While it is true that an automatic feeder that dispenses meals on a schedule or on demand may be one of the greater conveniences in pet ownership, many may not know about the health advantages of these helpful gadgets. Whether your dog will benefit from the health features, or if you are just looking for the “set it and forget it” luxury of an automatic feeder, then we’ve got you covered.
We’ve reviewed the top automatic dog feeders to help you narrow down your search. We reviewed features like power source, automatic timer design, portion sizes, and even WiFi compatibility. Keep reading for a review on the top automatic feeders to help keep you and your pup happy and healthy.
Of all the dog feeders we reviewed, the AmazonBasics Gravity Pet Feeder edged out as the top choice. Simple in design (re: easy to use), and made from solid quality materials, this feeder will keep you happy and your pup well-fed. For a dog owner searching for a versatile feeder and/or waterer, the AmazonBasics is a great way to go.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Automatic Dog Feeders
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Automatic Feeder Overall | Amazon Basics Self-Dispensing Feeder | 4.4 |
| Best Automatic Feeder for Wet Food | PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder | 4.0 |
| Best Budget Automatic Feeder | Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder | 4.1 |
| Best Gravity Automatic Feeder | Bergan Gourmet | 3.7 |
| Best WiFi Automatic Feeder | PetSafe Smart Feeder | 4.0 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Automatic Dog Feeder Overall: AmazonBasics Gravity Pet Feeder
After reviewing dozens of feeders and comparing them across multiple categories, the AmazonBasics Gravity Feeder won out because it simply works. There are no batteries or really anything that can break — so it’s a perfect choice for any rambunctious canine. It comes in different sizes for large or small dogs (or cats). This feeder can serve food or water, and it holds up to 6 lbs. of dry food — excellent for multiple pet homes.
With convenient side cut-outs along the base of the bowl and non-skid rubber feet, the AmazonBasics feeder is easy to use and won’t slide around on the floor while your pup chows down. It’s very simple to use — simply unscrew the lid, pour in some dry food, and you’re good to go!
The AmazonBasics is a no-frills choice at $11.99, so if you want something with timed meals, voice activation, or WiFi connection, check out our other reviews. But if your goal is a low-cost feeder that you don’t have to worry about filling every time Fido is hungry, then the AmazonBasics won’t disappoint.
AmazonBasics Gravity Pet Feeder Key Features:
- Gravity Feeder
- Small and large sizes (holds up to 6 lbs. of dry food)
- Side cut-outs makes it easy to pick up without spilling
- Easy to clean
- Safe plastic material
- Rubber feet help prevent sliding
- Can be used to dispense food or water
Best Automatic Feeder for Wet Food: PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder
The PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder is an easy to use automatic feeder that allows you to schedule up to 5 meal times for your furry friend. This one is good for small to medium sized dogs or cats as the slots hold about one cup of food. This feeder runs on 4 D-sized batteries and doesn’t use a wall charger back-up, so make sure that the batteries are full if you leave the house for a few days.
If your dog is an over-eater, the PetSafe feeder is just what you need to get them on a schedule. It’s also perfect to have a meal ready for those that like to wake you up for breakfast at 4 am! Just set the timer using the internal clock and LCD display, and the feeder pops open a tray at the specified time.
Since it doesn’t rely on gravity to dispense meals, this is one style of feeder that allows you to use semi-moist food if your dog prefers. If the BPA-free plastic tray gets messy, you just pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
PetSafe is a brand known for quality, so you can feel confident in your purchase. They provide US based customer support Monday-Saturday, and they have been providing superior pet products for nearly 30 years.
PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder Key Features:
- Automatic feeder that schedules up to 5 meals
- Each meal dispenses one cup of dry or semi-moist food
- Uses 4 D-sized batteries; no AC power cord
- BPA free plastic material
- Dishwasher safe
- Customer support 6 days per week
Best Budget Automatic Feeder: Vanness AF3 3 lb. Auto Feeder
The Vanness AF3 Auto Feeder is simple and effective. It holds 3 lbs. of dry food, and you can currently get one on Amazon for less than $10! That being said, the Vanness is our top budget pick because the cheap price doesn’t mean that this is a cheap product.
