Best Automatic Pet Feeders
(Updated January 2025)
Tired of early wake-ups from a hungry pet or missing feedings due to a busy schedule? Automatic pet feeders make mealtime hassle-free, ensuring your furry friend gets the right portions at the right times, even when you’re not home.
1
Best Overall
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
(Exceptional)
$$
- Wi-Fi enabled control
- App scheduling support
- Customizable meal portions
- Low-food alerts
- Dishwasher-safe components
Why We Love It:
The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder combines convenience and technology, allowing you to schedule, customize, and control your pet’s meals remotely through an easy-to-use app. With smart alerts and dishwasher-safe parts, it’s designed to simplify feeding while keeping your furry friends happy and healthy.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Great for Large Homes
2
PetLibro SPACE Automatic Pet Feeder
(Outstanding)
$$$
- Compact, modern design
- Built-in portion control
- Easy-to-read LCD screen
- Anti-jam food outlet
- Dual power options
Why We Love It:
The PetLibro SPACE Automatic Feeder blends style with practicality. Its sleek design fits any home, while portion control and anti-jam features ensure stress-free, consistent feeding. Reliable and easy to use, it’s perfect for keeping your pet well-fed and on schedule.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
3
CATLINK Multi-Cat Recognition Automatic Feeder
(Outstanding)
$$$$
- Multi-cat facial recognition
- Adjustable portions per cat
- Smart app management
- Real-time feeding updates
- Easy-clean detachable bowl
Why We Love It:
The CATLINK Multi-Cat Feeder is a game-changer for multi-pet households. With facial recognition and personalized portions, every cat gets the meal they need. The connected app adds convenience and keeps you in control, making it ideal for busy pet parents.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
4
PetSnowy SNOW+ Automatic Pet Feeder
(Very Good)
$$
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Sealed food storage
- App-enabled feeding control
- Easy to clean design
- Portion-controlled servings
Why We Love It:
The PetSnowy SNOW+ Feeder combines innovative features like whisper-quiet operation and secure food storage to create a seamless feeding experience. App connectivity and portion control ensure your pet stays fed on time, without disrupting your daily routine.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
5
PetSafe Six Meal Feeder
(Good)
$
- Rotating meal dispenser
- No smartphone necessary
- Holds six pre-portioned meals
- Battery-operated functionality
- Compact and portable
Why We Love It:
The PetSafe Six Meal Feeder is a simple, reliable solution for consistent feeding. With space for six pre-portioned meals and a compact design, it’s perfect for busy days or short trips. Easy cleanup and portability make it a convenient choice for pet owners.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AUTOMATIC PET FEEDERS
The concept behind automatic pet feeders is simple: they dispense meals on schedule, eliminating the need for manual feeding. This technology ensures your pets are fed consistently while reducing the effort required to manage their mealtimes. The main goal is convenience for pet owners and a healthier, stress-free routine for your furry friends.
HOW AUTOMATIC PET FEEDERS WORK
An automatic pet feeder typically follows these steps:
1
Pet approaches feeder
Sensors or timers activate when it’s time to dispense food. Some models detect motion or your pet’s presence.
2
Food is dispensed
Pre-measured portions are released into the bowl based on your set schedule or app commands.
3
Meal is served
Your pet enjoys a fresh meal while the feeder ensures consistent portion sizes for better health.
4
System resets
The feeder prepares for the next meal, ensuring accurate timing and portions for worry-free feeding.
CHOOSING THE BEST AUTOMATIC PET FEEDER
Finding the right automatic feeder depends on your specific needs. Consider these factors:
Pet Size and Eating Habits
Choose a feeder that accommodates your pet’s size and feeding style. Larger pets may need bigger bowls and higher portion capacities, while smaller pets may prefer smaller, precise servings.
Portion Control Options
Look for feeders with adjustable portion sizes to ensure your pet gets the right amount of food for their dietary needs and health goals.
Power Source
Consider feeders with dual power options (battery and plug-in) for consistent performance, even during power outages.
Technology Features
Evaluate smart features like app control, scheduling, and alerts for added convenience and real-time feeding updates to suit your lifestyle.
COMPARING AUTOMATIC LITTER BOX FEATURES
Each automatic pet feeder offers a unique combination of features, with trade-offs involved:
Feeding Schedule Flexibility
Smart feeders vary in scheduling options; some offer multiple daily meals, while others have fixed limits. Choose based on your pet's routine.
Portion Customization
Compare how precisely each feeder allows you to control portion sizes, ensuring it meets your pet’s dietary needs.
App Connectivity
Look for features like remote feeding, meal tracking, and low-food alerts through compatible smartphone apps.
Food Storage Capacity
Consider the hopper size to match your pet’s feeding needs, especially for multi-pet households or long periods away.
PROS
Convenience:
Automates feeding, saving time and effort for busy owners.
Consistent Portions:
Helps maintain a healthy diet with precise meal sizes.
Reliable Scheduling:
Ensures pets are fed on time, even when owners are away.
Reduced Food Waste:
Dispenses exact amounts, minimizing leftover or spilled food.
CONS
Initial Cost:
High-tech models can be expensive upfront.
Limited Food Types:
Not all feeders are compatible with wet or large kibble.
Power Dependence:
Smart features may fail during outages without backup power.
CHOOSING THE BEST SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX FOR YOUR NEEDS
Not sure where to start? Follow these steps to find the right model:
Choose a model that balances features with affordability.
Some cats may not take to automatic feeders right away. Look for models that offer manual modes to ease the transition.
Some models are larger and may not fit in compact areas. Make sure to measure your space before purchasing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are automatic pet feeders suitable for multi-pet households?
Yes, many feeders are designed for multi-pet use, featuring larger food storage and portion control for each pet. Some smart models even use microchips or facial recognition to ensure the right pet gets fed.
Can I use wet food in an automatic feeder?
Most feeders are designed for dry kibble, but a few models support wet food with refrigeration or insulated compartments. Be sure to check the specifications before purchasing.
How do I ensure my pet adapts to a feeder?
Introduce the feeder gradually by combining manual feeding with automatic dispensing. Allow your pet to become familiar with the device to ease the transition.
