Discover the top automatic feeders for pets in 2021 with our ultimate guide. Find the best options to keep your furry friends fed and happy.
Introduction to Automatic Feeders for Pets
Automatic feeders for pets are a convenient way to ensure that your furry friends are fed on a regular schedule, even when you’re not at home. These machines can dispense food at specific times, provide portion control, and even offer additional features like built-in cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity. Whether you have a busy schedule, multiple pets, or a pet with specific dietary needs, an automatic feeder can be a helpful tool in managing your pet’s feeding routine.
Benefits of Automatic Feeders for Pets
– Convenience: Automatic feeders can dispense food at scheduled times, making it easier to ensure that your pet is fed even when you’re not at home.
– Portion Control: Many automatic feeders allow you to measure and control the portions of food that are dispensed, which can be helpful for pets with specific dietary needs.
– Additional Features: Some automatic feeders come with built-in cameras, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other features that allow you to monitor your pet’s feeding habits and adjust their feeding schedule remotely.
Considerations When Choosing an Automatic Feeder
– Portion Accuracy: Look for a feeder that offers accurate portion control, especially if your pet has specific dietary requirements.
– Ease of Cleaning: Choose a feeder that is easy to disassemble and clean, as this will help maintain your pet’s health and safety.
– Additional Features: Consider whether you need features like built-in cameras, Wi-Fi connectivity, or voice recording capabilities, and choose a feeder that meets your specific needs.
When choosing an automatic feeder for your pet, it’s important to consider your pet’s individual needs and any specific dietary requirements they may have. Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using the feeder to ensure that it operates safely and effectively for your pet.
Choosing the Right Automatic Feeder for Your Pet
When choosing the right automatic feeder for your pet, it’s important to consider your pet’s specific needs and your own lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
Pet Size and Dietary Needs
Consider the size of your pet and their specific dietary needs. Some feeders may not be suitable for larger pets or may not accommodate wet food, so it’s important to choose a feeder that can meet your pet’s nutritional requirements.
Feeding Schedule
Think about your pet’s feeding schedule and how often you need to dispense meals. Some feeders allow for multiple meals throughout the day, while others may only offer a single meal option. Consider your pet’s routine and choose a feeder that can accommodate their feeding schedule.
Portion Control
If your pet requires precise portion control, look for a feeder that offers accurate portion measurements. This is especially important for pets that need to maintain a specific diet or lose weight.
Additional Features
Consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in cameras, or voice recording capabilities. These features can enhance the functionality of the feeder and provide added convenience for pet owners.
Pet’s Behavior
Take into account your pet’s behavior and any specific challenges you may face, such as food theft in a multi-pet home. Some feeders offer RFID or microchip technology to prevent food theft, which may be beneficial for households with multiple pets.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right automatic feeder that best suits your pet’s needs and your own lifestyle.
Top-Rated Automatic Feeders for Dogs
Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder
The Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder offers great portion accuracy and easy setup, monitoring, and portion control. Its companion app makes programming mealtimes a breeze. However, it is on the expensive side, and the built-in camera may capture more action than desired. This feeder dispenses the most accurate portions for both large and small kibble sizes and allows you to monitor your pet’s feeding habits through the built-in camera.
PitPet Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
The PitPet Smart Automatic Cat Feeder is a basic model that is low risk, making it a good choice for those trying an auto pet feeder for the first time. It outperforms models in the same price range and offers reliable portion control. However, it does not come with any extra features. The feeder has a physical control panel that is easy to use, and the LCD screen is relatively easy to read.
PetSafe 6 Meal Pet Feeder
The PetSafe 6 Meal Pet Feeder is a carousel feeder that delivers accurate portions and reliably serves up to six meals a day. It is one of the easiest to clean, with just three removable pieces, two of which are dishwasher safe. However, it only allows you to schedule meals in 15-minute increments and runs on battery power only.
Papifeed Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
The Papifeed Smart Automatic Cat Feeder is a budget-friendly option that allows you to control the feeder with a simple app. While it is a fraction of the cost of other models, it offers weaker portion control and lacks some features. The app has a straightforward interface, making it easy to set up your pet’s meal schedule and adjust portions.
Petlibro Air Smart Feeder
The Petlibro Air Smart Feeder is a wireless feeder that uses a built-in rechargeable battery, providing cordless portability and easy scheduling. It can be powered through a wall outlet or by using its built-in rechargeable battery, allowing you to place it anywhere you want. However, it is easier for a pet to break into compared to other models.
These top-rated automatic feeders for dogs have been thoroughly researched and tested, taking into account factors such as portion accuracy, ease of use, and additional features. Each feeder offers unique benefits and considerations, allowing pet owners to find the best fit for their specific needs.
Top-Rated Automatic Feeders for Cats
If you’ve ever had your pet wake you out of a dead sleep begging for food, you might understand the appeal of an automatic feeder. These machines can feed your pet at inconvenient moments, and they can play other roles, too: portion manager, midday snack provider, kibble guardian. Unfortunately, most of these machines aren’t great at their job. We waded through dozens of models and got elbow-deep in kibble to find five good programmable pet feeders. There’s a chance that your cat will still haunt you in the night or your dog will still snuffle you awake at 6 a.m. on a Saturday. But at least you tried.
Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder
Easy on setup, monitoring, and portion control, this feeder offers great portion accuracy, and its companion app makes programming mealtimes a breeze. But it’s expensive, and the built-in camera catches more action than you might want.
PitPet Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
If you’re trying an auto pet feeder for the first time, this basic model is low risk. It outperforms models in the same price range, but it doesn’t come with any extra features.
Best for reliable portion control and easy cleaning
This carousel feeder delivers the portions you put in it, reliably serving up to six meals a day. It’s one of the easiest to clean, but you can only schedule meals in 15-minute increments.
Papifeed Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
You can control this feeder with a simple app, and it’s a fraction of the cost of our main pick. But you lose some features and get less-accurate portions.
Best for cordless portability and easy scheduling
This is the only wireless feeder we’ve found that uses a built-in rechargeable battery, so you can put it anywhere you want. But it’s easier for a pet to break into than our other picks.
Maintenance and Care for Automatic Feeders
Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure that your automatic feeder continues to function effectively and safely. Here are some tips to help you maintain and care for your feeder:
Cleaning
- Regularly clean the feeder, including the hopper, tray, and bowl, to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold.
- Use mild soap and water to clean the feeder, and ensure that all parts are thoroughly dried before reassembling.
- Some feeders may have dishwasher-safe parts, so check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
Inspecting for Wear and Tear
- Regularly inspect the feeder for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, loose parts, or malfunctioning components.
- If you notice any damage, discontinue use of the feeder and contact the manufacturer for repairs or replacement parts.
Battery Maintenance
- If your feeder is battery-powered, regularly check and replace the batteries as needed to ensure consistent operation.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery maintenance and replacement intervals.
By following these maintenance and care guidelines, you can help prolong the lifespan of your automatic feeder and ensure the health and safety of your pets.
In conclusion, automatic feeders for pets offer convenience and peace of mind for pet owners. With a variety of options available, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your pet when choosing the best automatic feeder. Overall, these devices can provide a consistent feeding schedule and portion control for your furry friends.