Introduction
As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is well-fed and happy. However, with busy schedules and other responsibilities, it can be challenging to find the time to feed your pet on a regular schedule. That’s where automatic pet feeders come in. These devices offer a range of benefits, including convenience, time-saving, and ensuring that your pet receives the right amount of food. Automatic pet feeders also promote portion control, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding overeating. In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 best automatic pet feeders on the market, and how they can benefit you and your pet.
Best Overall Value & Build Quality Pet Feeder
1. PETKIT Fresh Element Solo Automatic Pet Feeder
The PETKIT Fresh Element Solo Automatic Pet Feeder is a fantastic option for pet owners who are looking for a compact and efficient feeder. Despite its smaller size, this feeder has a wide host of features that make it stand out from the rest. One of the most notable features of this feeder is its smartphone integration. With the PETKIT app, you can easily set feeding times, adjust portion sizes, and even monitor your pet’s eating habits remotely.
Another great feature of the PETKIT Fresh Element Solo Automatic Pet Feeder is its dual power supply. This feeder can be powered by either via a mains outlet or via batteries, giving you the flexibility to choose the power source that works best for you. Plus, with its anti-stuck technology, you can be sure that your pet’s food will be dispensed smoothly and without any issues.
The PETKIT Fresh Element Solo Automatic Pet Feeder is also incredibly user-friendly. Its simple interface and easy-to-use app make it easy for pet owners of all ages to set up and use. Additionally, this feeder can store up to 15 days’ worth of food, so you can rest assured that your pet will be fed even if you’re away for an extended period.
Overall, the PETKIT Fresh Element Solo Automatic Pet Feeder is an excellent all round choice for pet owners who want a feeder that is both efficient, user-friendly and has a wide range of features but does not break the bank.
In my PETKIT Fresh Element Solo Automatic Pet Feeder review, I’m going to talk about the key features and what might make this a good choice for you and your pet.
- Convenient APP Control and Data Monitor: PETKIT FRESH ELEMENT SOLO automatic feeder for cats and dogs can controls your pet feeding time and amount to be fed from anywhere anytime. You can also look at the feeding records and get notification on the APP. It helps you to keep a check on your pets weight and keep them healthy
- Smart Notifications & Indicators: Your phone will receive notifications and the machine’s indicators also flashes when the food tank is empty, food gets jammed, the battery is low, or has other problems. It is very helpful during days when you are working late or are away from home
- Customized Feeding Plan: Different with other automatic cat food dispenser, our smart pet food dispenser can customize your cats feeding plan setting for everyday, which means you can set different amount for each meal and each day(10-50g per meal, up to 30 meals a day). This auto cat feeder is also equipped with a manual feeding button to easily reward your pet
- Freshness in Every Bite: This intelligent pet feeder is compatible with dry food and freeze- dried food(kibble<12mm). The freeze-dried food should be less than 20% of the whole food portion. It is equipped with trio protection which makes sure that the food comes in less contact with air. We suggest you to replace the desiccant pack every 30 days to ensure the food's maximum freshness
- Dual Power Supply: Coming with a 5V USB adapter, the automatic cat feeder WiFi also can be powered by 5AAA batteries (not included) for backup in case of power failure, ensuring scheduled feeding is uninterrupted. PETKIT cat feeder is got you covered, wherever you are
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Budget Automatic Pet Feeder
2. Cat Mate Automatic Pet Feeder
The CatMate Feeder range is a popular choice for pet owners who are looking for a reliable and affordable automatic pet feeder. The range includes several models, including the C100, C200, C300, and the largest model, the C500. The main difference between these models is the number of meals they can store, with the C500 being the largest and able to store up to 5 meals.
While the CatMate Feeder range may have limited features when compared to other automatic pet feeders, this is reflected in its cheaper price point. However, this does not mean that the materials used are of poor quality. In fact, the CatMate feeders are made from high-quality materials and are built to last.
One of the benefits of the CatMate Feeder range is that it is still able to programmable feeding schedules. This means that pet owners can still ensure that their pets are fed on time, even when they are not at home. However, unlike more premium brands, the CatMate feeders lack app integration. This means that pet owners cannot monitor their pet’s feeding habits remotely or adjust feeding schedules on-the-go.
