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Convenience isn’t usually a word we associate with owning a pet, and for good reason. They deserve round-the-clock love and care from us since we are their whole world.
But, there is help for simple daily chores that may slip our minds now and again when we’re busy.
An automatic dog feeder is the perfect household assistant since it will release a designated portion of food to your pooch at regular intervals and times you determine in advance.
Even if you get distracted or are stuck at work for a few extra hours, you dog will have their dinner on time and be happier because of it.
Choosing an automatic dog feeder can be difficult since each pup is unique and requires a different amount of food on a different schedule than the dog next door.
Kibble is often different in size as well, so your automatic feeder should be able to handle a variety of kibble sizes and portions to suit your dog.
It should also be reliable for peace of mind, durable in case your pet tries to sneak a snack when you’re not around, should hold as many portions of food as you’ll ever need, and should be very customizable.
To help you find the right one, we analyzed 33 different automatic feeders and 1203 reviews over 38 hours to bring you a list of the best automatic dog feeders in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder for its large capacity, great design, customizability, and quality.
Our Top Pick Automatic Dog Feeder in 2023
Overall, the PETLIBRO PLAF001 automatic feeder will make a great addition to any household. Whether you have a dog or cat, this feeder can make mealtimes much easier for you and help you keep your pet on a consistent schedule when you are out of the house.
Pros:
- Each feeding can have a different portion size
- Can record a 10 second message to play at feeding time
- Can be powered by an outlet or batteries
- Has a manual feed button
Cons:
- Limited by kibble size
- Can only do 4 feeding per day
- Tray is not dishwasher safe
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder
- PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
- PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
- PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed
- WOPET Automatic Feeder
- WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser
- TTPet APF002Automatic Feeder
- WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
Automatic Dog Feeder Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder
|
9,5
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
|
9,8
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
|
9,1
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Automatic Dog Feeder
Presentation of the PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder
The Best Overall
PETLIBRO
If you are in the market for an all around great automatic feeder for your dog or cat, the PETLIBRO PLAF001 model is the best choice. It has nearly all the features you could want in an automatic feeder and it is offered at a great price to boot.
PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder Video Review
What We Think of the PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder
PETLIBRO’s automatic feeder has something to offer every pet owner. Although it is a bit limited with only 4 feeding times a day, many animals do not need even this many, so it is still well suited to most households. With a capacity just under 17 cups, this feeder is more suited to small or medium sized animals, as a large animal will go through the tank quite quickly and you’ll find yourself refilling it constantly.
You have the option to choose between 9 different portion sizes at each meal, so you can be confident that your pet will be getting exactly the amount of food it needs each day. It is only able to accommodate kibble sizes between 2mm and 10mm; anything larger will likely jam the machine. It is important to note that you must use this feeder with dry kibble only. It is not compatible with moist or semi-moist foods.
This pet feeder has changed my life. I work shift work, so my cat was being fed at different times every day and I felt bad being so inconsistent. Now, her feedings are all scheduled and it doesn’t matter whether I am home or not. I’m happier and I can tell she is happier too. I should have done this a long time ago! I highly recommend this product.
Catherine P.
While both the tank and feeding bowl are removable for cleaning, they need to be hand washed because they are not dishwasher safe. One of the best features of this feeder is that you can record a 10 second voice message that plays at feeding time. This allows routines to be consistent and can give your pet a little piece of you even when you are not at home.
PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.5” x 7.5” x 12”
- Weight: 4,7 lbs
- Color: White
- Capacity: 16.9 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 4
- Number of Portion Sizes: 9
- Accommodated Kibble Size: 2mm to 10mm
- Dishwasher Safe Tray: No
- Food Type: Dry only
PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Each feeding can have a different portion size
- Can record a 10 second message to play at feeding time
- Can be powered by an outlet or batteries
- Has a manual feed button
Cons
- Limited by kibble size
- Can only do 4 feeding per day
- Tray is not dishwasher safe
Our Final Opinion About the PETLIBRO PLAF001 Automatic Feeder
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the PETLIBRO PLAF001 automatic feeder will make a great addition to any household. Whether you have a dog or cat, this feeder can make mealtimes much easier for you and help you keep your pet on a consistent schedule when you are out of the house.
