Top-Rated Automatic Pet Feeders: Keep Your Furry Friends Fed On Schedule

Feeding your pet on time, every time, just got a whole lot easier. How many times have you left a gathering or a party early because you have pet-feeding duties, or have struggled to find a reliable pet-sitter to feed your pets while you’re away? Smart automatic pet feeders are a life-saver for busy pet parents, combining convenience, precision, and peace of mind. These high-tech gadgets let you schedule meals and control portions, and other models even allow feeding your furry friend remotely via smartphone, perfect for those long workdays or weekend getaways. Whether you’re trying to manage your pet’s weight, prevent overfeeding, or simply want to streamline your daily routine, a smart automatic pet feeder ensures your companion stays well-fed and happy without the guesswork. This article will look at some of the top automatic pet feeders on the market.

Key Takeaways

• Scheduled Feeding: Feed your pets at consistent times, even when you’re not home.

• Portion Control: Prevent overfeeding and help manage your pet’s weight by setting exact meal sizes.

• Remote Feeding via App: Some smart feeders connect to your phone, so you can feed or adjust schedules anytime, anywhere.

• Voice Interaction: Record a custom message to call your pet when it’s time to eat, making feeding feel more personal.

• Backup Battery Support: Keep meals coming even during power outages with dual power systems.

1. PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder

If you're looking for a feeder that offers a lot of control and connectivity, the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder is a solid choice. This feeder really shines with its app integration, letting you set up feeding schedules and even adjust them on the fly, no matter where you are. It's a real lifesaver when your plans change unexpectedly or if you're stuck late at work.

One of the neat features is the slow feed option. If your pet tends to gobble down their food way too fast, this setting dispenses smaller portions over a longer period, which is much better for their digestion. Plus, for those of us who sometimes forget to buy pet food, it can even connect with Amazon Dash Replenishment to automatically reorder food when it's running low. That's pretty handy.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• Capacity: Holds up to 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food.

• Scheduling: Dispenses meals up to 12 times a day, with portion sizes from 1/8 cup to 4 cups.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled, controllable via the My PetSafe App (iOS and Android).

• Alerts: Notifies you when food is low or the hopper is empty.

• Cleaning: The lid, hopper, bowl, and bowl holder are all dishwasher safe.

• Power: Can run on a power adapter or 4 D-cell batteries (not included) for backup.

While the convenience is great, be aware that the manual feed button on top could be accidentally pressed by a curious pet, potentially leading to overfeeding. It's a good idea to keep an eye on it, especially if you have a particularly inquisitive cat.

It's also worth noting that this feeder won a Pet Innovation Award in 2020, which speaks to its design and functionality. It's generally recommended for cats and small to medium-sized dogs.

2. Feeder-Robot Timed Automatic Cat Feeder & Food Dispenser

This automatic feeder from Feeder-Robot is designed to take the guesswork out of feeding your pet. You can set up custom meal schedules, controlling both the timing and the portion size, right from the unit itself or through a handy app. It's a pretty straightforward way to make sure your furry friend gets fed exactly what they need, when they need it.

The Feeder-Robot offers a 90-day in-home trial, which is a nice touch. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you've got some peace of mind if anything goes wrong. Plus, they throw in free shipping, though that doesn't apply to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. It's a solid option if you're looking for a reliable way to manage your pet's diet without being home all the time.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• Customizable Meal Schedules: Set up multiple meals per day with precise portion control.

• App or Unit Control: Program feeding times and portions either through the dedicated app or directly on the feeder.

• Trial Period & Warranty: A 90-day trial and a 1-year warranty provide a safety net.

• Free Shipping: Available for most locations within the contiguous US.

This feeder aims to simplify your routine by automating meal times and portioning, which can be particularly helpful for pets with specific dietary needs or for owners with busy schedules. It's about consistency for your pet's health and your own convenience.

3. SureFeed Microchip Small Pet Feeder

If you've got a house with more than one furry friend, or if you have a pet on a special diet, the SureFeed Microchip Small Pet Feeder is a pretty neat gadget. It's designed to make sure each pet gets their own food, and only their own food. How does it do that? Well, it reads your pet's microchip or a special RFID tag on their collar. When the right pet approaches, the lid lifts, and they can eat. When they move away, it closes again. This is super handy for keeping food fresh and also stops other pets (or even sneaky neighborhood critters) from getting into it.

