Updated November 2026
Choosing a petnet smartfeeder automatic pet feeder for cats and dogs usually comes down to one question: can the machine keep your pets fed on time when your schedule changes? This list looks at six automatic feeders that households with cats, dogs or both commonly consider. Our selection favored consistent meal timing, accurate portion control, clear app or manual programming, food storage that resists humidity, easy cleaning, and owner feedback patterns that point to reliability rather than novelty. Specifications below come from manufacturer listings and well-known model features; please check the current listing before buying.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat FeederView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchensPETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder, 5G WiFi Automatic Dog Food DispenserView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for camera monitoringFrienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K CameraView on Amazon - 4
Best for multi-meal schedulesPetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet FeederView on Amazon - 5
Best for large householdsAutomatic Dog Feeder 8L/34 Cups Large CapacityView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickWefeedy Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser SetView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
The table below gives a quick side-by-side view. Read the product sections for specifics and trade-offs.
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| SMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder | Owners who want app control and video | Wi-Fi app, HD camera, two-way audio |
| PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder, 5G WiFi | Small kitchens and frequent feeding | Up to 10 meals per day, low food sensor |
| Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K Camera | Checking on pets while away | 2K camera with night vision, 7L storage |
| PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder | Reliable scheduled meals | Alerts for low or empty food, backup batteries |
| Automatic Dog Feeder 8L/34 Cups | Large dogs and multi-pet homes | 8L capacity, LCD screen, up to 6 meals a day |
| Wefeedy Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser | Small pets and tight budgets | Bundled gravity water dispenser, 3.3L capacity |
SMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
SMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder – Stainless Steel Pet Food Dispenser with Wi-Fi App, Scheduled Feedings, Portion Control, HD Camera, Speaker & Microphone
Best for: Owners who want app-based scheduling, portion control and a camera in one stainless steel unit.
This model suits households with one or two pets who are away for work days or weekends and want to see and talk to them. The larger hopper is useful when you refill less often.
Key specs:
- Stainless steel food dispenser with a 20L listed capacity
- Wi-Fi app control with scheduled feedings and portion settings
- Built-in HD camera, speaker and microphone
Pros:
- Combines feeding, monitoring and two-way audio
- Large food storage reduces refill frequency
- Stainless construction is easier to wipe clean than many plastic bowls
Cons:
- Setup requires a stable Wi-Fi connection in the feeding area
- Larger footprint than basic gravity or timed dispensers
Bottom line: The best fit for owners who want the most features and remote visibility and have room for a bigger unit.
View on AmazonPETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder, 5G WiFi Automatic Dog Food Dispenser
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder, 5G WiFi Automatic Dog Food Dispenser with Freshness Preservation, 5L Timed Pet Feeder with Low Food Sensor, Up to 10 Meals Per Day, Granary Black
Best for: Small kitchens and pets that do better with several small meals each day.
This compact 5L model is designed for homes where counter space is limited. It is well suited to cats that benefit from frequent small portions.
Key specs:
- 5L food capacity in a Granary Black finish
- 5G Wi-Fi app connectivity
- Up to 10 timed meals per day
- Low food sensor and freshness-preservation design
Pros:
- Good meal frequency for cats on split feeding plans
- Low food alert helps prevent missed meals
- Smaller footprint fits narrow spaces
Cons:
- Smaller capacity means more frequent refills for dogs
- Kibble should be stored in a dry area to keep the freshness feature effective
Bottom line: A practical choice for apartments and cat households that need multiple daily meals.
View on AmazonFrienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K Camera
Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K Camera: 5G WiFi Automatic Dog Feeder with Night Vision,Cat Food Dispenser with 7L Large Food Storage Container for Multiple Pet,Detachable for Easy Clean -29 Cup
Best for: Checking on pets while away, with the option to see them at feeding time.
This model pairs a 2K camera with a 7L food container, which makes it a reasonable pick for owners who want visual confirmation that pets are eating.
Key specs:
- 2K camera with night vision
- 5G Wi-Fi connectivity
- 7L large food storage container
- Detachable parts for cleaning
Pros:
- Night vision supports checking on pets after dark
- Large container suits multi-pet homes
- Detachable components simplify cleaning
Cons:
- Camera clarity depends on placement and Wi-Fi strength
- Owners should confirm the feeding schedule settings before leaving home
Bottom line: A strong option for owners who prioritize monitoring over sheer capacity.
View on AmazonPetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder, 6L/24 Cup, Programmable | Alexa Enabled for Snack Feeding, App Alerts When Low/Empty, Slow-Feed Setting, Backup Batteries Keep Meals on Schedule
Best for: Reliable scheduled meals with alerts when food runs low.
PetSafe is a long-established pet products brand, and this feeder focuses on dependable timing and status alerts. It is a good match for owners who want straightforward programming.
Key specs:
- 6L (24 cup) food capacity
- Programmable meal schedule with app alerts
- Backup batteries to keep meals on schedule during outages
- Slow-feed setting
Pros:
- Backup batteries help during power interruptions
- Slow-feed setting can help pets that eat too fast
- Alerts when food is low or empty
Cons:
- Voice assistant features are optional and not needed for basic use
- Battery life should be checked periodically
Bottom line: Best for owners who value schedule reliability and alerts over advanced cameras.
View on AmazonAutomatic Dog Feeder 8L/34 Cups Large Capacity
Automatic Dog Feeder – 8L/34 Cups Large Capacity Automatic Cat Food Dispenser with LCD Screen, Large Food Tray, Battery Operated, Timed Cat Feeder, Up to 50 Portions 6 Meals Per Day, Keeps Fresh
Best for: Large dogs and multi-pet homes that need bigger portions.
The 8L capacity is the largest in this list and suits households where food volume is a daily concern.
