Dog Home Alone? 5 Best High-Tech Feeders (with App) That Will Blow Your Mind
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Imagine being stuck in traffic, yet still able to make sure your dog gets their dinner on time.
An automatic dog feeder you can control via an app on your smartphone could be just what you need.
These high-tech feeders are not just about convenience, they’re revolutionizing the way we care for our canine companions, making sure they can stick to their feeding schedule even when life gets hectic.
These are my current top 5 Best Automatic Feeders for Dogs (with app) and I’ll be reviewing them in this article:
- Furbo 360° Rotating Smart Dog Camera Treat Dispenser
- Petkit Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
- DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
- Wopet 7L Automatic Dog Food Dispenser
- Skymee 12L Smart Automatic Dog Feeder
Features and Product Aspects to Look For
When reviewing automatic feeders for dogs, it’s not just about filling a bowl.
It’s about integrating smart, reliable technology into our pets’ routines.
Here are crucial elements I keep an eye out for:
- Connectivity: How simple is it to connect to and use the app? Strong Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity is a must.
- User-Friendly Interface: Is the app straightforward, letting you schedule feedings and adjust portions with ease?
- Meal Customization: Can you customize meal sizes and times to fit your dog’s dietary needs?
- Reliability: How dependable is the feeder, especially if you’re away? Look for devices with backup power options.
- Additional Functions: Does it offer extra features like cameras, voice recording, or treat dispensing?
- Build Quality and Capacity: Is the feeder sturdy enough to withstand a hungry pet, and does it hold enough food?
- Easy Cleaning: Pet products must be easy to clean for health and hygiene purposes.
Selecting the right feeder is all about blending these features with your personal preferences to ensure the utmost care for your dog.
Top 5 Best Automatic Feeders for Dogs (with App)
#1. Furbo 360° Rotating Smart Dog Camera Treat Dispenser
- Full HD Camera With 360 Rotating View: HD video quality with 360-degree rotating view for full room coverage, day & night.
- Realtime 2-Way Audio & Color Night Vision: Speak with family members and pets at home, and adjust volume in-app for crystal clear audio. Enhanced night vision with infrared technology helps you to see in the dark.
- Adjustable Treat Tossing: Toss a treat to your dog via the free Furbo iOS/Android app.
- Real-Time Smart Alerts: Smart alerts give you reliable insight into what’s happening at home.
- Easy 3-Step Setup & Security: Plug the USB cord into a power outlet, download the Furbo app, and connect to your home WiFi. Uses bank-level encryption to ensure your data remains private.
If you’re looking for a gadget to toss your dog treats while you’re out and about, the Furbo 360° is a game-changer.
Doubled as a monitoring device, its premium design and high-quality camera let you stay connected with your pup no matter where you are.
Plus, with the treat-tossing feature, you can play a round of catch from anywhere—just use the app on your phone.
- Key Benefits: Interactive treat tossing, 360-degree camera, real-time alerts
- Keep In Mind: To access all features a subscription service is required
While it comes with a stunning array of features, be mindful that you need to subscribe to get the most out of your Furbo.
But in my opinion, for the connection and added joy it brings to your pet’s day, it’s worth considering.
#2. Petkit Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
- 1080P HD 140-degree viewing angle video camera with 24 hour AI capturing.
- Infrared night vision feature to see your cat clearly in the dark.
- 2.4GHz WiFi-enabled, allowing you to program and monitor pet's meals through PETKIT app.
- Set separate feeding times and portions for each hopper via the app.
- Get smart notifications when food is low or WiFi is disconnected,
- Can be controlled by multiple family members' smartphones.
- Built-in microphone and speaker to talk to your cat and interact remotely.
- Record voice message up to 20 seconds.
- Quadruple fresh lock system keeps food fresh and dry.
- Videos can also be saved on secure cloud storage for easy viewing (may need subscription), all data is encrypted.
- Schedule camera to record during certain period, or disable camera and/or microphone on the app.
- 12 month manufacturer warranty and US-based customer support.
The Petkit Automatic Feeder merges convenience with the comfort of monitoring.
Its sleek design houses a reliable camera, so you can watch your pup chow down from your smartphone.
I found the app incredibly intuitive, making it simple to set up your dog’s feeding schedule and stay connected.
- Key Benefits: HD camera for live monitoring, user-friendly app
- Keep In Mind: Some users may find the tech features a bit advanced
This feeder provides a sense of security, knowing that you can peek at your dog’s dining habits night or day.
Just keep in mind that if you’re not the most tech-savvy, you might need a moment to acquaint yourself with the smart features.
But once you do, it’s smooth feeding from there.
#3. DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder with Camera
- 8L capacity container.
- 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi-enabled smart app control (iOS/Android).
- 1080P high-definition camera with audio and video recording for custom voice messages.
- Built-in IR night vision camera.
- Fresh dry food guaranteed.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Dual power supply via included power adapter or 3 D-cell batteries (not included), ensuring your dog will be fed even during power outages.
- 2-year warranty.
For those of us wanting to make sure our dogs are not just fed but also feeling loved, the DoHonest Automatic Dog Feeder steps up.
It’s the pair of eyes you need to ensure your pup is eating well.
The included camera is fantastic for those midday check-ins and the app-controlled interaction makes it feel like you’re right there with them.
- Key Benefits: Real-time camera feed, two-way audio for interaction, precise portion control
- Keep In Mind: The setup process can be a bit lengthy
I appreciated the portion control feature, which is a lifesaver for those of us with pups who are watching their weight.
Yes, setting everything up takes a little patience.
But once you have it running, the peace of mind it brings makes it a valuable asset to your dog’s feeding routine.
