Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Smart Pet Feeder

Your Guide to buying the best Smart pet feeders

Overview

A smart pet feeder is a convenient and reliable way to feed your pet while you’re away. It automatically dispenses food and can be programmed to follow a feeding schedule. With a wide range of features, styles, and sizes available, it can be difficult to determine which type of smart pet feeder is best for your pet. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of smart pet feeders and their features, as well as important considerations to keep in mind when selecting the perfect feeder for your pet.

Key features

  1. Schedule & Portion Control: Smart pet feeders are programmed to dispense predetermined amounts of food at set times throughout the day. This ensures that your pet is fed regularly and consistently, as well as helps prevent overeating.
  2. Delivery & Monitoring: Most smart pet feeders can be controlled remotely via an app on your smart device. This allows you to monitor your pet’s food intake, as well as order and deliver meals to your pet.
  3. Feeder Design: Depending on your pet’s size and needs, some smart pet feeders may be more suitable than others. Consider the size and shape of the feeder, as well as the materials used to construct it, to ensure that it is safe and comfortable for your pet.
  4. Battery Life: Smart pet feeders are typically powered by batteries, so it is important to consider the battery life of the device before purchase. Look for models that offer long-lasting battery life and easy recharging.
  5. Compatibility & Connectivity: Many smart pet feeders are compatible with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, allowing for easy integration. Make sure to check the device specifications before purchase to ensure compatibility.
  6. Price & Budget: Smart pet feeders can vary greatly in price depending on the features and quality. Set a budget before shopping and look for devices that offer the features you need at a price that fits your budget.

See the most popular Smart pet feeders on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Easier to Feed Pets When Away from Home: Smart pet feeders can be set up to feed your pet automatically when you are away from home, allowing you to go on vacation or take a business trip without worrying about how your pet is being fed.
  • Accurately Measure Food Portions: Smart pet feeders can measure and dispense the exact amount of food your pet needs, helping you to feed your pet the right amount at the right time.
  • Interactive Feeding Options: Some Smart pet feeders have interactive feeding options, such as voice commands, that allow you to reward your pet with treats or provide special entertaining meals.
  • Monitor Food Intake: Smart pet feeders can monitor and record your pet’s food intake, helping you to identify potential health problems or make sure your pet is being fed regularly.
  • Healthier Eating Habits: Smart pet feeders can help create healthier eating habits for your pet by limiting their access to unhealthy food.

Cons

  • Cost: Smart pet feeders can be expensive compared to traditional manual feeders.
  • Inaccurate Measurements: Smart pet feeders can dispense inaccurate measurements of food, leading to overfeeding or underfeeding.
  • Loss of App Functionality: Some Smart pet feeders may require an app to control them, and if the app is ever updated, the feeder may no longer be functional.
  • Power Outages: If the power goes out, the Smart pet feeder may not automatically resume normal operation.
  • Vulnerability: Smart pet feeders may be vulnerable to hackers or malicious interference.
  • Messy Trays: Food trays on Smart pet feeders can become messy and require frequent cleaning.

Best alternatives

  1. Automatic Pet Feeder - This type of feeder dispenses food slowly and gradually throughout the day, allowing your pet to eat small meals throughout the day.
  2. Wi-Fi Enabled Pet Feeder - This feeder enables you to control the amount of food your pet receives from your smartphone, eliminating the need for manual refilling.
  3. Portable Pet Feeder - This feeder is designed to be portable and light, so that you can take it with you when you are out and about.
  4. Programmable Pet Feeder - This type of feeder allows you to program the feeder to dispense food at certain times throughout the day.
  5. Voice Activated Pet Feeder - This feeder will dispense food when it is triggered by a voice command.
  6. Sensor Enabled Pet Feeder - This feeder uses sensors to detect when your pet is present and will not dispense food when your pet is not present.
  7. Timed Pet Feeder - This type of feeder allows you to set specific times for when the feeder will dispense food.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Smart Pet Feeders - Electronic devices that dispense food to a pet according to a predetermined schedule.
  • WiFi Connection - Connects the feeder to your home WiFi network for remote access.
  • Voice Activation - Feeder is activated by voice commands from the owner.
  • Food Dispenser - The container holds and dispenses the pet's food.
  • Battery Backup - Keeps the feeder running in the event of a power outage.
  • Camera/Monitor - Allows you to see your pet while they are eating.
  • Timer/Programming - Allows you to set the feeder to dispense food at specific times.
  • Automatic Refill - Automatically replenishes the food in the feeder.
  • Timer/Programming - Allows you to set the feeder to dispense food at specific times.
  • Portable/Travel - Feeder is designed to be portable and easy to transport.

Common questions

  1. What benefits does a Smart pet feeder offer? A Smart pet feeder offers several benefits, including the ability to schedule automated feedings, portion control, remote access for monitoring and adjusting feedings, and the ability to receive notifications when feedings are completed.
  2. What type of food can I put in a Smart pet feeder? Most Smart pet feeders can accommodate dry and wet food, as well as semi-moist food. Some models may also have the ability to dispense treats or other small snacks.
  3. Are there any additional features or benefits to a Smart pet feeder? Yes, many models offer additional features such as voice-recording to call your pet to the feeder, a built-in camera for monitoring, and the ability to dispense medications or supplements.
  4. What are the potential drawbacks of owning a Smart pet feeder? Some potential drawbacks of owning a Smart pet feeder include the cost of the device, the potential for malfunctions, and the need to replace the batteries on a regular basis.

Trivia

A funny fact about smart pet feeders is that when they were first made available on the market, they were famously referred to as “The Clapper for Cats” – after the commercial product of a similar name. As the smart pet feeder was activated by a sound sensor, it was a popular term among customers to describe the product. The term has since become less popular as more pet feeders have been made available using more technology than just a sound sensor. The term “The Clapper for Cats” was first popularised by an article on Wired.com. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.