What a smart feeder does
A smart feeder automatically dispenses food at the times you programme. You can control it from your phone, adjust portions, see when your pet has eaten and, in some models, watch a video of each meal. Especially useful if you work outside the home or travel occasionally.
Types of smart feeders
| Type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic programmable | Fixed schedules without app | €20–50 |
| WiFi with app | Remote control from phone | €50–120 |
| With integrated camera | Watch your pet eat | €80–180 |
| Multi-pet feeder | Microchip/face recognition | €150–300 |
| Wet food feeder | Fresh wet food portions | €40–100 |
Options by need
No app
Basic programmable
€20–50
- Up to 5 meals per day
- Portion control
- Physical screen and buttons
- No WiFi needed
- Great for beginners
⭐ RecommendedWith app
WiFi + remote control
€60–120
- Control from anywhere
- Up to 6 scheduled meals/day
- Eating notifications
- Feeding history
- Integrated camera (some models)
Multi-pet
Auto recognition
€150–300
- Recognises each pet by chip or face
- Different portions per pet
- Prevents one eating the other's food
- Ideal for multi-pet homes
Recommended models
PETLIBRO Granary WiFi
4L WiFi feeder, up to 6 meals/day, integrated camera, app control. Best value for money. From €80.
See price →SureFeed Microchip Feeder
Reads your pet's microchip and only opens for them. Ideal for multi-pet homes or dieting pets. No app but very reliable. From €150.
See price →Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder
Affordable, WiFi, up to 10 meals/day, Mi Home app compatible. Good choice if you already have Xiaomi devices. From €50.
See price →PETLIBRO Dockstream Fountain
Smart water fountain with filter and water level sensor. Perfect complement to a smart feeder. From €50.
See price →Frequently asked questions
Good smart feeders have backup battery (AA batteries or rechargeable) to work even without power. Scheduled meals still dispense even if WiFi is down. Remote control from the app does require WiFi.
Most feeders are designed for dry kibble. For wet or mixed food, you need a feeder specifically designed for wet food with refrigerated or airtight compartments to keep food fresh. Check compatibility before buying.
For an adult cat or small dog, a 1–2 litre feeder is enough for 3–7 days of kibble. For medium or large dogs, look for 3–6 litre models. Keep in mind kibble can lose freshness if it takes more than a week to be consumed.