Are you looking for an easy way to feed your cat or dog when you are away from the home? Do you want to be able to control their portion size to ensure that they don't over eat? With a smart pet feeder, you'll be able to dispense a predetermined quantity of food for your cat or dog when you are away from home.
There are numerous options to consider when you are looking for a smart pet feeder. It can be challenging to determine which option is the best. To help you narrow down your choices, we have reviewed five of the best smart pet feeders in the article below.
Top 5: Smart Pet Feeders Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
9.8 | ||
9.8 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.1 |
With the Gasky Automatic Feeder, you'll be able to do so much more than just feeding your pet. This product has an HD camera that will allow you to view your pet while you are away. The camera has a 130-degree wide angle view to give you a good view of your pet when they are close to the feeder.
This product will also allow you to monitor sounds from your pet while you are away. So, if your dog is barking, you will be able to try to calm them down.
You can program this product to dispense food up to four times a day. You are able to set it to dispense the exact amount of food you want offered to your dog or cat. It can play a notification to alert your dog or cat when the food has been dispensed.
In the event of a power outage of loss of connection, this product will still be able to dispense food after you have programmed it; you won't need to worry about your pet missing a meal.
With a four-and-a-half cup capacity, this product can hold enough food for up to 15 days, depending on how much your pet eats. It is made of a BPA-free material that is pet-safe. You will need three D batteries to set up this item.
You can pair this feeder to work with your apple or android products. The manufacturer recommends placing it within 10 meters of your Wi-Fi router for optimal performance.
When you need to clean this product, it disassembles for quick and easy clean up. The lid, hopper bowl, and bowl holder can all be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Pros
Cons
The DOGNESS Automatic Smart Camera Feeder can help make it easier for you to be away from your pets. This product has a six-and-a-half-pound capacity, so you won't need to worry about refiling it too frequently.
With this item, you can ensure that your pet consumes the correct amount of food for their needs and does not over eat. You can program the machine to dispense exactly the portion you want your dog or cat to have.
There is an lp camera on the feeder to allow you to check in on your pet throughout the day. You can record your voice to be played for your pet when it is meal time. This can help more anxious pets when you are away from home.
This product has both a power adapter and battery port. This allows it to continue working in the event of a loss of power. You Wi-Fi must be on a 2.4 GHz network in order for this product to work properly. This item is available in gray, dark blue, pink, or Tiffany blue.
Pros
Cons
With the WOpet SmartFeeder, you'll be able to make sure your dog or cat gets their regularly scheduled meal from afar. You can program this product to dispense meals at preset times, or you can use your device to direct it to dispense food for your pet.
This product dispenses five grams of food per one portion. You can program it to dispense up to 39 portions per day. This allows you to make sure your dog or cat gets the exact amount of food necessary for their diet and individual needs.
You can use this product to dispense up to six meals each day for your dog or cat. It is only meant to be used with dry food. When you download and set up the app on your smartphone, you will be able to use the camera to talk to and interact with your pet when you are away.
There is also a recording option available, if you want to record your pet's actions. Your home Wi-Fi must be on a 2.4 GHz frequency in order for this product to work in your home.
Pros
Cons
The PETKIT Automatic Pet Feeder has a large 5.9-liter capacity to allow you to store plenty of food for your dog or cat. This product has a double lock design and food grade silicone sealing rings to ensure that the food stays fresh until it is served for your pet.
You can program this product to dispense as many as four meals each day for your furry friend. The portion size for this product is 20 grams, and it can be programmed to dispense between one and 20 portions for each meal.
To ensure that food doesn't get stuck in the feeder, PETKIT uses as self-adaption system that features and oscillating bar, spring check-board, and silicone impeller. The system has been tested over one million times to make sure it will properly dispense food for your cat or dog.
This product can be linked to your smartphone, so you will be able to dispense food easily by using the app.
Pros
Cons
With the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder, you will be able to provide up to 12 meals each day for your dog or cat. There is also a 'feed now' option which allows you to dispense food at times other than the pre-programmed options.
With this product, you'll be able to offer your pet the exact right amount of food for their dietary needs. It can be programmed to dispense anywhere from one eighth of a cup to four cups of food at a time.
If your cat or dog eats their food too quickly and becomes sick afterward, there is a slow feed option. When you select this option, the feeder will dispense their programmed meal out more slowly over 15 minutes.
You can plug this product into a wall outlet, but there is also a battery back-up to keep it running in the even the power goes out. You will need four D batteries for this product If you want to use the battery back-up option. When you need to clean this product, the bowl, bowl holder, and hopper can all be washed in the dishwasher. This item is BPA free to keep your pet safe.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide
A smart pet feeder can make being away from your pet a little easier. You will be able to ensure that your cat or dog still gets the exact amount of food they need to remain healthy without over-eating.
There are a number of different factors and features you'll want to think about before purchasing your new smart feeder.
First, consider the capacity of the food holder. Think about how much food your cat or dog consumes at one time and determine how frequently you'll need to be refiling it. If you plan on leaving a cat home alone for an extended time, you'll want to ensure that it has a large enough capacity for the time you'll be gone.
