As a dog owner, ensuring your pet gets the right amount of food at the right time is essential for their overall health and well-being. With our ever-increasing busy schedules and varying daily routines, manually feeding your dog at consistent intervals can be challenging. This is where automatic dog feeders come in, offering a convenient, reliable, and efficient solution to keep your furry friend fed and happy – and provide peace of mind for you.

Automatic dog feeders have evolved significantly in the past few years, incorporating advanced technology to provide precise portions, scheduling flexibility, and even smart monitoring options that allow you to interact with your dog when you are away from home. 

In this guide, we will explore the key benefits of automatic dog feeders, the different types available, and the top five options that we feel are the best available on the market for different types of dog owners. 

One of the biggest advantages of an automatic dog feeder is the convenience it offers. Instead of worrying about feeding your dog on time every day, you can set up a schedule that the feeder will follow automatically. This is especially helpful for pet owners with unpredictable schedules, those who work long days, anyone with a health or mobility issue, and for those who frequently travel.

As all concerned pet owners know, overfeeding can lead to obesity and various health problems in dogs, including arthritis, pancreatis, and kidney disease – as well as decreasing your dog’s life expectancy. What’s great then, is that the best automatic feeders allow you to set precise portion sizes, ensuring your dog receives the right amount of food at every meal. This is also particularly useful for dogs on a strict diet or those prone to overeating.

Dogs thrive on consistency, and automatic feeders help maintain a structured feeding routine. Regular mealtimes can prevent digestive issues and help regulate metabolism, making your pet healthier and happier.

For dogs that experience separation anxiety, an automatic feeder provides a sense of routine and stability. If your dog has anxiety, then scheduling your dog’s meals, walks, play time, and training time lets them know when to expect these activities throughout the day. Using an automatic dog feeder helps them know that their meal will be dispensed at the expected time, which reduces stress, creates a calming effect, and makes for a much happier dog – and owner.

If you are worried about your dog’s anxiety, then check out our guide “How To Help A Dog With Separation Anxiety”.

Many automatic feeders come with airtight storage compartments, preventing food from becoming stale, developing bacterial growth, or attracting pests. Some even include built-in desiccants or cooling features to keep food fresh for even longer periods.

Gravity feeders for dogs are simple, non-electric feeding systems that automatically dispense dry food as the bowl empties. They are ideal for pet owners looking for a low-maintenance option, ensuring a continuous food supply without requiring programming or power.

These feeders are affordable and great for multi-pet households. However, they lack portion control, making them unsuitable for dogs who are likely to overeat. Additionally, food may become stale if left in the feeder for extended periods, and they do not support scheduled meal times like programmable feeders do.

Because of these limitations, we don’t really recommend a simple gravity feeder; however, if you are interested, and are looking for a simple and economical feeder, then this is a model that has excellent ratings, which you might want to check out:

Programmable electronic automatic dog feeders have a built-in control panel that lets you set up precise meal scheduling and portion control. They don’t have apps or remote controls which require a smartphone. Instead they work straight out of the box, making them super-easy to use.

Many models offer LCD screens and push buttons for easy programming, and they often have battery and plug-in power options for reliability. With airtight food storage, they keep food fresh while cutting down on mess. These feeders offer a stress-free and non-complicated way to maintain an automated, healthy feeding routine for your dog.

Smart feeders with app control are a game-changer for dog-owners, taking convenience to the next level by offering Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app integration. 

They allow you to schedule and adjust meal times and portions remotely via a mobile app. You can also receive notifications, monitor food levels to ensure your dog gets the right amount of food at the right time, and even watch your dog through the built-in video camera, all through your smartphone. They also help prevent overfeeding, maintain a consistent diet, and provide peace of mind for busy owners. 

Automatic dog feeders with a voice recording feature allow you to record personalized messages that call your dog at mealtimes and even play to them while they are eating, offering comfort and familiarity to their pets. This feature is particularly useful for dogs that experience separation anxiety, as hearing their owner’s voice can create a sense of reassurance.

These feeders also ensure scheduled, portion-controlled meals, promoting healthier eating habits. Many models offer programmable settings, battery backup, and app control for added convenience.

They’re ideal for busy pet owners, and the voice-recording feeder helps maintain a consistent feeding routine while keeping pets engaged and stress-free.

There are a few automatic dog feeders that can dispense both wet and dry food, providing owners with a versatile and convenient feeding solution.

Unlike other feeders that dispense only dry kibble, these advanced models are designed with temperature control or refrigeration to keep wet food fresh for extended periods. Some models have dual compartments to allow for a combination of both food types, ensuring balanced nutrition for dogs with specific dietary needs.

