The Best Automatic Dog Feeder For Your Pet

Every pet owner wants to make sure that his or her pet is healthy and happy. If you are busy, though, you may not always be able to make sure that your dog’s bowl is as full as he or she might like. Fortunately, that’s where robotic pet gear products like automatic dog feeders come in, allowing you to keep your pup fed even when you are out of the house. The only problem, though, is making sure that you have the right automatic dog feeder.

The good news is that there are some great dog feeders out there. The even better news is that we’ve done all the work of finding where you can find these automatic dog feeders and assembling a list of some of the best automatic feeders on the market today. Our goal is to not only show you which dog feeders others love but to help you find a dog feeder that’s going to work for your dog. 

Best Automatic Dog Feeder In 2024

One of the most important things to remember about an automatic pet feeder is that what works for one pet isn’t necessarily going to work for every pet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of several different great products, each of which has unique features that might be right for your dog. Read on to find the dog feeder that works best for your household.

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

It’s probably not much of a surprise to see that even products like automated dog feeders are starting to get ‘smart’. As with many other types of products, these feeders are becoming more and more likely to be operated wirelessly. Though most of the products on this list are automated on a simpler level, it’s always nice to see which products are really pushing the boundaries of technology. If you are interested in a device that’s going to allow you to easily feed your dog and that will work with your smartphone, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this automated feeder from PetSafe. 

The biggest selling feature of this device is definitely the fact that it works with Amazon’s Alexa Virtual Assistant. This means that you’re not only going to be able to control the automated feeder remotely from the app but also that you will be able to set up voice commands and even daily routines while using your smart-home hub. This is an incredible leap forward for automated feeders, finally allowing them to be part of a smart-house system and giving those users who embrace this type of technology a way to more easily integrate the automated feeder into their daily lives.

Even if you’re not a fan of the smart-home functions, you’ll still get a device that does a fantastic job of helping you to keep your dog fed. You can set up specific feeding times throughout the day, each with its own specific amount of food. If you forget to program in a meal or your dog looks hungry, feeding him or she will be as easy as pressing a button on your phone. When you’re low on food, you will get an alert and you’ll even be able to re-order dog food with an Amazon Dash button. This is really one of the most user-friendly dog feeders out there. 

WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser

Sometimes it’s not the bells and whistles of a dog feeder that are so important, but rather the fundamentals. If you’re looking for a device that’s going to keep your dog well-fed even when you are not around, it’s often a good idea to take a look at something that’s simply going to be able to hold a great deal of food. If you’re in the market for something that’s got the basics down and that still has room for a few extras, you’ll be sure to love this pet food dispenser from WOPET.

It’s always a good idea to break a dog feeder down to its basics to figure out if it is going to work for you. The first thing to consider here is that the feeder provides four different feeding times every day, allowing you to customize exactly when your dog eats. The feeder also allows you to determine exactly how much your dog will be able to eat during each feeding, which can be great if you’re trying to train your dog to eat at specific times but you still want to make sure that he or she is well-fed. 

The great thing about this particular feeder, though, is that it holds quite a bit of dog food. With the ability to hold about twenty cups of food at a time, you’re going to be able to feel safe leaving your dog at home all day without having to worry about whether or not he or she has been able to eat lately. Given that individual meal sizes tend to average around one to two cups, this really is the kind of product that you can set up to work and forget about for up to a few days at a time. 

PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Pre-Portioned Automatic Food Dispenser

Every bit of gear that you buy for your dog really needs to be chosen based on your dog’s size. In some cases, this is a matter of utility. In others, though, it’s really just a matter of comfort for your dog. When you’re looking at dog feeders, it’s actually a bit of both. If you want a good dog feeder that’s going to be easy for your small or medium-sized dog to use while still having a number of great features for you as a pet owner, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this second entry on the list from PetSafe. 

One of the big things that this automated dog feeder gives to dog owners is a sense of control. With the ability to set up to twelve different meal times per day, this unit allows dog owners to either feed their dog throughout the day or to keep feedings set to a strict mealtime schedule. Designed for small or medium-sized dogs, this unit is also designed to ensure that your dog can’t get into the hopper when he or she is not supposed to beating. It’s a little feature, but one that’s great for those dogs that just won’t stop eating.

