easy diy dog food dispenser
Arduino Controled Dog Food/treat Dispenser
Connect the Arduino to your computer via USB ( if you don't know how or are not sure as to how to do this see http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage )Download and open the Arduino IDE from http://arduino.cc/en/Main/SoftwareCopy and paste the code below: //BEGINNING OF CODE//Author: Shane Halse//Email: [email protected]//Date: 02/11/2011#define fill 155 //the position in degrees to fill the hopper#define empty 20 //the position in degrees to empty the hopper#define potPin A0 //this is the pin (must be analog) that the middle of the potentiometer is connected to#include <Servo.h> //this is a library used to control a servo (for more information see www.arduino.cc for more info)//variablesServo mainServo; //declare the main servoint trigger = 0; //this is used to switch between fill and emptyint potIn = 0; //this is the data read from pin A0 (the potPin)int count = 1; //used as a time mulipliervoid setup(){//basic setupmainServo.attach(3); //tell arduino which pin the servo is on (the white wire from the servo)//set the pin modespinMode(4, OUTPUT); //used to output 5V or High to the potentiometerpinMode(10, OUTPUT); //used for the ledpinMode(11, OUTPUT); //used for the leddigitalWrite(4, HIGH); //set pin 4 highdigitalWrite(10, LOW); //set pin 10 low}void loop(){potIn = analogRead(potPin); //read the position the potentiometer is at//if the trigger value is 0 fill the hopperif(!trigger){mainServo.write(fill);//move servo to fill position//this is used to setup the delay//count = 171 //uncomment this to set the max delay to 3 hours//the delay below is calculated using potin (which can be 0-1024) as delayinseconds ~= 0 - 64 secondsfor(;count>=0;count--){for(;potIn>0;potIn=potIn-20){//this is to make the LED flash every 100+potIn milisecondsdigitalWrite(11,HIGH); //set led to ondelay(100+potIn);digitalWrite(11,LOW); //set led to offdelay(100+potIn);}}count = 1;trigger = 1; //change trigger to 1 to setup emptydigitalWrite(11,LOW); //set led off}else if(trigger){mainServo.write(empty); //set the servo to empty positiondelay(1000); //delay while servo sets positiontrigger = 0; //change trigger to 0 to setup fill}}//END OF CODEConnect the Arduino to your computerclick the compile buttonUpload the compiled code to the board and it should start working automaticallyYou can then mount the unit to the wall, place a bowl under the unit and let the fun ensue!*NOTES* - If you want you can add some sort of button your dog presses to get a treat rather than waiting and you will have just made the famous Skinner box!
DIY Treat Dispenser
Looking for a way to keep your pup busy for a little while? This DIY treat dispenser may be the perfect puzzle for your dog!
This post is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Tractor Supply Company, but Daily Dog Tag only shares information relevant to our readers. Tractor Supply Company is not responsible for the content of this article. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, the Daily Dog Tag will earn a small fee.
As part of the celebration Tractor Supply Company Pet Appreciation Week, they asked me to come up with a DIY project that can be used to help rescues. After lots of brainstorming, I went with my first instinct: an interactive toy to help enrich pets lives. I thought this would be perfect for a dog in a shelter! Alice G Patterson helped me build and photograph thiseasy and inexpensiveDIYtreat dispenserin her lovely home. If you are looking for a simpler project, check out the easiest treat jars ever.
My shopping list for this project is very simple: chicken nesting box, PVC pipe, and end caps. The cost was $14 per treat dispenser.
Supplies
- Chicken Nesting Box
- 1/2 PVC pipe
- 2 PVC 1/2 end caps
- Drill
- saw (to cut pipe)
- plastic bottle (we used 2-liter bottles)
- ruler/tape measure
- pen
- hammer
- scissors or utility knife
- optional supplies:
- spray paint, painters tape, clamp, scrap wood
Instructions
Cut the length of pipe to 12 inches (it should extend past the box on both sides).
Mark nest box for drilling. We marked our center for the drill bit at 1.5 inches from the side of the box and 2 inches from the top. (To prevent the box from splitting, clamp a scrap piece of wood underneath the part you are drilling.) IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOU ARE GOING TO PAINT THE PIPE, USE A 3/4 DRILL BIT. If you are going to leave it unpainted, we recommend a 5/8 drill bit to keep the pipe snug.
After drilling holes, determine if you need to remove any crosspieces that would prevent the bottles from spinning. Remove any stray nails with vice grips.
Using scissors, I poked a hole in the bottle approximately 4 inches from the top. Next, I then cut a hole slightly larger than 5/8 inch in diameter.