Key specs:
- 8L (34 cup) capacity
- LCD screen and timed programming
- Up to 6 meals per day
- Battery operated with a large food tray
Pros:
- High capacity reduces refill frequency
- Large tray accommodates bigger kibble and bowls
- Multiple daily meals supported
Cons:
- Bulky for small spaces
- Battery operation means periodic battery replacement
Bottom line: The right choice when capacity matters most, especially for large dogs.
View on AmazonWefeedy Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser Set
Wefeedy Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser in Set with Pet Food Bowl,Gravity Dog Waterer and Food Feeder for Small Medium Dog Cat Puppy Kitten Large Capacity(3.3L,Black)
Best for: Small pets and buyers looking for a budget pick with water included.
This bundle combines a feeder with a gravity water dispenser, which can simplify setup for owners who want food and water covered together.
Key specs:
- 3.3L large capacity food container
- Included gravity dog or cat water dispenser
- Black finish
Pros:
- Food and water bundled together
- Suitable for small and medium pets
- Straightforward design
Cons:
- Fewer advanced scheduling features than app-based models
- Smaller food capacity suits fewer daily refills only for small pets
Bottom line: A sensible budget pick for small cats and puppies that do not need app control.
View on AmazonBuying Guide
Capacity and Portion Control
Match the food container to your pet’s daily intake. A 3L to 5L hopper works for one or two cats. Large dogs often need 8L or more to avoid daily refills. Check whether the portion setting is measured in cups or grams, and do a test run with your own food.
Good picks for this: Automatic Dog Feeder 8L/34 Cups and SMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
Scheduling and Meal Frequency
Some pets do better with several small meals. Look for models that offer multiple timed feedings per day. Confirm the clock is accurate and that the schedule survives a power outage, since backup batteries matter for consistent timing.
Good picks for this: PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder and PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder
App Control and Connectivity
Wi-Fi models let you change schedules and check food levels remotely. Confirm that your router reaches the feeding spot and that the app supports your phone. Owners often report that a weak signal is the most common setup problem.
Good picks for this: Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K Camera and SMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
Food Storage and Freshness
Kibble can lose freshness when exposed to humidity and air. Look for sealed or airtight containers and a removable food tray. Keep the feeder in a dry area and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Good picks for this: PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder and Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K Camera
Size and Fit for Your Space
Measure your counter or floor space before buying. Larger hoppers add height and width. Check that the bowl sits at a comfortable height for your pet and that the unit does not block doors or walkways.
Good picks for this: PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder and Wefeedy Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser Set
Cleaning and Maintenance
Detachable parts that can go in the dishwasher or be wiped easily reduce the chance of residue and odor. Stainless steel is generally easier to clean than plastic. Clean the food tray and bowl at least weekly, and wipe the hopper before refilling.
Good picks for this: SMARTFeeder 20L Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder and Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K Camera
Power Source and Reliability
Battery-operated feeders keep working during outages, while plug-in models need a nearby outlet. Many owners use both: a plug-in model with backup batteries. Check battery life and replace batteries on a set schedule to avoid missed meals.
Good picks for this: PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder and Automatic Dog Feeder 8L/34 Cups
FAQ
Can an automatic feeder work for both cats and dogs?
Yes, many models are sold as dog and cat feeders. Choose a unit with a bowl and food tray sized for your largest pet, and confirm that the portion size can be adjusted for the smaller one.
How many meals per day can these feeders dispense?
Capacity and meal count vary by model. Some units support up to 6 or 10 meals per day, while simpler units offer fewer programmed feedings. Check the listing for the exact number before buying.
What happens if the power goes out?
Models with backup batteries can keep feeding on schedule during an outage. Feeders without backup power will stop until power returns, so check the battery settings and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.
Is wet food suitable for automatic feeders?
Most automatic feeders are designed for dry kibble. Wet food spoils quickly at room temperature and can clog mechanisms. If you need wet food, look for a feeder explicitly designed for it and consult your veterinarian about safe feeding intervals.
How do I know if my pet is eating the food?
Camera models let you see feeding in real time. Without a camera, watch the food level and bowl over several days. If your pet skips meals or eats less than normal, contact your veterinarian.
How often should I clean the feeder?
Clean the food tray and bowl at least once a week, and wipe the hopper before refilling. Dry the parts completely before adding new food to prevent mold and odor.
Should I consult a veterinarian before using an automatic feeder?
Yes, especially for pets with medical conditions, weight issues or special diets. A veterinarian can help you set safe portions and meal frequency.
Conclusion
For most households, the SMARTFeeder 20L suits owners who want the full set of features, including app control, camera and a large hopper. Buyers with limited counter space often do well with the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder. The Frienhund model fits those who want to check on pets from another room, while the PetSafe Smart Feed is a reliable choice for scheduled meals with alerts. Large dogs and multi-pet homes should look at the 8L Automatic Dog Feeder, and the Wefeedy bundle is a sensible budget pick for small pets who need food and water together. Match the feeder to your pet’s size, meal schedule and your home setup, then do a test run before leaving pets alone.
Sources
- Guidance on feeding, nutrition and safe food handling for cats and dogs (aspca.org)
- Information on pet nutrition and veterinary recommendations for feeding routines (avma.org)
- Food safety guidance on storing pet food and recognizing spoilage (fda.gov)
Related reading
- Duit Automatic Pet Cat & Dog Feeder: How to Choose and Set One Up (2026)
- 7 Best Automatic Pet Feeders for Cats and Dogs: Our Picks Compared (2026)
- 4 Best Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder Models for Cats and Dogs (2026)
- 4 Best Automatic Pet Feeder Small Models for Cats and Small Dogs (2026)
- Petsafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Cat Feeder: A Practical Guide (2026)
- Pet Smart Automatic Cat Feeder: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)

