Rating of automatic feeders for cats and dogs

Types of car feeders for cats and dogs

There are 3 main types of automatic feeders, with their "pros" and "cons". There is no universal one suitable for all occasions, so you need to carefully understand the purpose of each type and choose the optimal one for your situation.

1. Segmented (round for wet and dry feed)

Segment-type car feeders usually use a round container divided by compartments into separate feeding trays. Such a car feeder can be used for any type of feed – dry, wet or natural. But at the same time, the number of feedings without refueling is limited by the number of compartments, so segment auto-feeders are most often used in the absence of the owner during the day and for feeding the animal at night.

2. With a hinged lid

Car feeders with a hinged lid can also be used for both dry and wet feed. But the main disadvantage of such a feeder is the possibility of 1 feeding (or 2 for certain types of feeders).

3. Tank with dispenser

The dispenser tank is a very popular model of automatic feeders for cats and dogs. With the help of automation, dry food is fed from a large tank into a tray. In this case, the accuracy of portions is measured by a dispenser. It is possible to replenish such a feeder quite rarely. But car feeders with a dispenser also have disadvantages – using only dry feed and possible blocking of the device when the feed is stuck together.

10 most important criteria for choosing a car feeder

Having dealt with the types of automatic feeders, we proceed to an overview of the parameters by which it is worth making your choice.

1. Ease of opening the pet feeder.

This is one of the most important criteria, because if a pet finds a way to open the car feeder and get all the food at once, then the meaning of the car feeder disappears, and it turns into an attraction "hack me and eat a lot of food". Accordingly, monetary costs (sometimes substantial) are wasted.

Everything is in use: picking off the lid, turning the autocorrect, scrolling the rotation mechanism – dispensers, dispensing containers, etc .

An example of an unsuccessful autocorrect design:

2. Button lock (when the desired button is pressed, rotation occurs).

This paragraph complements the previous one. The pet can determine the button, after pressing which the mechanism rotates. This is due to the lack of a button and screen blocker.

Also, if there is no button blocker on the device, then the animal can knock down the current settings or turn off the device altogether.

3. Power sources.

The autocormer can have various power sources.

• Power adapter. Power from an outlet is economical, but not mobile. It should also be noted that in the event of a power outage in the house and power surges, the car feeder will turn off, and the settings may go wrong.
• Batteries. Most often they are not included in the package, so when buying, you need to take into account the cost of buying new batteries. In car feeders, type D batteries are most often used, the cost of one set can reach up to 1000-1500 rubles. And periodically you will need to buy new ones.
• Battery. A rechargeable built–in battery is a very convenient element, since it allows you not to spend money on batteries and at the same time have an independent power source from the network.

For reliable operation, it is better to choose devices that have multiple power sources.

The best option is a combination of "Power adapter + Battery". With this combination, if the electricity in the house goes out, the battery will come to the rescue, ensuring the smooth operation of the device.

Also a good option is "Power Adapter + Batteries". Sufficient reliability, with the only drawback – the need for periodic purchase of batteries.

4. Reliability of the mechanism, automation and software.

Pay attention to the reliability of mechanisms and automation. Any failure means that the animal will be left without food. No manufacturer is immune from breakdowns, so know the main rule of using an automatic feeder: human control.

ATTENTION: do not leave your pet for a long time (more than 2 days) without control. Any breakdown, power outage or dead batteries in case of use for more than two days without any supervision can lead to the death of the animal!

WHAT TO DO: it is necessary to visit pets at least once every few days. Of course, an automatic feeder makes life easier, but it will never completely replace a person.

USEFUL TIP: you can install a video camera (or several) to monitor the pet, then you will keep the situation under control.

Remember that everything brilliant is simple. The more complex the device (more functions and elements), the higher the probability of its failure.

5. Stuck feed.

This item complements the previous one, mostly refers to electric feeders with a tank and a dispenser.

The feed in the dispenser and tank may stick together due to humidity or the properties of the feed itself. Pay attention to the choice of feed for an automatic feeder, test it before leaving the animal alone for a long time.

Automatic segment feeders and with an opening lid are devoid of this drawback, but their use is limited to 1-2 days without refueling.

6. Types of feed used.

When using feeders with a hinged lid or segment feeders, both dry and wet feed can be supplied. This is an absolute plus of such types of car feeders.

In car feeders with a tank and a dispenser, only dry food is used.

7. Tank volumes and portion sizes.

From the previous paragraph, it may seem that it is best to use segment feeders or feeders with a hinged lid, but not everything is so simple. In car feeders with a tank and a dispenser, it is possible to store a large supply of dry food without having to fill the device daily.