I wanted to make this project something that I would also feel comfortable having in my own home, so I took inspiration from these DIY painted framesand decided to glam it up a bit.
We spray-painted the PVC pipes and end caps.
We used painters tape and spray paint to add a decorative touch.
Assembly is easy: Insert pipe partially through one side, thread the bottles on the pipe, position the pipe, and snap the end caps in place. You can glue one or use a small screw to secure the cap onto the pipe. However, ours stay snug without gluing.
Lulu was excited when she first saw the feeder, but at 14 years old, she couldnt figure it out right away.
She was a sad pug and probably hates new technology. Since we didnt have time to teach an old dog a new trick, I brought in Theo.
He figured it out in a few minutes.
I considered painting the inside of the box but decided that it would get a lot of wear and tear and quickly become more of an eyesore.
A dog that really likes to chew should not be left unsupervised with this toy. If using this with a stronger dog, you should screw it onto a larger piece of plywood or some wood blocks to add weight and stability. We found that adjusting the bar height to 7 inches from the bottom and using a water bottle worked well for smaller dogs. I also discovered that my cat can use the treat dispenser with 2-liter bottles!
In addition to having tractor supplies, Tractor Supply Company has a large assortment of pet products: premium brand food, toys, collars, tick and flea preventative, crates, beds, collars, leashes, etc. The employees are friendly and care about animals and their community. If you dont live near a Tractor Supply Company, you can also order from them online. Check outTractor Supply Co.on Pinterestfor all kinds of inspiration!
About Alice G Patterson Photography: Located in Syracuse, New York, Alice specializes in dog portraits as well as photography for small businesses.
Best Dog Food Dispenser for 2024: Juggling Work and Home Commitments Made Easy
Dogs love to eat. Mealtime is their favorite time of the day, and as pet owners, we know this by heart. Its such a joy indeed to see our canine companions wiggle their tails out of excitement each time they hear the sound of kibbles dropping on their food bowl.
But, what if, you slept longer than usual due to your busy schedule? Your poor dog would have to wait for you to wake up before he can eat his breakfast. Good thing, the best dog food dispenser is here. No matter how busy you are, your pup will always be fed on time.
However, just like every pet product in the market, not all food dispensers are created equally. And for someone as busy as you, were sure, you dont want to spend a lot of time researching the best automatic food dispenser out there.
Also, you would not want to purchase an auto dog feeder only to find out after a few weeks that it failed to do its function as expected, which leads to your dog not having a regular feeding schedule.
Dont worry because thats exactly why weve made this list so, it will be easier for you to choose the best automatic pet feeder for your dog.
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Is an Automatic Dog Food Dispenser Good for Your Dog?
Yes, they are. Automatic pet feeders help dogs to eat at their regular feeding times every day. This gives them the feeling that they are safe and well taken care of.
It also helps ease separation from you while you are at work. An automatic feeder can ensure that your dog's feeding schedule is followed, which can then, help reduce his chances of being overweight since the feeder only dispenses a certain amount of food every mealtime.
Most dogs eat twice daily but sometimes a dog can have a medical problem or special dietary needs. And not having a regular feeding schedule can have negative effects on their health. Also, a dog who eats on a schedule poops on a schedule, which means you are less likely to go home to an accident.
Having a regular feeding schedule, which is made possible with an automatic pet feeder, also helps you notice if something is wrong with your canine buddy. After all, loss of appetite is one of the most common and earliest signs that a dog is sick.
Benefits of an Automatic Dog Feeder
While its true that nothing could replace the bond between you and your pet during mealtime, its also true that there are times when we cant feed our pups on time because of our hectic schedules. Its also because of this that some pet parents would simply free-feed their pets to ensure that they always have access to food whenever they want to eat.
However, allowing your pet to eat as much food as he wants whenever he feels like munching on his kibbles isnt really healthy. And it can predispose your dog to obesity and other weight-related issues.
Thats why, using an automatic dog feeder is of great help, especially for busy pet owners with dogs who need to eat on time because of their health issues. Here are more benefits of using a meal automatic pet feeder:
- Its convenient to use. You only need to refill it every few days. This saves you time and energy.
- Help your dog maintain a healthy weight because it can give your dog pre-portioned meals on a regular schedule. This is way healthier than allowing your dog to graze on his food bowl and eat all he wants throughout the day.
- Can feed your pup pre-portioned meals during his pre-programmed feeding times daily. You can choose a food container that can release up to six meals a day.
