Animals thrive on routine, but humans sometimes struggle to adjust. For many pet owners, busy schedules, long work hours, or lazy mornings get in the way of feeding your pet at regular intervals. As a result, many pets suffer from overeating or undereating, both of which pose drastic health problems and reduce your animal’s longevity.

Cat and dog lovers are turning to automatic feeders to provide structure over when and how much their pets eat. These feeders allow pet owners control over portion size for overweight animals, provide structure for your pet, and eliminate the need to be present for every meal.

There is no single best automatic feeder, only the one that fits your lifestyle and your pet’s needs. As you review these options, consider your schedule and your animal’s mealtimes. Do you work long hours? Make sure your feeder has an anti-jamming sensor to prevent clogs or overflows.

Will you be away on vacation? Opt for a feeder with a larger capacity. Are you feeding a large animal? Choose an extra-sturdy option.

Does your dog or cat like to chew wires? Veer toward a feeder with a battery supply. Do you want to be able to check in on your pet during the day? An option with a camera and two-way audio, like the TTPet, may be your best bet.

Although most feeders dispense only dry food, the Casfuy Automatic Feeder allows you to portion individual meals, wet or dry, at the beginning of the day. Other pet owners might want something free of the bells and whistles. They can opt for an outdoor-friendly, gravity-fed option like the Zone Tech Feeder.

In compiling our list, we’ve considered budget, capacity, ease-of-use, reviews, and unique features to present seven of the best automatic pet feeders for every lifestyle. Give your pet every advantage for a long and happy life by choosing a feeder that provides an extra layer of reliability and routine.

The Best Automatic Feeders

 

1. HICTOP Automatic Pet Feeder

Hictop automatic pet feeder and programmable food dispenser

The HICTOP Automatic pet feeder works well for busy families or pet owners who work long hours. It dispenses up to four meals a day, each of which is timeable and programmable.  It includes the option to record a ten second voice message to call your pets to their meal.

The HICTOP Automatic Pet Feeder operates with an infrared sensor. The sensor prevents the feeder from jamming, which might leave your pet hungry. This sensor also prevents overflows if your animal doesn’t finish their previous meal, making it a good option for picky or indifferent eaters.

The control panel is simple and user-friendly, and a flip-top cover protects the buttons from the paws of hungry cats or dogs. To access the control panel, you simply flip a small switch to release the lid. This added layer of protection ensures that your pet’s portions remain controlled.

The feeder is powered by a USB or a back-up battery option, and assembly is easy. With a capacity of 6 liters, it can feed a small dog or a cat for up to seven days, depending on the size of their meals. A large transparent window allows you to monitor the food levels.

The biggest complaint about this feeder is the tray is not dishwasher-safe, nor can the control panel be operated from a smartphone.

Overall, the HICTOP Automatic Pet Feeder is an affordable, high-quality option for busy families or pet owners who work long hours away from their home. It provides the peace of mind that your small dog or cat will be fed reliability throughout the day.

You can learn more about the HICTOP Feeder here.

2. TRIPLE TREE Automatic Pet Feeder

Triple Tree automatic dog and cat feeder with timer

For pet owners looking for an option for larger pets, the Triple Tree Automatic Feeder offers a 1.2 gallon capacity with a programmable timer that dispenses up to four meals a day. Weighing 7.9 lbs without food, it’s a sturdy option for large dogs or cats inclined to knock their feeders over. A larger capacity also reduces how frequently you need to refill the supply.

The Triple Tree allows you to set times and quantities for up to four meals a day. It features a ten second voice recording option and an anti-jamming sensor to prevent food from getting stuck in the device. When the food supply runs low, a beeper will alert you.

The feeder supports a DC 5V 1A power supply but, for pets who are inclined to chew on wires and in case of a power outage, it also runs on 3 D-size batteries (not included) for at least a month.

The main downside is that it cannot be controlled from a smartphone. Some reviewers noted that it is larger than other feeders, which might be a downside for some spaces but also provides an extra layer of stability for larger animals.

Like the HICTOP Feeder, the Triple Tree is an ideal option for people who are away from their home for long hours and desire a sturdy, reliable feeder. Its larger capacity makes it a viable option for owners of large breeds or those who may be away on vacation for an extended period.

Sound like the perfect solution for you and your pet? Buy it here.

3. Pawple Automatic Pet Feeder

Pawple automatic pet feeder

Programmable for up to four meals a day, the Pawple offers a voice recorder, customizable portion sizes, and dishwasher-safe food trays. It runs on either USB power or 3D batteries, providing options for pets who chew on wires or a backup power supply during outages.

With a food supply capacity of 7 liters and portion sizes customizable from 2 teaspoons to 4.5 cups, the Pawple is best for small or medium-sized dogs and cats. The food tray is easy to remove and dishwasher safe.

Several reviewers note that the voice recording function has no volume function, making it difficult to produce an effective recording, nor does the feeder have smartphone controls. That said, it is an economical option for pet owners who want to give their pets the gift of reliability.

You can easily purchase this feeder here.