This feeder is a lifesaver if you have pets on prescription diets. No more worrying about one dog eating another's medication food. It helps keep those specific diets on track, which is a big deal for pet health. Plus, it works for both wet and dry food, giving you flexibility in what you feed your pets. The unit can store information for up to 32 different pets, so it's really built for multi-pet households.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• Reads pet microchips or RFID tags to identify the correct pet.

• Seals the bowl when not in use to keep food fresh and protected.

• Ideal for prescription diets and preventing food theft among pets.

• Works with wet or dry food for versatile feeding options.

• Stores up to 32 pet profiles, perfect for larger households.

One thing to keep in mind is the bowl capacity. It's not huge, so if you have a big eater or a pet that likes to graze for a long time, you might need to refill it more often. Also, if your pet is a bit of a messy eater, cleaning around the mechanism might take a little extra effort.

Battery life is pretty good, usually lasting around 6 months, so you're not constantly swapping batteries. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, which is nice peace of mind. For anyone struggling with multiple pet feeding dynamics, this is definitely worth looking into to simplify your feeding routine.

4. PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder

The PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder is a solid choice for pet parents who want a reliable way to keep their furry friends fed on time. It’s pretty straightforward to set up, which is always a plus when you’re dealing with new gadgets. You can program up to four meals a day, which gives you a good amount of flexibility, especially if your pet has a specific feeding schedule. It also has a voice recording feature, so you can call your pet to their meal, which is a nice touch.

One of the things I really like is the backup power option. It runs on a power adapter, but it also takes D-cell batteries, so if the power goes out, your pet still gets fed. That’s a big relief, honestly. The food tank has a secure lid, and there’s a spot for a desiccant bag to keep the kibble fresh and crunchy. Cleaning is also not too bad; the food tank and bowls come out, and the stainless steel bowls can go right in the dishwasher.

Here’s a quick look at some of its features:

• Programmable Meals: Set up to 4 meals per day.

• Voice Recording: Record a personal message for your pet.

• Dual Power Supply: Uses a power adapter with battery backup.

• Freshness: Secure lid and desiccant bag compartment.

• Easy Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls.

While it's great for dry food, this PETLIBRO model isn't designed for wet food, so keep that in mind if your pet prefers a different diet. Also, some users have mentioned that the programming interface can be a little tricky to get the hang of at first, but once you figure it out, it works well.

Overall, it’s a dependable feeder that offers good value, especially if you’re looking for a no-frills, effective way to manage your pet’s meals.

5. WellToBe Automatic Cat Feeder

If you've got more than one furry pal at home, the WellToBe Automatic Cat Feeder is a pretty neat option to look into. It's designed with multi-cat households in mind, which is a big plus. It comes with a special splitter and two separate bowls, so each cat gets their own mealtime without any squabbles. This setup is also handy if you have pets on specific diets or prescription food, making sure everyone gets exactly what they need.

This feeder is particularly good for managing dietary needs and can dispense single treat portions, which is helpful if you're trying to control your cat's weight. It also has a compartment for a desiccant to keep the food fresh and dry, which is a nice touch.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• Dual Splitter Design: Comes with a two-way splitter and two bowls for separate feeding.

• Portion Control: Capable of dispensing small, precise portions, great for managing intake.

• Backup Power: Includes backup batteries so feeding isn't interrupted if the power goes out.

• Food Freshness: Features a desiccant compartment to keep kibble from going stale.

While the WellToBe feeder is a solid choice for multiple cats, the included bowls are a bit on the flimsy side. You can always swap them out for your own if they don't quite meet your standards, but it's something to keep in mind.

It holds a decent amount of food, so you won't be refilling it constantly. The programming is pretty straightforward, letting you set up multiple meals throughout the day. It's a good way to keep your cats on a consistent schedule, even when you're not around to supervise.

6. Best Smart Feeder

When you need a feeder that goes beyond just timed meals, a smart feeder is the way to go. These devices connect to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to control feeding schedules and portion sizes right from your smartphone. It's like having a personal chef for your pet, but one that never forgets to set the alarm.