These feeders often include programmable meal scheduling, portion control, and airtight storage to maintain food freshness and prevent spoilage. The best models integrate Wi-Fi and app connectivity, enabling remote feeding and monitoring.

When selecting an automatic feeder for both wet and dry food, you need to consider storage capacity, cooling features, ease of cleaning, and power options for the best experience.

If you have more than one dog, then automatic dog feeders for multiple dogs ensure easy feeding with precise portion control and scheduled meal times.

These smart feeders often feature large-capacity food storage, usually two bowls, and WiFi app control for easy customization.

Many models include split dispensers to serve controlled portions to each dog, reducing food aggression and ensuring fair feeding. Advanced models even have HD cameras, voice recording, and 5G connectivity for remote monitoring. This makes them ideal for busy owners, helping you maintain a consistent feeding routine, and providing peace of mind about your dogs when you’re away from home.

When selecting an automatic dog feeder, consider the following factors:

When choosing an automatic dog feeder, capacity is a crucial factor. Consider your dog’s size, eating habits, and feeding frequency. Feeders typically range from small (1-2 liters) for smaller breeds to large (5-7 liters) for bigger dogs or multiple pets – and even up to 15 liters for very large dogs.

A well-sealed food storage compartment is essential to keep kibble fresh, and to prevent pests or moisture from spoiling the food. Some models feature desiccant packs to maintain dryness (these are anti-moisture packets that keep food dry and in perfect condition).

Be sure to choose a feeder which has sufficient capacity so that you don’t have to continually refill it. 

When choosing an automatic dog feeder, consider its power source for reliability. Most feeders run on the mains, batteries, or both.

Plug-in models ensure consistent operation but they may stop working during power outages.

Battery-operated feeders provide flexibility but require regular battery changes or re-charging, which can be expensive in the long-run.

The best option is a dual-power dog feeder, which uses both mains electricity, and batteries for backup, ensuring uninterrupted feeding. Look for models with long battery life and low-power indicators to avoid unexpected failures. A reliable power source is crucial for maintaining a consistent feeding schedule for your dog.

When selecting an automatic dog feeder, consider features that suit your pet’s needs and your lifestyle. Look for adjustable portion sizes and flexible scheduling to ensure proper meal management. A feeder with multiple meal settings per day helps maintain a consistent feeding routine. Customizable voice recordings can comfort your dog during mealtime, while airtight food storage preserves freshness.

Nowadays, many models offer app controls for remote operation and monitoring, which help if you are away from home and if your dog suffers from separation anxiety.

It’s a good idea to consider the features which are must-haves for you, before you buy, to enhance both convenience for you and for your dog’s well-being.

When you’re looking at automatic dog feeders, an important point which is easy to overlook is how easy it is to clean.  Ease of cleaning is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health, as you don’t want them eating old, bacteria-filled food which is crusted on or in inaccessible places on the feeder.

Look for feeders with removable, dishwasher-safe components. Models with stainless steel bowls are preferable since they resist bacteria buildup and are easier to sanitize.

Avoid feeders with complex mechanisms that trap food residue, as they can lead to mold or contamination.

Regular cleaning not only keeps the feeder hygienic but also ensures smooth operation and prevents food jams.

When choosing an automatic dog feeder, durability and build quality are essential factors. Look for feeders made from high-quality, non-toxic materials like BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, ensuring longevity and pet safety. A sturdy design also prevents tipping or damage from your enthusiastic eaters!

Additionally, check that the feeder you are considering has a well-sealed food compartment to keep kibble fresh and protect against moisture or pests.

Reliable motors and precise dispensing mechanisms are crucial for consistent performance.

Investing in a well-built feeder ensures long-term functionality and minimizes the risk of malfunctions, and also ends up costing you less in the long-run.

Taking all of these factors into account, here are what we consider to be the Top 5 Automatic Dog Feeders. Each is top of the range in its category, and is also affordable. Each feeder offers the ability to fully customize mealtimes to suit your dog’s needs.

The Petlibro Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera and Two-Way Audio is a game-changer for busy dog owners who want to keep their pets fed, safe, and monitor them visually – as well as letting you speak to them in real-time through the two-way voice system. It also allows you to set-up mealtimes through the app, as well as set alerts to tell you when the food or battery are running low or when there is a food blockage.

Pros:

• Customizable Feeding Schedules: Through the Petlibro app, you can set precise feeding times and portion sizes, tailoring meals to your dog’s dietary needs and maintaining consistent routines.

• High-Quality Camera: Equipped with a 1080p camera featuring night vision, this feeder allows you to monitor your pet in real-time, ensuring their safety and well-being even in low-light conditions.

• Two-Way Communication: The built-in microphone and speaker enable you to communicate with your pet remotely, providing comfort and interaction when you’re away from home.

