The Best Automatic Dog Feeders (For Every Use) (2024)

No matter how much we love our dogs, we can’t always be there for them. In between work, running errands, and socializing, finding the time to feed our furry friends at set times isn’t easy—and that’s bound to cause problems in the long run. Dogs are creatures of habit and therefore thrive on a regular feeding schedule. But easing your dog’s anxiety about when their next meal is coming is not the only reason to feed your dog on a schedule. Feeding your dog at the same time every day can also help you prevent your dog from becoming obese and, since sick dogs lack appetite, even spot serious health issues before they become life-threatening.

The best way to ensure that your pet eats on a schedule, regardless of whether you’re at home or not, is to invest in an automatic dog feeder. We reviewed dozens of automatic dog feeders to find the best ones. We considered different types of automatic dog feeders and looked at their pricing, features, Amazon ratings, and reviews. Whether you’re looking for something simple and affordable (like a gravity feeder) or something a little more advanced (like an automatic feeder that lets you feed your pet remotely), we’ve got you covered.

After careful research, we selected the PetSafe Simply Feed Automatic Feeder as our top choice. This BPA-free dispenser allows you to schedule up to 12 flexible meal portions a day. The feeder also has a “slow feed” mode and an “immediate feed” function, as well as dual power supply. The bowl and BPA-free plastic elements are dishwasher-safe.

The 5 Top-Rated Automatic Dog Feeders

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*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Best Automatic Dog Feeder Overall: PetSafe Simply Feed Automatic Feeder

For a reliable dog feeder at a reasonable price, you really can’t go wrong with the PetSafe Simply Feed Automatic Feeder. This automatic dog feeder, which holds up to 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food, lets you schedule up to 12 pre-portioned doggy meals a day. Having such a large amount of potential meals is great for keeping your pet fed if you constantly find yourself running late.

Depending on your pet’s breed (the machine is suitable for small and medium-sized dogs) and eating habits, the feeder can be set up to dispense just 1/8 of a cup or 4 cups of varying kibble shapes and sizes. If your pup is known to gobble up food and then throw up, you can choose to distribute the meal over the course of 15 minutes via the “slow feed” mode. There’s also an “immediate feed” option, which lets you give your pup a snack in between regularly scheduled mealtimes.

The feeder’s pet-proof design, which comes in the form of a secure, clear plastic lid, keeps even the smartest dogs from stealing food. The see-through lid is also handy for seeing when a refill is due. If mealtimes get messy, you can wash the stainless steel bowl and BPA-free plastic components in the top-shelf of your dishwasher. Since the machine runs on batteries (not included with the purchase), you can move the feeder around the house freely as well as take it with you on your travels. The batteries should last up to 9 months. However, you can also purchase an adaptor.

PetSafe Simply Feed Automatic Feeder Key Features:

• Holds 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food
• Dispenses up to 12 meals a day
• Adjustable portion sizes
• “Slow feed” mode
• “Immediate feed” option for a quick snack
• Dual power supply
• Stainless steel bowl
• BPA-free

Best Large Automatic Dog Feeder: BELOPEZZ Smart Pet Automatic Feeder

From chihuahuas to Labradors, the BELOPEZZ Smart Pet Automatic Feeder is perfect for dogs, both large and small. An affordable option, this feeder can hold up to 6 liters (13 cups) of dry food. The machine allows you to feed your dog as many as 4 times a day and even lets you vary the portion size.

The built-in infrared sensor stops the machine from discharging food if it detects any leftover kibble in the tray. That not only prevents your dog from overeating but also keeps the meals fresh and minimizes waste. The 10-second voice recording function, which allows you to record a customized message for your pet, lets your dog know it’s mealtime and encourages it to stay on its feeding schedule.

The feeder is simple to put together. Most customers said that they didn’t even need to read the instruction manual to set the feeder up. Also, since the food container separates easily from the body of the plastic feeder, it’s effortless to clean. You can operate this feeder via a power outlet, batteries, or both—handy if you live in a stormy area or if your dog is a heavy chewer. The batteries last up to a year, according to the manufacturer.