In fact, this unit really does seem like it was made for those dogs who gulp down their food too quickly in the search for their next meal. The automated feeder can be set to slowly distribute food during a feeding time, forcing the dog to slow down and avoiding the complications that lead to choking. If you have a dog that tends to have trouble eating because he or she is just going too fast, this might be the automated dog feeding unit for which you have been looking. Though it’s not the most advanced machine made by PetSafe, it’s still great at solving a very common problem. 

WOPET 6L Automatic Dispenser

Being able to interact with your dog’s automatic feeder is definitely a more important feature than you might realize. Though the point of one of these feeders is usually being able to avoid any kind of interaction, the truth is that it is nice to be able to take a bit of control when you forget to set the automatic timer or when you want to make a change. If you are looking for something that’s going to allow you to make changes on the fly, you’ll definitely love this automated dog feeder from WOPET. 

Since this dog food dispenser works with a smartphone, you’ll get much more control over when and how your dog eats. You can use the typical timers, of course, but you’ll also be able to dispense food at the push of a button. This feature is perfect not just for those who don’t necessarily schedule their dogs’ meals, but for those who might forget to set the typical timers when they decide to leave their homes. 

This automatic dog feeder also has a feature that allows you to make a brief recording for your dog that will only activate when it is time for your dog to eat. You can use this for training purposes, of course, but it’s also something that you can use to make your dog feel a little bit happier when you are not around. This can be an excellent tool for those looking to keep their bond with their pets strong even when they cannot be home. 

Athorbot Automatic Pet Feeder

So, what should a dog food dispenser be able to do when you’re not around? If you’re like most, you’re looking for a few basic things. The big one, of course, is ensuring that food gets distributed to your dog at the right time. If you want a little more, you might want to make sure that only a certain amount of food gets distributed at those times. If you’re looking for something that will allow you to have plenty of control over how much your dog eats and when, though, you’ll want to look at this unit from Athorbot. 

One of the best features that you’ll find in this unit is the unit’s ability to figure out when the dish is low on food. It can automatically dispense more for you, taking some of the guesswork out of feeding your dog. Even better, the unit even has the ability to make sure that it stops pouring before there are jams, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your machine isn’t going to get backed up when your dog needs to get fed. 

The unit also has the ability to allow you to schedule feedings, which is perfect if your dog eats on a schedule. Combined with the messages that you can leave for your dog while you’re away, these features make for a great way to keep your pet happy and well-fed even when you can’t directly intervene. 

Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder and Water Dispensers

While getting an automated dog feeder is nice, you might want to go a little farther and get something that will help your dog stay hydrated even when you are not home. Though there are some good all-in-one units out there, it is honestly usually a better idea to get an entirely separate unit for your dog’s water. Fortunately, this gravity-based pet feeder supplements its simple features by including a detached water feeder. If you’re looking to provide more care for your dog while you are gone, this might be the best fit for your needs.

While this isn’t a very sophisticated unit, it is very easy to use. Both the automated feeder and water dispenser have wide mouths, so you can fill them without having to use a funnel or other device. You’ll even be able to move around both easily, as they’re both designed to be lifted and secured without going through any unnecessary motions. These are simple devices to be sure, but they lack those features that make them too complicated for some users.

In fact, this feeder really is quite simple. The gravity mechanism means that food pours in whenever food goes out, giving your dog plenty to eat. It might lack timers and automation, but the simple mechanism is very reliable – a perfect fit for those who just want something that will keep their pets fed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are automatic feeders good for dogs?

Yes, automatic dog feeders can be very good for dogs. Not only do they ensure that dogs stay fed, but they can provide portion control and other helpful features for your four-legged friend. 

How do you make an automatic dog feeder?

