Have you considered getting an automatic dog feeder so that you don’t have to worry so much about feeding your dog on time? Or perhaps you’d like them to stop pestering you so much about food? This can be the right choice for some, but plain ole dog bowls also have their uses!
In this article, we’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks to each option to help you decide which type of feeder is best for your dog.
What are Automatic Dog Feeders?
Automatic dog feeders are feeding bowls that store and automatically dispense food for your dog. Most automatic kibble feeders measure your dog’s food for you to ensure they get the same amount every day.
However, some of them, especially those made for canned food, have bowls which you place food into yourself. These feeders often contain ice packs to keep the food fresh, and the dishes remain covered until your dog is automatically given access at feeding times.
Are Automatic Feeders a Good Idea?
Automatic feeders can be a good idea depending on your preferences and lifestyle. However, they’re not for everybody. Here are some advantages to using an automatic feeder over a regular dog bowl:
Feed Your Dog On Time, Every Time
Do you struggle to feed your dog on a consistent routine? I know that I can sometimes get carried away doing something else and forget the time until my pets remind me. If your pet is quiet, they might end up eating later than you planned.
Other people struggle to feed their dog on time each day because they have other responsibilities, such as work or errands. With an automatic feeder, your dog knows exactly when to expect their next meal, even if you’re occupied with other things.
Reduce Begging
If your dog begging for food bothers you, or they tend to wake you up in the mornings asking for an early breakfast, using an automatic feeder can help. Dogs learn to associate the feeder with food and will typically wait near it at meal times instead of pestering you.
Feed Consistent Meals
Automatic feeders can also make meals more consistent because they dispense the same amount of food each time. You can also do this using a measuring cup, but some people struggle not to overfeed their dog when they’re feeding them directly.
Feed Your Dog More Often
Is your dog underweight? Do they prefer several small meals throughout the day to a couple of larger ones? They might benefit from an automatic feeder, as it can feed them even when you’re away from home or busy doing other things. It also won’t forget to feed them!
Some people leave a full bowl of food for their pets to munch on throughout the day, but this comes with a few problems. The food can go stale if left out for too long or, on the other hand, your pup may scarf it down all at once and make themselves sick! Lastly, you won’t be able to monitor their food intake as easily.
It’s important to know exactly how much your dog is eating each day so that you know if their eating habits change. Eating significantly more or less than usual can be a sign of health issues or stress.
Some Feeders Come With Water Bowls
For double the convenience, you can purchase a feeder with an attached water bowl and automate both! This can save time, especially if you have multiple dogs to feed and water.
Can Work With Wet or Dry Food
There are automatic feeders on the market for both canned food and kibble. No matter what you feed your dog, you can keep their food fresh and well-portioned.
What are the Disadvantages of Automatic Feeders?
While automatic feeders can be a real life saver, they can also cause some issues, especially in certain homes. Here are some disadvantages to consider before buying:
Tech Issues
If your dog’s feeder has technical issues, your dog may end up waiting for their meal–especially when you’re not home. And if you’re not home, you might not notice that your dog hasn’t eaten!
Even feeders that work well should be monitored closely to ensure that they’re continuing to dispense food as they should.
Multiple Pets
If you have multiple pets in the home, automatic feeders can sometimes be a bad idea. If you aren’t around to monitor them, one dog might eat the other’s food. One dog may become overweight while the other goes hungry! In addition, it can be more difficult to know how much each dog is eating.
One solution to this is to use a microchip feeder, which only opens when it detects a certain dog’s microchip. However, some dogs learn to outsmart these devices! I’ve personally seen mixed reviews when it comes to their functionality, and haven’t yet tried one myself.
Lack of Direct Interaction
Interacting directly with your dog during feeding time can bring you both joy and strengthen your bond. It can also help you to notice if your dog develops health problems, as often a change in appetite is one of the first symptoms.
Pros and Cons of Regular Dog Bowls
Pros of Regular Dog Bowls
Sometimes, simple is best. Here are some benefits to dog bowls:
- Direct interaction at meal time, strengthening your bond and allowing you to monitor when and how they eat.
- Feeding your dog what you want, when you want–and being able to switch things up as needed. This is especially helpful when your dog is fussy, underweight, or sick.
- No risk of technological issues that may prevent your dog from getting their food.
- The ability to keep dogs enclosed in separate rooms as they eat, so that they don’t get into each other’s meals.
Cons of Regular Food Bowls
The downsides of regular food bowls include:
- Human error can cause your dog’s food to be late, or you may feed different amounts of food each time.
- It can be difficult to stick to a consistent routine if you’re busy, and dogs do best on a feeding schedule.
- Your dog is more likely to beg between meals or as you prepare their food.
Final Thoughts
Since every human and dog is different, automatic food feeders will be best for some lifestyles and manual feeding will work better for others. I hope this article has helped you to decide which one will work best for you and your dog!