Automatic dog feeders: are they worth it?
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Smart feeders dispense dry food on a schedule and can be controlled from your phone. They're popular with cat owners, but they can suit dogs too — as long as your dog is the right size and eats dry food.
When a feeder makes sense
- You work long or irregular hours and want meals at fixed times.
- Your dog needs several small meals a day (common for small breeds or dogs prone to gulping).
- You want to measure portions precisely to manage weight.
When it doesn't
- Large and giant breeds: most feeders hold only a few days' food for a big dog.
- Wet or raw food: these feeders are designed for dry kibble.
- Determined dogs: a strong dog may knock over or chew a feeder — place it somewhere stable.
Before buying, check the maximum kibble size on the product page against your dog's food.
Options from Petlibro
Petlibro Granary 2
App-controlled feeder with scheduled or smart-refill feeding and food-level tracking. £139.99 on Petlibro UK.
See Granary 2Petlibro Granary 2 Vision
As above, plus an HD camera so you can see your dog at mealtimes; up to 10 meals a day. £229.99 on Petlibro UK.
See Granary 2 VisionPetlibro Dockstream 2 fountain
Cordless 3-litre water fountain with filtration and hydration tracking — useful for small dogs; big dogs may drink it dry quickly. £169.99 for the starter pack.
See Dockstream 2Prices from uk.petlibro.com, checked 26 September 2026.