Welcome to the future of pet parenting with the best automatic dog feeders! Technology has become such an integral part of our lives that it’s no surprise that our furry companions are benefiting from it, too.
Say goodbye to the days of rigid feeding schedules and fretting over missed meals — automatic dog feeders are here to revolutionize the way we nourish our canine companions. Whether you’re a busy professional, a jet-setting adventurer, or simply seeking convenience in your daily routine, these feeders keep your pup’s tummy full and their tail wagging, even when you’re not around.
These innovative devices offer precise portion control, customizable feeding schedules for different breed types, and interactive features to keep your pooch engaged and stimulated.
Types of Automatic Dog Feeders
Whether you are looking for a basic model or something more advanced, there are many types of automatic dog feeders to suit different lifestyles and needs. Here are some common types:
Gravity Feeders
These simple feeders work by relying on gravity to dispense food into the bowl as your dog eats. They are usually basic in design and don’t offer advanced scheduling or portion control features.
Programmable Feeders
As the name suggests, these feeders allow you to ‘program’ or set specific feeding times and portion sizes for your four-legged pal. They usually operate on digital timers and can dispense multiple meals throughout the day, which is a great way to maintain a consistent feeding schedule for your pet.
Smart Feeder
Smart feeders connect to your smartphone or other devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and give you the freedom to control and monitor your pet’s feeding remotely. You can monitor food levels, set feeding schedules, and even dispense meals with your voice using a smart speaker.
Slow Feeder
Designed to slow down your dog’s eating pace, these feeders help not just to prevent gulping and improve digestion but also provide mental stimulation. They usually feature obstacles or puzzles that require your dog to work for their food.
What to Look for in the Best Automatic Dog Feeder
Before you invest in an automatic dog feeder, there are several factors you should consider. Here’s what to look for:
Feeding Capacity
First up, consider the size of your dog and how much food they consume daily. Choose a feeder with sufficient capacity to hold enough food for your dog’s needs, whether you’re away for a few hours or several days.
Portion Control
Look for feeders that offer precise portion control settings, allowing you to customize the amount of food dispensed for each meal. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing overeating.
Programmable Schedule
Just Opt for a feeder with programmable scheduling options, allowing you to set specific times and portions for meals to ensure your dog is fed consistently. Consider features like voice commands or app control for added convenience./paste it in.
Ease of Cleaning
All parts that come into contact with food should be easy to disassemble and clean to prevent bacteria growth. Look for models with removable bowls and dishwasher-safe components for convenient cleaning and maintenance.
Durability and Stability
Select a feeder made from durable materials that can withstand your dog’s chewing and roughhousing. Look for feeders with secure lids, anti-tip bases, and features that prevent clever pups from accessing the food container directly.
Food Compatibility
Check whether the feeder is suitable for the type and size of food you plan to use, whether it’s dry kibble, wet food, or a combination of both. Some feeders may have specific requirements or limitations regarding these.
Additional Features
Smartphone connectivity for remote monitoring and control, battery backup in case of power outages, or a built-in webcam to check on your pet can all add to your automatic feeder experience.
The Best Automatic Dog Feeders to Buy in 2024
These dog feeders really are a lifesaver when it comes to being punctual with your pup’s mealtimes. But with so many of them on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. We at DogTime have scoured the shelves and sifted through the specs to bring you a list of the 7 best automatic dog feeders on the market.
BEST OVERALL
WOPET Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
PHOTO CREDIT: WOPET
Why We Love
Smart app control
Built-in camera with live view
Dual power supply
Large capacity
10-second customized message
Easy-to-clean
But…
The control panel is a little tricky to navigate
The WOPET automatic pet feeder has some really cool features that make it top our list. With its smart app control (which works on both iOS and Android), you can easily schedule up to 6 meals per day and adjust portion sizes to suit your pet’s needs. The real star of the show here, however, is the built-in camera. You can use the app to see and hear your pet live — a great way to ease separation anxiety for you! With the camera, you can even capture and share special moments directly on social media; cute, huh?
Its generous 7-liter capacity ensures your pet stays fed and happy for a couple of days, making it perfect for when you have to be away on weekends. Another nice touch is its ability to record a 10-second voice message that plays when food is dispensed. This can help familiarize your dog with the feeder and make mealtimes less stressful. The lid has a lock to keep food safe and fresh, and the removable food tank and bowl make cleaning them easy. The feeder can run on either an outlet or batteries; however, it is recommended that both be used for optimal performance.
