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Any avid pet lover would tell you that having to stress out about your pets’ meals can have a pretty significant impact on your everyday life. Trips that last for several days are either out of the question or require you to look for someone to check on your pets, since you can’t just leave them with a sack of food and hope they ration it properly. That’s exactly why you need an automatic dog or cat feeder at home.
Not only would it help you keep your fur babies well-fed during the times that you’re away from home, but they’re also an excellent way to ensure that your pets adhere to a strict diet without having to meticulously micromanage them. That way, you can go on those out-of-town trips or focus on your work away from home without constantly worrying about your pets being fed.
TL;DR: The #1 Automatic Pet Feeder for Most People 👇
This pet feeder combines affordability with top-of-the-range features effortlessly in a durable and aesthetic package. Control portions, record voice messages and dispense food from anywhere in or out of the home through the app and Wi-Fi.
If you’re looking for a food dispenser that does it all, you’ve found it! 🐈 🐕
For the people who feel lost in the sea of different feeder models out there, we’ve come up with this list of our favourite automatic dog and cat feeders that are sure to care for your furry companions’ nutritional needs whether you’re home or away. Hopefully, this will help you make a decision that leaves you feeling satisfied.
The Best Dog and Cat Feeders Available to Buy Today in Australia
- Best Overall Automatic Pet Feeder: WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder
- Best for Most People: Advwin 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
- Best Value Automatic Pet Feeder: HoneyGuaridan 6L Automatic Cat Feeder
- Best Automatic Pet Feeder for Multiple Cats: PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
- Best Automatic Pet Feeder for Puppies: Hacienda Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
- Best Budget Automatic Pet Feeder: TEKXDD Automatic Pet Feeder
1. Best Overall Automatic Pet Feeder: WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder
Why we like it:
- Impressive food storage capacity
- Intuitive interface
- Can be powered by batteries
What customers say:
“I bought this because it has all the features necessary for a multi-cat hierarchical household on a diet: small portions, ability to programme many meals, easy to use app to adjust feeding amounts and time, and the app sends an alert when food is running low. ” – Tufriel
We chose the WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder as our top pick for the best pet feeders due to its long list of features and sleek design that looks a lot like a top-shelf coffee grinder.
It features a robust smartphone companion app that allows you to control feeding portions down to 5g increments and you can program up to 15 meals a day, making it great for both cats and dogs of varying sizes.
You can even record your voice and have the feeder play it back whenever food is dispensed or if you just feel like comforting your pet in case they’re feeling lonely.
Another feature we particularly enjoyed is its ability to use D-size batteries to function. That way, you can rest easy knowing that even if the power cuts out in your home, the feeder will still function and your pets will have happy tummies.
The portion sizes can be erratic at times and the device may end up sliding across your floor if your pets are particularly voracious, but the WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder is undeniably a quality product that, for the most part, makes good on its promises. If you can afford the fairly steep price tag, you won’t regret picking this feeder up.
2. Best for Most People: Advwin 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
Why we like it:
- Has an HD camera with night vision
- Extra-large food storage
- Has a non-slip base to keep the machine in place
- Straightforward design for easy operation
What customers say:
“Well built and good design. I like that the food container comes out so it can be washed not like the other one i have. Also because of the position of the bowls and outlet, the cats can’t put their paws up which i really love…”–Shavina
Keep your pets well fed when you are out and about with the Advwin 6L Automatic Pet Feeder. Its main selling point is the high definition camera that also has night vision. That being said, you will have a clear view of your pet regardless of whether its day or night.
Additionally, the feeder has motion detection and will take cute snaps of your pet every time they come to eat. Like most pet feeders on the market, this unit holds 6 litres of food, which is enough to keep your furry friend satiated throughout the day.
Aside from that, it has all the other essentials you’d expect from a feeder, including customizable feeding programs, a voice recorder that saves up to 10-second long voice clips. With the recorder, you can make comforting recordings for your pet when you are away.
The feeding bowl is made of high quality stainless steel, making it very easy to clean. Best of all, you can track your pet’s feeding record via an app.
3. Best Value Automatic Pet Feeder: HoneyGuaridan 6L Automatic Cat Feeder
Why we like it:
- Wi-Fi enabled for wireless control
- Transparent food hopper
- Offers 10 seconds of voice recording
- Has a backup power system
What customers say:
“Pups responded to the voice recording well. 23 servings equals 1 cup . I have a number of small dogs so I just did extra meal an hr later to cover the size.”-Amazon Customer
If you’re looking for something that’s largely similar to the first entry in our list but with a slightly different look, then the HoneyGuaridan 6L Automatic Cat Feeder might just end your search. It has a LED screen that shows you various important information about the feeder and its settings,
To add to this, it includes a backup power system that utilises D-cell batteries and boasts a 6L storage container that can store enough food for your pet. Also, the food hopper is transparent, so you will always know when to top up.