- Dispenses food in small, spaced-out portions, which is especially helpful for dogs that eat too fast. With the feeders portion control and programmed feeding time options, dogs can eat slowly thereby helping with their digestive health and weight management. There are also automatic feeders with a slow feed mode.
- If you are not a morning person, you can also set your smart feeder before you go to bed so that you wont have to wake up early in the morning to feed your dog. Your smart dog feeder will release food as scheduled so that your pet automatically gets to chow on his tasty kibbles and you can keep hitting snooze.
- Can also work with cats. And these helpful partners can also dispense food following your dogs feeding schedule while you are at work, running errands outside of the house, or away on a short vacation. You can also look for automatic feeders that are suitable for canned food or semi-wet food.
best dog food dispensers
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
#1 Pick  | WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder
| Check Price on Amazon |
Petlibro Automatic Feeder
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
PetSafe Eatwell Automatic Feeder
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Westlink Automatic Pet Feeder
| Check Price on Amazon | |
HoneyGuaridan 7L Automatic Pet Feeder for Two
| Check Price on Amazon | |
PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Petlibro Granary Automatic Feeder
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Automatic Feeder
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
- Wopet Automatic Pet Feeder
- Petlibro Automatic Feeder
- PetSafe Eatwell Automatic Feeder
- Westlink Automatic Pet Feeder
- HoneyGuaridan 7L Automatic Pet Feeder for Two
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed
- Petlibro Granary Automatic Feeder
- Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Automatic Feeder
1. WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder with Camera
Rating: 4.9/5
If you are looking for an automatic food dispenser with Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone controls, WoPet SmartFeeder is a great option.
It has a large storage container that can store up to 29 cups of kibble, and release food for up to 6 meals per day. And you can set how much food your dog can eat each meal from 1 to 20 portions of dry food or 5 to 100 grams of dry dog food depending on your dogs needs.
Aside from customizing a healthy diet and setting up a regular feeding schedule for your canine companion, this smart feeder also allows you to record 10-second voice messages that can also serve as calls for your dog during mealtime.
Whats more, it also has an HD camera with a connected smartphone application that lets you see, talk, and play with your pet while you are away. You can also set manual feeding just in case you want to give your dog extra food or snack anytime.
Best of all, it also features a dual power supply to ensure that your dog eats on time all the time even if there is a power outage.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Large capacity: 7 liter/29 cups
- Dual power supply
- Relatively easy to program
- Compatible with iPhone and Android phones
- Feeds up to six meals per day, and up to 20 portions each meal
- HD camera and recordable voice message (voice and video recording)
Cons
- Requires small-size kibbles
- Camera has no night vision
- Operates via phone app only
- Some users reported connectivity issues
2. Petlibro Automatic Feeder
Rating: 4.8/5
With its remarkable features and significant price difference from many high-end feeders in the market, its not surprising why PetLibro Automatic Pet Feeder is a hit among dog and cat owners worldwide.
This easy-to-use dog feeder can hold up to 4 liters or 16.9 cups of dry dog food, which means that it can hold enough amount of food to keep your dog fed for a couple of days without refilling the containers. Whats more, it also has a desiccant bag, which helps in keeping food fresh to encourage even the pickiest eaters to eat every mealtime.
Like other automatic dispensers, this reliable food feeder releases up to four meals per day, and up to 9 portions each meal depending on your pets nutritional needs. It also has an LCD display screen that allows easy set-up of your dogs feeding schedules and portion size for each meal. And you can simply press the FEED button in case you want to give your pet extra food any time of the day.
Another exciting feature is its voice recorder, which allows you to stay connected with your canine buddy by making a 10s voice message that can serve as a meal-time message.
Also, both the food tray and deep food bowl are removable, which makes cleaning way easier. Plus, it features a secure lid to prevent your smart dog from feasting on unscheduled meals. And it also has a dual-power supply to help keep your pet fed even during power outages.
Pros
- Easy-to-clean
- Easy-to-use and maintain
- LCD screen for easy set-up
- Removable tank and tray
- Desiccant bag to keep food fresh
- Available in 4L and 6L storage capacity
Cons
- Some experienced dispensing issues
- Difficulties in setting up feeding schedules
- Pets may find ways to get the food out of the container
3. PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
Rating: 4.7
Are you more comfortable using a low-tech feeder for your pet than techier options? If so, PetSafe EatWell Automatic Feeder is for you. Plus, its also the most affordable automatic food dispenser on this list, and it can also store semi-moist food just in case your dog is on a mixed diet of dry and wet foods.