The Vanness Auto Feeder features a hinged top for easy access to the food compartment, and the base has cut outs so you can easily pick it up. The plastic is food-grade material approved by the FDA, and the feeder is dishwasher safe.
The main drawback for most reviewers is that the food sometimes requires some shaking to fall into the bowl. Note that the bowl is also very large, so this one won’t work if you are trying to put your pup on a diet.
Vanness AF3 Auto Feeder Key Features:
- Gravity auto feeder
- Holds up to 3 lbs. of dry food
- Not for water dispensing
- Cut outs along the base for easy gripping
- Dishwasher safe
Best Gravity Feeder: Bergan Gourmet Petite Combo
While the Bergan Gourmet Petite gets our nod for best gravity feeder, this combo set serves as a great budget pick as well since you get a feeder and waterer with the set. This makes total sense — why would you purchase a fancy automatic food dispenser and place it next to your old silver water bowl? Buy a combo set and you’re good to go!
Although this is the petite version, the feeder still holds up to 6 lbs. of dry dog food, and you can fill the water tower up to 1.5 gallons. The towers feature wide mouths and easy to open lids for simple operation, and the towers detach for cleaning. The plastic materials are BPA-free and made in the USA. The basin’s sloped design ensures food and water are released slowly and as needed. The negative reviews mostly stem from food getting stuck in the feeder and requiring you to manually dislodge the kibble.
Bergan Gourmet Petite Key Features:
- 2-1 combo waterer and feeder set
- BPA-free plastic
- Wide mouth lid for easy filling
- Towers snap off the base for cleaning
- Feeder holds up to 6 lbs. of dry food
- Waterer holds up to 1.5 gallons
Best WiFi Feeder: PetSafe Smart Feeder
For the ultimate in luxury, have a look at the PetSafe Smart Feeder. WiFi enabled, this auto-feeder allows you to control feeding schedules directly from your smartphone. You simply load the feeder with dry food, and then you can feed your dog up to 12 times daily.
While this automatic feeder will set you back a bit, it’s packed with features. You can adjust the amount of food that you feed per meal from 1/8 of a cup up to 4 cups, and you can set the rate to “slow feed” to help prevent an upset stomach. You can set it and forget it with scheduled meal times, or you can feed manually with the “feed now” option. The PetSafe comes with AC wall power and you can add 4 D-cell batteries as a power outage backup. If the WiFi drops, your pet still receives the next scheduled meal.
The lid, hopper, stainless steel bowl, and bowl holder are all dishwasher safe, and PetSafe has US-based customer care service reps available Monday-Saturday.
PetSafe Smart Feeder Key Features:
- WiFi enabled and controlled by your smartphone
- Compatible with IOS 9.0 and Android 6.0 or later
- Schedule up to 12 meals daily
- Adjust meal amounts from 1/8 cup to 4 cups per meal
- Slow feed option
- Components are dishwasher safe
- AC powered with 4 D-cell battery backup in case the power goes out
- Customer service available Monday-Saturday
Who Should Buy an Automatic Dog Feeder
Dog owners assume correctly that the number one reason to purchase an automatic dog feeder is for convenience. It gives you peace of mind if you are stuck in traffic or have to stay late at work to know that your pup won’t starve. The automatic water dispensers are nice for similar reason — a full bowl of water is never a bad thing for your pet to have nearby.
There are other reasons to consider as well. Automatic feeders are great for early rising pets who wake you up to eat before the crack of dawn. Set the feeder to 5am and sleep in! They can also be perfect for short vacations. Set the feeder and your dog walker won’t have to worry about meals until you return.
Lastly, automatic dog feeders have health benefits. Dogs that tend to overeat or eat too quickly can have smaller portions dispensed several times a day rather than a few larger meals before and after work. This ensures they get the proper amount of calories without having to consume it all at once. If you want to ensure he’s healthy in other ways, you should check out our article on The Best Dog Flea Collars.
Important Features to Consider
An automatic dog feeder should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting an automatic dog feeder:
- Quality materials. The feeder should be solidly constructed if you have a feisty pooch or kitty who will try to get to the food stored away inside the hopper. If your dog can easily dismantle the feeder, then any future scheduled feedings are over. Ideally, you want a feeder that is both well-constructed yet easy to disassemble for easy cleaning.