The Feeder-Robot Timed Automatic Cat Feeder & Food Dispenser really stands out in this category. It offers a great balance of smart features and user-friendliness. You can set up portion-controlled meals either through its app or directly on the unit itself, which is handy if your Wi-Fi is acting up. Plus, they throw in a 90-day trial period, a one-year warranty, and free shipping (though not to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico). That kind of confidence in their product is pretty reassuring.

Here's a quick look at what makes smart feeders so useful:

• Remote Control: Adjust feeding times and portions from anywhere using your phone.

• Customizable Schedules: Set multiple meals per day, tailored to your pet's specific needs.

• Portion Control: Dispense precise amounts of food to help manage your pet's weight.

• Notifications: Get alerts when food is low or when a meal has been dispensed.

While the convenience of smart feeders is undeniable, it's worth noting that a stable Wi-Fi connection is pretty important for them to work as intended. Also, some models might have buttons that curious pets could accidentally press, so keep an eye on that.

These feeders are designed to make your life easier and keep your pet on a consistent eating routine, even when you're not around to supervise. It's a modern solution for modern pet parents.

7. Best For Wet Food

When it comes to wet food, things get a little trickier. Most automatic feeders are designed for dry kibble, and trying to use them with wet food can lead to a mess or, worse, spoilage. That's where specialized feeders come in. The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a standout option for wet food. It's designed to keep wet food fresh and prevent other pets from getting to it.

This feeder uses your pet's microchip or an RFID tag to open only for the intended animal. This is fantastic for multi-pet households, especially if you have pets on special diets or prescription food. It means the right pet gets the right food, every time.

Here's why it's great for wet food:

• Selective Feeding: Only opens for the programmed pet, keeping food secure.

• Freshness: The lid closes automatically when the pet moves away, helping to keep wet food from drying out or attracting pests.

• Diet Control: Perfect for pets on specific wet food diets or prescription meals.

While many feeders are limited to dry kibble, the SureFeed system offers a solution for those who need to dispense wet food on a schedule. It addresses the common challenges of spoilage and food theft in multi-pet homes.

It's worth noting that the capacity for wet food is generally smaller than for dry kibble feeders. The SureFeed Microchip Small Pet Feeder holds about 13.5 fl. oz. of food. While this might not be enough for a full day's worth of meals for a larger pet, it's ideal for scheduled portions. Cleaning is also pretty straightforward, as the bowl is removable. If you're looking for a way to manage your pet's wet food diet automatically, this is a solid choice to consider for your cat.

8. Best Timed Feeder

When you need a feeder that's all about precision timing, the PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder really shines. It's designed to give you a lot of control over when your pet eats, which is super helpful if your furry friend has a specific meal schedule. You can set up to four meals a day, and it even lets you record a personal voice message to call your pet to their food. This makes it feel a bit more personal, even when you're not there.

Here's a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Programmable Meals: Set up to 4 meals daily.

• Voice Recording: Record a short message to call your pet.

• Easy to Clean: The parts come apart for simple washing.

• Reliable Power: It has both a power adapter and battery backup.

This feeder is a solid choice for owners who prioritize a consistent feeding schedule. The ability to program multiple meals and the voice recording feature add a nice touch of personalization and reliability to your pet's routine.

It's pretty straightforward to set up, so you won't be fiddling with complicated buttons for hours. If you're looking for a dependable way to keep your pet on a strict feeding timetable, this one is definitely worth considering. It's a good option for ensuring your pet gets fed on time, every time, without you having to be right there to do it. For a simple, timed solution, you might want to check out the PitPet Smart Automatic Cat Feeder.

9. Best Overall

When you're looking for the absolute best automatic pet feeder, the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder really stands out. It's a top pick for a reason, blending smart technology with practical design to make feeding time a breeze.

This feeder is a winner because it connects to your home Wi-Fi, letting you manage your pet's meals right from your smartphone using the My PetSafe app. You can schedule meals, adjust portion sizes, and even send a snack remotely if you're running late. It holds a good amount of food – about 24 cups – which is great for busy households. Plus, it works with both dry and semi-moist food, giving you flexibility.

Here's why it's our top choice:

• Smart Connectivity: Control everything through the My PetSafe app on your phone.

