7 best automatic dog feeders for 2023, approved by vets

One of the most popular pet products these days is an automatic dog food dispenser. With many pet parents returning to the office, these feeders help households keep their pup’s feeding time consistent regardless of whether they’re at home or out of the house.

We here at betterpet have researched to determine the best automatic pet feeders out there so you don’t have to! We scoured pet parent reviews and looked at ease of use for both pups and people, including how easy it is to get food and how easy the feeders are to clean. We also researched how hardy the feeders were, specifically noting how they stood up to clever pets that may try to topple them for an extra treat. Let’s get started.

Best automatic dog feeders, reviewed

• Best overall: PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
• Best tech alternative: SureFeed Microchip Small Dog & Cat Feeder
• Best for fast eaters: PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed
• Best for training: WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder
• Best Wi-Fi option: DOGNESS Automatic Feeder with HD Camera
• Best for multi-pet households: Petmate gravity feeder
• Best design: HoneyGuaridan Pet Feeder

Best overall: PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder

Best tech alternative: Surefeed Microchip Small Dog & Cat Feeder

Best for fast eaters: PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed

Best for training: WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Dogs

Best Wi-Fi option: DOGNESS Automatic Feeder with HD Camera

Best for multi-pet households: Petmate Replendish Gravity Feeder

Best design: HoneyGuaridan Automatic Pet Feeder Splitter

What to look for in the best automatic dog feeders

Automatic dog feeders can bring needed organization to mealtime even when you are not at home to feed your pet. They are not, however, a replacement for human interaction and oversight.

We here at betterpet developed a set of criteria to use in our research when looking for the best feeders. Those factors included:

• Features. What matters most is that your dog eats their meal out of the feeder at the right time in the right amount. Is the feeder simply for storage or can it be programmed? Is it best for one pet or multiple pets? We’ve looked at how well the auto-feeders performed with those features in mind.
• Durability. For automatic dog feeders, we also paid attention to how well it stood up to clever pets able to break into a feeder or determined pets that could knock it over. After all, you don’t purchase a feeder with the expectation that you’ll have to replace it quickly!
• Cleanliness. We also considered how easy it was to clean the automatic feeder. Is it a simple matter of wiping it down and putting it in the dishwasher, or will cleaning the auto-feeder mean you’ll have to take it apart completely?
• Vet-recommended portions. Your veterinarian can provide an ideal body weight to use as an approximate target. From there, they can recommend daily portions based on your pet and the type of food you’re using. Dogs and cats need scheduled meals and portion control.
• Type of feeder. The type of automatic dog feeder — i.e. gravity feeder, smart feeder, or programmable feeder — will depend on your dog’s feeding schedule and diet. The best automatic dog feeder for you will be the one you can program most easily and match up with the amount and type of food recommended by your vet and food label instructions.

Is getting an automatic dog feeder worth it?

Whether you and your dog need an automatic feeder depends on several factors. Pet parents don’t have to worry about making sure they’re home at the right time every day so that their furry friend gets fed. Automatic dog feeders are also a great option for dogs on a strict diet. For pups on a weight management program, feeders portion food exactly to your pet’s needs.

Of course, dog owners shouldn’t rely on an automatic feeder to always work perfectly. They’re no replacement for one-on-one time with your best friend. More practically, automatic feeders can also malfunction. Never leave your dog for long periods and assume their feeders will take care of them.

Frequently asked questions

Are automatic feeders good to use when traveling?

Absolutely. These feeders allow pet owners to leave for the day and program when they want their pets to eat meals.

What is the best auto feeder to buy?

This really depends on your preference and needs, but you want to look for an auto feeder that can serve up pre-measured cups of food.

How often do auto feeders need to be cleaned?

The auto-feeders need to be cleaned at least once a week and sometimes every other day to ensure food isn’t getting jammed and stuck in the container.

Is there an automatic dog feeder with an app?

Yes! The PetSafe Smart Feed dog feeder has a smartphone app feature that allows you to monitor your pup’s mealtimes 24/7. You can even adjust feeding schedules and portions right from your phone.

What types of food can be used with an automatic feeder?

Dry food and semi-wet dog food can be used with automatic dog feeders. At this time, there’s no automatic feeder on the market for wet dog food.

What if my dog doesn’t adjust to the automatic feeder?

The best way to get your pup used to their new automatic feeder is with small steps. Slowly transition to using the feeder over time and allow your pup to get familiar with it.