4. TTPet Dog Food Dispenser with 1080P HD Camera

Ttpet wifi and smartphone automatic cat and dog feeder

The TTPet Dispenser is ideal for pet owners who want to control their pet’s mealtimes from their smartphones. By connecting the feeder to the free app “Smart Life,” you can schedule and control as many mealtimes as needed. The feeder features a 1080 HD Camera so you can check in on your pet throughout the day.

It is one of the few feeders on the market with a night camera, making it ideal for pet owners who work late or feed outdoor animals. The TTPet offers two-way audio, so you can command and release your dog before mealtimes or call your kitty to the bowl. It states no limit on the number of meals you can schedule. 

Although the TTPet is pricier than other options, it offers advanced features for pet owners who want to regularly check on their animals and control feedings from their smartphone. A battery supply provides a backup supply in case of a power or WiFi outage.

Its biggest downside is that the initial product-to-app connection can take some time to set up. One reviewer lamented that the camera does not allow you to see how much food is in the bowl, so it may not allow you to monitor exactly how much your animal is eating.

Overall, the TTPet is a great option for pet owners who might have their own separation anxiety — it allows you to engage with your pets throughout the day while controlling feedings from your phone. Perfect for the high-tech owner, this feeder uses the latest technology to keep you connected to your animals.

Ready to buy? Click here.

5. TSYMO Automatic Feeder

Tsymo automatic pet food dispenser

The TSYMO Automatic Feeder is ideal for pet owners who want to offer more than the typical four meals a day without the hassle of connecting the device to a smartphone. This feeder allows you to program in advance up to six meals, with up to 50 portions sizes per meal.

The built-in infrared sensor prevents overflowing by detecting when the bowl is full, while the same sensor will flash a red LED light to alert you if the supply needs refilling.

The TSYMO allows you to record up to 12 seconds of audio to call your pet to mealtime. It includes a power adapter and a backup battery supply with 3 D-size batteries.

Its biggest downside is that there is a learning curve to configure the settings to your needs. Once you have established the setup, however, the TSYMO offers a quality option at a reasonable price for owners looking to feed more than four meals a day to their small dog or cat.

Want to learn more? Click here to read the latest customer reviews.

6. Casfuy Automatic Feeder

Casfuy automatic cat feeder

The Casfuy offers an ideal option for cat owners looking to feed wet food or a variety of food types. Owners who feed different types of meals throughout the day or whose animals require a prescription diet will enjoy this option.

Most feeders on the market are gravity operated, allowing your pet only one type of food throughout the day. But the Casfuy features five isolated compartments of 240ml capacity each. Each compartment allows you to tailor the type of food and the portion for individual meals.

A locking feature prevents pets from accessing food before mealtime. Ten second voice recordings allow you to call your pet to their meal. All components are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

The Casfuy is best for cats, although it can work for small dogs. Its biggest downside is that it takes some time to configure, but it runs smoothly once it’s set up. Pet owners who only feed one type of food might find it takes extra work to fill each compartment in the morning; for pet-owners who prefer to give their animals wet food, however, the Casfuy is ideal.

Sound good? Grab yours today by clicking here.

7. Zone Tech Self-Dispensing Pet Feeder and Water Dispenser

Zonetech automatic dog waterer and feeder

This gravity fed automatic feeder is the ultimate hands-off feeder and water dispenser. A simple design allows food or water to flow into the bowl. It’s ideal for feeding outdoor animals or free-fed pets.

Included are two 1 gallon dispensers, one for water and one for food. The material is pet-safe and durable, and non-skid feet will prevent it from sliding. The no-spill water dispenser prevents water from overflowing in the bowl.

Its main downside is that food can occasionally get clogged, and it should not be used for indoor pets who tend to overeat. That said, the Zone Tech Self-Dispensing Feed is the perfect gravity-fed option without all the extra bells and whistles.

On the fence? You can learn more about this feeder here.

To Sum it Up…

Each feeder presents unique advantages for your cat or dog, whether you’re working long hours, spending time on vacation, or feeding outdoor animals. Before purchasing a feeder, imagine the ideal feeder for your lifestyle, and then browse these options to find the perfect fit.

Whether you want to check in on your animal, care for a larger animal, feed wet food, or don’t want any extra technology, one of these feeders will suit your lifestyle.

We don’t want you to overpay for features that you don’t need, but at the same time, make sure you select a feeder with options that provide the perfect amount of reliability for your lifestyle.

At the end of the day, structured, reliable meals for your animal improve their health and happiness. Controlled portions prevent or manage obesity, while routine gives your animals a sense of stability that benefits their psychological wellbeing.

Our own schedules are increasingly chaotic and busy. Automatic feeders grant you the peace of mind that your pets are well-fed, no matter how hectic our days become. Having a clear sense of your expectations, your schedule, and your pet’s needs will allow you to choose a feeder tailored for your situation.

There is no perfect automatic feeder. There’s only the one that’s right for your schedule and your pet’s needs. Give your pets the gift of routine, and they’ll thank you forever.