreover, the feeder is battery-powered. You won’t have to worry about a power cut.
The BPA-free plastic tray is hygienic and dishwasher safe. You also have access to US-based customer care should you need help.
Pros
- Easy to schedule meals
- Food-safe material
- Safe for dishwasher
- Full control of portions
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs
- Light and easy to turn over
7. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Slow Feed Portion Control Feeder
Stainless Steel Automatic Canine and Cat Feeders with Portion Control on Amazon <<
The beauty of using this feeder is the flexibility it affords. You can match the appetite of your dog by serving between one-eight to four cups. It can hold 24 cups of dry and semi-moist kibble, so you can have up to 12 servings daily. The antijam system allows it to dispense large feed sizes up to three-quarter inches.
You can set the timer to dispense bulky food over fifteen minutes to avoid your dog munching too quickly. This feeder is perfect for preventing fast-eating dogs from choking. The dual power source ensures it works without a break.
The feeding bowl is held firmly in place so that your four-legged friend does not push it around. Also, the apparatus is tamper-proof to avoid your pet getting to the content. Feeder parts are durable food-grade plastic, and the feeding bowl is stainless steel. You won’t break a sweat cleaning it.
Pros
- Total control over portion and timing
- Battery and DC power source
- Suitable for dry and moist
- Anti-jam function
- Tamper-proof lid
Cons
- Not apt for large dogs
- Complex programming mode
8. HoneyGuaridan 7L Automatic Dog Feeders Best for Large Breed Dogs and Multiple Pets
Cat and Canine Automatic Feeder, HoneyGuaridan 7L for Two Food Dispenser
6 Meal Portion Control, Alarm, Programmable Timer Feeder, Customizable Voice Recorder
We would have called it the guardian, but its name’s chosen already. This automatic feeder will relieve the stress of attending to two dogs simultaneously. The substantial 7L (29cups) capacity coupled with a two-way splitter allows you to fill two stainless steel bowls of 3 cups each. Grab this if you have a large dog. Meanwhile, kibble size must not exceed 0.78 inches to avoid jamming.
There is the privilege of urging your pets to feed through its built-in sound recorder. Equipped with a speaker, your canine friends would hear it from a distance. This device is also intelligent as it corrects clogging by automatically reversing its rotor. Should this prove difficult, its infrared sensors trigger an alert system.
Thankfully, you have the luxury of two power sources to prevent it from functioning in the case of a power outage. The control panel won’t baffle you as instructions are straightforward. Also, pets cannot release food. It has anti-touch buttons to check accidental releases and a tight lid to secure content. You can always know when to refill by looking through the translucent reservoir.
Pros
- Can feed two pets simultaneously
- Self-de-clogging design
- Large capacity
- Suitable for large dogs
- Backup batteries option
- User-friendly control panel
Cons
- Greedy dogs may take control of both plates
9. 1080P Camera WiFi Smart Feeder Compatible with Alexa, Android & iphone
Best Automatic Dog Feeders Small – Big Dogs with with All the Features Alexa, Iphone and Android Compatible
LeeKooLuu Q01 HD 1080P Camera with WiFi Smart Feeder. The 6L automatic dog feeder feature a programmable timer with voice and video recording which is enabled by app’s for iPhone and Android compatible with Alexa.
What if you were told that you can feed your dog and keep in touch when you are away? This hi-tech automatic dog feeder will do just that and more. Boasting 6l capacity (24 cups), your furry friend will stay fed for several days before a refill.
It is suitable for dogs of any size due to the flexibility of rationing dry portions between 1 to 10 per meal. Kibble must not exceed four inches in diameter.
Leave a recording for your furball or talk to it from where you are. Also, watch your dog eat, sleep and move around from its high-resolution camera with night vision and motor sensors. A 2.4GHz connection gives you the needed control from wherever you are.
You have nothing to worry about in places of poor signal. The dispenser will still function. Downtimes would not happen as it utilizes batteries as a standby should power go off. Most importantly, parts are constructed from pet-friendly plastic and stainless steel. You can easily detach them and clean them up. As you can expect, it is pricey.
Pros
- You can stay in touch with your dog
- Schedule and monitor feeding using the phone app
- Large capacity
- Can be controlled remotely
- Flexible portions
Cons
- Too much tech can confuse users
- Suitable for dry food only
10. Veken Automatic Pet Feeder Dispenser with Programmable Timer
Programmable Timer, Portion 1-5 Meals Per Day, & Voice Recorder for Small to Medium Dogs
For small and medium dogs, this product is among the best automatic dog feeders you can get. A maximum of five meals and forty portions can be scheduled with the 4L capacity. The food delivery system is seamless, so it does not clog with food.
A notable edge this product has over its look-alikes is that it allows you to record your voice for up to 30 seconds. That is three times more than most others would permit. The user interface is pretty simple to use. After setting once, it stores in its memory. You won’t have to reset at any time. You can choose from or use both battery and power supply to ensure it never goes off when you need it.
The food is stored in two desiccant bags before a twist-lock lid secures it. No mischievous pet can get the better of it. The enclosure also preserves the freshness of the food. Meanwhile, the feeder utilizes durable food-grade plastic and a steel bowl which you can easily take apart for cleaning.
