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Picture this: it’s 5am, your alarm hasn’t gone off yet, but your cat is already at your bedside demanding breakfast with the persistence of someone who thinks they pay rent. Or perhaps you’re stuck in traffic after a long day, knowing your dog is at home staring at an empty bowl with those guilt-inducing puppy eyes. Sound familiar?
Automatic pet feeders have gone from being a luxury gadget to a must-have for busy pet parents across Australia. Whether you’re juggling irregular work hours, pets who inhale their food in seconds, or just trying to keep mealtimes consistent, these clever devices make life a lot easier – and give you peace of mind that goes beyond convenience.
This guide is designed to answer your key questions: Which features matter most? What type of feeder suits your pet’s diet and kibble size? How do you choose for multiple pets or smaller living spaces? We’ll also include insights from Aussie vets, our own experience, and reviews from happy shoppers to help you make a choice you can trust.
What to look for in an automatic pet feeder
Capacity and portion control
The heart of any good automatic feeder lies in its ability to store enough food while dispensing accurate portions. Most quality feeders hold between four to seven litres of dry kibble, sufficient for two to four weeks for an average cat, or one to two weeks for a medium dog.
Portion sizes typically range from 1/8 cup to several cups per serving. Look for feeders that allow precise portion control to match your pet’s dietary requirements and feeding schedule.
As Dr Katelyn Bailey BVSc (Hons) notes on Pet Circle: “Auto feeders promote and encourage a regular feeding routine, and help with portion control and weight loss.” This is especially important for cats, who are natural grazers and benefit from smaller, frequent meals.
Power source and backup options
Aussie households experience their share of power outages, making backup power crucial. The best automatic feeders offer multiple power options – mains electricity with battery backup, or dual power systems that seamlessly switch between sources.
Look for models with low-battery alerts and backup systems that can maintain feeding schedules for at least 24-48 hours.
Build quality and pet-safe materials
Durability matters, especially if you have enthusiastic eaters or curious pets who might investigate their new feeding station. Food-grade BPA-free plastic is standard, but stainless steel components around the food bowl area offer superior hygiene and longevity.
Anti-tip designs and secure locking mechanisms prevent clever pets from accessing the food reservoir between scheduled meals.
Smart features vs. simplicity
Modern automatic feeders range from simple timer-based models to smartphone-controlled devices with cameras, voice recording and feeding notifications. While smart features can be genuinely useful, especially remote feeding capabilities and monitoring, they also introduce potential failure points and ongoing connectivity requirements.
Best automatic pet feeders to shop in Australia 2025
01
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
$248.24 (usually $330.99), Pet Circle
BEST FOR: TECH-SAVVY PET PARENTS
Pros
- Wi-Fi and app control for convenience
- Works with Alexa for hands-free use
- Large 24-cup capacity means fewer refills
- Suitable for both dry and semi-moist food
- ‘Slow Feed’ mode helps prevent pets from eating too quickly
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Low-food and empty sensors send alerts to your phone
Cons
- Needs Wi-Fi (and only works on 2.4GHz)
- Not ideal for large breeds of dogs
- Relies on power – batteries are only a backup and not included
The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder connects to Wi-Fi, letting you schedule meals, monitor food levels and even dish out snacks straight from your phone. It’s also Alexa-enabled, so you can ask for a feed hands-free. With a generous 24-cup capacity and dishwasher-safe parts, it’s designed to make life easier for you and healthier for your furry friends.
“I’ve been using this smart feeder for more than a year now and it’s such a lifesaver,” shared a five-star reviewer on the Pet Circle website. “So easy to use. I can schedule food as well as release food anytime through my phone when I’m not home to feed my dog.”