You will also want to think about the number of meals the feeder can dispense and whether you'll be able to program it to dispense the amount of food your dog or cat will need for each meal.
Finally, think about whether you will want a product that offers a camera to let you view and talk to your pet while you are gone. If you think you would like to use this feature, be sure to find a product that offers it.
best smart pet feeder
Our top pick out of the five smart pet feeders we reviewed is the DOGNESS Automatic Wi-Fi Dog/Cat Smart Camera Feeder. This product has a large capacity and can hold up to six-and-a-half pounds of food. You can easily program it to dispense the correct amount of food to meet your dog's or cat's individual needs.
With this product, you have the option of using the smartphone app to view and speak to your dog or cat using the camera on the device. You can also record your voice to be played at mealtimes to help your pet that might be missing you when you are away.
Plus, this product is available in four attractive colors, so you'll be able to find the perfect color to match your home's décor and style. We think you'll like the DOGNESS Feeder, but if you were more drawn towards one of the other products we reviewed, we are confident you'll love that choice too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smart pet feeder?
A smart pet feeder is designed to help you feed your dog or cat when you are away from your home. They can be used to schedule feedings and control the amount of food that is available for your pet.
One of the key features that makes a smart pet feeder 'smart,' is the ability to control it using your smartphone. You can use your phone to tell the feeder to dispense your pet's next meal, talk to your pet through your phone, or even keep an eye on them using the camera that is included on most models.
How is a smart pet feeder different from an automatic pet feeder?
Smart pet feeders and automatic pet feeders share many similar features. They both allow you to schedule feedings for your cat or dog for times when you will not be home and able to give them their food. You can also control the portion size that is dispensed from the feeder.
The biggest difference between smart feeders and automatic feeders is that smart feeders can be controlled using your phone, while automatic feeders cannot. With a smart feeder, you could tell the feeder to dispense an extra serving of food or even have a conversation with your cat and dog using the built-in camera and microphone.
How is a smart pet feeder different from a gravity feeder?
Smart pet feeders and gravity feeders are very different from each other. Gravity feeds are simply designed to put more food in the bowl when the level gets lower. They a large food holder that is attached to the food bowl, and food comes down any time your dog or cat eats some of it.
Because of this design, gravity feeders do not allow you to control the amount of food that will be dispensed for your cat or dog. This doesn't make them a good option for pets who do not self-regulate and will overate if too much food is made available to them.
Smart pet feeders offer many more features than you'll find with gravity feeders. First, you are able to control the amount of food that is dispensed for your dog or cat. You can program the feeder to dispense the exact portion you want them to have, compared to a gravity feeder that will just keep dispensing food as soon as your pet eats what was in the bowl.
Smart feeders also offer many other features that you won't find with a gravity feeder. These include the ability to talk to your cat or dog, view them on the video screen, or control the feeder using your smartphone from wherever you are located.
How do smart pet feeders connect with your phone?
Smart pet feeders use your home's Wi-Fi to connect to your cell phone. They will have an app that you can download to your phone as well. Once the feeder is connected to your Wi-Fi, and you have added the app to your phone, you should be able to use your phone to program and control the feeder.
How many servings of food can a smart pet feeder hold?
Different smart feeders have food canisters with different capacities. Most models will hold somewhere between 4 and 6 liters of food, which is between 16 and 25 cups.
The amount of food your dog or cat eats for each meal can help you determine how many servings of their food the feeder will hold.
What quantity of food can smart feeder dispense at each feeding?
Each product is different, but most smart feeders can be programmed to dispense the exact amount of food your dog or cat will need for each feeding. Many will give you the ability to dispense anywhere between 1/8-cup and 4 cups of food during each feeding.
How many meals each day can smart pet feeders be programmed to dispense?
Again, every feeder offers different settings and features, so the number of meals you can dispense each day will be different based on the model you select. For most feeders, you'll be able to program somewhere between 6 and 12 meals to be dispensed for your cat or dog at the times you set.
With many smart feeders, you'll also be able to offer additional meals using the 'feed now' feature through the app. This can allow you to dispense more meals each day if your pet needs them.
Can smart pet feeders be programmed to feed your pet a little bit at a time?
Yes, many smart feeders offer a slow feed setting. When this setting is used, the feeder will dispense a little bit of food at a time, rather than the full portion. This is a good feature if your cat or dog eats so quickly that they make themselves sick.
Can you talk to your dog using a smart pet feeder?
Yes, many smart pet feeders have a built-in camera that will let you see your dog when they are nearby. They also provide you with the option to speak to your pet through the camera. This can help you ease your dog's anxiety about being home alone or let you alert them when it is time for them to come and eat.
Are smart pet feeders easy for a dog to break into?
You will want to look at the specific models you are considering if you are concerned about your dog breaking into the food canister. Many options feature locking canisters designed to prevent pets from getting into the food storage area.
Are smart feeders powered by electricity or a battery?
