Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Updated November 2026

Changing the feeding time on a Pitpet automatic pet feeder takes about two minutes once you know where the settings live. You will set the device clock correctly, edit or replace existing meal times, and confirm the new schedule runs as expected. The steps below assume a standard Pitpet timed feeder with a small LCD screen and control buttons, and they explain what to check if the time doesn’t seem to stick.

Before You Start: What You Need

Gather a few things before you touch the buttons. Having them ready prevents the most common reason people end up re-entering the same schedule twice.

  • The feeder itself, with its base plugged in or fresh batteries installed if your model runs on them.
  • The user manual or a PDF copy for your exact model number, which is printed on the label on the underside or back of the unit.
  • A reliable reference for the current time, such as your phone’s clock.
  • A note of the meal times and portions you want, written out so you aren’t guessing while the screen is blinking.

If you have a Wi-Fi model paired with a companion app, you can make many of these changes from your phone. The on-device steps below work regardless of whether you use the app.

Step-by-Step: Changing the Feeder Clock

The device clock controls every scheduled meal, so get it right first. If the clock is off by even an hour, every feeding will land at the wrong time, which matters most for pets on medication schedules or strict routines.

  1. Enter clock setting mode. Press and hold the menu or set button until the time digits begin flashing. The exact button name varies by version, so check your manual’s control diagram.
  2. Adjust the hour. Use the up and down arrows to change the hour. Confirm whether the display uses 12-hour or 24-hour format and whether an AM/PM indicator is shown.
  3. Adjust the minutes. Press the set button to move to the minutes, then use the arrows to match your phone’s clock.
  4. Confirm the day of the week if prompted. Some models ask for the day, which matters if you have different schedules on weekdays and weekends.
  5. Save and exit. Press set once more or wait for the screen to stop flashing. The new time should appear steadily on the display.

Once the clock is correct, check that it still shows the right time after a few minutes. If it drifts, see the troubleshooting section below.

Step-by-Step: Editing an Existing Meal Time

Changing a single feeding time is usually a matter of finding the schedule slot and overwriting it. Keep your portions consistent unless you intend to change them too. Many owners find it helpful to adjust one meal at a time so they can verify the result before moving on.

  1. Open the schedule menu. Look for an option labeled Schedule, Timer, or Meal Plan and select it.
  2. Choose the meal slot. Most Pitpet-style feeders allow several slots, often labeled 1 through 4 or similar. Select the one you want to change.
  3. Edit the time. Use the arrows to set the new hour and minutes. Leave the portion setting alone unless you need it changed.
  4. Verify the portion. Confirm the amount still matches what your pet needs. Changing the time sometimes resets portion values on certain firmware versions.
  5. Save the slot. Press set to store the change and return to the main screen.

Adding or Removing a Feeding Slot

If you want to add a meal, look for an empty slot in the schedule menu and enter a new time. To remove a meal, most models let you select the slot and choose a disable or clear option rather than deleting it outright. Disabling keeps your other times intact, which is handy if you only want to pause feeding temporarily.

Setting Different Times for Weekdays and Weekends

Some feeders allow per-day schedules, while others apply the same times every day. If your model only offers daily schedules, you will need to adjust the times manually on weekends if your routine shifts. Check your manual for a day-selection option before assuming it is missing.

Checking That the New Time Works

Do not assume the change took effect. Verify it with a simple test.

Check What to look for If it fails
Clock accuracy Display matches your phone within a minute Reset the clock and check for power interruptions
Schedule display New meal time appears in the schedule list Re-enter the slot and press save again
Portion setting Amount matches your intended serving Set the portion again after the time change
Test dispense Manual feed button releases food Check for jams or an empty hopper
First scheduled meal Food drops at the new time Watch the next cycle and note any gaps

For the first day after any change, stay nearby or check a camera feed if you have one. A quick observation during the first scheduled feeding is more useful than trusting the display alone.

Troubleshooting When the Time Won’t Change

Most problems fall into a few categories, and each has a straightforward fix.

