What to look for
- Battery backup keeps meals coming during a power or Wi-Fi outage.
- Check kibble size: very large or oddly shaped kibble jams some dispensers.
- Wet food needs a tray-style feeder; hoppers handle dry food only.
- Easy-clean bowls and hoppers matter, since oils from kibble go stale.
How much to spend
Typical prices run from £49 to £209. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys app-scheduled meals with battery backup. Only pay for features you will use.
Who should skip what
- Skip the PETLIBRO Granary Smart Pet Feeder if you feed wet food or need to keep one pet out of another’s bowl
- Skip the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect if you just want timed meals for one pet; a scheduled feeder costs far less
- Skip the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder if you want app control or a big kibble hopper
- Skip the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder if you want the best value; owner reports of app and connection hiccups and a higher price make cheaper feeders a better buy
Buying tips
Run a feeder for a week while you are home before relying on it for a trip. Prime Day and Black Friday often bring the best prices, and Amazon’s return window gives time to check for jams with your kibble.
Our picks
See all our best automatic pet feeders in the uk for more options.
Recommended products
Best overallPETLIBRO · Automatic pet feeders
PETLIBRO Granary Smart Pet Feeder
Reliable app schedules and battery backup.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Most cats and small dogs
- Typical price
- £59–£79
Pros
- Simple app scheduling
- Battery backup keeps meals going in outages
Cons
- Dry food only
Best for wet foodCat Mate · Automatic pet feeders
Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder
Five timed trays with ice packs.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Wet food on a timer
- Typical price
- £49–£69
Pros
- Handles wet food
- Ice packs keep meals cool box
Cons
- Only five meals per fill
Best for multi-pet homesSureFeed · Automatic pet feeders
SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect
Opens only for the right pet.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Multi-pet homes and special diets
- Typical price
- £169–£209
Pros
- Opens only for registered microchips or tags
- Works with wet or dry food
Cons
- Does not dispense portions on a schedule
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my cat alone for a weekend with an automatic feeder?
Many owners do for a night or two, with a fountain and clean litter. For longer trips, have someone check in daily in case of jams or illness.
Do automatic feeders work with wet food?
Only tray-style feeders like the Cat Mate C500. Hopper feeders are for dry kibble.
Will a feeder help my pet lose weight?
It can help with consistent portions. Ask your vet for a daily calorie target first.