- Workable design. Some of the gravity feeders get negative reviews if the food kibbles get stuck in the hopper. Check to ensure that your pup’s preferred food will flow easily into the bowl.
- Battery backup. This will give you peace of mind if the power goes out while you out for an extended time. Just make sure the batteries are charged before you head out.
- WiFi backup. Similarly, make sure you check on how your WiFi enabled feeder works if that service goes down. Some feeders will deliver the next scheduled meal if the WiFi goes out, for example.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automatic dog feeder and how does it work?
An automatic dog feeder is simply a feeder that will supply food without you having to fill the bowl every time your pup is ready to eat. How the feeders work differ, however. Gravity feeders are like little silos that hold food morsels. As your dog eats, the bowl gradually refills to keep the supply constant. Scheduled feeders, like our runner-up pick the PetSafe 5 Meal Feeder, use an internal clock to dispense food at scheduled times. It’s a step up in both price and sophistication. Then there are the high-end WiFi feeders like the PetSafe Smart Feeder which allow you to feed your pup on schedule or on demand using your smart phone.
Are automatic feeders good for dogs?
Automatic feeders are generally good for your dog if used correctly. For instance, gravity-type feeders are great for dogs that are able to self-regulate when presented with a constant supply of food. If your pup will eat until the bowl’s empty regardless of the amount, then a feeder that sets scheduled meals may be more beneficial. One of the best reasons to purchase an automatic feeder is to dispense pre-portioned meals at scheduled times. Further, automatic feeders are excellent to have when you’re not home for meal time, but this is only true if the feeder works as intended. Read the reviews to see how often food gets stuck in the hopper or what happens if the power fails.
How do you set up an automatic dog feeder?
This varies by type of course, but they are all fairly easy to set up. Gravity feeders are the easiest — you simply load the hopper with food, and…. that’s it! Watch your dog use it a few times to make sure she doesn’t overeat and doesn’t knock the feeder over. For the electronic feeders, you set the clock and add batteries if it has the battery back up feature. After that, you program scheduled meal times and you’re all set. Just make sure it works as intended the first few times. Lastly, for the WiFi feeders, you will need a reliable WiFi connection to set up the feeder and a smartphone to download the app. Finishing the setup is similar to the automatic feeders as described previously.
Can you put wet food in an automatic feeder?
Some of the electronic feeders that have a pop-up door, like the PetSafe 5 Meal Feeder, allow you to put dry or semi-moist food in each compartment. It’s essentially a bowl with a lid on the top that flips open when scheduled. For the gravity feeders, however, you must use dry food since the design relies on food easily moving downward into the bowl. Moist food will just stick to the inside of the hopper.
Other Automatic Dog Feeders We Reviewed
We reviewed 20 other automatic dog feeders during our search for the best. Although these didn’t make the top 5, they are certainly worthy of consideration. The information you will need to compare each feeder is included with the listing.
Gravity Feeders
This 2-1 gravity feeder and waterer also comes with a brush for your small pooch or cat. The hoppers hold up to 1 gallon of food or water, giving you plenty of time in between refills. The materials are BPA free, and Ancaixin supports at 30-day full satisfaction guarantee.
Key Features:
- 2-1 gravity feeder and waterer
- One gallon capacity
- BPA-free plastics
- Free brush
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $33
The small Happycat gravity 2-1 feeder and waterer set can be used for your cat or small dog. The large-capacity, BPA-free plastic hoppers hold up to 3.8L (~1 gallon) of food or water, and the Happycat comes in various colors to suit your pet’s style.
Key Features:
- 2-1 feeder and waterer
- BPA free plastic material
- 1 gallon capacity
- Multiple colors
- Disassembles for cleaning
Cost: $34
A great feature of the Replendish feeder is that Petmate offers 4 different sizes ranging from 2 lbs. – 18 lbs. capacity. The larger feeder is great for your bigger dog, multi-pet families, or longer stays away from home.
Key Features:
- 4 sizes ranging from 2 lbs. -> 18 lbs.