BELOPEZZ Smart Pet Automatic Feeder Key Features:

• 6-liter capacity
• Up to 4 feedings a day
• Unique portion sizes
• Doesn’t discharge food if there’s leftover kibble in the bowl
• Voice recorder
• Dual power supply
• 1-year battery life

Best Budget Automatic Dog Feeder: WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder

If you’re on the hunt for a pet feeder that won’t break the bank, look no further than the WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder. This customizable food dispenser boasts a futuristic design and similar features to our runner up, the BELOPEZZ Smart Pet Automatic Feeder, but is slightly cheaper.

Suitable for small to medium-sized dogs, the WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder can hold 2.5 pounds (about 10 cups) of dry food in total. The machine can dispense up to 4 meals a day, and you can pre-select a different portion size for each feeding. Because the feeder uses infrared detection technology, there’s no risk of kibble overflowing and clogging. There’s also an option to record a 10-second voice recording that plays when food is dispensed, useful if you’re worried that your pup might sleep through mealtimes.

This pet feeder comes with a stainless steel bowl that is easy to detach and wash. According to customers, since the food storage bin is wide enough to get your hand in, cleaning the feeder is a hassle-free process. You can use the machine either with a USB charger or batteries or both if you want to ensure that the device continues to run in case of a power failure. Even if the power goes out, your settings will remain.

WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Key Features:

• Holds up to 10 cups of dry food
• Discharges 4 meals a day
• Varied portion sizes
• Voice recorder
• Dual power supply
• Stainless steel bowl

Best Gravity Dog Feeder: AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder

The AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder uses gravity to guarantee that your dog never runs out of food. As food in the bowl runs low, the feeder, which can hold up to 6 pounds of dry dog food, automatically dispenses more kibble. Since this pet feeder comes with a transparent food storage hopper, you don’t have to waste time unscrewing the top lid to see if and when a refill is required.

Although simple in design, this feeder features several thoughtful details, like 2 side cut-outs along the base, which serve as convenient side handles for lifting the feeder off the floor. Also, the feeder has non-skid rubber feet, which stop it from sliding across the floor. Though this feeder isn’t dishwasher-safe, it’s easy to take apart and clean with warm soapy water.

The AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder might not have all the fancy functions that some of the other automatic dog feeders have. However, it will feed your dog when you’re away from home at a fraction of the cost. You can purchase the feeder on its own or as part of a 2-in-1 bundle. If you opt for the bundle, you’ll also receive a small pet water tank (which has 1-gallon capacity). Both products come with a 1-year warranty.

AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder Key Features:

• 6-pound capacity
• Transparent food storage container
• Side handles for easy lifting
• Non-skid rubber feet
• Pet waterer available for purchase separately

Best Wet Food Dog Feeder: Cat Mate C20

The Cat Mate C20 might have the word “cat” in the product title, but don’t let the name fool you: this compact feeder is suitable for both cats and dogs. That being said, the Cat Mate C20 works best for smaller dog breeds.

The Cat Mate C20 consists of 2 large food trays that feature analog mechanical timers set up to open at a specific time. Each tray can hold up to 1 pound (450 grams) of dry or wet food. Therefore, you can use this feeder to feed your dog twice (or once if you have 2 dogs). The food is kept fresh by a built-in ice pack for up to 48 hours. This feeder requires a single alkaline AA battery to operate. The battery should last you a year.

For mischievous dogs, the Cat Mate C20 can be fastened to a board (not included with the purchase) to stop it from being moved or overturned. Both the compartments and the lids are dishwasher-safe, so cleaning this feeder is a breeze. What’s more, you get a 3-year manufacturer’s guarantee, so if the Cat Mate C20 breaks for no apparent reason, you can get a replacement.

Cat Mate C20 Key Features:

• 2-pound capacity
• Compatible with wet food
• Built-in ice pack
• 1-year battery life
• Dishwasher-safe
• 3-year manufacturer’s guarantee

Who Should Buy an Automatic Dog Feeder

Every dog owner should invest in an automatic dog feeder. Whether you have a habit of sometimes working longer hours than expected or would like to be able to go out for drinks with friends at a minute’s notice, an automatic dog feeder will alleviate the stress of having to organize your day around your dog’s feeding schedule.

If you own more than one dog, an automatic feeder can help you ensure that you’re not accidentally neglecting a smaller or weaker pet. Some automatic feeders have microchip compatibility, meaning that only pets with the approved microchip can access food. That should be more than enough to stop a greedy Labrador from stealing food from your little Chihuahua. You can definitely add this smart equipment to your pet safe electronic dog door to build a range of smart pet devices.

