If you’re looking for a convenient way to feed your dog, then using an automatic dog feeder (complete with smart features and timers) can be a very useful investment for any dog owner.
Many of the best feeders come with advanced smart features such as webcams and voice recording abilities, which are great for keeping an eye on your pooch when you’re out (or for when you want to watch and talk to your dog on your own lunch break!)
In this guide, we’re going to reveal some of the best automatic dog feeders currently on the market, so let’s take a closer look at the top options available.
The Best Automatic Dog Feeders In 2020
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an automatic pet feeder that comes with a useful digital timer, along with the ability to schedule up to 12 different meal times each day. Furthermore, the portion control can vary from 1/8 cups to 4 cups, giving you great versatility for accommodating many different dog breeds.
Importantly, it comes with an anti-jam conveyor system that keeps the feeder working without any issue, and it also gives you the option of using either dry or semi-moist food in many different sizes and compositions, so it will usually work with most kinds of dog food without any worry.
The main hopper can hold a respectable 24 cups of dry food, while the included bowl will hold 5 cups of food at a time, which again gives you flexibility in terms of feeding bigger or small dogs.
Another great feature is the “slow feed mode” which means it’ll release any meal over 1/8 cups gradually over the course of 15 minutes, which goes a long way toward preventing any speedy eater from wolfing down their food and vomiting. In fact, this unique slow feed ability is a key advantage that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you have a dog breed that’s prone to gulping down their food too quickly.
Additionally, the machine relies on a “pet proof” dispenser and a locking lid, so you can rest assured that your curious pooch won’t be able to tamper with the machine in any way.
The feeder does require a power supply, which can come from either 4 D Alkaline batteries, or alternatively, you can opt for the power adapter version which tends to be the most convenient choice in the long run.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an upgraded model from the popular PetSafe brand which uses clever smartphone programming features that allow you to control the feeding schedule remoting via your Android or Apple smartphone.
Again, the model comes with all of the key features you’d hope to see, such as the ability to schedule up to 12 different meal times, a slow feeding feature that prevents gulping and vomiting, and there’s also a simple “feed now” feature that, as the name suggests, allows you to release food straight away.
The Wi-Fi ability of this machine also lets you receive notifications when your dog has been fed, which is great for peace of mind when you’re not around, and it’ll also give you further information such as feeder activity over the previous 2 weeks, which can be very handy for tracking your dog’s eating habits.
Here’s a slightly more affordable smart pet feeder that comes with a built-in webcam, and it can also accommodate a range of food types including wet food, dry food, and many different treats types without any trouble.
The webcam gives you a resolution of 320 x 240, which offers you a nice view of your pet when you’re watching them on your phone, although it doesn’t work well in the dark as there’s no night vision feature.
Of course, the feeder offers easy scheduling ability thanks to the included smartphone app which comes in both Android and iOS versions, and you can also set up different profiles that allow for various feeding schedules or even making separate profiles for different pets in one household.
Here’s an automatic pet feeder that comes with a few interesting and unique features, such as a camera, mic, speaker, and full WiFi connectivity, which means you can see and talk to your pet whenever you like.
Just as you’d expect, these features can be very useful for calling your dog to their scheduled meal, but it can also be comforting for them to hear you throughout the day, too. Furthermore, it can be a great way to have lunch or dinner at the same time as your pet, which can be nice if you’re at work and haven’t been able to spend as much time with your pooch as you’d like.
Importantly, the feeder allows you to schedule up to 5 daily meals, and it’s generally very well constructed and durable. It’s also worth noting that it can be used either indoors or outdoors, and the stainless-steel design means that it should last you for a very long time without any worry.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next, we have this slightly more affordable automatic food dispenser from Arf Pets, which still manages to give you many useful features you may be looking for, but at a price point, you may feel more comfortable with it.
When it comes to the portion control features you can choose from 1 to 10 portions per meal, with each portion coming to 24ml. You can also set up 4 daily distribution alarms, too.
Another key feature is the ability to record a personal “meal call” which can last up to 10 seconds, and this can be useful for encouraging your dog to visit the automatic feeder, as well as reassuring for your pet when they hear your voice (especially if they’re somewhat wary of the feeder at first).
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a far more affordable automatic feeder, then this option from PetSafe may be just the thing you need. Of course, it comes with a far simpler design and doesn’t use any fancy ‘smart’ features, but it does allow you to schedule up to 4 pre-portioned meals each day, which takes the rush out of preparing meals in the morning before work, for example.
The design features a built-in digital clock complete with an LCD display which allows you to specify the meal timings, and each tray slot can hold around 1 cup of dry food or wet food, depending on what you want to serve up for your pet. It’s relatively straightforward to clean the trays afterward, and the quick and easy setup procedure means you should find it simple to get it back in action.
Last update on 2023-06-01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a simple yet nonetheless effective pet feeder that doesn’t come with many added extras, but it does give you a useful way to automatically replenish your dog’s food supply if you’re not around in the day. It comes with a removable lid that makes it easy to refill when needed, and the design can automatically refill as the food in the bowl becomes depleted.
Most buyers praise the design for its general convenience and ease of use, and the large capacity means it’s suitable for many breeds of dog. Although you’ll need to be careful about the type of food you use to ensure it operates in the machine without any hassle.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a durable dog feeder that’s made of galvanized steel, so it’s sure to last for many years, even if it’s kept in an outdoor environment in most cases. The 24 gauge steel is very durable indeed, but it also makes great use of an angled shoot which makes it easy for the food to flow smoothly when needed.