At the same time, the portion sizes in autocormers with a tank can be clearly adjusted without having to weigh before filling.

IMPORTANT: when choosing between types of car feeders, it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons of each type of car feeder, because there is no universal type suitable for all life situations.

8. Product quality and housing material.

Pay attention to the quality of the product, the plastic used and the components. Cheap car feeders break easily, their parts break off at the slightest drop. The pet itself can easily break them (see point 1).

9. Complex interface and programming.

For advanced users, this is not such an obvious point – they will be able to figure out any device, but for many people, programming an autocormer and a complex interface can become a real headache.

The operating instructions should be in Russian ONLY.

10. The location of the settings panels.

The settings panel should not be located on the bottom of the device or in other inconvenient places. If you can set up the autocormer only by turning it over, then this will seriously complicate your life. In this case, before each programming or changing the settings, you will need to pour out all the feed, make the necessary settings, and then fill the feed back in.

TOP 8 car feeders for cats and dogs

To facilitate the selection process, we have compiled our own rating based on the listed parameters. The summary table for all parameters will be at the end of the article, read to the end :)

1 place. Tenberg Yummy

Rating: 9.8

The Tenberg Yummy autocormer combines key qualities: it has reliable protection against opening, a dual power source (battery + adapter) and at the same time a low cost.

Pros:

• dual power supply (battery + adapter);
• reliable protection against opening (the lid is located in the recess and securely fixed);
• suitable for wet and dry feed;
• intelligent button lock;
• you can choose the color of the feeder (5 colors).

Cons:

• up to 5 feedings without refueling.

Expert comment: "The Tenberg Yummy autocorm is optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. It has a dual power supply, and with a battery (no need to spend extra money on batteries). The design provides protection against opening: fixing the lid in the recess, locking the buttons and anti-slip legs. "

Customer Feedback: "I liked the design of the feeder, it looks good in the kitchen! I chose a pink shade to match the color of the headset!))) Compared to conventional bowls, the autocormer looks big. A bit like a robot vacuum cleaner, but still cool, looks stylish!"

2 place. Petwant 4.3 L for dry food with video camera

Rating: 9.7

The Petwant autocormer has a video camera, works from the application and at the same time has a fairly roomy 4.3 l tank.

Pros:

• 1 MP video camera;
• application for work and integration with a smartphone;
• audio messages;
• dual power supply (battery + batteries).

Cons:

• high cost (from 14,000 rubles);
• Need to buy 3 size D batteries (not included);
• only for dry food.

Expert comment: "A good intelligent feeder. It works from the application, integrates with a smartphone, there is a video camera. It has two power sources, but you need to buy batteries separately. If there is an opportunity to buy such a feeder, then feel free to buy. "

Customer feedback: "It is convenient to feed the cat remotely and not worry about her condition during the trip, because you can always see what she is doing. There were no complaints during operation, in the absence of Wi-Fi, it works as usual. A convenient and practical thing."

3rd place. Tenberg Flunky

Rating: 9.6

The second car feeder from the popular brand Tenberg. A simple and reliable mechanism, a large feed tank and a wide range of portion sizes.

Pros:

• large tank of 6 liters;
• dual power supply (battery + batteries);
• two feed dispensers (step 5 g or 10 g), customizable portions from 5 to 390 g;
• easy programming.

Cons:

• Need to buy 3 size D batteries (not included);
• only for dry food.

Expert comment: "One of the best models of the class of car feeders with a tank and a dispenser. It has a large volume of a feed tank (6 liters), a dual power supply (but batteries are not included, they will have to be purchased). It is easy to set up and has two dispensers. "

Customer feedback: "This feeder allows you to give the cat a certain amount of food at a certain time of day. Each time, you can set up a different amount of food, for example, I give the cat more food for breakfast, but set a light lunch. You do not need to measure the feed by grams yourself, the feeder does it. It's very convenient for me, because sometimes I'm not at home all day. "

4 place. TRIXIE car feeder for two feedings TX2 600 ml

Rating: 9.1

One of the few models of car feeders of the type with a hinged lid. Quite popular and inexpensive.

Pros:

• suitable for wet and dry feed.

Cons:

• works only on batteries (not included in the package);
• designed for 2 feedings;
• cheap plastic;
• loud clockwork.

Expert comment: "Not a bad model, one of the few in its class (with a hinged lid). The low cost and easy setup made it quite popular among pet owners. "

Customer review: "Chinese plastic, batteries are difficult to install. The clockwork is very loud. "

5th place. SITITEK Pets Pro (4 feedings)

Rating: 8,9

Autocormer of the famous brand SITITEK with a 4-liter tank. Like all feeders with a tank and a dispenser, it is suitable only for dry food.