Most smart feeders plug into an outlet in your home and are powered by electricity. Many also include a battery backup that will ensure the feeder is still able to dispense your pet's food in the event the power goes out in your home.
Can smart pet feeders be washed in the washing machine?
Some feeders have parts that are dishwasher safe. You will want to confirm with the model you select to make sure you'll be able to wash parts of it in your dishwasher if this is an important feature to you.
Since smart pet feeders contain electrical components and cameras, you won't be able to wash the entire device in the dishwasher or submerge it under water.
Can You Put Wet Food in an Automatic Dispenser?
Generally, automatic food dispensers won't work for wet food. They don't have a way to keep the food cool and safe to eat. Also, most pet dispensers are designed to dispense dry kibble and would likely clog and/or get very messy if you were to try to use them for wet food.
Can I Leave My Cat Alone for a Week?
If you take certain steps and precautions, a cat could potentially be left alone for a week. You will need to make sure that you have plenty of food and water available to be dispensed throughout the week to ensure your cat will have access to food and water the entire time you're gone. You will also want to set up a few extra litter boxes to provide your cat with fresh litter to last the duration of your time away.
So, leave out some toys to keep your cat occupied. If at all possible, having a friend or family member stop by a few times while you are gone to give your cat some attention and confirm that she still has plenty of food and water would be ideal. Your cat's individual personality and needs can help you decide if he will be ok alone for a week.
Can You Control the Portion Size with a Smart Pet Feeder?
Yes, when you purchase a smart pet feeder you will have control over the amount of food that is dispensed for your cat or dog. This will allow you to keep their food intake consistent, even if you are away.
How Much Does a Smart Pet Feeder Cost?
The cost of a smart pet feeder varies with different brands and different features. However, most smart pet feeders cost between $150 and $250.
Help Your Pet With Separation Anxiety
A lot of people who use smart pet feeders also deal with separation anxiety, or worry about separation anxiety from their pet while they are going to be away. We hope the following article helps you deal with this!
10 Ways To Help Your Pet Deal With Separation Anxiety
Does your pet suffer from separation anxiety? If you do not know what separation anxiety is, it is the anxiety that your pet can feel out of fear of being separated or taken away from you. It is very common in animals who were left behind or abused by their previous owners. However, it can occur in pets that you have had since they were born if they are very attached to you and rely on you heavily.- Urinating & defecating when left alone
- Excessive barking & howling
- Destruction of objects through biting or scratching
- Escaping your home when you leave
- Excessive pacing back and forth or in a circle
The first tip is to not make it a big deal when you leave them alone and when you come back to your pet. I know it may be hard because you are probably just as excited to see them after a long day, but try to make them realize it is not a big deal when you leave because you will eventually come back to them.
Your pet loves you and loves the way you smell, so leaving behind something that smells like you will help to quell their anxiety. I leave behind a sweater that I wear often or a towel I just used for my cat so that she can feel comforted while I'm away.
Whether you have a dog or cat, exercising them before you leave to go somewhere is very effective in dealing with separation anxiety. It will help your pet relax and tire them out a bit so that they do not care as much when you leave.
This may be hard if your pet is constantly following you around but try your best to not let them see you get ready to leave. I tend to wait until my cat is eating or going to the bathroom to make my escape. I have noticed that if she does not see me walk through the door, she is better off than if she watches me leave.
You can practice coming and going with your pet. Try leaving through the door you usually go through while they watch and then quickly come back inside. This will show them that you will come back after you leave them, and it gets your pet used to the idea of you coming and going.
Do not just leave your pets in an empty house or room while you are gone. Be sure to have a variety of toys for your dog or a scratching post for your cat. They are more likely to have anxiety if there is nothing to keep them busy.
There are a variety of over the counter natural supplements you can give your pet to promote calmness and help ease their anxiety. Some pet owners have begun to give their pets CBD oil to help their separation anxiety. Chamomile and Valerian have also been known to calm animals naturally.
This is not a solution for everyone. It can be wasteful to leave on your TV or radio all day. However, it can help your pet very much when you leave them alone. If there is noise, it makes them feel like they are not alone and thus they feel less anxious.
It may be smart to feed your pet right before you leave them since they will be preoccupied with eating while you make your escape. Puzzle feeders are especially great. These feeders will help keep your pet busy for a while and are very fun.
If you think you have tried anything and everything to help your pet, it may be time to take them to the vet. There may be some underlying issues that are causing separation anxiety.
I understand that it may be difficult just having one pet, but it may be helpful to have more than one pet in your home. Dogs love to play with other dogs and they will not feel so lonely when you leave if they have another pet with them.
Love your pets anyways...
I hope this list of tips helps you and your pet with your separation anxiety journey. It is very important to be understanding and refrain from getting angry at your pet for something they cannot control. You need to love them anyway!Final Verdict
Now that you've read through our reviews, you need to make your final decision. To help you decide, weigh the pros and cons for each choice and think about your pet's needs. Then, you'll be able to make your purchase and keep your dog or cat well-fed when you are away from home!
