The best automatic kibble dispensers in the UK 2023

Work, traffic or errands may prevent you from feeding your pets on time. To avoid stressing them out, it's best to take certain precautions, such as buying an automatic feeder. But between gravity feeders, programmable feeders, compartmentalized feeders and voice-recording feeders, it's not easy to choose. Follow the guide.

Amazon Basics 9.46 L Automatic Kibble Dispenser 1
9/10

Best value for money

Amazon Basics 9.46 L Automatic Kibble Dispenser

The best automatic kibble dispenser in en

Here we offer you the large version of this kibble dispenser. This model has a capacity of 9.46 L and can hold 5.44 kg of kibble. A water dispenser is included.

36,71 £ on Amazon

Suitable for both cats and dogs, the Amazon Basics kibble dispenser is sturdy, high quality, stable and ergonomic for animals. The shape of the bowl is very practical as well as the filling of the kibbles thanks to the large cover. The dispensing spout is wide and the slope is steep enough to avoid any risk of blocked kibbles. The tank has a capacity of 9.46 L, enough to hold 5.55 kg of kibble. Note that this kibble dispenser comes with a large capacity water dispenser. The water stops right at the right level. In a word, this set is perfect.

Amazon Basics 11019 2
8/10

Best value for money

Amazon Basics 11019

The best entry-level automatic kibble dispenser

If you have a cat or small dog, this Amazon Basics food dispenser will do the trick. Everything is simple on this model, with a remarkable automatic kibble flow.

12,79 £ on Amazon

The Amazon Basics 11019 is a miniature kibble dispenser for pets. It uses gravity to ensure a constant supply of dry food for cats and small dogs. Despite its small size, the lidded reservoir can store up to 2.72 kg of dry kibble. The top lid and base are made of PP, the food tank is made of clear PET, so you can check the kibble level at a glance. You can lift the Amazon Basics 11019 with the cut-out handles on the sides of the base. Despite non-slip rubber feet, this automatic kibble dispenser is very light (400g empty) and can tip over easily if you step into it.

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder 3
9/10

Best value for money

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder

The best high-end automatic kibble dispenser

The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder is easy to program and clean. You can adjust meal portions to feed your pets properly.

136 £ on Amazon

The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder allows you to feed your cat or dog at set meal times. You can program up to 12 meals per day and control everything from your smartphone. But be aware that you can also feed snacks outside of these scheduled meals with the Feed Now option. Since the lid, container, bowl and even the bowl holder can be disassembled and washed in the dishwasher in the top rack, cleaning is quick and easy. When you're away, you'll get notifications about your babies' feedings, while in offline mode, the feeder will continue to serve meals.

PetSafe Simply Feed 5.6 L 4
8/10

A great choice

PetSafe Simply Feed 5.6 L

A great automatic kibble dispenser

This is the non-connected version of the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder. It can program up to 12 meals per day and has a capacity of 5.6 L.

114 £ on Amazon

Ideal for owners on the go, the Simply Feed gives you peace of mind knowing your pets will be fed on time. Easy to program, this automatic kibble dispenser can be set to a preset mode for your dog or cat; it can also be programmed manually. There are 2 feeding modes: either you choose the slow feeding mode if you are afraid of overfeeding your pet, or you prefer the immediate feeding mode. It is also possible to suspend the feeding with the pause mode, very practical when your pet is not at home.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best automatic kibble dispenser

Any specific needs?

The best automatic kibble dispenser in en

The best entry-level automatic kibble dispenser

The best high-end automatic kibble dispenser

A great automatic kibble dispenser

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best automatic kibble dispensers

