An automatic dog feeder can help save you time and give you peace of mind that your dog is being fed on a consistent basis.
Here is a quick rundown of our top selections of automatic dog feeders:
| Best Overall: Petdiary Automatic Dog Feeder | |
| Best For 2 Dogs: IPettie Automatic Pet Feeder | |
| Best Large Capacity Feeder: Whisker Feeder-Robot | |
| Best With A Slow Feeder Option: PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder | |
| Best For Large Dogs: Van Ness Large Auto Self Dispensing Feeder | |
| Best Budget: Premier Pet Automatic Timer Pet Feeder | |
| Best With A Camera: Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder |
Related: The Best Automatic Water Bowl For Your Dog, The 16 Best Dog Bowls For Your Pet
What Is An Automatic Dog Feeder?
An automatic dog feeder is a device that allows you to pre-portion your dog’s meals and be fed at specific times of day.
How Do Automatic Dog Feeders Work?
An automatic dog feeder consists of a storage area to hold your dog’s food. You then determine how much and at what time your dog is fed. This can be programmed on the feeder itself or through an app that controls the features of the feeder. The food is then dispersed according to your specifications into an attached dog bowl.
Why Would I Need An Automatic Pet Feeder?
There are several reasons why you may want to invest in an automatic dog feeder.
- You tend to work late and you want to make sure your dog is fed on time.
- Your dog may have special medical conditions or dietary restrictions where they need to be fed several times a day.
- Portion Control. If your dog needs to lose weight an automatic dog feeder will allow you to give your dog a specific amount of food at mealtime, ensuring they don’t overeat.
- If you are out of town, instead of relying on your pet sitter to feed your dog properly, you can set everything up ahead of time.
- Physically, you may have difficulty bending down to feed your dog. An automatic dog feeder will decrease the amount of times you will need to bend to once a week or once every few weeks.
Can You Put Wet Food In An Automatic Feeder?
Unfortunately, you are not able to put wet food in an automatic dog feeder.
Dry kibble or semi-moist kibble are the only types of dog food recommended for use in an automatic feeder.
How Do You Set Up An Automatic Pet Feeder?
Using an automatic dog feeder is specific to the device you buy, however, there are basic features that you can set up in each feeder.
First, download the feeder’s app. This will allow you to control the functions of the feeder from your phone.
Next, set up your account according to the app’s directions to connect your feeder to the app.
You are now ready to program your feeder.
Choose the portion size you wish your dog to get with each feeding. This can range from ⅛ of a cup to ¼ cup to 1 cup or more depending on your particular feeder.
Select the number of meals you wish your dog to receive throughout the day. Most dogs are fed twice a day, but they may need frequent, smaller meals depending on their breed, size, life stage, medical, or dietary needs.
Once you have the specifics set up, fill the reservoir with your dog’s food, place the bowl under the dispenser (if separate from the feeder), relax and let the feeder go to work for you.
How Does A Gravity Feeder Work?
Most automatic dog feeders use an app and a smartphone to control how your dog is fed with specific portion sizes and times to eat.
If your dog does not need to have their mealtimes broken up into several feedings and they tend not to gorge their food, a gravity feeder may work better for you.
To use a gravity feeder, fill the dispenser with your dog’s food. There is an attached feeding area for the kibble to fill up.
Once the food reaches a certain level in the feeding area, the kibble stops.
As your dog eats the food, the kibble will come out of the dispenser to replenish what was removed from the dish after your dog eats it.
Gravity automatic dog feeders are a good option for large breed dogs, as the feeding area tends to be larger than other types of automatic dog feeders and they can hold larger sized kibble.
What Should I Look For When Choosing An Automatic Dog Feeder?
There are several features you may want to consider if you are buying an automatic dog feeder:
Feeder Size
Check the size to be sure it fits in the area you wish to keep it.
Feeding Area Size
The area your dog will be eating from needs to be large enough to accommodate your dog.
Locking Lid
The food dispenser should have a lid that locks to keep the food fresh and prevent your dog from getting into it.
Backup Power
Having backup power, usually batteries, can help in the event of a loss of electricity during a storm.
Wi-Fi
Is your Wi-Fi compatible with that of the feeder?
Kibble Size
Feeders can hold kibble up to a certain size. Check that it is able to accommodate your dog’s food.
Dispenser Size
Feeders allow for a specific amount of kibble to be held in the dispenser. This will determine how often you will have to fill the feeder with food.
Ease Of Programming
Is the app or feeder controls user friendly?
Portion/Mealtime Options
Check the portion sizes and the number of meals you are able to provide for your dog each day. Does the amount the feeder allows meet your dog’s needs?
Multiple Dogs
If you live in a multi-dog household, will the feeder accommodate more than one dog?
Washing Instructions
Hand wash or dishwasher safe? The feeding area needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid bacteria build up and how it can be cleaned may make a difference for you.
Camera/Audio
If being able to see your dog as they eat or be able to talk to or leave a message for your dog at mealtime is important to you, look for a feeder with these capabilities.
Are Automatic Dog Feeders Worth It?
Automatic dog feeders are worth it for some people and not for others. Only you can determine if it is right for you and your dog.
Pros Of Using An Automatic Dog Feeder:
- Food is pre-portioned according to your dog’s needs.
- Your dog can be fed multiple times per day.
- Your dog will still be fed even if you are running late at work or on an errand.
- You can feed your dog on demand if needed.
- Helps you keep your dog on track if they need to lose weight.
Cons Of Using An Automatic Dog Feeder:
- Need to make sure you have backup power.
- Must have a smartphone in order to use the feeder’s app.
- Wi-Fi needs to meet feeder’s requirements.
- Need to replenish food on a regular basis.