Having an automatic dog feeder might prove useful even when you’re at home. Instead of waking up to your dog barking early on a Sunday morning (also consider effective bark collars for dogs), you can simply schedule their breakfast in advance— and then go for a walk when you’ve had your breakfast, too.

If you’re looking for the right kinds of food to put in your new automatic dog feeder, then you won’t want to miss The Best Grain-Free Dog Foods, The Best Organic Dog Foods, The Best Dog Food For Puppies, or The Best Dog Food For Allergies.

Important Features to Consider

An automatic dog feeder should help you keep your dog fed, even when you can’t make it home on time. Here’s what to consider when selecting an automatic dog feeder:

• Capacity. Some automatic dog feeders have a relatively small food storage capacity, meaning that they’re only suitable for small breeds. If you choose a small automatic feeder, keep in mind that you’ll also need to refill it more often, as well. Owners of large dogs should opt for automatic dog feeders that can hold at least 6 liters of kibble.
• Wet or dry food? If you feed your dog wet food, make sure that you get a feeder that is compatible with wet food.
• Meal portions. While some automatic dog feeders allow you to schedule an infinite number of feedings a day, others have a limit of just 2 meals a day. Also, some automatic feeders let you vary the portion size; others don’t. Keep in mind that a gravity feeder will dispense more food as the bowl empties, which might not work if your dog has no self-control.
• Kibble size. Not all automatic feeders can handle large kibble. If your dog eats a particular brand of food that features large kibble, pay careful attention to the details regarding maximum kibble size.
• Security. Dogs love food. No matter how well you’ve trained your pooch, he’ll more than likely try to sabotage the feeder when you’re not at home. As such, it’s vital that you go for a feeder that has some sort of locking system for the food reservoir. You might also want to avoid feeders made from cheap plastics, especially if your pup is known to chew through things.
• Reservoir design. The best dog feeders will have air-tight food reservoirs to prevent the food from spoiling.
• Power supply. Most automatic dog feeders have a dual power supply, so you can either plug it in or run it on batteries, or both. That is critical if you’re no stranger to power outages.
• Ease of cleaning. You’ll want to keep the automatic dog feeder clean to ensure that your dog doesn’t get sick from bacteria buildup. For this reason, make sure that the feeder is easy to take apart. Bonus points if the bowl and some of the parts are dishwasher-safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an automatic dog feeder and how does it work?

An automatic dog feeder is a pet food dispenser that lets you keep your dog fed even when you’re not at home. Some automatic dog feeders can be programmed to dispense food at specific times of the day, whereas others (also known as gravity feeders) give your dog food when their food bowl empties.

Can you put wet food in an automatic dog feeder?

It depends on the type of automatic dog feeder that you purchase. Most automatic dog feeders are compatible with dry dog food or semi-moist dog food only. However, some automatic dog feeders can hold wet food, too.

How much does an automatic dog feeder cost?

Again, there isn’t just one answer. Some automatic dog feeders are very affordable (less than $10), and others are more expensive (closer to $200). In general, though, you can expect an automatic dog feeder to set you back anywhere between $50 and $150. Simple gravity dog feeders tend to be the least costly. Automatic dog feeders with a whole host of fun features like a voice recorder, camera, and remote control are more pricey.

Are automatic feeders good for dogs?

Absolutely! An automatic dog feeder helps you ensure that your pet is always fed. Beyond that, an automatic feeder allows you to establish regular feeding times. That is especially important if you work atypical hours or if your furry friend has a sensitive stomach.

Also, some automatic feeders can be programmed to dispense small amounts of food over a specific time period (usually 15 minutes), preventing your dog from eating too much too fast (which can cause digestive issues).

Lastly, higher-end automatic feeders, especially those equipped with a recorder or camera, can provide your dog with mental stimulation, which is ideal for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety.

Other Automatic Dog Feeders We Reviewed

We looked at 20 other automatic dog feeders. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best automatic dog feeders list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

• Gravity Automatic Dog Feeders
• Wet Food Automatic Dog Feeders
• Large Automatic Dog Feeders

Gravity Automatic Dog Feeders

Bergan Gourmet Petite Combo

The Bergan Gourmet Petite Combo comes with not only a BPA-free food dispenser that can hold 6 pounds of kibble but also with a 1.5-gallon capacity water tank. Talk about value for money.

