The 6 Best Automatic Pet Feeders We Tested with Our Cats and Dogs

Best Overall

Whisker Feeder Robot

$299 at Amazon $299 at Litter-robot.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Ease of Setup
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5

While this was the priciest option of any that we tested, we still deemed it worthy of the hefty price tag for several reasons. First, it boasts a unique number of features, including Wi-Fi capability and an accompanying app that makes it easy to change and update feeding schedules anytime, anywhere. You can also send a "snack" from afar, which we think is a cute way to treat you're pet when you aren't home.

There’s also a backup battery (sold separately) that can power the feeder for up to 24 hours, a boon for pet parents concerned about power outages. It performed well in all of our tests with both dog and cat kibble and was intuitive to set up and program, as well as to clean. It is on the bulkier side, though that didn’t bother us that much given the stylish appearance that’s akin to a Keurig coffee machine.

Size: 13 x 9 x 5 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: Yes | Power Source: Electricity or backup battery (sold separately) | Max Capacity: 32 cups

Best Budget

PetSafe PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Feeder

$53 at Amazon $67 at Walmart $47 at Chewy

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Pet Interaction
  5/5
• Features
  3.5/5
• Software
  3/5

For those seeking out a simple, straightforward, affordable pick that doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, this automatic pet feeder from PetSafe is a great pick. Setup and operation are both a breeze — simply add four D batteries to the back, set the clock, and toggle through the multiple feed modes on the LCD screen to program.

Precise programming allows you to plan meals down to the minute, or you can choose to feed now or even suspend a meal if needed. The tray has five compartments for five pre-portioned meals, all with a one-cup capacity, making this better suited for cats and smaller pups.

It’s worth noting that if you have multiple feeders for more than one pet, you will likely need to synchronize them occasionally. PEOPLE shopping editor Kayla Kitts — who has been using these feeders for six years with her two cats — noticed that even when programmed to deliver food at the same time, the feeders will start running a few minutes apart. And since this is a very manual feeder, the clock does not register daylight saving time, so you will need to adjust for that, too.

Size: 15.5 x 12.3 x 3.4 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: No | Power Source: Battery | Max Capacity: 5 cups

Best for Small Pets

PETLIBRO Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

$76 at Amazon $70 at Chewy $70 at Best Buy

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Pet Interaction
  5/5
• Features
  5/5
• Software
  4/5

This model has an LCD screen and a clear audio feature that lets you record a message telling your furry friend it’s time to eat, as well as a spot for backup batteries in case of power outages. A sleek design and easy-to-clean features also topped our list of "likes" for this feeder.

Just keep in mind that it’s not sturdy enough to use around bigger dogs; the brand recommends it for animals under 30 kilograms. It also does take quite a bit of button-pushing to set up the initial programming, as well as if you then want to change any of the times or amounts after the fact.

Size: 13.78 x 13.27 x 7.56 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: No | Power Source: Electricity or batteries | Max Capacity: 29 cups

Best for Multiple Pets

Ymiko Automatic Cat Feeder

$40 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Value
  3/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Performance
  2.5/5

Dispensing up to four meals per day and up to nine portions per meal (and accurately, might we add), this is a nice choice for cats and/or smaller dogs. However, we found that if there is already kibble in the dispenser tray, then that portion will be skipped on the first disbursement.

Set up and programming are both fairly intuitive, as is recording a voice message to play when the food is dispensed. It’s also aesthetically pleasing, although the fact that the base and tank can’t be separated does pose some cleaning challenges. Also, this model was one of the least stable options we tested, so just keep that in mind for pets that tend to paw and nudge their feeders.

Size: 12.56 x 7.83 x 7.83 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: No | Power Source: Electricity or batteries | Max Capacity: 12.7 cups

Best Battery-Operated

PETLIBRO Air Automatic Pet Feeder

$40 at Amazon $45 at Chewy

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

For those who perhaps just want to try out the world of automatic pet feeders without relying on an electrical outlet or an app, this model is it. The simplicity is reflected in the very affordable price, one of the least expensive options of our winners. Physical setup is easy — even more so given that it runs on batteries, with a battery life of up to 180 days — as is programming. It's also got a locking top for mischievous pets who may paw at the apparatus.

We appreciated that all of the buttons are hidden behind a panel, ensuring your pet couldn’t reach or push them. To that point, given the small capacity (which we found to be even less than the 2 liters advertised), this is definitely a pick best reserved for cats.

Size: 10.4 x 12.2 x 7.1 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: No | Power Source: Battery | Max Capacity: 8.45 cups

Best Quiet

PETLIBRO Granary Two Cat Feeder

$90 at Amazon View on Petlibro.com $88 at Chewy

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Ease of Setup
  4/5
• Pet Interaction
  5/5
• Features
  4/5
• Software
  4.2/5

Automatic pet feeders offer so much convenience, but for some anxious animals, the digital sounds of these devices can be a little intimidating. The Petlibro Granary Automatic Pet Feeder impressed us with how quietly it released the food. In addition to its stealth operations, the feeder is versatile: It can be plugged in or work via batteries.

Its setup is not intuitive (it took a while to program the initial feedings), but it's doable if you follow the included instructions. It has various programming settings to adjust the serving amounts, and the structure is sturdy enough to withstand excitement from small dogs and cats.

The features are somewhat basic, but it's compact, quiet, and highly functional. Plus, it has an LED screen for easy control access, a voice recording option, and is affordable compared to many options. It comes with one bowl and tray that are both washable, but the base that holds the kibble is more challenging to clean. That said, we appreciate the included filter that helps prevent mold.

Size: 113 × 7.5 × 7.5 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: No | Power Source: Electicity or batteries | Max Capacity: 21 cups