Best Automatic Pet Feeders for 2026

Automatic pet feeders maintain your pet’s feeding schedule when you work late, travel, or simply want consistency. We tested eight feeders over six weeks with real cats and dogs to find the most reliable options.

What We Tested

We evaluated portion accuracy, scheduling reliability, jam resistance, food freshness preservation, app connectivity, and how well each feeder handled different kibble sizes.

Top Picks

Best Overall: PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0

The Smart Feed 2.0 dispenses up to 12 meals per day with precise portion control from one-eighth cup to four cups. The app lets you schedule, feed on demand, and monitor activity from anywhere. Slow feed mode dispenses in small increments to prevent gulping.

Best for Multiple Pets: SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

If your cat steals the dog’s food, the SureFeed opens only for the registered pet’s microchip or RFID tag. The sealed bowl keeps wet food fresh and prevents food theft. It works without Wi-Fi, which means no connectivity issues.

Best Budget: WOPET Automatic Feeder

Under 50 dollars, the WOPET handles basic scheduling with up to four meals per day. The 4-liter hopper holds enough dry food for a medium cat for about two weeks. A built-in voice recorder lets you call your pet to meals.

Wet Food vs Dry Food

Most automatic feeders work only with dry kibble. If your pet eats wet food, look for feeders with ice packs or sealed compartments that keep food fresh. The Cat Mate C500 is one of the few that handles wet food well with its five-compartment tray and ice pack base.

Reliability Tips

Always test your feeder for a week while you are home before relying on it during travel. Keep the hopper at least half full to prevent jams. Clean the dispenser mechanism monthly to remove kibble dust that causes sticking.

Final Thought

The PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0 is the most reliable feeder we tested. For multi-pet homes, the SureFeed’s microchip technology is a game-changer.