Also available at:
02
Oakleigh Home 6L Automatic Video Pet Feeder
$159.99 (usually $337.99), Temple & Webster
BEST FOR: CHECKING IN ON PETS
Pros
- Full HD 1080p camera with night vision and 130° wide coverage
- Two-way audio and voice recorder for interaction
- Schedule up to 20 meals per day with 1-8 portions per meal
- Capture photos and videos of your pet in real time
- Dual power system (adapter + 3 x D batteries)
- Free-standing and easy to clean
- Manual feeding and flexible portion options
Cons
- Dry food only (less than 1.2cm)
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
- Battery mode doesn’t support video or app features
- App setup may be fiddly for less tech-savvy users
For busy pet owners, keeping mealtimes on track just got a whole lot easier. BHG‘s very own Head of Shopping, Sammy Preston, calls this feeder from Oakleigh Home a game-changer – so much so that she’s nicknamed it ‘Robot Mummy.’
“It’s a lifesaver if we’re away overnight or running late from work, but my favourite feature is the video view and photo record. I love being able to check in on our two cats (usually caught scratching the couch!) and even chat with them using the two-way audio. It definitely eases some of that cat-mum guilt. Best of all, it’s been super reliable, packed with all the bells and whistles, and surprisingly affordable.”
03
Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food 3-Meal Feeder
$119.34 at Amazon
BEST FOR: EASY CAT FEEDING
Pros
- Schedules up to 3 meals per day, with customisable portion sizes
- Large (3kg) hopper can feed a cat for up to a month
- Pet-proof lid and self-closing feed nozzle
- Runs on 4 C batteries with up to 12 months of life per set
- Dishwasher-safe bowl, lid, hopper and feed mechanism
- “Frequent feed” mode for pets with special dietary needs
Cons
- Battery-powered only (no Wi-Fi or app control)
- No video or audio monitoring features
- Dry food only
- Only suitable for cats and small dogs
- Basic design may feel less “high-tech” compared to newer feeders
Reliable, fuss-free, and surprisingly long-lasting, the Cat Mate C3000 is a classic in automatic cat feeders – with a 4.5-star rating from over 2000 Amazon reviewers, it clearly wins on both convenience and peace of mind.
Livia Gamble, BHG’s Senior Digital Content Producer, says she’s had hers for about 10 years and it’s never even needed a battery change. “My cat hasn’t figured out how to get into it. It’s seriously been worth every cent. We leave our cat at home when we go away for weekends and he feeds himself and has a water fountain.”
It can schedule up to three meals per day, dispense small or large portions, and it even allows on-demand or “frequent feed” modes for pets with specific dietary needs. With a secure snap-lock lid and dishwasher-safe parts, it’s built to keep food fresh and your cat (or small dog) out of mischief.
04
Sure Feed Microchip Pet Feeder
$164.99 (usually $219.99), Pet Circle
BEST FOR: MULTI-PET HOMES
Pros
- Microchip-activated, stops pets from stealing each other’s food
- Ideal for prescription diets and weight management
- Works with both wet and dry food
- Keeps food covered when not in use (stays fresher, deters insects)
- Easy to clean with removable bowls and mat
- Supports up to 32 microchip IDs (handy for multi-pet homes)
- Battery powered, so no concerns during power outages
- Comes with single and split bowl options
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t dispense food on a set schedule (pets graze as they please)
- Requires regular cleaning and food replacement
- Larger pets may take some training to get used to it
If you’ve got a food thief in the house, this option might just save your sanity. Designed to only open for the pet whose microchip is registered, it keeps greedy housemates out and ensures the right furry friend gets the right food – whether that’s a prescription diet, portion-controlled meals, or simply their fair share.
Unlike other auto feeders, this one doesn’t dispense meals on a timer. Instead, it works like a smart lock for your pet’s bowl, covering food when not in use to keep it fresh. It’s a clever solution for households juggling multiple pets and different dietary needs.
As Dr. Susan, a practising vet, told Pet Circle: “The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeders are fantastic for controlling intake in multi-pet households. This can be particularly important for those with specific dietary needs or in managing obesity.”
88 per cent of Pet Circle reviewers also recommend it, with one sharing: “I agree with many of the other reviewers. This product is brilliant. Like many others, I have a grazer and a guzzler. If I left food for the grazer, the guzzler ended up obese. If I didn’t leave food for the grazer he ended up thin and hangry. I tried feeding them in separate rooms with the grazer locked in. It worked to a degree but was inconvenient and frustrating. This device has returned us to a calm happy home with everyone getting what they need.”