BEST CLOG-RESISTANT
PETLIBRO Automatic Dog Feeder
PHOTO CREDIT: PETLIBRO
Why We Love
Scheduled portions and times
Voice recording feature
Dual power option
Clog-resistant design
Keeps food fresh
Easy-to-use LCD screen
But…
Not especially sturdy around larger dogs
The PETLIBRO feeder is a good choice for keeping your dog fed on a schedule, even when you’re away. It holds up to 6 liters of dry kibble and lets you program meal times through a handy LCD screen. Moreover, this feeder can run on either batteries or an outlet, so you don’t have to worry about power outages interrupting your dog’s meals.
We love the built-in voice recorder, which lets you record a 10-second message for your pooch — it plays when food comes out. Isn’t it an adorable way to comfort your dog and let them know that you love them? The feeder is designed to avoid clogs that can stop food from coming out. It also has a special lid that locks to keep dog noses out of the food and seals it to keep it fresh — no more soggy kibble!
BEST AUTOMATIC SET
NKECOBJI Automatic Feeder and Water Dispenser
PHOTO CREDIT: NKECOBJI
Why We Love
Simple yet automatic
Made from pet-safe materials
Easy to clean
Suitable for dry kibble
Non-slip base
Budget-friendly option
But…
No portion control
We’re going back to the basics (or, to be more specific, your physics class) with this one. The NKECOBJI dispenser set is a no-frills solution for keeping your pet’s food and water topped up automatically. It uses gravity, so there’s no need for batteries or electricity. Simply fill the container with dry kibble (it’s not suitable for wet food), and the food will automatically be dispensed into the bowl below as your pet eats. The water dispenser works similarly — fill the bottle, and fresh water will flow into the attached bowl.
Made from safe, pet-friendly materials, the NKECOBJI feeder is easy to set up, clean, and maintain. Plus, the dispensers’ anti-slip bottom ensures they stay in place. Both the food container and water bottle are detachable, which makes refilling and washing a breeze. Moreover, you won’t have to refill them often as they can hold up to 3.8 liters of food and water, keeping your furry friend content for longer durations.
BEST WITH CAMERA
DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
PHOTO CREDIT: DoHonest
Why We Love
Smart app control
HD camera with night vision
Dual power supply
8-liter capacity
Two-way audio and 10-second voice recordings
The removable food tank and tray make cleaning easy
But…
The app may not work if there are network issues
A busy pet parent’s dream come true, the DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera is a a feature-rich option for keeping an eye on your furry friend and their meals. With its Smart Life app (iOS and Android) that connects via WiFi, you can control everything — set feeding times and portion sizes remotely, ensuring your pet is never overfed or left hungry. With the built-in HD camera with night vision, you can even see, hear, and talk to your pet anytime. Plus, it allows you to record 10-second voice messages to comfort your pet during feeding times.
When it comes to the hardware, a secure lid and a desiccant bag keep your beloved pet’s food fresh and hygienic, and the removable tank and tray make cleaning super easy. The container is large enough to hold 8 liters of kibble that can last for days. No more fretting about sudden blackouts; this pet feeder’s got you covered with its double power setup. Your pets stay well-fed no matter what happens with the electricity.
BEST GRAVITY FEEDER
Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder
PHOTO CREDIT: Amazon Basics
Why We Love
Simple operation
Transparent hopper
Anti-skid rubber feet
Easy to clean
Budget-friendly option
Wider mouth of feeder for mess-free refilling
But…
No advanced features
This gravity feeder from Amazon Basics is a simple and convenient solution for feeding your small pet dry kibble. It utilizes gravity to automatically dispense food into the bowl below as your pet eats, ensuring your furry friend never runs out of food. The 6-pound capacity transparent hopper also allows you to monitor food levels at a glance and refill it whenever necessary.
Made with a durable plastic base, the feeder features anti-skid rubber feet for secure placement. The cutout handle design on the sides makes it easier to lift and carry indoors or outdoors, and the extra wide mouth of the feeder ensures mess-free refilling. Its compact size is also ideal for pet parents looking for a space-saving and basic automatic feeding solution for their precious pooches.