#4. Wopet 7L Automatic Dog Food Dispenser
- Remote Feeding Control: Set and monitor up to 6 meals per day from anywhere using the WOPET App.
Customizable Portions: Adjust meal sizes with up to 20 portions per meal to fit your pet's needs.
HD Camera & Audio: Watch and communicate with your pet during mealtime through the built-in camera and audio chat.
Large Capacity: 7L capacity provides consistent food supply, ideal for short vacations or long workdays.
Personalized Voice Messages: Record 10-second messages to remind your pet when it's time to eat.
Reliable Power Backup: Dual power options with battery backup ensure feeding schedules are maintained during power outages.
The Wopet 7L Food Dispenser is your go-to if you crave something simple yet absolutely reliable.
It’s got this sleek, futuristic design that not only looks good in your kitchen but also holds enough kibble (7L!) to keep your pup’s belly full for days.
I particularly enjoyed how user-friendly the interface is; no tech wizardry needed here!
- Key Benefits: Large capacity, straightforward setup, and operation
- Keep In Mind: Smart features are a bit more limited compared to other models
This automatic feeder may not have the bells and whistles of a camera or app notifications, but it definitely does not disappoint in doing what it’s made for—consistent and accurate feeding.
For anyone looking for a no-fuss, dependable solution, this is a smart pick.
#5. Skymee 12L Automatic Dog Feeder
- Easy Setup: Simple 4-step connection process without needing to scan a QR code.
- Custom Feeding: Schedule and control feedings remotely with the app; large 12L capacity for extended feeding.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Full 1080P HD camera with night vision and motion detection to keep an eye on your pet anytime.
- Two-Way Communication: High-quality microphone for clear audio; record voice messages for your pet.
- Social Sharing: Share videos and photos with family or friends; up to 8 users can access one account.
- Reliable Power: Dual power system with USB cable and battery backup to prevent interruptions.
- Peace of Mind: Comes with a 3-year warranty, lifetime technical support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Skymee 12L Smart Automatic Dog Feeder takes the stress out of ensuring your dog is fed on time, every time.
With its massive 12L capacity and simple setup, it’s designed for both convenience and peace of mind.
One standout feature is the 1080P HD camera with night vision, so you can keep an eye on your dog even in low light.
This feeder goes beyond just feeding too—it lets you see, talk to, and even share moments with your dog, all from the app.
Key Benefits: Large food capacity, easy setup, real-time monitoring with HD camera
Keep In Mind: Best for pet owners who want to stay connected with their pets remotely
Smart Feeding: A Buying Guide
When shopping for an automatic feeder for your dog, considering convenience and dietary needs is crucial.
An app-controlled feeder provides both and adds a layer of interaction that’s invaluable for busy pet owners.
Many models come with features such as portion control, voice recording, and even cameras so you can see your pup while you’re away.
But how do you choose?
First, ponder the size and eating habits of your dog.
Larger breeds will need devices with greater capacity, while smaller pooches can manage with less.
Next, think about your routine.
If you’re often out, look for feeders with reliable connectivity and a backup power option to maintain the schedule.
The app interface should be intuitive, allowing you to schedule meals and track your dog’s intake with ease.
Don’t overlook the setup and cleaning process.
You want a trouble-free experience starting from assembly to the daily cleanliness of the feeder – your dog’s health depends on it.
Finally, while budget matters, investing in a high-quality feeder can save you from future hassles.
Cheaper options may lack durability or consistency in feeding.
Make sure to evaluate each product based on these aspects:
- Capacity: Does it hold enough food for your dog’s size and appetite?
- Reliability: Can you count on it to work even when Wi-Fi is down?
- App Features: Is it user-friendly and does it offer the controls and monitors you need?
- Quality: Is it built to last and easy to maintain?
- Extra Features: Do you need a camera, a voice recorder, or other special functionalities?
FAQs
What are the benefits of an automatic feeder for dogs with an app?
An automatic feeder with an app allows you to feed your dog remotely, keep track of their eating habits, and manage feeding schedules from your smartphone.
This level of convenience and control is particularly beneficial for pet owners with busy schedules or those who travel frequently, ensuring their dogs are fed consistently even when they’re away.
Can I use an automatic feeder for multiple dogs?
Yes, some automatic feeders are designed to accommodate multiple dogs.
These feeders may have features that allow for separate feeding zones or the ability to dispense varying amounts of food.
It’s important to look for feeders that can support multiple schedules and portion controls to meet the needs of each dog.
Note that your dogs might need some training to make sure they only eat their own food (!) and I wouldn’t recommend this for dogs who are resource guarders, unless you keep your dogs in separate rooms while you’re out and about.
Are automatic feeders difficult to set up?
Setup complexity can vary between models, but most automatic dog feeders with app controls are designed to be user-friendly.
Initial setup may involve pairing the feeder to your Wi-Fi network and installing the app on your smartphone, followed by configuring feeding schedules and portions within the app’s interface.
Do automatic dog feeders have the capacity for wet food or only for dry?
Automatic dog feeders are available for both wet and dry food, though options for wet food are more limited.
Many automatic feeders are designed primarily for dry kibble, but there are specialized models that can handle wet food as well.
Some models come with ice packs to keep wet food fresh.
How secure are automatic feeders that I can control with an app?
Automatic feeders with apps typically employ security features such as encrypted signals and password-protected apps to prevent unauthorized access.
It’s important to use strong, unique passwords and keep the feeder’s firmware updated to ensure the highest level of security.
What should I do if the automatic feeder malfunctions?
In the event of a malfunction, first consult the feeder’s manual for troubleshooting tips.
Many issues can be resolved by restarting the device or reinstalling the app.
If problems persist, contact the manufacturer’s customer service for assistance or to explore warranty options.
Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on the feeder’s operation can also prevent many issues.