Pros
- 30 seconds audio recording
- Dogs can’t tamper with the content
- It doesn’t clog owing to its design
- Memory function
- Quality food-grade materials
Cons
- The clock resets after a blackout
11. Petmate Pet Café Feeder Gravity Food Dispenser in a Variety of Sizes
Petmate Gravity Feeder for Small to Larger Breeds
Yet another gravity feeder, yet it is Petmate, and that should interest you. The quality brand has been making quality pet products for half a decade, so you can trust it. This 6lbs (available in 3lb-12lb) capacity feeder replenishes the food in the bowl as your pet eats up. You cannot but notice the broad base, which gives it stability against a push.
You don’t have to worry about the reservoir suddenly detaching from the base. It has a firm lock to prevent it from happening. Meanwhile, you can quickly know when to refill, courtesy of its see-through vessel. Cleaning it doesn’t take time.
Another thing you can’t overlook is the affordability. This apparatus is also invaluable for those who take dogs along for camping or just need some quality time alone.
Pros
- No technicality to use
- Durable food-grade plastic construction
- The vessel locks well with the base
Cons
- Possibility of overfeeding
- Can be knocked off
12. Aspen Pet Lebistro Programmable Dog Food Dispenser
Programmable Canine Feeding Dispenser <<
It may look like one of those gravity feeders, but the only thing gravity is pulling down is the price. The economic food dispenser has a capacity of 18 cups. It is suitable for small dogs and puppies.
Setting meal time is elementary. You select between morning, afternoon and night. Then the time and portion size for each is chosen, and you are all done.
Also, the device feeder uses batteries only, so you do not need a power outlet. Your pet cannot get the lid off as it employs a twist-lock cover. This also keeps it airtight, preserving the freshness of the food.
Affordable, easy to use, monitor, and clean, there is every reason to get this food dispenser.
Pros
- Easy settings
- Twist-lock airtight cover
- See-through vessel for easy monitoring
- Quality plastic build
Cons
- No alternative power source
- Releases food when bumped
How to Choose The Best Automatic Dog Feeder
You would find several of these dogs feeding devices and choosing the right one for your dog may prove be a task. So, before you dive in here is what you need to consider when choosing the best automated dog feeding products. Here are the things to consider before choosing one:
Capacity What the Dog Feeder Holds
On this hangs one of the crucial reasons for having an automatic feeder. You need a feeder that would hold a sufficient quantity to enable multiple servings for as long as you will be unavailable.
Portions How Many Portions Feeds Does the Automatic Feeder Put Out
The quantity of feed the machine can disperse at a time matters. Different dogs require different portions. Some smart feeders can adjust the quota of meals to serve.
Feed Type What is Type of Food Does the Dog Feeder Hold
Automatic food servers may support either dry food or moist food. If you find one that can do both, then it helps your choice.
Power Source
Most of these feeding devices requires a power source to function. While some are corded, others opt for batteries. The former is good as long as you are sure of an uninterrupted power supply.
Ease of Control
How easy it is to set the feeder to what you desire is a pertinent consideration. Some controls are straightforward, and others are more advance. Your choice comes down to how tech-savvy you are.
Ease of Maintenance
At a point, you would have to clean the feeder. Think of those with hassle-free cleaning features such as stainless steel. Moreover, ensure it is one you can easily take apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are automatic dog food dispenser good for dogs?
Yes, these feeders are very impactful in keeping a healthy dog. Sometimes, we have to be unavoidably absent for a while. With one of these feeding devices, you can be sure that your fur friend won’t terribly miss your absence. nor will they miss a meal.
However, these are no substitutes for feeding your dog yourself when you have the chance. Conventional feeding is a way that helps to bond with the dogs.
2. Is a gravity dog feeder good for dogs?
In short no, – but the answer is not that simple. Gravity feed allows a dog to overeat. While some breeds are known to consume lot of food, other dogs that know food is readily available will stop. Especially if they’ve been trained to eat portions of a certain size. To stop your dog from overeating a good automatic feeder may be best. In addition automated feeders have additional benefits especially when you can’t be home.
With a gravity feeder most adults will generally know when they’ve had their fill and pull away. Also, gravity feeding products tend to be easier to use, less pricey and get the job done.
3. Can automatic dog feeders serve moist meals?
Whether a feeder can serve dry or moist meals depends on its design. The instructions are usually spelt out clearly in the manual. If yours does not expressly state so, then avoid loading it with moist food for optimum performance.
4. Can feeders be used to aid dieting in dogs?
Of course, it can. Many brands allow you to customize the food portion and also the time your pet will take them. This plays to your advantage as you are sure the feeder would do that even in your absence.
5. Do I need to change the food in my feeder after a week?
It depends on the kind of food you put in it. Dry kibble would often spend a month without getting spoilt. Meanwhile, the lid must be airtight since exposure to weather would cause it to spoil in a quick time.
Concluding the 12 Best Automatic Dog Feeders
Buying an automatic dog feeder is one of the best ways to attain a win-win relationship with your dog. Affording you some free time, your dog would also never have to miss a meal. It is also crucial to consider the nature of your dog before choosing a feeder.
Meanwhile, using an automatic feeder is no excuse to leave your dog alone for long, your canine will miss you and can suffer with anxiety. Remember that some species do not fair well stating alone. Their mental health can be affected in the course of their isolation. Get someone to check on them while you are away.
Food plays its part, but there is also need for exercise and grooming, which no automated device can yet do for you.
See our article on the best Dog Water Fountains Under $25