It features an intelligent feeding system that will allow you to feed your pet just the right portions. But it doesn’t end there, you can track your four-legged friends’ feeding pattern with the help of the feeding app.
It also has a manual feeding function that enables you to dispense food in an instant. The base is wide and designed for stability, meaning the feeder won’t topple over when your pet is feeding.
4. Best Automatic Pet Feeder for Multiple Cats: PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
Why we like it:
- Relatively affordable
- Only need to set up the feeding schedule once
- Difficult to tip over
What customers say:
“I’ve had this for a few months now and it’s great. Initially, the cat was a bit scared by the noise it makes but he soon figured out it means food. He used to meow for breakfast from about 5am but now he patiently waits near the feeder until it produces his food at 6.30am. It’s easy to program for another meal too if I’m going to be out. Batteries still going after a few months of daily use. ” – Casey
If the entries so far have been a bit to rich for your blood, PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder offers an affordable, albeit slightly low-tech option for feeding your fur baby. The device works by having you fill the servings in advance and once you close the latch, only one of the servings will be available to your pet at any given time.
Once the next meal is due, the machine rotates and puts the next serving into view. It’s a bit different from how other feeders do things, but this ensures that you don’t have to worry about the feeder clogging and that the meal portions are exactly the size you want them to be.
It has a few downsides, however. The motor makes a fairly loud sound for a couple of seconds whenever the dish rotates, which may scare more skittish pets.
Also, the product really is best suited for cats or smaller dogs since each section of the dish is fairly small. Though this can be good if you’re putting your pet on a diet.
If you think your pets can handle this and you don’t mind the lack of a companion app, PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder is a fantastic low-cost option for your household.
5. Best Automatic Pet Feeder for Puppies: Hacienda Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
Why we like it:
- Charming, low-profile design
- Intuitive smartphone app
- Easy-to-clean food tray
What customers say:
“Wonderful product to feed your fur babies on time. Helps you be away from home or busy in other work and not forget to feed your hungry pet(s). It allows you set multiple schedule and quantity alongwith extra quantity no matter where you are as it is WiFi connected.” – Atif Moulvi
The Hacienda Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder is a handsome little device with a no-nonsense feeding mechanism and a straightforward companion app that allow you to control your fur baby’s feeding schedule no matter where you are.
It also has a few extra features, like a voice recording and playback and a button to manually dispense food on the device itself. This unit isn’t really built for big dogs but can be a great option for feeding puppies.
It is also ideal for small and medium breed dogs. This automatic pet feeder is not only counterweighted but also has a wide base, so rest assured it won’t topple over easily.
6. Best Budget Automatic Pet Feeder: TEKXDD Automatic Pet Feeder
Why we like it:
- Anti-clogging mechanism
- Can feed pets outside feeding times
- Removable parts for easy cleaning
- Reminds your pet to eat
What customers say:
“We have accidentally knocked the cord out of the wall a few times, and it has still worked fine on battery power. The cats seem to appreciate these more regular feed times, and it was really easy to setup.”-Christina Francis
Is six litres too much for your furry friend? Well, the TEKXDD Automatic Pet Feeder is a 4L unit that you may find helpful. It is fitted with an anti-clog mechanism to ensure your pet doesn’t starve due to mechanical complications when food is being dispensed.
Despite being a low-budget option, this automatic pet feeder is fully programmable, so you can customise it according to your needs. That being said, you can ration the food and feed your pet as many times as required even when you are not home.
Furthermore, it has a tight sealing lid that will ensure the food remains dry. It also has a large display that is backlit for easy visibility in low-light conditions. All the parts are removable, allowing for fast and easy cleaning.
The built-in voice recorder will remind your pets to come and eat using your voice recordings. If you are after value for money, the TEKXDD Automatic Pet Feeder can be a great pick. It is reasonably priced and offers a long-list of features that will completely change how you feed your pets.
How We Researched the Best Automatic Pet Feeders
There are just so many dog and cat feeders out there in varying shapes and sizes, each with its own set of handy features. That being said, figuring out which model to purchase can be downright frustrating.
You have to research the features and check out what other buyers had to say, all while keeping your budget in mind.
Well, you will be happy to know that we’ve done most of the heavy lifting for you and scoured various online marketplaces and local pet supply websites to find the 6 best automatic pet feeders Australia has to offer.