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Amazon Basics 9.46 L Automatic Kibble Dispenser 5
9/10
Amazon Basics 11019 6
8/10
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder 7
9/10
PetSafe Simply Feed 5.6 L 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Amazon Basics 9.46 L Automatic Kibble Dispenser
Amazon Basics 11019
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder
PetSafe Simply Feed 5.6 L
Here we offer you the large version of this kibble dispenser. This model has a capacity of 9.46 L and can hold 5.44 kg of kibble. A water dispenser is included.
If you have a cat or small dog, this Amazon Basics food dispenser will do the trick. Everything is simple on this model, with a remarkable automatic kibble flow.
The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder is easy to program and clean. You can adjust meal portions to feed your pets properly.
This is the non-connected version of the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder. It can program up to 12 meals per day and has a capacity of 5.6 L.
Can hold more than 5 kg of kibble
Holds up to 2.72 kg of kibble despite its small size
The portions given are adjustable
Can serve portions from 29 to 940 mL, so suitable for different sizes of dogs and cats
Accompanied by a water dispenser
Use the force of gravity to keep the bowl full
Programming of the number of daily meals, with the possibility of changing this order at any time
Programmable and flexible schedules
Good feed flow adjustment
Ideal for cats and dogs in homes with one or more pets
Notifications on smartphone for a better follow-up
Ideal for owners on the go

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - automatic kibble dispenser

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How to choose your automatic kibble dispenser

An automatic kibble dispenser must be secure, leak-proof and made of materials that will not harm the health of pets.

#1 - Security

Always check for manufacturing defects that could compromise your pet's safety. Or that would allow him to access food too easily outside of meal times.

Also, check that the dispenser is made of quality materials, especially if your dog is a heavy chewer or you have a rambunctious cat. Some automatic kibble dispensers have galvanized steel tanks and have secure locking systems to contain the onslaught of even the most determined pets.

#2 - A good quality food dish

In addition to the tank, which should be well-made, the feeding dish should also be sturdy enough to withstand intense chewing, and it should be non-toxic.

#3 - The capacity

Depending on the size of your pet (especially for dogs), be sure to check that both the tank and the feeding dish have enough capacity to accommodate the volume of kibble needed for its daily meals.

Also check that the dispenser is suitable for dispensing large kibble if your dog or cat likes larger pieces of food more.

#4 - Hermetically sealed food container

Look for

an automatic dispenser that has an airtight seal

and doesn't allow air to enter the tank. This will keep the food fresh longer and prevent it from becoming stale. This is especially important for large capacity dispensers.

#5 - Battery life

If your dispenser runs on batteries, make sure they have a long run time. Some ultra-sophisticated dispensers have a lot of great features, but drain the battery quickly. This can be a problem when it prevents the dispenser from opening in time, for example.

Don't disturb your family and friends

Choose an automatic kibble dispenser that meets your pet's needs. This way you won't have to ask your friends and family for favors to feed your furry friend if you go out for long hours each day.

The adjustment time

Your furry friend may need some time to get used to his kibble dispenser. So if he refuses to eat from the dispenser bowl at first, don't panic. You just have to give him some time and help him to get used to the old bowl little by little.

Place the food dispenser next to the usual bowl, for example. Fill the usual bowl as well as the new bowl of the automatic dispenser. This way, he'll get into the habit of eating from either bowl, and once that habit sets in, remove the old bowl.

At first, the noise of the dispenser may frighten him, so you can stimulate his interest by filling the dispenser bowl with treats. This will make the transition easier.

Clean the kibble dispenser thoroughly

According to NSF International, a public health and safety organization, pet bowls are the fourth most germy thing in our homes, not far behind the kitchen sponge. And a dirty bowl represents a definite health risk for your pet.

In addition to the risks ofsalmonella andE. coli bacteria, dirty bowls can also cause painful skin infections around the mouth and chin.

To protect your pet, choosestainless steel bowls. Avoid ceramic or plastic bowls whenever possible, as they can have porous surfaces that are harder to rid of bacteria. Next, consider putting the bowl in the dishwasher if possible, or at least washing it insoapy water after each meal. As for the food tank, it should be cleaned at least once a week.

Don't neglect cleaning when buying your vending machine, you'll save yourself hundreds of dollars in vet fees.

The different types of automatic kibble dispensers

To help you manage your pet's daily meals, you can use automatic dispensers. There are two main types: the gravity feeder and the electronic feeder.

The gravity feeder

This is the basic automatic feeder: it simply consists of a reservoir for the kibble and a feeding dish. The kibble will be released as the cat or dog empties the feeding dish, simply by gravity.

Advantages:

  • No need to refill the cat/dog's bowl every day
  • The cat/dog can access its food at any time
  • The reservoir is easy to fill
  • This type of automatic feeder is easy to clean
  • The gravity feeder is usually very inexpensive as well

Disadvantages:

  • Impossible to properly ration the cat or dog's meal, they can eat as much as they want even if they are already full
  • This type of dispenser may not work properly for large kibbles
  • It can happen that the kibbles do not fall by themselves into the bowl, it is then necessary to shake the dispenser.