This feeder has five separate compartments that dispense meals, snacks, and even medications. Simply set the timer, fill each compartment, and when its time for your dogs next meal,
PetSafe EatWell Feeder will release a perfectly portioned food to your dog. And because it can only deliver one cup of food each meal, this feeder is great for small to medium-sized dogs, as well as for dogs who need to eat smaller meals to help with digestion and weight management.
Whats more, the feeders removable tray is made from BPA-free plastic that is dishwasher safe for quick and hassle-free clean-up.
Pros
- Affordable
- BPA-free plastic, dishwasher-safe food trays
- Compatible with dry and wet food, and works well in giving medications as scheduled
- Five compartments that can dispense 1 cup of food each meal, but can schedule two meals in a row if 1 cup is not enough
Cons
- Some pets and owners may find it noisy
- Battery-operated only; and no low battery indicator
4. WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
Rating: 4.6/5
Westlink 6L Automatic Pet Feeder may be on the expensive side of the spectrum, but we feel that you are getting your moneys worth with its durability, energy efficiency, ease of usage, and other notable features. This automatic dispenser can hold 6 liters of dry food and can release up to four meals a day following your specifications.
With this feeder, you can feed your dog anytime while you are away anywhere between 1-39 portions each meal, with each portion ranging from about 10-12 grams.
And you dont have to worry about food locking, spilling, and overfeeding because it has infrared sensors that can detect when there is still food in the bowl. To ensure that kibbles wont be stuck going out, make sure that the food size doesnt exceed 1 centimeter in diameter.
You can also record a 10-second meal time message to call your dog and encourage him to eat. The feeder operates on D batteries or USB power, and it has an LCD display with all the controls right in front of you for easy set-up.
Pros
- LCD display
- Infrared sensor
- Portion control
- Battery or USB power
- Uses very little energy
- Voice recorder and speaker
- Stores 6L of dry food at a time and dispenses up to four meals a day
Cons
- Expensive
- Holds only small kibbles
- Can only feed one dog at a time
5. HoneyGuaridan 7L Automatic Pet Feeder for Two
Rating: 4.5/5
Feeding multiple dogs with just a single food dispenser can be problematic. Good thing, HoneyGuaridan Automatic Feeder is here to meet the needs of multi-pet homes. The large tank and two food bowls that come with this automatic food dispenser make it easy to feed two dogs at a time.
Simply use the LCD screen to set up your dogs feeding schedule, and they can automatically enjoy up to 6 meals per day while you are away.
Whats more, the transparent storage makes it easier for you to monitor when its time to refill, and it is also removable for easy cleaning along with its two stainless steel bowls.
Additionally, this feeder features an infrared detection function to prevent food from spilling and being stuck in the hole. It also has a pet-proof dispenser outlet design, a user-friendly control panel, a dual-power system, and a secured lid that keeps your dogs food fresh all the time.
Best of all, you can record a 10-second voice message that can be played during mealtime to invite your dogs to eat.
Pros
- Dual-power system
- LED alerts you when food is low
- Detachable bowls for easy cleaning
- Optional splitting system to fill two food bowls at once
- Dispenses kibbles that are up to 2 centimeters in diameter
- Large capacity and can release up to six meals per day
- Infrared sensors to prevent overfeeding your pets and prevent kibbles from getting stuck in the hole
Cons
- Limited capacity of the hopper
- Uses metric measurements so setting up may be challenging
6. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Feeder
Rating: 4.5/5
PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder features versatile programming and reliable function that can dispense up to 12 meals per day, in quantities ranging from 1/8 cup to 4 cups.
Its slow feeding option also works wonders for fast-eaters to prevent choking and bloating, and to help in controlling the amount of food that they consume every meal.
Best of all, the feeder is made of BPA-free transparent plastic and it comes with a stainless bowl that is easy to clean, safer, and more durable option for pets.
Pros
- Easy-to-clean
- BPA-free plastic
- Pet proof canister
- With slow feed and portion control options
- Schedule up to 12 meals per day for your pet
- Can store up to 24 cups of dry food or semi-moist kibble
Cons
- Prone to jamming
- Only runs on batteries
- Programming may be challenging
- Steel bowl may be too small for large dogs
7. Petlibro Granary Automatic Feeder
Rating: 4.4
Feed your beloved pet dog as scheduled no matter where you are with PetLibro Granary Automatic Pet Feeder with Triple Preservation.
This food dispenser is designed to keep your pet from getting food inside with its patented rotor and secure twist-lock lid. It also comes with a built-in desiccant bag and sealing strip to ensure that your dog eats nothing but fresh food with every meal.
PetLibro timed dog feeder can dispense 1 to 6 meals per day and up to 50 portions each meal. Simply use the LED panel to set up your dogs feeding schedule, and go out and about with your errands without worrying whether your pup is fed on time or not.
