April 21, 2023, 3:19 pm | Read time: 13 minutes

Owning a pet comes with responsibility and discipline. Daily life with dogs and cats requires structure and a fixed schedule. Especially for cats, many small meals throughout the day are important. However, if the owner is away for more than eight hours, it becomes difficult to maintain this. Some animals with particularly sensitive stomachs may even vomit because an empty stomach becomes too acidic. This is where an automatic feeder is useful. But be careful: An automatic feeder should never be a reason to leave your pet alone for extended periods! For vacations, always arrange for a cat or dog sitter. However, to avoid the sitter having to visit multiple times a day, automatic feeders can be a valuable aid. PETBOOK provides an overview of individual models, lists some purchasing criteria, and answers important questions about automatic feeders.

Automatic Feeders: Types Available 

Depending on the model, feeders come with different technical features. We present the most common types for an overview:

Feeder with Sensor  

These devices have a built-in sensor. When the pet approaches the feeder, the lid opens, allowing access to the food. When the pet moves away, the lid closes. Essentially, these feeders ensure that the food stays fresh and doesn’t dry out.

Advantages: 

• simple technology 
• affordable 
• keeps food fresh 

Disadvantages: 

• lid opens anytime 
• no timing control 

Feeder with Chip 

These feeders only release their contents to animals that carry a compatible chip. They are especially suitable for households with multiple pets with different dietary needs.

Advantages: 

• ideal for multi-pet households  
• targeted dispensing of diet and special food possible  

Disadvantages: 

• pet must wear a chip  

Feeder with App Control 

With these models, feeding times can be controlled anytime via an app. This allows owners to operate the feeder independently. However, if the owner forgets to activate it, the food won’t be dispensed automatically when the pet approaches the bowl.

Advantages: 

• intelligent control 
• individual dispensing times possible multiple times a day  
• reliable operation  

Disadvantages: 

• expensive technology 
• requires a mobile phone 
• owner must remember to activate via app

Buying Feeders – What to Consider 

In pet stores and on major online platforms, you’ll find a wide range of models. When buying, the first question to ask is what requirements you have for a feeder. We reveal which factors make it easier to choose the best feeder.

Material 

The material indicates how long the feeder will last and how durable the devices are in general. Most feeders are made of plastic. They are easy to clean and are sold at moderate prices. Feeders made of stainless steel are of higher quality. A good compromise is models with a plastic body and stainless steel bowls. Occasionally, ceramic models are also available.

Type of Food  

Most feeders are only suitable for dry food. However, crunchy kibbles are not always the best choice, especially for cats. Wet food is more digestible due to its moisture content and prevents dehydration. Many pets also have specific preferences and only eat certain foods, which are not always available in dry form. If you feed your pet exclusively wet food, you should choose a feeder with a cooling function.

Also interesting: Wet food for cats in “Ökotest” – Nutrient values often incorrect

Capacity  

The ideal capacity depends on the number of pets and the intended use. Depending on the frequency of portions to be dispensed, pet owners can choose feeders with a capacity ranging from 400 grams to three kilograms.

Dimensions  

The size of the feeder also matters. It should be placed where the regular feeding bowls are located. Therefore, compact models are advantageous in small spaces.

Important: The bowl in the feeder should not be too small. Most cats don’t like it when their whiskers touch the sides of the bowl while eating.

Weight 

Most devices are relatively lightweight, weighing between one and two kilograms. Therefore, feeders are easy to transport, and weight only becomes relevant if the feeder needs to be moved frequently.

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Our Recommendations for Feeders 

The extensive range of options makes it difficult to choose the right model. We consider the following five feeders to be good recommendations, as they meet most of the criteria we have set for a good feeder.

For Cats and Dogs: PETLIBRO Automatic Feeder with Stainless Steel Bowl 

This automatic feeder can dispense one to four meals daily and is suitable for cats of all breeds as well as small to medium-sized dogs. A built-in desiccant container keeps the contents fresh longer. However, the food tank should only be filled with dry food. A desiccant bag is included and should be replaced every two weeks, requiring timely repurchase.

The timer is easy to program. To ensure feeding even during a power outage, the power supply can alternatively be secured with three alkaline D-cell batteries. The batteries are not included and must be purchased separately.

Important: The batteries should be replaced every six months if the device is not in use for an extended period.

The device, in classic black and white, can be placed discreetly in the room. The PETLIBRO automatic feeder features a central LCD screen. Setting the desired feeding times is straightforward. The food is dispensed at an appropriate angle, preventing kibbles from accumulating in the dispenser. The stainless steel bowl is removable and can be easily cleaned separately. As an additional feature, this all-rounder among feeders includes a voice recording device. Pet owners can leave a personal message for their pet to encourage them to eat. The voice recording chip is designed for recordings up to ten seconds long.

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Advantages: 

• robust construction  
• solid and stable design 
• easy to clean  
• can operate on batteries 
• hygienic stainless steel bowl 

Disadvantages: 

• operating noise can be disturbing at night

Smart Feeder for Cats: SureFeed Microchip Feeder 

This automatic feeder features smart control via microchip, making it particularly suitable for multi-pet households where feeding can be problematic due to different eating habits or special dietary requirements. The feeder only opens for animals equipped with the corresponding microchip. The device is compatible with all standard microchip formats. Pet owners can better control their pets’ weight and ensure the administration of diet or special food without the second cat accessing it.

It is a battery-operated feeder. The necessary four C-cells are not included. The microchipped pet has access to the food at any time. The lid closes tightly, keeping the food hygienically fresh for an extended period. The cat’s chip number is permanently stored in the device. Only if the memory is cleared can the number be removed. The bowl can be filled with wet or dry food.