Who is it for?

Because the gravity feeder may require manual intervention to operate properly, it is suitable for people who are not away too often or for very long periods of time. It is only suitable for animals that do not have weight problems

, or whose food intake does not need to be monitored.

The electronic vending machine

This type of feeder is more sophisticated and allows you to control the daily meals of dogs/cats more effectively. It uses modern technology and allows you to schedule specific meal times and food portions. There are many different vending machines on the market: programmable, voice-recording, compartmentalized, or timer-based machines, as well as treat dispensers.

Benefits:

  • It is easier to ration the food correctly, in quantity and time, to the dog/cat
  • The preservation of the food is more efficient: it will stay fresh for a longer period of time and will be protected from parasites
  • It will be easier to control its appetite, since the animal will have access to food only at fixed times
  • It is very practical for animals on a strict feeding regime: ideal for giving small amounts of food, but with greater frequency

Disadvantages:

  • Sensors can malfunction and kibble will continue to be dispensed even if there are still leftovers in the bowl
  • Can be noisy and disturb more sensitive animals at feeding time
  • It is also more expensive and battery life can be a concern

Who is it for?

The electronic vending machine is suitable if you have pets with weight issues or other conditions such as diabetes. It is also ideal for people who often come home late or go on trips.

Don't leave your dog/cat alone for too long

The automatic kibble dispenser can help you out for short or very short absences. However, it is not wise to rely ONLY on a vending machine if you are going to be away for more than a day. It could break down, for example. Consider having someone from your entourage come and take a look at it from time to time to make sure that everything is fine.

Automatic gravity or electronic kibble dispenser?

Automatic gravity feeder for kibble

All in all, it's a feeder that's best suited to animals that know how to feed themselves properly. This feeder should be avoided if your cat is not able to feed itself because, if so, it may eat too much or not enough. The kibble may not come out of the tube if it is too large.

Electronic automatic kibble dispenser

Can be adapted to all animals, the dispenser lightens the chores and helps to feed our little four-legged friends properly. This type of feeder is a marvel despite its high price, it will be able to replace you during your trip. You can trust it. However, be sure to always check the feeder and don't get into the habit of trusting this machine too much, because your cat needs your love.

Verdict

If your kibble size is small enough, and your cat knows how to feed properly, the gravity feeder is perfect for you. If you need to monitor your cat's feeding, but are not home often, the electronic feeder is best for you.

Why buy a good kibble machine?

Using an automatic kibble dispenser can be beneficial for busy or distracted owners. It's a time-saving product that will help you improve your pet's health and lifestyle.

Don't worry about coming home late

If you're the kind of person who has last-minute meetings or works late at the office, a kibble dispenser will make your life much easier. You won't have to feel guilty about neglecting your little four-legged friend. He will have his meals at a fixed time and in the quantity necessary for his well-being.

It will be perfect for pets on medication

If your little furry friend has a medical condition that requires daily, timed medication, an automatic kibble dispenser can help you stick to the prescription. Just make sure the medication can be dispensed with their food in a vending machine, talk to your vet.

It will be perfect for putting your pet on a diet without feeling guilty

If you don't want your pet to look like a "beaten dog" because you're putting him on a diet, choose an automatic kibble dispenser. This will also help you calculate the right proportions to help your dog or cat lose weight.

What about the digestive benefits?

Opting for an automatic kibble dispenser will also help you establish healthy habits for your pet. This includes fixed feeding times, so that your pet can digest properly.

Your pet needs you

Remember that an automatic kibble dispenser, no matter how good, will never replace the benefits and training opportunities offered by a "normal" feeding routine. Try to make up for your absence from mealtime with other routines to strengthen your bond and his training.

The best brands of automatic kibble dispensers

In our opinion, the best brands of automatic kibble dispensers in 2022 are :

Amzdeal
PetSafe
PetKit
PetMate
Trixie

Amzdeal - Amazdeal is a global wholesaler and manufacturer and a reseller on Amazon's marketplace. The brand has been offering pet supplies for almost a decade. It is a young brand, but very promising: the variety of its products and the plebiscite they enjoy on Amazon testify to that.

