The Best Cat Food Dispenser
Whether you travel a lot or just don't like having to get up when your cats howl their demands for breakfast, a cat food dispenser can take a lot off your mind. These appliances are made to automatically dispense cat food at programmed times and amounts, which takes the work of feeding your cats off your shoulders. But not every cat food dispenser is worthy, which is why we've made this list of our personal top picks.
What to Look For
We kept an eye out for three things that we felt would count towards the ideal cat food dispenser: Does it dispense food in the correct amounts and at the right time? Is it easy to set up and program? Finally, is it sturdily made and easy to clean? Every cat food dispenser on this list proved to be an absolute prime cut. For example, PETLIBRO made our favorite cat food dispenser due to its user-friendly construction and great range of portion control options. We also loved the Ymiko feeder and its flexibility of programmable timing options. Keep reading to see which cat food dispenser your kitty will most want to award a Michelin star.
PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Cat Feeder
Your special helper
PETLIBRO wins our top spot for its commitment to making not just the best but the easiest cat food dispenser. An intuitive twist-lock lid, a friendly user interface for programming meals, and an easy-to-clean stainless steel bowl make mealtime worries a thing of the past. It also has a dual power supply, which lets it keep serving up meals even if the electricity cuts out. It’s hard to go wrong with this cat food dispenser, no matter how you intend to use it.
Pros
- Its large kibble chute means even large chunks of food hit the bowl with no problem.
- The dispensing mechanism runs quietly, meaning your cat won’t be disturbed by any noise.
- If your cat happens to tip it, a secure bottom will keep this cat food dispenser from making a mess on your floor.
Cons
- The voice recording feature doesn’t do a great job of clearly capturing your voice.
WOPET Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
Smart eating
This cat food dispenser has some of the best app integration we’ve yet to experience. You can use your phone to program portions, set meal alarms, and record your vocals to let your cat know it’s chow time. The machine itself also comes with plenty of manual controls and a hefty six-liter food container. Cat owners who like to accomplish tasks from their phones will love this cat food dispenser.
Pros
- The supplied plastic bowls are removable, letting you use your bowls if you so choose.
- The app quickly detects your cat food dispenser and allows you to start programming schedules within moments.
- Its notifications for when food is running low or gone are a great help.
Cons
- You’ll need to dispense the food manually if the wi-fi goes out at feeding time.
Ymiko Automatic Cat Feeder
All taken care of
This cat food dispenser takes care of most of the heavy lifting that comes with mealtime. Its four programmable settings give you excellent control over when and how much your cat is fed, and you can record up to 10 seconds of your voice to customize a dinnertime message for your kitty. It can also be easily cleaned with the use of a damp cloth. This is a great cat food dispenser for those who abide by the “set it and forget it” mentality.
Pros
- From its tightly lockable lid to its secure base, this is a very well-made cat food dispenser.
- Its LED light is bright enough to make the screen legible without being harsh or irritating to your eyes.
Cons
- The supplied power cable is a little short, at only five feet.
Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder
Keep it flowing
This is one cat food dispenser that will never get clogged with kibble. Its special anti-clog design rotates food out in a circular motion, which keeps the chute running smoothly as well as delivers portions in steady amounts. It also includes 12 programmable portion choices, giving you lots of leeway as to how much you feed your cat. Thanks to this cat food dispenser, getting the correct amount of food with minimal hassle is a sure thing.
Pros
- Its stainless-steel bowl is both durable and easy to clean.
- This cat food dispenser can be set up and ready to serve in a matter of minutes.
- The unit is easy to take apart and clean when needed.
Cons
- The clock runs on military time, which can be disorienting for some.
Cat Mate C500 Pet Feeder
Simple and effective
The small size and round shape of this cat food dispenser make it as unique as it is effective. At less than a pound, it can still hold four meals’ worth of food. It takes little time to set up and take apart and even includes a compartment for ice packs to keep the food fresh. Portability and portion control are the major factors that make this cat food dispenser recommendable.
Pros
- Its small size makes it easy to travel with or move between rooms if necessary.
- The ability to keep food cold makes this the rare cat food dispenser that can serve wet food as well as dry.
Cons
- The feeding compartment is low to the ground, which means larger cats will have to bend more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cat food dispenser will be right for my kitty?
The most important things to check out in a cat food dispenser are if the timing and portions are accurate after being programmed and if the device is sturdy enough to keep your cat from knocking over. This will help you determine how “secure” a unit you should get based on your cat’s level of friskiness.
What if my cat eats wet food instead of dry?
While the average cat food dispenser only distributes dry food, some use freezing technology to dispense wet food as well. And if your cat can eat dry food without getting sick, a cat food dispenser is also good to have as a feeding backup if you need to leave suddenly and don’t have a cat sitter on hand.
About the Author
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