Best automatic dog feeders tried and tested

Aug 04, 2023

Put the bite back into their bark

or us humans, the way we show our love for one another is through food. Whether that be cooking your family a big roast dinner or treating a pal to some chocolates when they’re down in the dumps.

However, when that habit translates into pet ownership, we’re in a little bit of trouble. John Mulaney’s newest Netflix special contains a very prescient joke about the frustration associated with overfeeding your fish at a young age, for sprinkling some fish flakes into their tank once a day is the only way you can interact with the small aquatic creatures.

Though the same isn’t entirely true for pets such as dogs and cats, some of us are definitely guilty of overfeeding due to puppy dog eyes, or the promise of fluffy thank you cuddles once given their favourite meal. As such, portion control is an incredibly important aspect of pet ownership, in order to keep both you and your pup happy, healthy and active.

Automatic dog feeders are usually powered by either replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and function on a timer basis which can be adjusted to suit you and your pet’s needs. The three main benefits of using an automatic feeder for your dog include:

Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best automatic dog feeders on the market.

Best for: overall

This 5L automatic feeder from PetLibro is equipped with a four-stage seal system which keeps your dog’s food fresh as a daisy at all times, and free from any potential pests or mould.

Choose between a single or dual bowl system depending on how many mouths you have to feed and enjoy the reassurance of a dual power supply which kicks in as soon as one of the batteries has been fully drained. This means that you can leave the house for work or play with the knowledge that your doggo will always be fed. If you’re still not convinced, you can keep track of and control feeding via the companion app.

PetLibro also manufactures another nifty version of this already hi-tech feeder which, though technically marketed for cats, would work fantastically for pups too. The main difference between these feeders is that this one has a 1080P HD video camera with night vision, so you can make sure your furry friend is eating. You can purchase it for £159.99 via Amazon.

Best for: rewards-based training and more

Designed to help quickly reinforce positive behaviours and actions in your pup, this automatic feeder can dispense kibble or treats from up to 27.5 metres away.

Though it can be used for simple feeding automation, it’s also an incredible option for those with younger pups or foster dogs – especially due to the included collapsible target and remote control for further training activities. What’s more, when purchasing the PetSafe Reward Trainer, you’ll also get access to tutorials led by a certified trainer, so you can get the very most out of your new device.

Best for: multiple pets

This hi-tech feeder has a 6.5L capacity and comes with two stainless steel food bowls. What’s particularly innovative about this design is the fact that it has a built-in recorder and speaker to call your pets to supper, as well as a user-friendly anti-touch control panel to prevent your sneaky doggo from learning to hit sensitive buttons and steal some extra kibble.

Best for: speedy eaters

A wallet-friendly automatic slow-feeder, this two-in-one model ensures proper portion control and therefore aids with digestion. You can programme the feeding times for each of the six separate food cells depending on whether your pup requires multiple meals a day, or whether they simply need a staggered dinner to prevent them from eating too quickly.

Best for: an analogue, budget option

A slightly more old-school option, this automatic feeder functions like a classic kitchen egg-timer. Crafted from BPA-free plastic and capable of holding up to three cups of dry food at the time, this low-maintenance option is dishwasher safe and AA-battery operated.

Best for: adjustable portion control

A fantastic option for training your dog from their puppy days all the way up until they’re fully grown, this 6L automatic feeder has a whopping 12 different portion sizes available to choose from for your growing furry friend. You can also create up to 20 scheduled meals a day, which is particularly useful for puppies who need lots of regular meals. You can also connect this feeder to your Alexa for voice-activated feeding.

Best for: style and function

A chic option for smaller dogs, this automatic feeder is available in a stylish turquoise hue, as well as a bright white. Complete with accurate portion control and voice recording functions, schedule all your pup’s meals via the Dogness app, which is equipped to handle five different users – so family, friends and dogsitters can access feeder controls.