PetSafe - PetSafe is a brand that was established in 1991, this brand specializes in providing services and products to bring pets and their owners closer together so that they can live a more fulfilling life.

PetKit - PetKit is an American brand that puts innovation at the heart of its activities. It is known for investing a lot of time, energy and resources in the development of new technologies.

PetMate - PetMate is a brand that has been around for almost 50 years. It is the brainchild of a group of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of humans and their pets, or more specifically, pets and their humans.

Trixie - Trixie is a German brand, offering products for animals, from small mice to tournament horses. It has been on the market for 40 years and is known for the quality and versatility of its products. Back to the comparison table

What is the price for an automatic kibble dispenser

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
10 £ to 20 £
Mid-range
20 £ to 100 £
High-end
more than 100 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Test the charger before relying on it completely.

Be sure to test your kibble dispenser beforehand to make sure it is working as intended. This way your cat is fed properly while you are away.

Check whether the feeder retains your settings when the machine is temporarily switched off.

Some vending

machines lose their settings and need to be reprogrammed when you turn them off, change the batteries, or if there is a power outage. Make sure this is not the case for your cat's safety.

Take into account the usual volume of food your cat needs.

It's

a typical mistake many cat owners make: forgetting to estimate how much food their cat needs. This precaution can help ensure that the mechanism does not jam.

Check the warranty.

It's a

good idea to carefully read and understand the warranty that comes with the product, as it may differ by brand. As a general rule, a cat food dispenser should have a warranty of at least one year.

Clean from time to time.

Old food pieces can stick to the inside of the vending machine and produce bad odors after a

while.

These bad smells can bother your pet and cause it to avoid its food bowl.

FAQ

What is the best automatic kibble dispenser to choose?

The best automatic kibble dispenser depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

What is a kibble machine and how does it work?

This is a device that, once set up, can give your pet their food automatically, without you having to intervene in person. There are different types of automatic feeders, for example, you can buy a hinged lid feeder that will run on a timer and hold portions of kibble for your pet. Other dispensers with timers will run on an electronic hopper that will dispense pre-programmed amounts at set times to ensure your pet gets exactly what they need at the exact time they need it.

Can I use canned food in a vending machine?

This is generally not advisable, as the food can go bad very quickly, which can make your pet sick. However, if you keep the feeder in a cool place and plan to put only one meal in it, it may be fine. But you should only use a feeder with covered compartments, as opposed to a tank-type system.

How to calculate the portions?

The best way is to talk to your veterinarian and then use a measuring cup or scale to make sure you are giving your pet the exact amount suggested by the veterinarian.

How do I train my dog or cat to use a vending machine?

Usually, showing your pet where his bowl is full is enough to get him used to a new bowl or vending machine. However, if your pet is a little afraid of the machine, you can assist him at each meal while he gets used to it.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , 60millions-mag.com
  2. , lesnumeriques.com
  3. , bestreviews.com
  4. , thewirecutter.com
  5. , thepurringtonpost.com
  6. , thesprucepets.com
  7. , caninejournal.com–
  8. , petsafe.net
  9. , petobesityprevention.org
  10. , Amazon.co.uk
  11. , amazon.co.uk
  12. , croquetteland.com
  13. , lemeilleuravis.com
  14. , airchienetchat.com
  15. , amazon.co.uk
  16. , comparateur.leparisien.fr
  17. , manomano.fr
  18. , zoomalia.com
  19. , cdiscount.com
  20. , lemonde.fr
  21. , petsshopping.fr
  22. , auberdog.com
  23. , polytrans.fr
  24. , truffaut.com
  25. , zoomalia.com
  26. , m.leparisien.fr
  27. , univers-chat.com
  28. , lacompagniedesanimaux.com
  29. , dogsplanet.com
  30. , polytrans.fr
  31. , vetostore.com
  32. , guide-achat.lefigaro.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Amazon Basics 9.46 L Automatic Kibble Dispenser 9
Amazon Basics 9.46 L Automatic Kibble Dispenser
Amazon Basics 11019 10
Amazon Basics 11019
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder 11
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder
PetSafe Simply Feed 5.6 L 12
PetSafe Simply Feed 5.6 L

Lecteurs

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