Also available at:
05
SKYMEE 12L WiFi Automatic Food Dispenser For Cats & Dogs
$139.99 text="Amazon at Amazon
BEST FOR: LARGER PETS
Pros
- Huge 12L storage (up to a month of food)
- Full HD camera with night vision and motion detection
- Two-way audio and pre-recorded feeding sounds
- Dual power supply (USB + battery backup)
- Supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
Cons
- App reliability can be inconsistent for some users
- Some reports of breakages over time
- Features only work fully with a stable Wi-Fi connection
This extra-large feeder is a solid choice for bigger pets or multi-pet households, with a 12L tank that can hold up to a month’s worth of kibble. You can schedule feeds via the app, check in on your pet through the 1080p HD camera (with night vision) and even chat to them with two-way audio. Motion detection alerts add another layer of peace of mind if your dog or cat is getting into trouble while you’re out.
Customer feedback is a little mixed, though. Many owners love the large capacity, sound quality and handy pre-recorded feeding sounds, while others say the app can be hit-or-miss and the build quality isn’t always consistent. Still, when it’s working smoothly, shoppers find it “amazing in every way” for remote feeding and monitoring.
“We absolutely love the camera,” said a five-star Amazon reviewer. “It has super clear pictures including night vision. A great comfort to be able to visually check our rabbits while away. Our teenager had no problems setting up the app and programming the feeding times. We would like to be able to choose a rabbit noise when the pellets are released instead of a meow or woof!”
06
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder
$141.66 text="Amazon at Amazon
BEST FOR: REMOTE FEEDING PEACE OF MIND
Pros
- Wi-Fi enabled with app control (schedule, adjust, or feed remotely)
- Rechargeable battery (8hr charge = up to 30 days use)
- Works during power outages with stable wireless connection
- Airtight design keeps kibble fresh
- Locking lid prevents overeating
- Easy to disassemble and clean (no hidden corners)
- Portable and not tied to a power socket
Cons
- Dispensing is a little noisy (some pets may love this, others not so much)
- Only works with dry food (2-15mm kibble size)
- Some models aren’t Wi-Fi enabled – check carefully before buying
- 2L size may be small for larger pets or multi-cat households
If you’re tired of 5am paw-taps on the face, the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder might just win you back some sleep. This Wi-Fi-enabled automatic pet feeder lets you set meal times through the app, so your cat’s breakfast and dinner arrive right on schedule – even if you’re still in bed or stuck late at work.
Unlike many models, PETLIBRO’s Air feeder runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 days, so you’re not tied to a power socket. It’s also easier on the environment (and your wallet) than constantly swapping out batteries. The airtight design helps keep kibble fresh and the press-to-lock lid keeps sneaky paws from breaking in between meals!
Australian reviewers say it’s easy to set up, reliable and gives them real peace of mind. One owner wrote: “The app is easy to use, pre-programmed feeding times are accurate and manual feeds are instantaneous, even when done remotely. Provides great peace of mind knowing our cat is fed during the work day, and will receive dinner on time even if we’re late home.”
07
Yuposl Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera
$97.49 at Amazon
BEST FOR: PORTION CONTROL
Pros
- 4.3-star rating from 3122 Amazon reviews
- Schedules up to 16 meals per day, 1-99 portions each
- 1080P HD camera with night vision
- Two-way audio and customisable voice meal calls
- App-controlled (supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi)
- Notifications for low food, low battery, or malfunctions
- Stainless steel bowl (dishwasher safe)
- Desiccant pack keeps kibble fresh
Cons
- Smaller 2L capacity (better for cats and small dogs)
- Portion size accuracy can be hit and miss, according to some reviews
- App can take trial and error to get right
- Occasional differences in features depending on model/colour
- Relies on power (batteries work for backup only)
Tech-savvy pet parents will appreciate the Yuposl Automatic Cat Feeder – part kibble dispenser, part security camera and part guilt-easer. With a 4.3-star rating from over 3000 Amazon reviews, it’s loved for being reliable, easy to use and surprisingly stylish for a pet feeder!