• Large Food Capacity: The feeder holds up to 5 liters of dry food, reducing the frequency of refills and ensuring a consistent food supply for up to 5 days.
• Stainless Steel Bowl: The stainless steel feeding bowl ensures durability and hygiene, as it’s resistant to bacterial buildup and it’s super-easy to clean.
• User-Friendly App Control: You get to manage feeding times, portion sizes, and monitor your dog through a dedicated app, offering convenience and flexibility.
• Motion and Sound Alerts: You can set the app to give you real-time notifications of your dog’s activities, allowing you to stay informed about their behavior.

Cons:

• Price Point: The advanced features, including the camera and app integration, contribute to a higher price compared to basic automatic feeders, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious owners.

The Pooeken Automatic Dog Feeder is a great choice for those on a budget. It’s a convenient and reliable way to ensure your pet gets the right meals at the right time. And with a 4L capacity, you can schedule 1-6 meals per day, making it perfect for busy dog owners. Its portion control feature helps maintain a healthy diet, while the voice recording option provides comfort by calling your dog when it’s mealtime.

Pros:

• Customizable Feeding Schedule: Allows scheduling of 1 to 6 meals per day with adjustable portion sizes, accommodating various dietary needs.

• Large Capacity: Features a 4-liter food storage, reducing the frequency of refills.

• User-Friendly Setup: Designed for easy programming and operation, making it accessible for all pet owners.

• Consistent Portion Control: Dispenses accurate meal portions, aiding in weight management and preventing overfeeding.

• Secure Design: Constructed to prevent pets from accessing food outside of scheduled feeding times.

• Voice Recording Feature: Enables recording a message to call pets during mealtime, providing comfort and routine.

• Battery Backup: Operates with both power adapter and battery backup, ensuring functionality during power outages.

• Easy to Clean: Components are detachable, facilitating straightforward cleaning and maintenance.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Features: Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, which are available in some other models.

The Voluas Automatic Dog Feeder is the best dog feeder on the market for small breeds of dogs. It offers a good range of features designed to make feeding your dog more convenient and consistent. With a 4L capacity and a portion control feature, you can schedule 1-4 meals per day.

Pros:

• Customizable Meal Scheduling: Program up to four meals daily, tailoring portion sizes to meet your dog’s dietary needs.

• User-Friendly Setup: The intuitive LCD screen ensures straightforward programming, allowing for quick adjustments to feeding times and portions

• Voice Recording Feature: Record a 10-second message to call your dog at mealtime, providing comfort and maintaining feeding routines even when you’re not home.

• Dual Power Supply: Operates with a power adapter and has battery backup, ensuring your dog doesn’t miss a meal if there is a power outage.

• Stainless Steel Feeding Bowl: Offers durability and easy cleaning, promoting better hygiene for your pet.

• Desiccant Bag Included: Helps keep food fresh by reducing moisture inside the feeder.

Cons:

• Limited to Dry Food: This feeder is designed only for dry kibble, which may not suit dogs accustomed to wet food or those requiring a mixed diet.

The Molypet Automatic Dog Feeder for 2 Dogs is a 6L dry food dispenser designed to feed two pets simultaneously with customizable portion sizes and meal scheduling. Featuring low food alerts, and anti-blockage technology, it also has slow feeding controls allowing you to set timed intervals to dispense small portions of each meal to make your dogs eat more slowly.

Pros:

• Smart APP Control: The feeder can connect to both 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi network, so you can set up meals straight from your phone. The app also receives alerts if the feeder is low on food.

• Generous Capacity: With a 6-liter storage, this feeder reduces the frequency of refills, making it ideal for busy pet owners.

• Customizable Feeding Schedule For 2 Dogs: Program up to 10 meals a day, allowing you to tailor portion sizes and feeding times to suit each dog’s dietary needs.

• Slow Food Feeding Mode: If your dogs tend to wolf down their food, there is a great slow-down mode you can activate that gives off the meal portion in intervals. 

• Low Food and Blockage Alerts: The feeder is equipped with sensors that notify you when food levels are low or if there’s a blockage, ensuring your dogs never miss a meal.

• User-Friendly Interface: The clear display and intuitive controls make setting up and monitoring feeding schedules straightforward and hassle-free.

• Dual Power Supply: Operates with a power adapter and also has battery backup, ensuring continuous operation even during power outages.

Cons:

• Not For Large Dogs: This feeder was originally marketed for cats, but is perfectly suitable for small and medium-size dogs.

The Petlibro Air Automatic Pet Feeder is a reliable, hassle-free solution for pet owners who want to keep their small and medium-size dogs on a consistent feeding schedule. With an impressive 180-day battery life, it ensures your pet never misses a meal, even during power outages.