- Microban anti-microbial plastic material
- Can dispense food or water
- Multiple color options
Cost: $9-$32 depending on size
Electronic Feeders
The Arf Pets Automatic feeder is packed with features. This feeder will dispense from 1-10 portions per meal, 1-4 times daily. The LCD clock display makes it easy to set meal times, and you can record a personal meal call to summon your pup to the bowl. The Arf Pets runs on AC wall power with battery backup so your pup won’t miss a meal if the power fails.
Key Features:
- Dispenses 1-10 portions (24mL) per feeding
- Set automatic feedings 1-4 times per day
- Records personal meal call
- Runs on AC outlet power with battery backup
Cost: $80
Aspen Pet Lebistro Programmable Feeder
This programmable dog feeder features an LCD screen to allow you to set portions and meal times. The 18-cup capacity hopper has a twist lock lid, and is easy to remove from the bowl. The feeder is hand-wash only and runs on 3 D-cell batteries.
Key Features:
- Programmable feeder with adjustable portions and meal times
- 18 cup capacity hopper
- Twist lock lid prevents easy access for your pooch
- Hand-wash only
- Runs on 3 D-cell batteries
Cost: $50
When using the correct sized kibble, the Athorbot claims that the feeder won’t get jammed like some other automatic feeders on the market. It uses infrared technology to know that the bowl is full. This is also one of the bigger feeders at 6.5L capacity.
Key Features:
- Infrared technology to prevent food jams
- 6.5L capacity
- AC power with battery backup
- Programmable feeding times
- Record personal meal call
Cost: $70
The Belopezz holds around 6 lbs. of dry food and comes in two different sizes to suit the size of your pup. Schedule up to 4 meals with differing quantities.
Key Features:
- Large 6 lbs. capacity hopper
- Schedule up to 4 meals
- AC wall power with battery backup
- Record personal meal call
Cost: $68
The Pawise is one of the “flip-top” automatic feeders that won’t jam since it doesn’t rely on gravity to dispense food. Simply program your meal time, and the cover flips open to reveal a meal. You can purchase a single feeder, a double, or a 5 meal feeder to suit your preference.
Key Features:
- “Flip-top” feeder
- Can serve 1, 2, or 5 meals depending on the version
- BPA-free plastic feeder holds up to 3 cups of dry food
- Runs on AA batteries with no AC power
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $19-$33 depending on the version
PetSafe Automatic 2 Meal Feeder
The PetSafe 2 Meal feeder is a double flip-top feeder that allows you to schedule meals up to 48 hours in advance. Place up to 1.5 cups of dry food in the containers, set the timer, and the top pops open when it’s time to eat.
Key Features:
- Schedule 2 meals up to 48 hours in advance
- Each tray holds up to 1.5 cups of dry food
- BPA-free plastic feeder
- Runs on 1 AA battery with no AC power
- US-based customer care Monday -> Saturday
Cost: $25
PetSafe Automatic 6 Meal Feeder
A step up from PetSafe’s 2 meal version, this automatic feeder will hold up to 6 separate portions. Perfect for small dogs or cats, the feeder allows you to schedule when the meals will be dispensed with the LCD digital clock.
Key Features:
- Will hold up to 6 portions
- Flip-top style that prevents food jams found in gravity feeders
- 1 cup of kibble per portion
- BPA-free plastic material
- Runs on 4 D-cell batteries with no backup AC power
Cost: $80
This large feeder holds up to 24 cups of food, and you can use two different sizes of kibble depending on the size of your pooch. The RICHDOG runs on AC power with battery backup, ensuring your pets won’t miss a meal if the power fails. You can also record a personal call to summon your pets to the feeder at meal time.
Key Features:
- 24 cup capacity
- Infrared sensor helps to prevent food jams
- AC power supply with battery backup
- 2 dispensers for different sizes of kibble
- Record a personal meal call
Cost: $65
Schedule up to 4 meals per day in the large capacity TDynasty feeder. This model features a digital timer, AC power with battery backup, and an infrared sensor to prevent food jams. The TDynasty sets itself apart by offering a food mat to keep your floor clean, and it comes in either black or white versions.