The easiest kind of automated dog feeder to make is a gravity-assisted feeder. To make one of these, simply get a bucket, cut a hole in the bottom, and attach a length of PVC pipe. Set this contraption above a dog bowl so that the food can flow down; the food will stop flowing when the bottom of the pipe is blocked. 

What should you look for in an automatic dog food dispenser?

It’s always good to look for something that fits your dog’s needs. Hopper size, method of control, and the ability to schedule feedings are all big factors for most buyers.

Why do I need an automatic dog feeder?

You may need an automated feeder if you are unable to be present for your dog’s feeding times or you have trouble feeding your dog. These devices ensure that your dog can keep eating even if you cannot get to his or her bowl. 

Automatic Dog Feeder Buyer’s Guide

One of the toughest parts about buying an automatic dog feeder is learning how to ignore the ratings given by other consumers. While there is certainly something to be said for buying something that others agree is a good purchase, the truth is that your satisfaction with an automated dog feeder is going to have more to do with your needs and those of your dog. Below are a few of the big features for which you should look if you want to make sure that your automatic dog feeder is a hit in your home. 

Mechanism

The first thing you’re going to look at when choosing one of these feeders is the mechanism by which it works. There are really two categories here – truly automated feeders and gravity-assisted feeders. The former requires being plugged into an outlet and uses mechanical processes, while the latter simply makes use of gravity to keep your dog’s bowl full. Each has a place, but those who prefer one generally aren’t going to get what they need from the other. 

When you choose a gravity-assisted feeder, you’re basically choosing a hopper that’s connected to a dog food bowl. When the bowl empties, more food will flow down from the hopper; when the bowl is full, the hopper is stopped so that the food doesn’t continue to flow out. This isn’t exactly an automated process, but it is good for those who want to make sure that their dogs’ bowls never go empty. If you care about things like portion control or schedule, though, you’re going to want to make sure that you have a truly automated dog feeder. 

Hopper Size

The next thing to consider is the size of the hopper. The hopper is the container that holds your dog’s food, and the larger hoppers will allow you to go longer without having to worry about filling them up. With that said, you can avoid forgetting to fill a smaller hopper by getting a model that includes some kind of alarm for when food gets low. Whether your solution is hopper size or an alarm, it’s always a good idea to get a product that ensures that your dog’s bowl won’t run empty while you are gone. 

Feeding Scheduling

Most modern automated models offer users the choice of when their dogs will get fed. What’s important, though, is that you choose an automated feeder that gives you the level of control you need over when your dog is able to eat. Some feeders will give you a simple three or four-times-a-day option, while others might let you choose up to fifteen different feeding times. What’s vital is that you have something that will dispense food when your dog needs to eat and that will work with the feeding schedule that you have already established for your dog. 

Portion Control

Portion control is usually a good idea, too. Some dog food dispensers allow you to choose between specific size settings for your dog, while others might give you the ability to customize how much your dog is fed down to the ounce. Some feeders will dispense the same amount of food every feeding, while others will let you customize the amount the dog is fed depending on the feeding time. Try to find the features that make the most sense for how to feed your dog in order to ensure that your dog feeder is able to keep up with your dog’s dietary requirements. 

Controls

The vast majority of automatic dog feeders now have some kind of digital control panel. These panels allow you to make changes to your dog’s feeding schedule and to set portion control, so try to find a set-up that works for you. There are also many feeders that work with smartphones now, and the control schemes for these units are sophisticated enough that they’ll allow you to dispense food from the other side of town. For those with smart homes, there are even dispensers that respond to voice commands – a great feature for those who already use smart hubs for everything else in their homes. 

Extra Features

Finally, there are the little extras that make a big difference for some dog owners. If your dog eats too quickly and tends to choke, for example, you might want to choose a feeder that will slowly portion out your dog’s food over time. If you are afraid of your dog getting lonely, on the other hand, you might prioritize something that will allow you to record your voice for your dog. These extra features aren’t as important as those above, but they can definitely help you make a choice between two otherwise identical products.

Interested in more great pet products for your home? Why not take a look at our top selections for today’s best dog hair clippers, or head on over and check out what we have to say about wireless dog fences.