The lid opens as soon as the authorized pet is nearby. Non-chipped animals do not gain access. The memory can store up to 32 pets. The futuristic-looking device in subtle white integrates into any room.

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Advantages: 

• easy to set up 
• quick chip recognition 
• high-quality appearance 
• low operating noise 
• manual locking of flaps via slider possible  

Disadvantages: 

• cat always has access to food 
• batteries and collar for the chip not included 
• high price 

Also interesting: German pet owners spent around one billion euros more on food in 2022

Two Meals Secured: Kerbl Cat Mate 

This handy automatic feeder is equipped with two separate bowls, allowing owners to feed two pets conveniently at set times. Each pet receives its own portion, making it easy to monitor weight control.

Compared to other devices, the Kerbl Cat Mate stands out for its ease of use. The 48-hour timer is beneficial when the feeder needs to cover longer periods than a day, and feeding should not occur randomly.

An AA battery is required for operation. This is not included but is usually available in most households. The integrated cooling pack keeps the food fresh for several hours. The lids close tightly, ensuring hygienic food provision during longer absences. The flat device in modern gray-white design requires no more space than two regular feeding bowls.

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Advantages: 

• easy to use 
• two portions can be dispensed at different times or simultaneously 
• affordable 
• compact size 

Disadvantages: 

• bowls are not stainless steel 
• less high-quality construction 
• irregularities observed in bowl opening 

Duo Feeder with App Control: WelltoBe Smart Feeder 

This app-controlled feeder can be used for two cats. The app allows for the dispensing of up to six meals a day, making it suitable for cats that require multiple smaller portions daily due to weight issues or dietary needs.

Before the feeder can be used, it must be connected to Wi-Fi. A detailed feeding schedule can then be set up via the app on the phone. Desired feeding times can also be set on the device without a network connection. The cat feeder impresses in tests with its large capacity of four liters, allowing cats and small dogs to be regularly fed over 15 to 20 days, reducing the workload for a pet sitter.

The dual power supply ensures feeding even during a power outage. Alternatively, four type-D batteries must be inserted. These are not included. As additional features, owners can record personalized voice messages up to ten seconds long to call their pets to eat. The voice messages can be turned off if desired.

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Advantages: 

• easy app control 
• minimal operating noise 
• suitable for two cats 
• dispensing smaller portions aids weight control 
• easy to clean 
• stainless steel bowl 

Disadvantages: 

• short power cord 
• sound quality of voice message takes getting used to 

Budget-Friendly: Cat Mate 365 Feeder

With this automatic feeder, you can flexibly manage your pets’ diet even when you’re away. The device can be filled with wet and dry food and can dispense up to five meals at regular feeding times.

To keep the food fresh for as long as possible, two cooling packs are integrated. The lid closes tightly, preventing the food from being contaminated or stolen by the pets before the feeding time arrives.

The three AA batteries required for operation are not included. However, a single battery charge ensures the device operates for up to twelve months. The lid and bowl are dishwasher safe. For additional stability, it is recommended to mount the feeder on a wooden board.

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Advantages: 

• easy handling 
• five large food compartments 
• two cooling packs  
• lid and bowl are dishwasher safe  

Disadvantages: 

• closure can be opened by cats if it sits slightly ajar 
• stability should be supported by mounting on a wooden board 

Also interesting: How to recognize good dog food?

Important Questions About Feeders 

Frequently, questions arise regarding feeders. We aim to answer some of them briefly here.

How do automatic feeders work? 

Most devices have an integrated timer. After setting the desired time, the feeder releases its contents. There are also simple models that only have a motion sensor and dispense food when the pet (or another creature) approaches the feeder. Intelligent models work with microchip or app control.

How often should cats be fed? 

Generally, cats should be fed several times a day. Feeding in the morning and evening is not sufficient for most cats, as many animals tolerate smaller portions better. Therefore, five to six meals are recommended for sensitive animals. Portions should also be smaller during diets.

How much does a feeder cost? 

There are significant differences here. Depending on the integrated technology, prices for feeders can range from 30 to 200 euros. Models with motion sensors and no time control are the cheapest. For smart feeders with chip recognition and app control, you have to dig deeper into your pocket.

Can wet food be used in feeders? 

Most models are only suitable for dry food as they lack a cooling function. Therefore, inexpensive versions are generally not suitable for wet food. To keep moist pet food fresh in the container, a cooling option must be available. This is ensured by cooling packs or, in more expensive versions, by “mini-refrigerators.”

What should be considered with an app-controlled feeder? 

For these devices to work, they must be connected to the power grid, and the user needs a Wi-Fi connection. The app must be downloaded to the mobile phone. The effort is rewarded with timely food dispensing. Owners can often monitor this remotely, as some cat feeding stations also have a camera.

Has Stiftung Warentest determined a feeder test winner? 

As of January 5, 2023, no feeder has been declared a winner by Stiftung Warentest. Therefore, consumers themselves are more responsible for finding a suitable model for their needs. It is important to consider the mentioned criteria and adapt the advantages of the presented models to your own needs.

What should be considered in the care of feeders? 

To make cleaning as easy as possible, feeders should be able to be disassembled into their individual parts. The feeding bowls can usually be removed and should be rinsed daily with warm water to prevent germs and bacteria from settling. Additionally, some components are often dishwasher safe.

What accessories are available for feeders? 

Various manufacturers supply their feeders with practical accessories. While the necessary batteries are not included with most devices, cooling packs or compatible microchip tags may be included in the price.