There’s a magnetic door closure that does a great job of keeping any pests or rodents away, although most dogs have no trouble with opening the closure to get their food after a brief learning curve, and most owners are happy with the particular advantage this feature provides, especially if it’s stored outdoors.
Of course, it’s well worth taking a closer look at some of the images on Amazon to get a better sense of how this machine works and to decide if it’ll be suitable for you and your dogs.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This automatic pet feeder from WOPet gives you the ability to use 4 daily distribution alarms, along with the option of using up to 39 different portion sizes per meal, so you can ensure that you’re providing your dog with the right amount of food as needed.
It also comes with a number of advanced features, such as the built-in voice recorder and speaker, as well as the ability to record up to 10 seconds of personal message, which can be used to call your dog to their meal.
Furthermore, it can be programmed to open at 4 different times during the day, to give you some flexibility in regards to when you want your pet to eat.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a particularly well-reviewed automatic pet feeder from WestLink, and it offers a 6 L capacity that can dispense meals at 4 different programmable times in the day as needed, as well as the ability to dispense anywhere from 1 to 39 portion sizes.
It’s worth noting that each portion size will be around 10 to 12g in size, so you’ll need to calculate the portion quantity with this in mind when you’re setting it up for your dog to make sure you’re not giving them too little or too much with each feeding.
It comes with a few handy smart features, such as the voice recorder and speaker, along with the ability to record a 10-second snippet which will commonly be used to call your pet to their meal.
The machine promises to have a very low power consumption overall, and it can be powered either by USB or by 3 D batteries, although these batteries aren’t included with the product itself.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another interesting automatic pet feeder from the popular PetSafe brand, and it comes with the ability to feed your dog with up to 6 pre-portioned meals each day, which is great for when you’re not available to give your dog a meal at the right time of the day.
It makes great use of a “pet proof” dispenser and lid, while the carousel design will simply turn and drop the allotted food into the bowl at the base of the feeder, ready for your dog to eat.
The design doesn’t have too many frills and extras, but it does give you a convenient LCD display along with a built-in digital clock that allows you to set a precise feeding schedule without any hassle. It’s also worth noting that you can get away with using semi-moist food in the trays, along with the usual kibble that tends to be the most reliable.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The large auto feeder from Van Ness is an affordable option that’s also one of the few options that’s designed specifically with larger breed dogs in mind. It comes with a simple removable lid that makes it easy to load up with dry kibble food, and this feature also makes it pretty straightforward to clean, too.
Of course, the design doesn’t come with much in the way of portion control, but it still provides you with a reliable way to ensure there’s food available for your dog (or even multiple dogs, for that matter).
Last update on 2023-06-01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a rather unique and interesting pet feeder that comes with microchip technology which can discern which pet is visiting the feeder based on an ID chip placed in their collar, and this certainly helps to ensure the correct pet is eating the food.
Just as you’d expect, this makes it a great option if you have multiple pets in the household, as well as if a certain pet needs to be following a different diet due to health reasons. However, it’s important to note that the product seems to be built with cats in mind, so it may not be the right choice if you have a bigger dog breed.
But if you’re the owner of a smaller dog breed, then you may find this microchip automatic feeder to have some special advantages, particularly if you have a bigger dog that competes with a smaller dog for their food or needs to be kept away from the smaller dog’s unique diet.
Here’s the “deluxe” version of the WOPet smart feeder that comes with some interesting, user-friendly features that most dog owners find very useful indeed.
One of the key features offered by this model is the real-time camera which means you can watch your dog while they’re eating, and generally keep an eye on them while you’re out of the house at work, for example.
Additionally, the software allows you to control the feeding schedule and make changes whenever you like, so you’re always in control of the feeding times and portion sizes.
The feeder will connect to your WiFi for easy control via your smartphone, but there’s also an offline feeding model available, so you don’t have to use it over the WiFi is that feature isn’t suitable for you for any reason.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This pet food station from PetSafe uses a gravity feeder solution to ensure your dog has access to their food without any hassle, and it can be used to provide food at any time in the day or night.
It’s available in two different size options, either small or medium, with the small version holding around 2 lb of food and the medium holding 4 lb.
The construction is relatively simple, but it’s certainly nice and durable thanks to the use of a stainless-steel bowl and a BPA-free plastic hopper that will remain stable even if it takes the occasional bump or knock.
Furthermore, the reservoir has a wide opening at the base, so it’s actually very easy to keep it clean despite its initial appearance.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This pet feeder by Jempet gives you the ability to set up a customizable feeding schedule thanks to its use of 5 individual feeding compartments, and each compartment will contain around 240 ml of either dry or semi-moist food, with an overall capacity of 1.2L.
Importantly, it’s very easy to keep the trays clean due to their removal design, too.
The feeder also comes with a voice message ability that allows you to record up to 10 seconds, which most dog owners will use to encourage their pet to eat their dinner, and it certainly works to provide some reassurance if your pet is still skeptical of the feeder device.
Another nice aspect of this feeder is the standby mode, which detects when no activity has occurred for longer than 25 seconds, and this goes a long way toward saving battery power.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an automatic feeder that’s suitable for either dogs or cats, and it can be powered by either 4 AA batteries or more conveniently, via the power adapter option.
It gives you the ability to set up to 4 different feeding times throughout the day, and you can also vary the portion sizes by using the simple programming dispenser, which lets you choose to dispense either 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or 1 whole cup of dry food.
The maximum capacity of the feeder is around 4.4 lb, which should be enough to accommodate most breeds of dog, and it also receives positive feedback from most users.