The Best Automatic Dog Feeder For Your Pup
These are some of the best rated automatic dog feeders according to users. The product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Automatic Dog Feeder Overall
Petdiary Automatic Dog Feeder
The Petdiary dog feeder contains a desiccant bag to keep food fresh, allows you to customize portion sizes, has a backup battery, and enables you to record your voice for your dog to hear at mealtime.
- Feeds up to 4 times a day.
- Customizable portion sizes.
- Record your voice for a personalized message at feeding time.
- Includes a desiccant bag to keep food fresh.
- Allows you to select meal times.
- Holds 17 cups of food.
- Use by plugging into an outlet.
- Can also be used with 3 D batteries.
- For small to medium sized dogs.
- Good for food sized 0.07-.40 inches in diameter.
- Measures 7.5 x 7.5 x 22.83 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- There is an option to feed your dog without the timer.
- Instructions were difficult for some people to understand.
Check Price At: Chewy
Best Automatic Dog Feeder For 2 Dogs
IPettie Automatic Pet Feeder
The IPettie has a divided food tray with separate stainless steel bowls to hold your dog’s food.
- Holds 21 cups of kibble.
- 2 one cup stainless steel bowls.
- Can feed 2 dogs at once.
- WiFi enabled.
- Uses power adapter and 3 D batteries as a backup.
- For dry food only.
- Can set 1-10 meals per day with 1-12 portions for each.
- Storage area is triple locking to keep food fresh.
- For kibble 0.12 -0.51 inches.
- Food tray can tilt 7 degrees.
- Bowl height is adjustable.
- Can record a message to play when it’s feeding time.
- BPA free.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to set up.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Large Capacity Automatic Dog Feeder
Whisker Feeder-Robot
The Whisker dog feeder can hold up to 32 cups of dog food and features anti-jam technology so you can be sure your dog will get all of their food at mealtimes.
- Available in 2 colors: White and Black.
- Anti-jam technology.
- Can be used via a control panel on the unit or by using the Wisker app.
- Tamper resistant lid.
- Has a gravity feeder mode.
- BPA free.
- Chew resistant power cord.
- Uses dry or semi-moist kibble.
- Removable parts for cleaning.
- Wi-Fi enabled.
- Dispenses up to 4 meals per day.
- Holds 32 cups of food ⅝ inches in size.
- Measures 13 x 12.5 x 15 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to use the app.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to clean.
- Able to skip meals or give a snack sized portion.
- Back-up battery not included.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Whisker
Best Automatic Dog Feeder With Slow Feeder
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
This PetSafe automatic feeder has a slow feed option that can dispense meals in small portions over a 15 minute period, ensuring your dog does not scarf down their food too quickly.
- Uses the PetSafe Smart Feed app.
- Connects with Wi-Fi.
- Low food sensor lets you know if the kibble is running low or empty.
- Holds 24 cups of food.
- Can use dry or semi-moist food.
- Allows scheduling of up to 12 meals per day.
- Slow feed option dispenses large meals in small portions over 15 minutes.
- “Feed Now” option allows you to feed your dog on demand any time.
- Stainless steel bowl.
- Power is from an AC adapter.
- Uses 4 D batteries for backup power.
- Feeder components are dishwasher safe.
- Measures 13.27 x 10.28 x 15.79 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to use.
- Loud when food dispenses into the bowl.
Check Price At: Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, Petco
Best Automatic Dog Feeder For Large Dogs
Van Ness Large Auto Self Dispensing Feeder
This Van Ness Feeder is a gravity feeder and is designed to accommodate large dogs.
- Designed for large dogs.
- Holds up to 10 lbs. of kibble.
- Food holder is see-through to allow you to see how much food is stored.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Measures 17.38 x 10.25 x 13.25 inches.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to use.
- Lid does not seal, allowing dogs to lift the lid to get at food.
- Not good if your dog is not capable of portion control, as it does not allow you to to set specific amounts of food to give to your dog.
Check Price At: Walmart, Amazon
Best Budget Automatic Dog Feeder
Premier Pet Automatic Timer Pet Feeder
If you are looking to try out an automatic dog feeder at a budget price, the Premier Pet Automatic Pet Feeder may suit your needs. It allows you to program 2 meals per day. It is also small in size if you only have a small space where you feed your dog.
- Allows 2 meals in a 24 hour period.
- Uses dry or semi-moist food.
- Tamper resistant lid.
- Customizable portion size.
- Has a 3 cup capacity.
- BPA free.
- Tray is dishwasher safe.
- Measures 10.1. x 2.62 x 8.58 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to use.
- Runs on batteries.
- Need to refill it each day.
Check Price At: Walmart
Best Automatic Dog Feeder With A Camera
Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder
Sometimes you want to keep an eye on your dog to make sure they are eating their meals. The Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder has a camera that not only lets you see your dog, but also has night vision as well, allowing you to see your dog no matter the time of day. This feeder also features two way audio so you can communicate with your dog when you can’t be there in person.
- Uses the Arf Pets app.
- Live video.
- Two way audio.
- Can record your voice to play at mealtime.
- Holds up to 29 cups of food.
- Lockable lid to keep food fresh.
- Power with a USB wall adapter and 3 D batteries for backup.
- Food tray and bucket are dishwasher safe.
- Night vision camera.
- Uses Wi-Fi.
- Measures 15 x 9.3 x 16 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Needs to be 3-10 feet from the router at 2.4 GHz. for best results.
- May have difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi.
- Feeding portions are not able to be customized and some feel it is a bit small for their dog.
- Lightweight and can be knocked over.
Check Price At: Amazon, Walmart, Chewy
An automatic dog feeder allows you the convenience of pre-portioning your dog’s food and to be fed at specific times throughout the day, helping to keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.