Automatic dog and cat feeders are, without a doubt, one of the most useful pieces of technology we have seen so far in the pet world. They are specifically designed to make our lives a little easier and less hectic, but what exactly is their function? How do we choose the most suitable one for our pet?

Automatic Feeders for Dogs and Cats With Which To Take Care of Your Pets

Automatic dog and cat feeders are, without a doubt, one of the most useful pieces of technology we have seen so far in the pet world. They are specifically designed to make our lives a little easier and less hectic, but what exactly is their function? How do we choose the most suitable one for our pet?

smart pet feeders

In this post, we answered these and other questions to clarify all doubts about these devices. In addition, we will point you to a tested and trusted store to get the best smart pet feeders based on their qualities and consumer ratings.

What Is an Automatic Pet Feeder?

Automatic pet feeders are designed to dispense a specific amount of food at a designated time so that the dog or cat owner does not have to do so, whether due to absence, illness, or any other circumstance that does not allow them to do so.

The typical automatic feeder can store and dispense controlled portions of feed at a time of your choosing. Features vary from device to device, from completely digital technological marvels to more rudimentary versions that do the job adequately.

How Do Automatic Pet Feeders Work?

Generally, these devices are structured like a gumball machine: there is a large compartment that stores your pet’s food and another smaller, plate-like compartment where the food goes in and is available to the animal. Automatic feeders work primarily with dry food, but there are models that can also adapt to wet diets.

Are Automatic Pet Feeders Really Necessary?

The most notable benefit of the automatic pet feeder is its convenience, as it allows you to feed your dog or cat throughout the day when you are not with him, eliminating the need to turn to a friend or neighbor to do those things. Plus, it’s perfect for avoiding the unwanted side effects of cat bloat through the automatic feeder’s ability to dispense smaller portions.

Automatic feeders are perfect for those who spend many hours away from home. Smart pet feeders have even been included in the list of recommendations from some veterinarians, who may suggest that these modern devices are a good way to regulate food consumption in pets suffering from diseases such as diabetes.

Many automatic feeders come with a microchip detection system that ensures that only the cat or dog carrying a certain microchip can access its food. This can be useful for owners with multiple pets, especially if one is more gluttonous.

Types of Automatic Feeders

Let’s take a look at the main types of automatic pet feeders currently on the market:

• Gravity-powered feeders and waterers, where the feeding station automatically refills from the container above as your pet makes room in the bowl by eating the food. These dispensers are suitable for owners whose sole objective is food availability through a full bowl, as they do not offer the opportunity to regulate portions or schedules.
• Electronic feeders: These dispensers are more intelligent in their design and allow you to program the meal time, fill a bowl in advance with the desired amount of food and then be sure that the animal will be fed. When it’s time to feed, access is usually enabled on timer feeders by a lid that slides or lifts automatically.
• Advanced programmable feeders: These feeder types are for owners who want their pets to stick to a set meal schedule and who want to feed multiple portion sizes. You’ll likely shell out more money for these nifty machines, but thanks to them, you can closely monitor what your dog or cat consumes, regardless of whether you’re at home or not. They are ideal for specific diets.

How Can I Choose an Automatic Feeder?

There are some aspects that you should consider when choosing a smart pet feeder so that your purchase is not a big disappointment.

Storage Capacity

Without a doubt, the first feature you should take into account is how much cat or dog food the feeder can hold. The feeders have different capacities, so you need to know the amount of food your pet eats per day and multiply it by the number of days you will be absent in order to buy the feeder that best suits your needs due to its capacity.

Multiple Dispensers

Another important factor is that the feeder dispenses a specific amount of food or can be adjusted to your pet’s needs. There isn’t much point in getting a feeder that gives 3-cup servings if your cat or dog only drinks 1 cup a day. It is also important to ensure that the feeder has a reliable hopper system to hold the food and dispense it, in case you will need the dispenser for several days away.

Programmable

Another feature you should look for in an automatic pet feeder is its ability to deliver food at the times you program, especially if you are not at home. Ideally, you should look for one that comes with a digital timer for precise feeding times. Some feeders only dispense food on an interval schedule, which is generally twice a day.

Type of Food That Can Be Dispensed

Automatic pet feeders work much better with dry food simply because it is easier to dispense. If you need one for wet food, make sure the type of food you feed your pet can be used in that feeder.

Price vs Quality

In your search for the best smart pet feeder, you will find some very expensive models that provide many benefits, but also other cheaper ones that are poorly designed. Therefore, try not to base your decision solely on price when looking for your feeder.

Conclusion

After considering all these factors in order to get an ideal smart pet feeder, pet owners often find it challenging to get a store that has products with all features. That’s why we have offered to help with researching stores that are reputable and known to sell healthy pet products, including automatic feeders. Hence, you can contact the Whisker Wonder Store for your ideal smart pet feeder at a reasonable price.