We were particularly interested in finding out how the pet feeders perform when it comes to pet-proofing. This is one of the most important factors that you should take into account when choosing an automatic pet feeder because some of our furry friends can steal food from the feeder when it’s not yet time to eat.
Besides, the main reason for using an automatic pet feeder is so that your cat or dog can be fed at the right time even when you are not around.
We have two cats and a dog, so we didn’t have a hard time testing this aspect. After filling the feeders with pet food, we left them around the cats unattended and observed the behaviour of the cats.
Each pet feeder was tested for three days (the first two days with the cats and the third day with a dog). Most of the feeders that we tested are designed for dry pet foods, so we only used kibbles.
Additionally, we tested the automatic pet feeders for stability, ease of cleaning, and overall performance.
Automatic Pet Feeders: Buying Guide
Automatic dog and cat feeders can be quite the investment moneywise and you definitely don’t want to sink a bunch of your hard-earned money into something that you might later regret. With that, you’ll want to do some research into the features commonly found in pet feeders and familiarize yourself with the different types there are on the market.
You’ll also want to ask yourself why you need an automatic feeder in the first place since the answer to that question should dictate the type of machine you end up buying. With those things in mind, you can make an educated purchase that you and your pet will be satisfied with. For those reasons, we put together a quick buying guide to help make your decision easier.
What Are You Buying an Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder For?
There are two main reasons people buy an automatic pet feeder. Either you find yourself away from home often and need a device to make sure your fur babies are well-fed even when you’re not around. Or your pets suffer from weight issues and require a carefully controlled diet day in and day out. Then again, it could be both of those things.
Either way, each of those reasons demands specific features. For example, if you’re frequently absent, you’ll need a model that allows you to set regular feeding schedules and has a large capacity food storage container. If you’re keeping your dog or cat on a strict diet, on the other hand, you’ll want to get a machine that is capable of dispensing very specific amounts of food.
What to Look for When Buying an Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
After you’ve figured out your reasons for wanting to buy an automatic pet feeder, it’s time to learn more about the features the different models have to offer. This part of the guide will introduce the various features commonly found in a pet feeder, as well as their importance.
Feeding Timers
Almost all modern pet feeders include timers that allow you to schedule your pet’s feeding times, though not all of them feature digital timers that let you fully customize your pet’s feeding schedule. Regular automatic feeders require you to set mealtimes that cannot be changed on the fly. So if you’re in the market for a feeder that you can micromanage, you’ll want one with an advanced digital timer that you can tweak to your heart’s content.
Portion Sizes
It’s no secret that cats eat a lot less than medium or large-sized dogs, so if you have a kitty at home, you’ll need a pet feeder that dispenses small enough amounts that would suit their diet. The same thing can be said for smaller dogs or if you want your pet to maintain strict meal portions.
Settings Retention
Another important factor to consider is if the device maintains its schedules and settings even after it’s unplugged from a socket or has its batteries changed. You don’t want to have to redo the schedules and settings every time you swap out batteries or experience a power failure.
Secondary Power Supply
While most pet feeders get their power from a wall socket, some of them include a secondary power source through the use of batteries. This is a great feature for areas that regularly experience blackouts. That way, your pets can still get their meals, even if there’s no power in the house.
Device Durability
Pets can get really rowdy when they eat, especially when they’re particularly hungry. That being said, you’ll want to pick up a feeder that’s made out of sturdy materials that can withstand your pet’s daily abuse. This is particularly important for medium and large-sized dogs.
Manual Food Dispensing
Most automatic dog and cat feeders have a button on the device itself that allows it to manually dispense a serving of food. If it’s too easy to operate, this can spell trouble for canines and felines who are extra curious since the smarter ones are able to figure out how the button works. The end result is a pet who can get food whenever they want, leading to obesity and health issues.
Food Compatibility
A lot of auto feeders have narrow dispensing tubes, so it’s important to check if the device can accommodate your pet’s brand of kibble. After all, pet food comes in varying shapes and sizes, some of which may end up clogging your feeder. In those cases, your pets would remain deprived of food until you come in and unclog the device for them.
Other Features
Speaking of clogged feeders, some models include an anti-clogging mechanism where the motor reverses its rotation in order to dislodge trapped kibble. That way, you don’t have to stress out about heading home early just to get the device up and running again.
Another nice feature is a non-slip mat. This prevents the device from moving all over the place while your pet is stuffing their face. The SKYMEE 8L Petreat AI Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser has this feature.
One more feature you should consider is a dual feeding system. This is great if you have two pets and you want a feeder that can dispense food for two simultaneously. The WellToBe Automatic Pet Food Dispenser with Two-Way Splitter can do just that.
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Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
