Travel Worry-Free with These Innovative Automatic Pet Feeders

A friend referred to her toddlers as anchors: cute, squishy anchors, but anchors nonetheless. The same could be said of our pets — furry, feathered, and finned. We love them dearly and can’t imagine our lives without them. Still, when we wish to take that weekend getaway or visit the family for the holidays, the care and feeding of our cuddly little anchors can suddenly be a logistical nightmare—or used to. Thanks to 21st-century technology and genius designers, you can leave your pets at home while you travel, safe in the knowledge that they will be eating their favorite feasts even in your absence. Continue reading to discover seven automatic pet feeders that will keep pets of all kinds fulfilled while you’re gone.

Automatic Fish Feeder-Feeding Dispenser with LCD Timer

The poppets desperately desire a pet, but your uber-active lifestyle isn’t a good fit, so you compromise by getting fish. The main concern with feeding fish lies more in not overfeeding them. Truth be told your fish would probably be all right for a short time without food, but they don’t have to do without thanks to Gear Elevation’s automatic fish food dispenser. This automatic feeder can be programmed to feed your finny friends up to four times a day. The moisture-resistant feed hopper ensures that your fish food stays fresh and dry, and it works with pellets, flakes, crumbles, etc. It’s a marvelous way to feed your aquatic critters whether you’re at home or away. Check it out at Gear Elevation ($37.99) along with their other fish-friendly fare.

My Favorite Chicken Green Feedomatic Automatic Treadle Feeder

This ingenious chicken feeder holds 25 pounds of poultry feed. The Feedomatic is operated by your chickens, who access the feed by stepping on the treadle step. When they are not feeding the feed is protected from the elements and disease-carrying vermin. You dictate available feed portions, from 0.5-4.5 pounds depending on the size of your flock. The Feedomatic is built to last, made of metal and plastic. See it for yourself at Blain’s Farm and Fleet for $99.99. A larger 40-pound model can be had for $109.99

Polar Smart Wet Food Feeder

This small pet feeder is truly state-of-the-art. If you like bells and whistles, the Polar Smart Wet Food Feeder from PetLibro is for you. This nifty, compact feeder will keep three wet meals fresh for three days using thermoelectric cooling, which pauses before its scheduled serving time so that your little fur baby will receive their meal at the perfect temperature. This smart feeder, designed with cats in mind, can be activated from your phone, should you wish to change the feeding schedule. The Polar Smart Wet Feeder ($129.99) is the purrfect setup for a weekend away.

RFID Smart Feeder

PetLibro’s RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) smart feeder works with a sensor on your cat’s collar, making it the ideal model for households with multiple cats. With a 13-cup capacity and the ability to program up to 10 separate feeding times per day, your cat – or cats – will be certain to get the nutrition they need. Reviews are mostly positive, citing the convenience of feeding multiple cats with differing dietary requirements, and even as a means of weight control for a formerly overweight cat. Who doesn’t love a good success story? The PetLibro RFID smart feeder can be had for $149.99.

ChiPak Automatic Chicken Feeder with Timer

Program up to four feedings a day with ChiPak’s 25-pound capacity stainless steel poultry feeder. This sturdy, electric feeder keeps your brood well-nourished while you’re away. You control the amount of feed and the feeding times of up to 12 chickens. It comes with a waterproof cover and an anti-mouse net, which keep feed fresh and pest-free. Purchase this must-have feeder ($199.97) at the ChiPak Store on Amazon.

Dokoo Large Pet Food Dispenser

Dukoo’s large pet automatic feeder, which holds 62 cups of food, can feed your dog from 15 to 45 days (depending on the size of your dog). You schedule the amount per/time of feedings (up to six times a day), and Dukoo takes care of the rest. A personalized recording harkens your pet to the bowl when it’s time to eat. Even when you’re home, Dukoo can keep your pet on a precise feeding schedule. Find it for $269.

Quick Feed Automatic Electronic Feeder

Quick Feed’s automatic electronic feeder can be programmed to dispense feed up to 12 times per day. With a capacity of 50 pounds of grain or pellets and 25 pounds of dog/cat food, this feeder is designed with larger pets (think horses) in mind, though the Quick Feeder is versatile, with portions ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 cup options. The reviews couldn’t be more glowing — from senior dogs to horses and hogs, customers love this product. See what they’re crowing about at Quick Feed. Find it for $330.