• Generous Capacity: Holds up to 24 cups of food, reducing how often you need to refill.

• Flexible Feeding: Dispenses meals up to 12 times a day, with portion sizes from 1/8 cup to 4 cups.

• Convenient Notifications: Get alerts when food is low or the feeder is empty.

• Easy Cleaning: The stainless steel bowl and other parts are dishwasher-safe.

While it might be a bit pricier than some other options, the advanced features and peace of mind it offers make it a worthwhile investment for any pet owner who wants the best for their furry friend. It's designed to be user-friendly, so you won't spend hours trying to figure it out.

It's also compatible with Amazon Dash Replenishment, which means it can automatically reorder food for you when you're running low. That's a pretty neat feature that can save you a trip to the store.

10. Ease Of Programming

When you're looking at automatic pet feeders, how easy it is to set up and change the feeding schedule can make a big difference. Nobody wants to spend ages fiddling with buttons or deciphering confusing instructions, especially when your pet is waiting for their meal. Some feeders are designed with simplicity in mind, using straightforward controls that most people can figure out quickly. Others, though, can be a bit more complicated, sometimes requiring you to read the manual a few times or even look up online guides. It really depends on the model and how tech-savvy you are.

Here's a quick look at what to expect:

• Simple Dial Controls: These often let you set meal times and portion sizes with easy-to-turn dials or buttons. Think of it like setting an old-school alarm clock – pretty intuitive.

• Button Combinations: Some feeders use a series of button presses to navigate menus. This can work well, but sometimes the sequence isn't obvious, and you might need a cheat sheet.

• App-Based Programming: For the most advanced feeders, you'll use a smartphone app. This can be super convenient, allowing you to set schedules from anywhere, but it does require a stable Wi-Fi connection and a bit of initial setup.

It's worth noting that even with clear instructions, some feeders have features that can be a little tricky to master at first. Things like voice recording for meal calls or fine-tuning portion sizes might take a few tries to get just right. Don't get discouraged if it's not perfect on the first go; most of these systems become second nature after a week or so of use.

For instance, one feeder might let you set up to six meals a day with just a few clicks, while another might require you to cycle through a menu for each setting. The goal is to find a feeder that matches your comfort level with technology so that feeding your pet becomes less of a chore and more of a reliable routine.

Final Thoughts on Automatic Pet Feeders

So, there you have it. Automatic pet feeders can really take a load off your mind, especially if you've got a busy schedule or a pet with specific dietary needs. We looked at a bunch of them, and it's clear there's a model out there for pretty much everyone, whether you're dealing with a picky eater, a multi-pet household, or just want to make sure Fido or Whiskers gets fed right on time. Picking the right one means your furry pal stays happy and healthy, and you get a little more freedom in your day. It's a win-win, really.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are automatic pet feeders worth the money?

Automatic feeders can be super helpful, especially if you're often away during your pet's usual meal times. They're also great for pets that need several small meals throughout the day or for making things easier for pet sitters. Whether they're 'worth it' really depends on your own schedule and your pet's needs.

How can I make sure an automatic feeder is safe for my pet?

It's important that the feeder can't be easily tipped over, as that could be dangerous and might let your pet eat too much at once, causing tummy troubles. Also, remember that while these feeders are convenient, they aren't a substitute for a pet sitter if you'll be gone for a long time, like on vacation.

How often should I clean my automatic pet feeder?

Cleaning instructions can vary by model, but generally, you'll want to clean the food bowl daily and the rest of the feeder regularly to keep things hygienic. Many parts are often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easier.

Can I use an automatic feeder for wet food?

Some automatic feeders are specifically designed to handle wet food, often with cooling features to keep it fresh. These are great for pets who need wet food or for multi-pet homes where you need to ensure each pet gets their specific diet.

What's the most important feature to look for in a feeder?

Many experts agree that ease of programming is key. You'll want to be able to set multiple meals and adjust portion sizes easily. Features like Wi-Fi connectivity and app control can also be very useful for managing feeding schedules remotely.

Do automatic feeders need batteries?

Most automatic feeders plug into an electrical outlet. However, many models also have a battery backup option. This is a really smart feature to have, especially if you live in an area where power outages happen sometimes, ensuring your pet still gets fed.