Our Upgrade Pick for an Automatic Dog Feeder
Presentation of the PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
The Advanced Choice
PetSafe
If you are looking for a more advanced feeder for your animal(s), the PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder is the way you want to go. With great unique features and high quality materials, this automatic feeder will simplify your life in all the best ways.
PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder Video Review
What We Think of the PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
PetSafe’s smart feeder is one of the most interesting and high quality choices available today. It has a large capacity of 24 cups, making it a great match for any size of dog or cat. Allowing up to 12 mealtimes and portion sizes between 1/8 cup and 4 cups, this automatic feeder can be scheduled around any animal’s eating habits and needs. There is also no limit on kibble size, so any food brand can be used without the worry of jamming.
Our favorite thing about this model is that it is Wi-Fi enabled. This allows it to connect to an app and also be controlled Alexa. If you are home and wish to give your pet an extra feeding, Alexa can do that for you. If you are out of the home but need to make adjustments to the schedule or want to get notified about a feeding, the app allows you to do so.
I am so glad I finally bit the bullet and purchased this feeder. I love that I get notified every time it feeds my dog and the slow feed option has really been a life saver. My rescue has some issues over food and the slow feed really helps keep her stomach settled since she can’t inhale her meals anymore. Thanks, PetSafe, for an amazing feeder!
Hailey N.
The feeding tray is dishwasher safe to make cleanup a breeze, and since it is only compatible with dry food, this won’t be necessary on a daily basis. We love that this machine has a slow feed option for pets that tend to rush their meals, and the battery backup is very much appreciated. After all, the last thing any owner wants is a power outage ruining their pet’s ability to have a meal.
PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.4” x 12.6” x 20.3”
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
- Color: Blue
- Capacity: 24 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 12
- Portion Size Range: 1/8 cup to 4 cups
- Accommodated Kibble Size: Any size
- Dishwasher Safe Tray: Yes
- Food Type: Dry only
PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can be controlled by Alexa or through an app
- Has battery backup with outlet power
- Slow feed option
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the PetSafe PFD00-15788 Smart Feed Automatic Feeder is the ideal choice for anyone with a high enough budget to afford it. While expensive, the quality and rich features that make this feeder what it is also make it well worth the expense.
Our Budget Pick for an Automatic Dog Feeder
Presentation of the PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
The Affordable Choice
PetSafe
If you need an automatic feeder for your pet but you don’t have a couple hundred dollars to drop on it, this affordable PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder is the best choice for you. It has a very simple design and a smaller capacity, so it is best suited to small-medium pets.
PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder Video Review
What We Think of the PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
PetSafe’s PFD11-13707 model is certainly meant for homes with smaller animals, as its 5 cup capacity would be quickly swallowed by any larger animal. The most important thing to know about this feeder is that only four meals can be scheduled; the first is given right away due to the design of the feeder, so you’ll have to time its placement on the floor appropriately.
The five chambers in this automatic feeder can hold up to 1 cup of food at a time. Since you have to manually put in the right amount of food when loading the feeder, the portion size can be exactly the amount you choose. If you want to put in half a cup plus 6 kibbles, you have the freedom to do so. The number of portion sizes is essentially limitless as a result. Even the largest kibble sizes can be used in this feeder since it does not move out of its place until the animal eats it.
This automatic feeder has made my life so much easier. My cats like to east multiple times a day but if I leave food out while I’m at work they eat it all in the morning and end up being overfed since they are hungry again at night. This feeder limits their meal size so I can be confident that they are eating the right amount of food a day and they never feel hungry.
Daniel P.
The food tray is dishwasher safe which will make many pet owners happy. Since most people buy this type of feeder because they are busy, this convenient method of cleaning will be very much appreciated. Although we don’t love the small capacity or the fact that there is no slow feed option, this affordable automatic feeder is a great choice for many pet owners.
PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.4” x 12.3” x 15.5”
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Color: Beige
- Capacity: 5 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 5
- Number of Portion Sizes: Unlimited
- Portion Size Range: Up to 1 cup
- Accommodated Kibble Size: Any size
- Dishwasher Safe Tray: Yes
- Food Type: Dry only
- Warranty: 1 year
PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Portion size can be very precise
- Tray is dishwasher safe
Cons
- Battery powered only
- Small capacity
- One meal has to be given right away so only 4 meals can be scheduled
Our Final Opinion About the PetSafe PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the best budget-friendly feeder on the market is the PFD11-13707 5-Meal Automatic Feeder by PetSafe. With a small capacity it isn’t ideal for large dogs, but small/medium dogs and all cats will enjoy the consistency of this feeder while their owners enjoy the price and ease of use.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed
The Adaptable Alternative
PetSafe
If you feed your pet a few different kinds of food and you want an automatic feeder that can keep this consistent, the PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed is the automatic feeder for you. Since it can accommodate both dry and semi-moist food, every pet will receive the meal plan it needs.
What We Think of the PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed
PetSafe is a large name when it comes to all things pet related, and their Healthy Pet Simply Feed automatic feeder is no exception to the quality they offer pet owners. This high capacity feeder can accommodate both dry and semi-moist food, and this feature really sets it apart from the competition as most can only be used with kibble, and some are even limited by kibble size.
This feeder can dispense up to 8 different meals each day, with a portion size ranging between 1/8 cup and 4 cups. The tray is dishwasher safe to make hygiene an effortless process, and the slow feed option ensures that every pet will be eating safely no matter their usual tendencies. We love that there is a 1-year warranty too, as it will keep you protected if the product does not work as it should.
I really enjoy that this machine is battery powered as I don’t have an outlet near where my cats eat. I bought two of these for my two cats and although they shared from one bowl and then ate the other together, now they each have a bowl they always go to. They like the feeder and it really helps me out too. Highly recommend!
Kim W.
The strangest thing about this automatic feeder is that the adaptor for outlet power does not come with the machine; instead, you need to buy it separately. Unless you are comfortable leaving it with only battery power, you will have to keep in mind the slight extra expense that will come along with this model. Since it is already a little bit pricey, your budget may need to be increased. This is one of the most secure, tamper proof feeders on the market, so even the most destructive animals cannot overeat.
PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed Specifications
- Dimensions: 9” x 12.5” x 19”
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 24 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 12
- Portion Size Range: 1/8 cup to 4 cups
- Accommodated Kibble Size: Any size
- Dishwasher Safe Tray: Yes
- Food Type: Dry or semi-moist
- Warranty: 1 year
PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can be used with dry or semi-moist food
- Great capacity
- Very secure
- Slow feed option
Cons
- Pricey
- Adapter for an outlet has to be purchased separately, otherwise only battery power
Our Final Opinion About the PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the PetSafe PFD19-15521 Healthy Pet Simply Feed is the automatic feeder designed to be inclusive and adaptable to different diets. Whether your pet eats all dry food, all semi-moist, or a combination of the two, this feeder will make sure your pet always gets its meals on time.
Presentation of the WOPET Automatic Feeder Review
The Portion Savvy Alternative
WOPET
If your pet needs very specific portion sizes to maintain a healthy, steady weight, the WOPET automatic feeder is the device you want. With the most customizable portion sizes and one of the largest capacities, this automatic feeder can turn even the most complicated feeding schedule into an effortless process.
WOPET Automatic Feeder Video Review
What We Think of the WOPET Automatic Feeder
WOPET’s automatic feeder has a few features that really set it apart from most other feeders on the market. First of its number of portion sizes; with a whopping 50 different portion sizes available to choose from, any pet will be able to receive exactly the amount of food they require. The portion at each meal can range anywhere from 5g to 250g, and with a max feeding frequency of 15 times per day, any pet no matter how small or large can be fed correctly with this feeder.
This automatic feeder can only be used with dry food, and the kibbe size must be between 5mm and 15mm to prevent clogging/jamming. The capacity of this automatic feeder is quite impressive at 25.4 cups. Whether you will be using it to feed a small animal or large, you won’t have to worry about refilling it that often. This feeder is therefore one of the best on the market for the busiest owners out there.