BEST FOR LARGE BREEDS
Little Giant Pet Lodge Chow Hound Pet Feeder
PHOTO CREDIT: Little Giant
Why We Love
Made from durable galvanized steel
Rust-resistant
Comes pre-assembled
25-pound capacity hopper
Chew-proof container
Easy to mount on the wall
But…
Not suitable for wet food
The Little Giant Pet Lodge Chow Hound Feeder is a wall-mountable dispenser designed keeping in mind durability and convenience. Made from tough, galvanized steel, this feeder can not only withstand everyday use but also resist rust. With its 25-pound capacity hopper, it is the perfect automatic dog feeder for large dogs or if you have multiple pets in the household who can share the same feeder.
You don’t need separate bowls with this feeder because the food dispenses from the same chew-proof container. The dogs have to push through the flap (much like a doggy door) to access the food, and once they are done eating, the flap closes shut. The door’s magnetic closure helps keep food fresh and dry while also preventing unwanted pests from accessing your beloved pooch’s kibble. It also features an angled chute that controls the flow of food, potentially preventing messy spills. Plus, this fully assembled feeder comes ready to mount on your wall, making it very convenient to install.
BEST WITH TIMER
Amazon Basics Automatic Timed Pet Feeder
PHOTO CREDIT: Amazon Basics
Why We Love
Timer ensured scheduled feeding
Six meal slots
Easy-to-use digital control panel
Battery-operated
Compact design
Easy to clean by hand
But…
Not suitable for larger dogs
If you’re looking for a basic automatic feeding option but want something other than gravity feeders’ free-for-all design, then Amazon Basics Automatic Timed Pet Feeder is the one for you. Operated by 3 AA batteries (not included), this electronic feeder dispenses pre-portioned dry or semi-moist food at programmed times, ensuring your furry friend receives consistent meals throughout the day.
Featuring six separate food compartments, you can easily portion out meals for up to 24 hours in advance. The feeder’s user-friendly timer ensures your pet gets fed on schedule, whether you’re away from home or simply sleeping in. Made from durable plastic and available in two colors, the feeder also has a removable top cover for easy refilling. Plus, the compact size makes it easy to clean by hand.
How We Chose the Best Automatic Dog Feeders
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best automatic dog feeders by assessing factors such as feeding capacity, smart features, portion control, durable materials, price, and ease of cleaning. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
Are automatic feeders good for dogs?
Automatic feeders can be good for dogs, especially for those needing portion control or timed meals. However, they may not suit all dogs and aren’t ideal for wet food.
How to feed dogs remotely?
Wi-Fi-enabled automatic feeders with apps let you control portion sizes and set feeding schedules remotely from your phone. Some of them even have an in-built camera for you to check on your pet. These feeders are a good option for busy pet owners or those needing to monitor their dog’s diet.
When was the automatic dog feeder invented?
The exact date is unknown, but patents for automatic pet feeders date back to the late 1930s. The “Time Controlled Feeding Device for Domestic Pets” was patented in 1939 and could possibly be the earliest invention.
Do automatic wet food feeders exist?
While less common than dry food feeders, wet food models do exist and are designed specifically to dispense wet or semi-moist food at scheduled times. Be sure to check the feeder’s specifications before purchasing.
What are the disadvantages of automatic feeders?
Automatic feeders can malfunction, dispense too much food, face network issues or not be suitable for wet food or certain diets. They may also limit interaction during feeding time and may not be ideal for multi-pet homes with food-guarding issues.
Can I leave my dog alone with an automatic feeder?
It depends. Auto dog feeders help regulate meals, but leaving a dog alone requires other considerations. Factors like pet age, anxiety, and total time alone are important. It’s best to ensure your dog’s well-being with supervision or check-ins. Also, always make sure the feeder is properly set up and functioning before leaving your dog unattended.
How do I feed my dog when traveling?
You can use battery-operated automatic feeders with scheduled feeding times to ensure your dog is well-fed while you’re away. Alternately you can also consider automatic feeders with app connectivity that allows you to monitor their mealtimes and be in touch with them remotely.
Are automatic pet feeders safe?
Yes, auto feeders are generally safe when used correctly. Choose a reputable brand, follow manufacturer instructions, test it thoroughly, and monitor your pet while using it.
What are the benefits of an automatic pet feeder?
Automatic feeders offer convenience (scheduled meals, portion control), promote healthy eating habits, and can be a lifesaver for busy pet owners or those with specific feeding needs. Some even record your voice or video chat, reducing pet separation anxiety.