Pros:

• LED backlight (does not turn off);
• tank for 4 liters.

Cons:

• the only power source (adapter);
• for dry food only;
• reset settings after power outage;
• the buttons on the control panel are pressed hard.

Expert Comment: "In general, a normal car feeder model, has a beautiful design. Unfortunately, it has only one power source (adapter), respectively, in the event of a power outage in the house, the animal will be left without food. There is an LED backlight, but it does not turn off, which is not very convenient if the room should be completely dark. "

Customer review: "Works properly, even if there was a short surge of electricity. 4 feeding modes with a choice of serving size. But the choice is very limited! If you follow the norm per day by the weight of the animal, it may not suit you. There was a blackout for an hour, after turning on the feeder, the time was lost at 12:00, but she continued to feed according to the set program, just with a reference point at 12:00. "

6 place. Xiaomi Petkit Fresh Element Smart Automatic Feeder

Rating: 7.9

Petkit brand car feeder in the Xiaomi family with a dispenser and operation from the application. Intended only for dry food.

Pros:

• work from the app;
• 5.9 liter tank;
• steel bowl.

Cons:

• cost (from 18,000 rubles);
• need to buy batteries (not included);
• possible failures.

Expert Comment: "The case when the presence of a large number of functions and sensors greatly reduces the overall reliability of the device. Xiaomi Petkit Fresh Element uses almost everything: a Hall sensor, a strain gauge, a high-precision current sensor, an infrared sensor (10 different sensors in total), a mobile application. But, unfortunately, all this leads to private breakdowns: failures in portion sizes, application failures, etc."

Customer feedback: "The feeder itself decided that it would give out one portion instead of two at a time. We just left for a neighboring city for a day, we arrive – the cats are hungry. "

7 place. "Feed-Ex" for dry feed 2.5 l

Rating: 7.2

is a very popular model, one of the cheapest among automatic feeders with a tank and a dispenser. It is easy to configure, but has significant drawbacks.

Pros:

• low battery indicator;
• easy setup.

Cons:

• Powered only by 4 1.5V type "C" batteries (not included);
• a lot of money spent on frequent battery changes (from the 1st to the 3rd cost of the feeder itself per year);
• animals easily open the car feeder;
• frequent failures of settings, a lot of "glitches";
• frequent breakdowns of the mechanism;
• cheap plastic;
• small container for dry food (2.5 liters).

Expert comment: "A very popular cheap model with significant drawbacks. The first is the actual expenditure of money on the purchase of batteries or accumulators. The cost of using a car feeder will increase at least 2 times. The second is insufficient reliability, a large number of "glitches" and ease of opening for animals. "

Customer review: "I didn't notice any flaws until I left for two days. Upon arrival, three cats, distraught with hunger, were waiting for me. It turned out that the feed was smeared on the walls of the tank, from the outside it seemed that the feeder was about a third full, and a funnel formed inside and the mechanism did not throw anything into the tray. After that, I began to closely monitor the feeder. It turned out that she has a lot of glitches. It does not work well if the tank is less than half full of feed. Sometimes it triggers a vibration or a loud sound (for example, a sneeze), sometimes the rotary mechanism that gives out food jams, and the photo sensor is constantly buggy – today, for example, it was a very sunny day, and although direct sunlight did not fall on the feeder, the photo sensor glitched, and at 16 o'clock the feeder did not give out food."

8th place. "Feed-Ex" for 6 feedings

Rating: 6.4

A very popular feeder because of its price. The biggest disadvantage is the lid, which pets can learn to open in 2-3 days.

Pros:

• price (about 3000 rubles);
• suitable for wet and dry feed.

Cons:

• pets easily open the lid for one or two;
• flimsy plastic;
• Powered only by 4 1.5V type "C" batteries (not included);
• frequent configuration failures;
• short service life.

Expert Comment: "The feeder stands out among competitors with a low price, which does not pass without a trace. The main drawback of this design is an ill–conceived lid, which most pets open. The feeder works only on batteries, which will need to be purchased (not included) and spend extra money on it. But they will be enough for a sufficiently large amount of time, because the power consumption during operation is insignificant. "

Customer feedback: "I bought 2 feeders on February 24, 2018, blue and pink, one for each cat. The clock was constantly getting off, on Monday it opens simultaneously – by Sunday with a difference of 5 minutes. By September, one broke down, after clicking on start now, it was spinning without stopping (blue), ordered a green one. On February 20, the pink one also broke. The service life of the feeder is less than a year. The cats are saddened."

Summary table of parameters of autocormers

Надеемся, что данная статья была полезной и поможет сделать наилучший выбор для вашего питомца!