The feeder is also BPA-free and easy to clean, and it features a recordable voice message that you can use as a meal call for your canine companion.
Whats more, it comes with a dual-power system to make sure that your dog gets to eat his meals even during power outages. And it also features a built-in infrared sensor that stops the feeder when it detects an obstruction.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Dual power supply
- Personalized meal call
- Secure twist-lock storage
- BPA-free and easy to clean
- Sealed storage helps prevent pests, bacteria, and mold
- Ensures freshness in every bite with its triple preservation system
Cons
- Issues with portion control
- Prone to clogging
8. Cat Mate Automatic Digital Feeder for Small Dogs and Puppies
Rating: 4.2
If you are not a fan of feeders with a lot of bells and whistles, and you simply want a reliable food dispenser that can release dry or wet food for your canine buddy as scheduled, then, Cat Mate Automatic Digital Feeder is the one for you.
This automatic feeder features five meal compartments that are great for small dogs or multiple cats. It also includes twin ice packs to keep food fresh all the time.
And it has a dishwasher-safe lid and bowl for easy cleaning. This feeder lets you control when your dog eats and how much dry or wet food he consumes with every meal.
Pros
- BPA-free
- Easy to set up and easy to clean
- Comes with two ice packs to keep food fresh
- Features five meal compartments for dry and wet food
Cons
- Only works with batteries
- May not keep wet food fresh if you intend to leave it for several days
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Automatic Dog Feeder?
Without a doubt, automatic feeders are of great help in ensuring that our pets are always fed on time with their required portions per meal even if we are not at home.
And even if they are alone in their room while you are at work or asleep, and just relying on the feeders for their scheduled meals.
But what are the features that you should look for when buying an automatic dog food dispenser? Although most feeders work relatively the same way, below are a few key features that you can look into:
Ease of Use
One of the reasons why pet parents buy an automatic feeder is to make their lives easier. So, if the chosen food dispenser is difficult to set up and navigate, hard to clean, or is not user-friendly, then, it would not serve its primary purpose from the very start.
Some automatic feeders have a lot of buttons and features that can somewhat be intimidating. Nonetheless, its also worth noting that some pet parents dont mind these extra features at all. So, at the end of the day, it also boils down to one's preferences.
Programming Options
There are many ways of programming a feeder, such as using the display from the feeder directly, and using tablets, while other products are more modern and allow users to access apps from their smartphones.
In any case, you need a very simple program that will make preparing food easier for your dog. Specifically, its best to look for a feeder that can dispense multiple meals each day with adjustable portion sizes.
Then again, it should be easy to do so you can avoid losing programs you created when it turns off the power. Hence, its ideal to buy an electronic automatic feeder with internal memory.
Food Reservoir
The larger the reservoir, the larger amount of food you can store, and the lesser refilling it will need each week. Obviously, this varies depending on the amount of food a pet is given. The reservoir must also be cleaned periodically, so, it is better if it is detachable and can be submerged in water to make the cleaning easier and more efficient.
Sensors
Sensors give pet owners more security in knowing their dogs are not overfed or the dry food or wet food would not overfill the bowl. A good sensor prevents food from being delivered if there is still leftover from the previous feeding time.
Price
Electronic feeders are expensive and there are some that are pricier than others. The cost of a feeder determines how many feeders, as well as what type of food dispenser you can buy for your pets at home. When you are eyeing automatic pet feeders with more features or bells and whistles, then, expect to pay more.
Types of Compatible Food
Most feeders are only compatible with dry food, so, considering your dogs diet can be a deciding factor for you. If your pup is on a mixed dry and wet food diet, then, it is just right for you to stick with an automatic feeder that is compatible with both types of food.
Additional Features to Consider
Some extra features that can help with your decision-making are speakers, a camera, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a tight-locking system.
Conclusion
With the help of automatic pet feeders, pet owners these days no longer have to worry about their dogs not being fed while they are at work, or on a short trip. However, with the overwhelming options in the market, it can be challenging to pick the best dog food dispenser where you can entrust your dogs health for up to a couple of days while you are away.
This list only features 8 of the best options in the market today, and even if youve made up your mind about what to buy, we recommend that you test the product first for a couple of days before leaving it to do the crucial task of feeding your pet.
Having said this, if you intend to go on a short trip, its best to leave some food bowls packed with kibbles hidden somewhere to ensure that your beloved dog wont starve in case his automatic feeder runs into some issues. Hence, it is also great to have a feeder with a camera that lets you see your dog in real-time.