This is one of the fanciest automatic feeders I’ve ever come across. I love that I was able to record a message that my dog would hear at mealtimes when I’m away. This makes feeding so much easier, and the huge capacity means I don’t have to refill the feeder all the time. I could not be happier with this purchase! Such a great buy.
Enrique I.
This WOPET feeder has another few features that make it one of the highest quality ones available. The feeder is Wi-Fi enabled to allow it to connect to an app. This app lets you schedule feedings and can give you information about the feeder’s status. The feeder also has a dual power supply; its main source comes from an outlet, but there are batteries as well in case of a power outage. Since this feeder also lets you record a voice message to play at feedings, it really has everything any pet owner could want out of an automatic feeder.
WOPET Automatic Feeder Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.6” x 14” x 14.2”
- Weight: 4.7 lbs
- Color: White
- Capacity: 25.4 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 15
- Number of Portion Sizes: 50
- Portion Size Range: 5g to 250g
- Accommodated Kibble Size: 5mm to 15mm
- Food Type: Dry only
WOPET Automatic Feeder Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly adjustable portion sizes
- Can record a voice message to play at feeding times
- Has battery backup in case of power outage
- Wi-Fi enabled to connect to app
Cons
- Limited by kibble size
- Pricey
Our Final Opinion About the WOPET Automatic Feeder
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the WOPET automatic feeder is the ideal choice for pet parents managing complicated feeding schedules or needing very specific portion sizes for meals. With an incredibly rich feature list and aspects that make it stand apart from comparable products, this feeder can simplify any pet owner’s life with ease.
Presentation of the WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser
The Multi-Pet Alternative
WellToBe
If you have two pets that you need to feed at the same time and they eat the same amount, the WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser can really simplify mealtimes for you. With a removable splitter and adjustable base, this automatic feeder can accommodate feeding one or two animals multiple times a day.
What We Think of the WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser
The WellToBe food dispenser has one of the most creative and innovative designs of all the automatic feeders we investigated. There is an insert that can be put on top of the base to elevate the feeder, and a splitter that can be inserted to send released kibble into two different bowls. As long as you have two animals eating the same type and quantity of food, this feeder can take care of their mealtimes for you.
On top of this incredibly practical design, this feeder has all the high quality features we like to see. It offers owners the opportunity to create a voice message that will play at feeding times to keep the routine consistent even when you are out of the house. It also has a battery backup system in place to ensure your animals still get feed even in the case of electrical failure. This feeder is also one of the most adaptable as you can select between 48 portion sizes ranging from 5g to 240g.
I absolutely love that this feeder can give food to both my dogs at once. I was considering purchasing two feeders because I wanted them to be able to have a snack midday while I’m at work since they eat small portions. I knew this feeder was what I needed as soon as I saw it. It was a pretty good price and it does exactly what I need it to reliably.
Evan M.
This feeder is unfortunately limited in a few areas. Its 13 cup capacity makes it better suited to smaller animals as it will empty quite frequently. It can only be used with dry food and the kibble size must be no larger than 12mm unless you want to be dealing with jamming and the potential for missed meals. There can also only be 6 feedings per day, so while inclusive enough for most animals, it is not the best customizable we’ve encountered.
WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.4” x 13.6” x 8.3”
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Color: White
- Capacity: 13 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 6
- Number of Portion Sizes: 48
- Portion Size Range: 5g to 240g
- Accommodated Kibble Size: Up to 12mm
- Food Type: Dry only
WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a splitter to feed two animals at the same time
- Can record a message to play at feeding times
- Has battery backup in case of power outage
- Has a low food alarm so you know when to refill tank
Cons
Cons
- Limited number of feedings per day
- Limited by kibble size
Our Final Opinion About the WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser is the best choice for people who have multiple animals. Instead of buying two individual automatic feeders or continuing to feed by hand, this high value multi-pet feeder is the choice you want to make.
Presentation of the TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder
The Design Alternative
TTPet
If you are searching for an automatic feeder that doesn’t only do all the things you need it to, but also will look great in any room, the TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder is the one you’ve been looking for. With the best design of any other feeder on the market and great features, you’ll be sure to be satisfied with this purchase.
