An automatic feeder serves your pet's meals on a schedule, so breakfast doesn't depend on you being awake and dinner doesn't depend on the train being on time. Here's how to pick one that fits your pet and your routine.
Who an automatic feeder suits
- Long workdays: meals arrive at the same time even when you're late home.
- Early risers: if your cat starts asking for breakfast at 5am, a scheduled meal can take you out of the loop.
- Fast eaters: several smaller portions through the day instead of one or two big ones.
A feeder is not a replacement for a person checking in. If you're away overnight, someone should still see your pet every day.
The three main types
- Gravity feeders top the bowl up as it empties. Simple and cheap, but they don't control portions, so they don't suit pets who overeat.
- Timed feeders release a set portion at set times using a built-in timer.
- Smart (Wi-Fi) feeders do the same but are controlled from a phone app, so you can change the schedule or add an extra portion when you're out. Some, like our 2L smart feeder, add a camera.
What to check before you buy
Capacity
Look at the daily portion on your pet's food bag and compare it with the feeder's capacity. A 2-litre hopper holds several days of dry food for a typical cat or small dog; a large dog will empty it much faster.
Dry or wet food
Most automatic feeders, including ours, are designed for dry food (kibble) only. Wet food needs a feeder with chilled or sealed compartments.
Power
Check what the feeder runs on. Ours uses a 5V 2A USB adapter (not included), so most phone chargers work.
Portion control
You want to be able to set both the time and the size of each meal, so the daily total stays the same however you split it.
Is a camera worth it?
A camera is handy if you want to see that a meal was eaten, or just check in on your pet during the day. Built-in feeder cameras are usually designed for quick check-ins rather than high-detail video, so if you want a proper pet camera with two-way audio and night vision, buy a dedicated one.
Keeping it working well
- Empty and wipe the hopper and bowl regularly so old crumbs and oils don't build up.
- Run a test meal before you rely on it, and watch the first few scheduled meals.
- Keep an eye on your pet's weight when you change how they're fed.
Our feeder
The Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder with Camera holds 2 litres of dry food, runs from a USB adapter, lets you schedule meals and portions from your phone, and has a camera for quick check-ins. It ships free with tracking to the UK and US. You'll find it alongside our water fountain in Pet Tech.
These guides are general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet's health, eating or drinking, speak to your vet.