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Work can be a priority above many other things in life and sometimes, we have no choice but to leave our faithful and loving pets at home. If work or other commitments will require you to be out of the house for quite a while, you might end up being away during their feeding time. And any good dog owner will want to make sure that their pup is properly fed no matter where they are. The solution to this is an automatic dog feeder, also known as an automatic dog food dispenser.
There are a variety of different ones out there, with the best having a number of excellent features that can do more than just provide your little one with their dinner while you’re away.
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Types of automatic dog feeders
If you start looking for these devices, you’re likely to find that there are many available. Which can make choosing the ideal one a little trickier. The good news is that they can be separated into a few different categories, making it far easier to filter through the array of products.
Some popular types include:
- Automatic feeders with food storage containers for dry dog food. They are programmed to provide your furry friend with meals at specific times and typically have 3–7 L capacity.
- Automatic feeders with food compartments. Suitable for dry and wet food. Typically hold 3–6 meals (enough for a day or two).
- Automatic microchip feeders. Suitable for dry and wet food. If you have more than one pet and each one has a different diet, having a device that will only work for a pup that matches the microchip can certainly come in handy.
- Gravity feeders. The main difference between automatic and gravity dispensers is that these ones don’t run on electricity. While they can often be less expensive, they’re not always as efficient.
Frequently asked questions about automatic dog feeders:
Which type of dog food can you use in a dog feeder?
Some are suitable for any meals, while others may only hold dry kibble. Wet food portions and the size of the kibbles used can be important, so you should consider what you’ll be feeding your pup before you buy.
How do you set the time?
While it can vary from one model to another, it’s generally pretty simple to program an electronic dispenser. It can be usually done directly on the device or through an app you can download on your phone. Some feeders with an app also have the instant feeding function available so you can feed your pup whenever you want.
Will it hold enough for my dog?
The capacity can vary greatly from one dispenser to another, so searching around for the right one for your furry friend’s needs can be vital. 4 liters can be good for many individuals, but there are options for higher (7 L and more) or lower amounts, too.
How many meals can automatic dog feeder provide per day?
Like mentioned above, it relies heavily on the specific device, but this can typically have a broad range across brands – from 3 to 12 meals per day.
Are dog feeders easy to clean?
Most quality food dispensers are made to be as easy to clean and use as possible. So if you find a good automatic feeder for your pup, you shouldn’t have to worry. Some can even be cleaned in a dishwasher, so this is a feature to keep in mind if you’re interested.
Different functions to look out for
Slow feeding option
The slow feed setting is one that you should definitely keep an eye out for if you want to prevent your dog from eating too fast. Fast eating can be dangerous and lead to a bloat – life-threatening condition, common in large breed dogs. So, with slow feeding they’ll still get the same amount, but it will come out much slower, which is sure to keep your pup satisfied as well as busy.
Audio-recording
A truly remarkable feature is audio-recording, as this can allow you to make a message for when it’s time for your pup’s meal. And we’re certain that any canine will just love to hear the voice of their beloved owner, telling them that their grub is ready.
Alexa compatibility
The ability to link your smart automatic dog feeder to your Alexa device is something that many dog owners simply can’t live without. Overall, being able to control the dispenser through Alexa makes everything easier than it already was. Which is why so many people aim to purchase models with this feature.
Automatic dog feeder with an app, wi-fi and camera
Many have their own free apps to allow you to control the device from a distance – and there are many benefits to this. With features like two-way audio, camera recording, setting timers while away, getting notifications when the feeder is low, and even purchasing more off of Amazon: check out the PetSafe Smart Feed with Dash replenishment for more info!
How to pick the right one for your dog
Each pet and situation is different, which is why it can often be important to find one that’s ideal for your unique needs.
Automatic dog feeder for small dogs
In general, when it comes to buying food dispenser for small dogs, you should aim to find one that can provide your pup with the correct amount of meals at a smaller size. Have in mind that usually small breed dogs eat more often than large breed dogs, typically, 2-5 times per day. Having a clear idea of the portion size you need in mind before you shop is likely to help you to pick the best device.
Automatic dog feeder for large dogs
There are also a number of models that are catered toward feeding large breed dogs, often being made sturdier and to hold a higher capacity. When buying, don’t forget to consider the bowl size too, as larger dogs consume larger portions.
Automatic dog feeder outdoor usage
If you want to set your feeder outside, it can be vital to find a model that is resistant to the weather. You also need to consider warding off rodents and bugs. Miller Chow Hound dog feeder will probably be your first choice for outdoor feeding.
Its capacity of 50 Lbs is just amazing for owners of large breed dogs!
Automatic dog feeder and waterer
Automatic dog waterers typically sold separately from feeders and can be an excellent addition to a home. Especially for those who tend to feed their pups with dry kibble (dogs eating dry food drink a lot). There are many great options available, and it can be an essential purchase for most pet owners. Nelson Automatic dog waterer – is must have for medium and large dogs, especially those spending a lot of time outdoors. And this PetSafe cat and dog water fountain is great for small and medium breed dogs.
Our 3 top picks for automatic dog feeder
- PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic dog and cat feeder – We love this one because of the fact that it provides up to 12 meals a day (1/8 to 4 cups per meal), a bowl holds up to 5 cups – suitable for bigger canines (and for little ones too), it’s dishwasher safe, has the slow feed option, empty bowl notification, is Alexa compatible, can reorder your dog’s food, and more. It is Amazon’s Choice, after all.
- WOPET SmartFeeder – Suitable for dogs of most sizes – you can switch between a small size food rotator and a larger one (for large dogs). It can alternate between instant feeding via the free app and a timer depending on your requirements, as well featuring a two-way audio, a camera (1080p HD) and the option to share pictures on social media.
- SureFeed Microchip pet feeder for dry and wet food. Ideal for multi-pet homes, this device only opens to designated pets, since it only works with the microchip/tag that it comes with. It allows you to ensure that your pets get the right meals.
As you can see from this short list, there are a number of excellent choices available, allowing you to leave home stress-free knowing that your pup will be fed while you’re out. Take a look for yourself at what they have to offer – you’re not likely to be disappointed by the variety, range of functions, or the difference that one can make to your lifestyle!