Key Features:

• Food and water combo
• 6-pound capacity
• Water contains 1.5 gallons of water
• BPA-free
• Wide, stable base

Cost:$19

Little Giant 25 Pound Chow Hound Pet Feeder

Made of galvanized steel, the Little Giant 25 Pound Chow Hound Pet Feeder is extremely sturdy. Unlike most pet feeders, it can be kept outside or even attached to the wall for extra durability.

Key Features:

• 25-pound capacity
• Steel-based
• Can be attached to the wall
• A magnetic door keeps food fresh
• Suitable for outside-use

Cost: $55

Petmate Replendish Feeder with Microban

Available in multiple sizes, the Petmate Replendish Feeder with Microban can hold between 2 and 18 pounds of dry dog food. It also has microban antimicrobial protection, which stops the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria in the base.

Key Features:

• 4 different sizes
• 5 colors
• Microban antimicrobial protection
• Easy-snap lid

Cost:$35

PetSafe Gravity Dog Food Station

The sleek, space-saving PetSafe Gravity Dog Food Station is available in 2 sizes: the small feeder holds 2 pounds, and the medium feeder holds 4 pounds of kibble.

Key Features:

• 2 sizes (small and medium)
• Slim, space-saving design
• BPA-free
• Dishwasher-safe
• Matching water station with water filter available

Cost: $21

Van Ness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder

A fabulous choice for small dogs, the inexpensive Van Ness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder is FDA-approved. Since this feeder is dishwasher-safe, it’s also low maintenance.

Key Features:

• 3-pound capacity
• FDA approved
• BPA-free
• Dishwasher safe

Cost: $4

Wet Food Automatic Dog Feeders

Cat Mate C300 Automatic Pet Feeder

Featuring 3 food bowls that can hold 11.5 ounces of dry or wet dog food, the Cat Mate C300 Automatic Pet Feeder also includes space for an ice pack to keep the food fresh.

Key Features:

• 3 food compartments that hold 11.5 ounces of pet food
• Ice pack keeps food fresh
• Can be attached to a wooden board for stability
• Dishwasher-proof
• 1-year battery life
• 3-year guarantee

Cost:$40

PAWISE Automatic Pet Feeder

The PAWISE Automatic Pet Feeder comes in 3 different sizes: 1 meal, 2 meals, and 5 meals. Both 1 meal and 2 meal models can hold 300-milliliter portions, which can be set up within 48 hours. The 5 meal model can hold 240-milliliter portions within 24 hours (up to 5 days).

Key Features:

• Available in 3 different sizes
• Ice pack keeps dog food fresh
• Battery operated
• Dishwasher safe food tray
• Money-back guarantee

Cost:$19

SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Great for dogs on special diets in multi-pet homes, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder opens when a pet with the assigned pet microchip comes near the feeder and closes when it wanders off.

Key Features:

• Holds 400 milliliters or 2 pouches of dog food
• Microchip compatibility
• Training mode helps pets get used to the lid closing and opening
• Comes with a single grey bowl, a split grey bowl, and a grey mat
• 3-year warranty

Cost:$150

SureFeedSealed Pet Bowl

The motion-activated SureFeed Sealed Pet Bowl opens when your dog approaches and closes when it moves away, keeping flies and other pests at bay.

Key Features:

• Holds 13.5 ounces of kibble or wet dog food
• Motion-activated
• Silicon pads stop skidding
• 6-month battery life
• Battery indicator lets you know when the battery is running low
• 2-year warranty

Cost:$60

Tarvos Automatic Pet Feeder

The Tarvos Automatic Pet Feeder consists of 6 meal trays. Each tray can hold up to 90 milliliters of dry or wet dog food and can be scheduled to open in just 1 minute or 24 hours.

Key Features:

• Holds 540 milliliters of wet or dry food
• 6 meal trays
• BPA-free
• FDA-certified
• Battery operated
• Dishwasher-safe
• Voice recorder

Cost:$45

Large Automatic Dog Feeders

Athorbot Automatic Pet Feeder

The Athorbot Automatic Pet Feeder has a 6.5-liter capacity and can dispense 4 feedings a day. Other notable features include portion control, a customized message for your dog, and built-in infrared detection to stop food from getting stuck inside the machine.