Key Features:
- Large 6.5L feeder
- Schedule up to 4 meals with the LCD clock
- Infrared sensor to prevent jams
- Comes with food mat to keep your floor clean
- Offers either black or white color versions
Cost: $70
WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
The Westlink allows you to set customized portion sizes so you can adjust your pet’s meal. This is an excellent feature if your pup needs to lose some weight or if you have multiple pets in the home. The Westlink also features an infrared sensor, a personal meal call, and runs on ultra-low USB power consumption with battery backup.
Key Features:
- 6L hopper
- Adjustable portion sizes
- Dispense up to 4 meals per day
- Infrared sensor to prevent jams
- Personal meal call
- USB power with battery backup
Cost: $65
The WOPET automatic feeder is a gravity-type electronic dispenser that allows you to schedule up to 4 timed feedings. You are also able to adjust the portion sizes from 4.5 cups to as little as 2 teaspoons of food. Other features include a recordable meal call, battery backup power, and 24 hour technical support.
Key Features:
- 4 automated feedings with a built in programmable timer
- Adjustable portion sizes from 2 tsp -> 4.5 cups
- AC power with battery backup
- 20 cup capacity food hopper
Cost: $90
WOPET’s smaller automatic feeder is a flip-top style feeder that will provide up to 2 meals per day. You can set the timer up to 48 hours in advance, and serve 1.5 cups of food or less per meal. This feeder comes with ice packs that you can store under the bowls if you want to serve wet food.
Key Features:
- Flip-top style
- Automatic 2 meal feeder
- 1.5 cups per portion
- Ice pack allows you to serve wet food
- Schedule meals up to 48 hours in advance
- Powered by 1 AA battery with no AC power supply
- 24 hour technical support
Cost: $28
WOPET Pet Feeder Stainless Steel
This WOPET version features a stainless steel bowl underneath a 2.5lb food hopper. The infrared sensor helps to prevent jams, and you can program flexible food portions.
Key Features:
- Gravity style automatic feeder
- Infrared sensor hhelps to prevent jams
- Adjustable food portions from 5-195g
- Dispense 1-39 portions per feeding
- Food grade materials with stainless steel bowl
- Recordable meal call
Cost: $59
WiFi Feeders
DOGNESS Automatic WiFi Dog Feeder
After setting up your WiFi and installing the app, you can feed your dog anytime, anywhere from your smartphone. The apps settings allow you to adjust the portion sizes, and the night vision camera helps you keep an eye on your pooch from afar.
Key Features:
- Runs on 2.4 GHz WiFi. Will not work on 5 GHz frequency
- Night vision camera
- Adjustable portion sizes
- Removable 6.5 lb. hopper
- 2 way audio so you can talk to your pup
Cost: $171
With this smaller sized feeder, you can feed your pup from your smartphone. The 1080p camera has a 160 deg. wide angle so you can watch your pet when you’re not home. Dispense 1-5 portions of food up to 6 times a day after downloading the app and setting the feeder up on your WiFi network.
Key Features:
- WiFi control through iOS or Android
- Must use a 2.4 GHz frequency
- 1080p camera and 2-way audio
- Set up to 6 feeding times per day, dispensing 1-5 portions each meal
- Not recommended for pets over 33 lbs.
- Only supports AC power – no battery backup
Cost: $125
The PETKIT features a unique minimalist design and comes in blue or white versions. After setting your meal portions and preferences, the PETKIT will deliver meals on schedule even if your WiFi stops working temporarily.
Key Features:
- Minimalist design
- Blue or white versions, and different size options
- 2.4 GHz WiFi compatible with iOS or Android
- Dispense 1-20 5mg portions up to 10 times per day
- Will dispense according to schedule even if the WiFi malfunctions
Cost: $129-$159 depending on version
The WOPET SmartFeeder gives you the ability to manually feed your pooch from afar, or you can set the times to dispense meals up to 6 times per day. You can connect with your pet through the HD camera while you are away, and the WOPET features both a small and large dispensing tray to suit various sized breeds.
Key Features:
- 2.4 GHz WiFi compatible with iOS or Android
- Dispense up to 6 meals per day
- HD camera and voice recording capability
- Small and large food dispenser trays
- 24 hour technical support
Cost: $170