Overall, the CatMate Feeder range is a great option for pet owners who want an affordable and reliable automatic pet feeder. While it may lack some of the features of more premium brands, it is still able to programmable feeding schedules and is made from high-quality materials.
- Works Around Your Schedule: Set an early morning, evening, or overnight feeding schedule, ensuring your pet is fed at all times, even when you're away.
- What's on the Menu?: Suitable for dry, wet, or raw food. Ice packs keep food fresh providing flexibility in your pet's diet.
- Perfectly Timed Meals: Use the digital timer to program two individual mealtimes, with one bowl available immediately upon setup.
- Clean and Fresh: Dishwasher-safe lids and bowls make cleanup a breeze, allowing more quality time with your pets and less time on chores.
- Fly-Proof and Tamper-Resistant: Tamper-resistant and fly-proof design guarantees your pets' food stays safe and protected until mealtime.
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Microchip & RFID Enabled Pet Feeder
3. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a unique automatic pet feeder that stands out from other models on the market. Its standout feature is its microchip and RFID tag identification abilities, which allow it to scan each animal’s individual tag and recognize the individual animal. This ensures that the correct food is dispensed to the correct animal, making it great for multi-pet households or animals on specific veterinary diets.
It’s important to note that the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder’s RFID tag identification abilities are only necessary if your pet is not already microchipped. However, it’s rare to find pets in the UK that are not already microchipped, as it is a common practice. Therefore, most pet owners will not need to purchase additional RFID tags for their pets, although a nice touch is that SureFeed have included 1x RFID tag just in case.
We decided to test out this product and I have incorporated all the essential details in my review of the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. I have also summarised the differences between the standard version and connect version with hub.
- SELECTIVE ACCESS FEEDER: The lid only opens for authorised pets, preventing cross-feeding, ideal for pets on prescription diets
- PERFECT FOR WET AND DRY FOOD: Sealed lid and bowl helps keep food fresher for longer, keep flies out, whilst locking odours in
- MICROCHIP AND RFID COLLAR TAG COMPATIBLE: Works with all common identification microchips and the Sure Petcare RFID Collar Tag (1 included)
- SIMPLE ONE BUTTON PROGRAMMING: Easy and hassle-free set-up with the touch of a button, and the capability to store up to 32 pet IDs
- BATTERY POWERED: Up to 6 months battery life. Use with 4 x C Cell batteries (not included)
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Pet Feeder for Multi-Pet Households
4. PETKIT Fresh Element Gemini Automatic Pet Feeder
The Gemini Automatic Pet Feeder is an excellent option for pet owners with multiple pets as it has several features that make feeding easier and more hygienic. One of the standout features of this feeder is its desiccant box, which removes moisture and keeps feed fresh for longer periods. This is especially important for pet owners who want to ensure that their pets are eating fresh food and avoiding any potential health issues.
The feed bowl of the Gemini Automatic Pet Feeder is also larger and wider than other feeders on the market. This makes it great for multiple pets to feed at once, reducing the risk of aggression and dominance as each animal has more space to eat comfortably. Additionally, having more pets can increase the chances of mess and poor hygiene, but the Gemini combats this with its stainless steel bowl and detachable parts. This makes cleaning up after feeding time a breeze and ensures that the feeder remains hygienic and free from bacteria.