Key Features:

• 6.5-liter capacity
• Dispenses up to 4 meals a day
• Varied portion sizes
• Voice recorder
• Dual power supply
• BPA-free

Cost:$70

Balimo Automatic Smart Pet Feeder

Regardless of whether you have a small, medium, or large dog, the Balimo Automatic Smart Pet Feeder, which holds up to 7 liters of dry food, can be programmed to feed your furry friend as many as 4 times a day.

Key Features:

• 7-liter capacity
• Discharges 4 meals daily
• Flexible meal portions
• Manual button for dispensing a snack
• Voice recorder
• Dual power supply
• 6-month battery life
• Dishwasher-safe feeding tray

Cost:$90

Iseebiz Automatic Pet Feeder

Keep even the largest of dogs satisfied with the Iseebiz Automatic Pet Feeder. This feeder can hold up to 6 liters of dry dog food and can dispense 4 meals a day.

Key Features:

• 6-liter capacity
• Dispenses up to 4 meals a day
• Voice recorder
• IR detector prevents kibble from clogging or spilling
• Dual power supply

Cost:$70

Roffie Automatic Dog Feeder

Schedule up to 4 meals a day with the Roffie Automatic Dog Feeder. This feeder has a 6.5-liter capacity and is ideal for pets that are under 40cm in height.

Key Features:

• 6.5-liter capacity
• Varied portion sizes
• Voice recorder
• Dual power supply
• Anti-slip feet design

Cost:$85

Uterip 6L Automatic Pet Feeder

With a storage capacity of 6 liters, you can program the Uterip 6L Automatic Pet Feeder to feed your dog 4 times a day for up to 75 days (depending on pet’s size).

Key Features:

• 6-liter capacity
• Dispenses up to 4 meals a day
• Adjustable portion sizes
• Voice recorder
• Dual power supply

Cost:$95

HoneyGuaridan Pet Food Dispenser

The HoneyGuaridan Pet Food Dispenser can hold up to 13 cups of kibble, making it an excellent choice for large dog breeds. You can schedule this feeder to dispense 6 meals a day.

Key Features:

• Holds 13 cups of dry dog food
• Discharges up to 6 meals a day
• Adjustable portion sizes
• Works with kibble that is less than half an inch big
• Low-food alarm
• Dual power supply
• Voice recorder
• Bowl is dishwasher-safe

Cost:$80

PETKIT Pet Feeder

With the PETKIT Pet Feeder, you can feed your pet from anywhere, as long as you have your phone on you. The feeder even works with Amazon’s Alexa.

Key Features:

• 6-pound capacity
• Up to 10 feedings a day
• Varied portion sizes
• Remote control
• Works offline
• Food level indicator
• Compatible with Amazon’s Alexa
• Backup battery enabled

Cost:$100

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog Feeder

Although more expensive than other feeders on our list, the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog Feeder is compatible with your Amazon Echo device. You can ask Alexa to feed your dog and even reorder your pet’s food via Amazon Dash Replenishment.

Key Features:

• Holds 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food
• Dispenses up to 12 meals a day
• Customizable portion sizes
• “Slow food” setting dispenses food slowly
• Works with Amazon’s Alexa
• Automatically reorder food
• Dishwasher-safe
• Dual power supply
• A single feeder can be controlled via several smartphones

Cost:$190

PortionProRx Automatic Pet Feeder

If you have multiple pets, the PortionProRx Automatic Pet Feeder can help you maintain harmony during meal times. The feeder senses when a pet with the correct tag approaches and opens the food bowl, closing it when the pet goes away.

Key Features:

• Food bin holds 32 cups of kibble
• Can discharge 6 meals daily
• Tag compatibility
• Can purchase 2 tags for a single feeder
• Information on the last few meals your dog ate
• Ceramic coated steel bowl
• Rubberized footing

Cost:$180

WOPET SmartFeeder

The WOPET SmartFeeder is more than just an automatic food dispenser. Because this feeder comes with a WiFi-enabled app and an HD camera, you can see, talk, and even play with your dog when you’re away from home.

Key Features:

• Holds 20 cups of dry food
• App control
• HD camera
• Voice interaction
• Share videos on social media directly
• Dual power supply
• 2 food dispenser trays (small and large)
• 24-hour 365-day support

Cost:$170