What We Think of the TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder
TTPer’s automatic feeder is one of our favorites currently available. It has a cute, engaging design that will appeal to many pet owners and is sure to be a conversation piece in any household. Its design is not the only thing that makes it unique, however. There is also infrared technology built into this feeder. If you have pets that sometimes like to skip meals, you won’t have to worry about this feeder overflowing. The IR technology will prevent the release of more food if it senses the bowl is already full.
This automatic feeder is similar to most in that it should only be used with dry kibble. It does have a size restriction of 5mm to 15mm, but most pet food brands will have kibble that fit within these parameters. This feeder is one of the most lightweight options on the market at only 3.7 lbs, so it is a great option for travelling with your pet. The capacity is not the best at just under 15 cups, but you’ll still get a couple days of use without filling even with large animals.
Honestly, there is nothing better than an automatic feeder. My dog likes to get up just to have her breakfast in the morning and then come back to bed, so now I don’t need to get up with her. We both get to sleep in the way we like to. The portions can be changed at each mealtime which is great as I like to give her a bigger breakfast than supper.
Monique A.
The most limiting thing about this feeder is that it can only be used to schedule 4 feedings per day. This is the lowest of the range and may be overly restrictive to some pet owners who prefer to feed their animal more often. However, the option for recording a voice message for feeding times and its dual power supply will likely make up for that limitation. There are also 20 different portion sizes to choose from, so you can be quite precise with your pet’s food intake each day.
TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.6” x 7.3” 11.8”
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Color: White
- Capacity: 14.8 cups
- Max Number of Feedings: 4
- Number of Portion Sizes: 20
- Portion Size Range: 5g to 100g
- Accommodated Kibble Size: 5mm to 15mm
- Food Type: Dry only
TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very fun, unique design
- Can record a voice message to play at feedings
- Dual power supply
- Infrared technology prevents overflow if pets don’t eat
Cons
Cons
- Limited number of meals per day
Our Final Opinion About the TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the TTPet APF002 Automatic Feeder is the best choice for pet owners looking for a statement piece as well as a functional product. It is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you look at it, so the convenience and quality that come along with the feeder are really just extra bonuses.
Presentation of the WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
The Self-Sufficient Alternative
Westlink
If you’re looking for an automatic pet feeder that doesn’t need much input from you at all after the initial setup, the WESTLINK 6L automatic pet feeder is the way to go. It has the scheduling and food detection features you need to ignore the feeder until its time to refill.
What We Think of the WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
This WESTLINK pet feeder is a highly automated, sophisticated product that is suited to the regular feedings of both cats and dogs. It can only be used with kibble, which is a limitation, but that is really the only one that this feeder has. Its price won’t be ideal for everybody, but the quality and overall value of this product makes us feel that it is a great choice despite the expense.
The 6L capacity and scheduling capabilities ensure you won’t have to micromanage this feeder. Each portion size is 10-12 g, and you can choose to serve between 1 and 39 portions at each feeding. The max number of meals per day for this model is 4, which is pretty standard, but you should be able to feed every pet no matter their needs with these capabilities.
I am so happy that I finally bought an automatic dog feeder. I have been wanting one of these for a couple months now, but I am a procrastinator and I kept pushing off the decision. Knowing how convenient it is now, I would have done this a lot sooner. It is highly adjustable, and it gives me a lot of peace of mind knowing that if I’m late from work for some reason, my dog will still be fed on time.
chris k.
The dual power source (batteries or USB cord) ensure you can place this model wherever it is most convenient for feeding. The settings can not be changed without pressing two buttons, so even paw-savvy dogs won’t be able to make changes to their routine accidentally. We are big fans of the infrared detection preventing overfilling, and the voice record feature ensures your pets will know when it is time to eat.
WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder Specifications
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Color: White
- Capacity: 6 L
- Max Number of Feedings: 4
- Number of Portion Sizes: 39
- Portion Size Range: 10-12 g
- Accommodated Kibble Size: 4” max
- Food Type: Dry
WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can be powered by batteries or USB to an outlet
- Has a voice record feature
- Infrared detection prevents food overfilling the bowl
- Two keys pressed at once allow you to make adjustments, so pets cannot change things accidentally
Cons
Cons
- At the expensive end of the market
- Can only serve dry kibble
Our Final Opinion About the WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the WESTLINK 6L automatic pet feeder is an exceptional product that will make every pet owner’s life a lot easier. It is fairly expensive, so that is something to note, but the quality and convenience that are delivered with each meal fed automatically is truly priceless.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying an Automatic Dog Feeder
Benefits of an Automatic Dog Feeder
Automatic feeders are amazing devices to bring into nearly any household. Even if you don’t have a hectic lifestyle, it can still be great peace of mind knowing that your dog or cat will be fed on time every day.
For people who live alone and are often busy, or people working shift work, an automatic feeder will eliminate an ever-changing feeding schedule and help your pet stay healthy.
They are also great for free fed animals who are overeaters as they don’t have constant access to food, but they can still eat throughout the day the way they enjoy.
Many automatic feeders also have a slow feed option that will prevent dogs with food anxiety from inhaling their meals and ending up with upset stomachs.
How to Properly Choose Your Automatic Dog Feeder
- Price.
Some dog feeders will cost you less than $50, and others can cost nearly $300. There is quite a difference between the two ends of the spectrum when it comes to quality and features. More expensive items tend to be made of higher quality materials and will have more features, such as slow feed, voice recordings, and more meals per day.
- Tank Capacity.
The tank capacity of an automatic feeder determines how much you can feed in a day and how often you need to refill it. If you have a larger dog eating larger meals, a bigger tank size will ensure you don’t run out of food too quickly. If smaller meals are being used, a smaller tank capacity will ensure the kibble is always fresh for your pet.
- Meal Sizes.
Every size of animal needs a different meal size, so it is important to find an automatic feeder that can accommodate what is best for your pet. Some feeders even allow you to give different portion sizes at different feedings of the day, so if you like to give snacks to your pet between meals, this is certainly a feature to keep in mind when browsing for your perfect fit.
- Number of Meals Per Day.
While many animals only need a couple of meals a day, there are some that benefit from having snacks or are used to being free fed. These animals would enjoy more meals in a day instead of just a couple, so a machine with a meal limit closer to 12-15 would be a better choice to keep their schedule as consistent as possible to their preferences.
- Power Supply (Power Cord vs. Battery).
Most automatic feeders need power from an outlet, and most of them also have a battery backup so that your pets can still be fed if there is a power outage. However, some corded machines do not have a battery backup, and other machines are only powered by batteries. The best choice for you depends on where you’ll be keeping the feeder and how long it will be left unattended.
- Voice Recording.
The more advanced automatic feeders have the option of recording a 10 second voice clip that will play whenever a new meal is let down for your pet. This is a feature that many pet owners enjoy as it allows their pet to hear their voice and keep the routine consistent even when they are not in the house.
- Removable Bowl and Tank for Cleaning.
It is essential that you are able to remove the feeding bowls and tank to clean them thoroughly. Some will be dishwasher safe and others won’t be, but either way, regular cleaning should be done to ensure your pets are always eating off a clean surface and no harmful toxins or bacteria are growing in the tank that could affect the health of your animal.
- Manual Feeding Option.
A manual feeding option is a great thing to have in an automatic feeder so you can give your pet some extra food if desired. This can be used as a treat (small portion size) or simply an additional meal if the pet will be out of the house for a scheduled feeding time.
- Controls (App, LED Screen).
While most automatic feeders have an easy to use interactive screen, there are some that use an app or voice controls to make adjustments and set up a feeding schedule. If you would like to be more involved in the process, a more advanced method would be a great idea for you.
- Slow Feed Option.
Slow feeding can be a very important part of a dog’s health if they get anxious around mealtimes and like to eat as quickly as possible without chewing much. These dogs often get upset stomachs after doing this and will likely vomit. A slow feed option eliminates this problem from occurring as the food is let out a few kibbles at a time to prevent scarfing.
- Warranty.
Warranty coverage is a good thing to look out for while shopping for an automatic feeder. It will ensure you do not have to spend your hard-earned money on replacement parts or a whole new machine if something were to break or get damaged during every day use.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of automatic dog feeders allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