You can schedule up to 16 meals a day, with portion sizes you can tweak via the app. The 1080P HD camera (with night vision) means you can check in on your furry pal anytime, while two-way audio lets you chat or record meal calls. Plus, handy alerts notify you if food runs low, Wi-Fi drops out, or the chute clogs – so you’re never left wondering if dinner was served.
An Australian reviewer who left five stars shared: “This is the first auto feeder I have owned so was a complete beginner here. My two cats and I just love it. Very easy to set up – basic instructions included. App is great easy to follow. Value for money, already saving on food. No more waste and always fresh (no more soggy biscuits due to humidity of tropical climate).”
“Smaller than expected,” added another. “Good for cats and small dogs but slightly too small for 25kg dog. Max feed is approx slightly less than one cup each time so will have to run the feeder twice. Very aesthetically pleasing.”
08
Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder with 2K HD Camera
$112.99 at Amazon
BEST FOR: KEEPING AN EYE ON PETS
Pros
- Built-in 2K HD camera with night vision
- Two-way audio to interact with your pet
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for more reliable streaming
- Holds 5L (about 21 cups) of food
- Schedule up to 10 meals per day
- Detachable food tank and dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl
- Dual power options (adapter + battery backup)
Cons
- Bulkier than basic models due to camera and tech
- Requires stable Wi-Fi for full functionality
- Works best with dry food only
If you like keeping an eye on your pet while you’re out, this feeder doubles as a camera and food dispenser in one. The Frienhund Automatic Cat Feeder holds up to 5L of kibble and lets you set up to 10 meals a day via the app. The built-in HD camera means you can check in on your cat or dog (even at night, thanks to night vision), while two-way audio makes it easy to chat to them if they’re looking lonely. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe, and the feeder runs on mains power with a battery backup for peace of mind.
One Aussie reviewer on Amazon wrote: “Five stars all the way. Totally recommend this. This pet feeder is excellent. It does everything it promised to the highest standard. I am so impressed with it I could not help but share what it does with others and all think it is amazing as well.”
“I have full confidence that my pet will be okay while I am away for a couple of days. The setup was easy and I am not that tech savvy. I also had a number of follow ups from the company Frienhund to make sure I was happy with it and asking if I needed help with the setup. Their customer service is amazing.”
09
Advwin 6L Automatic Pet Feeder WiFi APP & HD Camera
$119 (usually $199), Advwin
BEST FOR: PERSONALISED MEALTIME CALLS
Pros
- 1080p HD camera with night vision
- Two-way audio and personalised meal call recording
- Schedule up to 15 meals per day (up to 20 portions each)
- App control via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
- Motion detection alerts and feeding logs
- 6L food capacity with freshness lock and dry pack storage
- Stainless steel bowl for easy cleaning and better hygiene
- Dual power supply (adaptor + battery backup)
Cons
- Works only with dry food (5-10mm kibble size)
- App setup and features may feel too tech-heavy for some
- Bulkier design compared to simpler feeders
- Battery backup supports feeding only (no camera or app)
Who says keeping your pet fed has to be stressful? Through the Smart Life app, this feeder can schedule up to 15 meals a day and even record a personalised voice call to play at mealtime! It comes with a 1080p HD camera (and night vision) so you can check in on your pet any time, plus two-way audio if you feel like chatting to them while you’re away. A sealed lid helps keep kibble fresh, and the stainless steel bowl is super easy to clean.
Also available at:
Frequently asked questions:
An automatic pet feeder is a device that dispenses pre-set portions of food at scheduled times. They help keep cats and dogs on a consistent feeding routine, reduce stress for busy owners and can even prevent overeating.
Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Look for feeders made from pet-safe materials, with secure lids and anti-tip designs to keep food fresh and pets safe.
Most feeders are designed for dry kibble. Some premium models handle semi-moist or wet food, but always check the specs before buying.
Some models have battery backup or dual power options, which can maintain feeding schedules for 24–48 hours. Always check if your model supports this feature.
Yes. Most feeders have removable, dishwasher-safe parts. Stainless steel bowls are especially hygienic and easy to maintain.
Standard feeders usually serve one pet at a time. For multi-pet households, microchip-activated feeders or separate units are best to prevent food theft and ensure portion control.
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