It also has a voice recording feature adding a personal touch, making mealtimes familiar and comforting for your dog. And because of its small size and no need for a power outlet, you can site it anywhere in your home that is best for your pet and you!

Pros:

• User-Friendly Design: Features an intuitive interface for easy setup and programming, making it accessible even for those less tech-savvy.
• Extended Battery Life: Operates on batteries with an impressive lifespan of up to 180 days, ensuring continuous functionality even during power outages.
• Customizable Feeding Schedule: Allows precise programming of meal times and portion sizes to suit your pet’s dietary needs.
• Voice Recording Feature: Enables you to record a personalized message that plays at mealtimes, providing comfort and familiarity for your pet.
• Compact 2L Capacity: The feeder’s size is ideal for maintaining food freshness, especially for pets requiring smaller portions.
• Secure Food Storage: Equipped with a twist-lock lid and desiccant pack to keep food fresh and prevent unauthorized access by eager pets.

Cons:

• Limited to Dry Food: Designed specifically for dry kibble, making it unsuitable for pets that consume wet food or require a mixed diet.

Looking for more help with your decision to choose an automatic dog feeder? Here are some common questions and answers.

Smart dog feeders are designed to dispense pre-set portions of dog food at scheduled times. They typically feature a storage hopper that holds the food, and a programmable mechanism that releases specific amounts into a feeding bowl.

Some advanced models offer features like portion control, multiple feeding times, and even smartphone connectivity for remote management. This ensures your dog receives consistent meals even when you’re not home.

Most smart dog feeders are designed for dry kibble. However, some specialized models can handle wet food, with refrigerated compartments to keep it fresh. If you want to use wet food, be sure to choose a feeder with cooling features to prevent spoilage.

Keep in mind that wet food feeders usually require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent spoilage and ensure hygiene. 

It’s important that you don’t put wet food into a feeder which is only meant to hold kibble. If you do, you will ruin the feeder and cancel your product warranty.

The number of meals varies by model. Basic feeders offer 2–4 meals per day, while advanced models can schedule up to 6+ meals. The better models also give you control over the size of the portion for each meal. This flexibility helps match your dog’s feeding routine and their dietary needs.

Check your dog’s daily food intake recommendation and divide it by the number of meals. Many feeders allow portion adjustments, ensuring proper nutrition based on your pet’s size, breed, and dietary needs. The best feeders allow you to program your dog’s meals in part-cup or multiple-cup portions, depending on the age, size and requirements of your dog.

According to petMD . . .

For more information about this topic, you can check out our guide on How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Programming an automatic feeder varies by model. Generally, feeders come with a digital interface or companion app that allows you to set specific meal times and portion sizes. Consult the user manual for detailed instructions. Some feeders also offer manual feeding options, enabling you to dispense food outside of scheduled times if needed.

Many modern smart dog feeders come with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control feeding schedules and portion sizes via a mobile app. This is useful for monitoring feeding habits when you’re at work or away from home.

Many feeders operate independently of Wi-Fi, using onboard controls for scheduling and portion settings. However, feeders with smart features, such as app integration or remote monitoring, may require a Wi-Fi connection in order to function fully. In the event of a Wi-Fi outage, these feeders often continue to dispense food according to the pre-set schedule but they may lose remote access capabilities until the connection is restored.

Yes, a smart dog feeder can be safe for large or aggressive dogs, but choosing the right model is crucial. Look for a sturdy, tip-resistant design made from durable materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal to prevent breakage or tampering. Secure locking mechanisms on the food storage compartment help keep determined dogs from accessing extra food.

Some models have reinforced dispensers to prevent jamming or damage from strong bites. Additionally, portion control ensures dogs don’t overeat, promoting healthier eating habits.

If your dog tends to be aggressive around food, consider a feeder with slow-feed settings to encourage calmer eating. It’s a good idea to supervise the first few meals, to ensure your dog adapts well and that the feeder withstands their strength and behavior.

First off, look for feeders with removable, dishwasher-safe bowls and food storage compartments. Regularly clean the dispensing mechanism to prevent clogging, and store the feeder in a dry place to avoid mold or pest infestations.

To clean and maintain an automatic dog feeder, start by unplugging the device and emptying any remaining food. Remove detachable parts like the food storage container, dispensing mechanism, and bowls—many are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manual first. Wipe the main unit with a damp cloth and mild soap, making sure you don’t get any water on the electronic components.

Be sure to regularly clean the feeder to prevent food buildup, mold, and bacteria. Also check that the dispensing mechanism is free from blockages, so it operates smoothly. Store the feeder in a dry, pest-free area and replace batteries if needed.

Routine maintenance keeps the feeder hygienic, extends its lifespan, and ensures reliable performance for your pet’s feeding schedule.