When it comes to feeding dogs, only the best products can do it, from dog food to dog bowls, and, if you’re dining remotely, you need the best automatic dog feeder too. As is the case with pet gadgets, not all models are created equal: some pet food dispensers simply store whole grits multiple times a day, while others come with fancy extras like Wi-Fi connectivity, cameras and mobile apps . Buying an automatic pet feeder isn’t just limited to which type of feeder you prefer – it’s also a matter of finding the right one for your furry friend, from their size to their eating habits. Here, we interview Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Center for Animal Medicine in New York, and DVM Gabrielle Fadl, medical director of Bond Vet, for pet parents who want to learn more about automatic dog feeders.
How does the automatic dog feeder work?
Usually, automatic dog feeders will dispense food according to a programmed feeding schedule you set up for your puppy. Depending on the model, you can customize the portion size, timing, and frequency. Usually, they are designed to work only with dry food, but some are also suitable for semi-moist dog food breeds.
As we mentioned above, these devices can get pretty gimmicky — those gimmicky things There may be some potential advantages. “If you’re tech-savvy, having a dedicated app that allows you to program feeding schedules on the go, make real-time changes, and see if your pet has eaten, improves the effectiveness and safety of automatic feeders sex,” Dr. Fox explained. However, she added that even the less-technical options will “do a relatively good job of feeding pets.”
When would an automatic dog feeder be useful?
PhD. Fox explained that automatic feeders are popular with people who have unpredictable schedules, are late for work or wake up after their pets. In addition to the convenience factor, Dr. Fadl points out that they can also come in handy if your dog has special needs in portion control: “They can be very useful in certain situations, such as feeding the right amount of food for those who need to maintain weight or prevent a A dog that steals another dog’s food.”
If Your dog’s dietary needs are
very specific (for example, they eat prescription food) or you live In homes with multiple pets, advanced feeders that dispense food based on pets’ microchips can simplify feeding times, Dr Fadl said: “This allows the feeder to be turned on for one pet, but if another pet tries to use it, it will shut down.”
While automatic feeders can be very useful in some households, they are not a quick solution to any and all schedule changes – especially if you keep your When Pets Are Alone. “While automatic feeders are attractive gadgets and have many great use cases, they’re not a replacement for hiring a pet sitter or putting your dog in daycare or boarding while you’re on vacation,” Fox Dr. said. She adds that no device is perfect, and if your feeder gets stuck, loses Wi-Fi connection or otherwise fails, you need to be nearby to fix the problem and make sure your dog gets their dinner.
Is the automatic dog feeder safe?
Both Dr. Fox and Dr. Fadl point out that automatic dog feeders are generally safe for dogs to use in most situations. “It’s possible for any dog to learn to use an automatic feeder,” Dr. Fadl said. The key is choosing the right one for your particular puppy. “It should be the right size for your pet and be strong enough that your pet cannot ‘break into’ it and steal the extra food,” Dr Fadl said. If your dog is big, strong, or just motivated enough to knock over the feeder and reach the food storage, you may want to stick to traditional feeding methods. “This defeats the purpose of an automatic feeder in the first place and can lead to weight gain, upset stomach or bloating in the dog,” explains Dr. Fadl.
Should you buy an automatic dog feeder?
Just as some dogs’ needs will be well served by food dispensers, other dogs’ needs may become unsafe for feeders. In particular, Dr. Fox noted that dogs with swallowing disorders, dogs that eat primarily wet food, and dogs that tend to binge eat should probably not use automatic feeders. (Those who eat like a race against time should eat in a Slow Food Bowl.)
Also, large dogs who eat equally large servings (more than one cup, says Dr. Fox) probably have most An insatiable appetite for the feeder. You may prefer to feed the traditional way rather than having to refill the dry kibble tank with constant clips.
Lastly, if you have no problems with traditional feeding methods, you don’t need to make any changes. If your schedule allows, feeding your dog can be a great opportunity to bond, Dr. Fox and Dr. Fadl say.
Hopefully at this point, with the help of our experts, you have a better idea of whether your dear dog will benefit from an automatic feeder. Here, we’ve picked out some of the internet’s top picks for the best automatic dog feeders.
All products on SELF are independently selected by our Editors. However, we may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase items through our retail links.