- 【Dual Food Hoppers Enable Mixed Feeding】the innovative PETKIT FRESH ELEMENT GEMINI automatic pet feeder can store and distribute different animal food separately. 2 independent grain storage containers with 3L and 2L can store freeze-dried food, dry cat food, air-dried cat food or baked cat food or snacks. The ratio of different types of pet food can be assigned. This can solve problems such as fussy eaters of cats, feed change or diet adaptation
- 【App Control - Feed Anytime Anywhere】Our automatic pet feeder for cats and dogs supports APP for IOS and Android systems. It's really handy when you're out late or away for the day. Being able to easily and quickly add, change and remove meals by using the APP. You can set up to 30 meals per day with 1-10 portions per meal. And you can also view feeding records or get notifies you when food levels are low (support only 2.4Ghz WIFI)
- 【Smart Notifications and Indicators】Your phone receives notification when the food tank is empty, food gets jammed, the battery is low, or has other problems. The infrared sensor keeps checking and stops food dispensing if the food outlet is blocked
- 【Triple Preservation - Keep Food Fresh】the self feeding dispenser feeder has a sealed top cover that uses a sealing rubber ring to prevent mould and moisture. The built-in desiccant box is used for dehumidification and drying. The grain outlet has a closed design and closes automatically after each grain discharge to keep the grain storage dry. Food-grade stainless steel bowl provides healthy and hygienic feeding, saving your pets from chin acne
- 【Dual Power Supply】Easily check the food level through the transparent window and add food in time. Powered by a power adapter and 4 D-size batteries(not included). for backup in case of power failure, ensuring scheduled feeding is uninterrupted. the”extremely power-saving mode” is optional
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Automatic Pet Feeder with Camera.
5. PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder
The standout feature of the Peltibro Automatic Feeder is its integrated camera. This high-definition camera has a wide-angle of 145 degrees, allowing pet owners to visually monitor their pets around feeding time even when they are not at home. This benefit of being able to monitor your pet visually is that owners can identify changes in feeding behavior, which may be the first sign of something not being quite right. This is a unique feature that is not found in other automatic feeders that lack a camera.
The ability to monitor your pet visually is especially important for pet owners who have pets with medical conditions or special dietary needs. The Peltibro Automatic Feeder allows owners to keep an eye on their pets and ensure that they are eating the right amount of food at the right time. Additionally, the camera can be used to interact with pets remotely via the ability to record a 10 second voice clip which can be played at feeding time. This provides comfort and reassurance to pets who may be anxious or stressed when their owners are not at home, helping to reduce your pets separation anxiety.
- Smart APP Control: PETLIBRO WiFi cat feeder is 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi-enabled, allowing you to program and monitor your pet's meals anywhere anytime through the PETLIBRO LITE App for iOS and Android phones. You can set a feeding plan, and schedule feeding time, up to 10 meals per day with 1-50 portions per meal. Check the feeding logs to rest assured your pet gets fed on the set schedule. The feeder can be controlled from multiple family members' smartphones.
- 1080P HD Camera for Remote Monitoring: Using a high definition video camera with 1080P high resolution and 145° wide viewing angle, PETLIBRO smart pet feeder with camera allows you to see, hear how your beloved pet is eating when you’re on the go. And the videos can be saved on a TF card (not included) up to 256G, you can check the video playback in the APP to monitor your pet’s eating habits. The built-in camera supports IR night vision, enabling you to Clearly see your pet in the dark.
- Two-way Audio & Personalized Meal Call: Built-in advanced microphone and speaker allow you to keep in touch with your pet baby anywhere anytime. Record a voice message (up to 10 seconds) that plays at mealtime, and set the times (0-5) the meal call play, deliver reminders or just send an “I love you”. The old one is deleted when a new voice recording is done. Easily check the food level through the transparent window and add food in time.
- Motion Detection & Smart Notifications and Indicators: 1080P HD video auto-captures the pet eating and autOmatically stores the video (TF card required). Your phone gets notifications when the food/ battery level is low, when a blockage occurs, WiFi is disconnected, the feeder stops working or has other problems The infrared sensor keeps checking and stops food dispensing if the food outlet is blocked.
- Freshness in Every Bite: The patent rotor in the tank base and twist-lock lid prevent pets sneaking into the feeder for extra food. The built-in desiccant bag and sealing strip keep food fresh and crunchy. The tank lid, tank, tank base, and stainless steel food bowl are removable for easy Cleaning. Food-grade stainless steel bowl provides healthy and hygienic feeding, saving your pets from chin acne.
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information and guides, see my 10 Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make When Using Automatic Feeders – and How to Avoid Them!
Being a 5th year Vet student and having a passion for improving the health and welfare of all animals, I am providing AblePaws.co.uk with a veterinary perspective / insight into the real word applications, including strengths and limitations of the products it reviews. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to the suitability of the pet products reviewed on the site to keep your pet mobile, comfortable and full of life!