  • The clock resets after a power outage. Some models lose their settings without backup power. Look for a battery compartment or a backup option in the manual. Reset the clock after any outage.
  • The schedule ignores my edit. Make sure you pressed save before leaving the menu. Walking away mid-edit usually discards the change.
  • The app and the device disagree. If you use a companion app, sync the two. Changes made on the device may not appear in the app until you refresh the connection.
  • The feeder dispenses at the wrong hour. Check whether the display is set to AM/PM or 24-hour format. A common error is entering 8:00 when you meant 20:00.

If none of these fixes work, a factory reset will clear the schedule and clock. Note your meal times first, then consult the manual’s reset instructions. If the unit still fails to hold settings, contact the manufacturer’s support line for a warranty check.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Changing the time without confirming the clock is correct first, which shifts every meal.
  • Forgetting to save and then assuming the edit worked.
  • Mixing up AM and PM, especially for evening meals.
  • Leaving an old meal slot active alongside a new one, which can cause double feeding.
  • Skipping a test dispense after a change, which can hide a clogged chute until the next missed meal.
  • Changing portions and times at once, making it hard to tell which adjustment caused a problem.

Tips for a Smoother Routine

  • Set the clock once a season or after any power interruption, and mark the date on your calendar.
  • Keep a written copy of your schedule in case the device resets.
  • Make gradual changes if your pet is sensitive to routine. Shifting a meal by 15 to 30 minutes over several days often goes more smoothly than a sudden jump of two hours.
  • If your pet is on a prescribed diet or medication timing, confirm the schedule with your veterinarian before making lasting changes.
  • Clean the food hopper and check the chute before a schedule change, so a clog doesn’t masquerade as a timing problem.

Several accessories make scheduling changes easier to manage and verify. Each of the items below is a general-purpose tool that fits the routine described above.

  • Surge protector with a power indicator. A protected outlet reduces the chance of a power blip wiping the clock, which is the most common cause of unexpected schedule resets.
  • Backup battery pack for the feeder. Some Pitpet-style units accept an auxiliary battery to hold settings through short outages. View on Amazon
  • Wi-Fi camera for the feeding area. A camera lets you confirm a test dispense and the first scheduled meal without standing over the bowl. View on Amazon
  • Replacement food hopper cover. A snug lid keeps humidity out of the food, which helps prevent clumping that jams the chute and throws off portion timing. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why did my Pitpet feeder change the time by itself?

The most likely cause is a power interruption that reset the internal clock, or a battery running low on models that use one. Reset the clock and check the battery or power connection.

Do I need to reset all my meal times after changing the clock?

Usually no. Meal times are stored separately from the clock. However, on some firmware versions, a clock reset can disable active schedules, so verify each slot after any reset.

Can I change the feeding time from my phone?

If your model supports a companion app and is connected to Wi-Fi, yes. Changes made in the app usually sync to the device, though you should confirm on the display afterward.

How do I know whether I set AM or PM correctly?

Look for the AM or PM indicator on the screen after you save. If your model uses 24-hour time, 8 PM will show as 20:00. Setting it once and watching the first scheduled meal is the most reliable check.

What should I do if the feeder skipped a meal?

Check the food level, look for a jam in the chute, and confirm the schedule slot is enabled. A clogged hopper is a frequent cause. Run a manual test dispense to rule out mechanical issues.

Is it safe to change my pet’s feeding time suddenly?

For most healthy pets, a gradual shift is easier on their digestion and routine. Pets with medical conditions or medication schedules should only have feeding times changed after consulting a veterinarian.

How often should I check the schedule?

A quick check once a week and after any power outage is reasonable. Also verify the clock after daylight saving time changes, since some owners forget that step.

Where can I find the manual for my specific Pitpet model?

The model number is printed on the label of the unit. Visit the manufacturer’s support site or search for that model number with the word manual to find the PDF. You can also read through Pitpet Automatic Pet Feeder Manual: Setup, Programming and Troubleshooting Steps for a general walkthrough of programming functions.

Conclusion

Changing the feeding time on a Pitpet automatic pet feeder comes down to three things: set the clock correctly, edit the schedule slot and save it, then verify with a test dispense and a watched first meal. Keep a written copy of your routine and check the device after power interruptions. If you want to compare setup options across models, Pitpet Automatic Pet Feeder Set Up: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026) covers how different units handle scheduling.

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Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our everyday pet gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.