Life gets busy. Whether you work long hours, travel occasionally, or simply want more control over your pet’s diet, an automatic feeder can make a real difference. The right model will dispense precise portions at set times — giving your cat or dog a consistent routine even when you can’t be there in person.
We’ve researched the automatic pet feeders currently available in the UK, covering everything from basic timed models under £40 to smart Wi-Fi feeders with camera monitoring. Whether you have a grazing cat, a fast-eating Labrador, or a multi-pet home where one always steals the other’s food, there’s a feeder here to suit your situation.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Price Range | Works With | Rating |
| PETLIBRO Air | Budget smart feeding | Around £35–45 | Cats & small dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Cat Mate C500 | Wet food / multi-meal | Around £55–65 | Cats & small dogs | ★★★★½ |
| PETLIBRO Granary | Best all-rounder | Around £70–90 | Cats & dogs | ★★★★★ |
| SureFeed Microchip | Multi-pet households | Around £90–110 | Cats & small dogs | ★★★★½ |
| Arf Pets Feeder | Mid-range dry food | Around £45–55 | Cats & dogs | ★★★★ |
Our Top Picks
1. PETLIBRO Air Automatic Cat Feeder
Best for: Budget-conscious owners wanting smart scheduling
The PETLIBRO Air is one of the most popular automatic feeders in the UK for good reason. It connects to the PETLIBRO app over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, letting you schedule up to 10 meals a day and adjust portion sizes between 2g and 200g per meal. The 2.5-litre hopper holds a decent supply of dry food, and the twist-lock lid keeps it fresh and deters curious paws.
The meal scheduling is genuinely flexible. You can record a 10-second voice message that plays at feeding time — a nice touch that gives shy or anxious pets some reassurance. The feeding history log in the app lets you check that meals dispensed correctly, which is handy if you’re away from home.
It works with cats and small to medium dogs, though it’s not suitable for breeds that eat large kibble (the dispensing mechanism works best with pieces up to 12mm). There’s no camera, and it only handles dry food — but at this price, that’s entirely expected.
What we like:
- Reliable Wi-Fi scheduling via the PETLIBRO app
- Voice recording function helps nervous pets settle at mealtimes
- Twist-lock lid keeps food fresh and secure
- Good value for a smart feeder — often available around £35–45 on Amazon UK
Worth knowing:
- Dry food only — not suitable for wet food or raw diets
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only; won’t connect to 5GHz networks
- Struggles with large-breed kibble (pieces over 12mm)
Specifications:
| Capacity | 2.5 litres |
| Meals per day | Up to 10 |
| Portion size | 2g–200g per meal |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) via app |
| Power | USB-C charging with battery backup |
| Suitable for | Cats and small to medium dogs |
| Food type | Dry food only |
2. Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for: Wet food, raw food, or a simple no-fuss feeding schedule
If you feed your cat or small dog wet food, the Cat Mate C500 is one of the few feeders that genuinely handles it well. The carousel-style design holds five individual compartments, each covered until its scheduled meal time. An integrated ice pack compartment beneath the food trays keeps meals at a safe temperature for several hours — ideal for wet food in warmer weather.
The C500 runs entirely on two AA batteries (no Wi-Fi or app required), which makes it appealingly simple and reliable during power cuts. Setup involves pressing just a few buttons — there’s no learning curve, and the digital timer is accurate. It’s a firm favourite with cat owners on forums like Reddit’s r/cats, precisely because it does exactly what it says with zero fuss.
The obvious limitation is capacity: five pre-portioned compartments means it’s suited to a predictable feeding schedule rather than grazing. It works best for cats or small dogs eating two to five measured meals per day. For dogs over 15kg, portion sizes will be too small.
What we like:
- One of the only feeders that handles wet and raw food properly
- Ice pack compartment keeps food safe in warm conditions
- Completely battery-powered — no Wi-Fi needed, very reliable
- Simple to set up, accurate timer, low maintenance
Worth knowing:
- Limited to 5 meals maximum — not suitable for frequent grazers
- Portion sizes are fixed by compartment size, not adjustable by weight
- Not suitable for dogs over approximately 15kg
Specifications:
| Compartments | 5 individual trays |
| Meals per day | Up to 5 |
| Food type | Dry, wet, or raw food |
| Cooling | Integrated ice pack compartment |
| Power | 2x AA batteries |
| Suitable for | Cats and dogs up to ~15kg |
| Connectivity | None (no app/Wi-Fi) |
3. PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for: Households wanting the best all-round smart feeder
The PETLIBRO Granary is a step up in almost every way. Its 6-litre hopper means less frequent refilling, and the upgraded anti-jam motor handles a wider variety of dry kibble sizes reliably. Like the Air, it connects to the PETLIBRO app via Wi-Fi and supports up to 6 scheduled meals per day with portions adjustable from 5g to 200g.
What sets the Granary apart is the built-in desiccant bag and rotor seal, which keep food fresher for longer — particularly useful in the UK’s often damp conditions. The meal portion accuracy is noticeably consistent, which matters if your vet has recommended measured feeding for weight management. There’s also a camera-bundle version available (the Granary Camera) that adds live video monitoring via the app, though this naturally comes at a higher price.
It’s an excellent choice for cats and dogs of most sizes, though like all dry food feeders it won’t work with wet meals. The larger hopper makes it particularly practical for medium to large dogs who eat more food per day.
What we like:
- 6-litre capacity means fewer refills for multi-cat or larger dog households
- Anti-jam motor handles varied kibble sizes well
- Desiccant system keeps food fresher in humid conditions
- Camera bundle available for remote monitoring via app
Worth knowing:
- Dry food only — wet food will damage the mechanism
- Camera version adds significant cost
- Larger footprint than most feeders — needs a stable surface
Specifications:
| Capacity | 6 litres |
| Meals per day | Up to 6 |
| Portion size | 5g–200g per meal |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) via PETLIBRO app |
| Power | AC adapter with battery backup |
| Suitable for | Cats and dogs of most sizes |
| Food type | Dry food only |
4. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
Best for: Multi-pet households where pets need separate meals or diets
The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder solves a problem that drives many multi-pet owners to distraction: one pet eating the other’s food. Made by Sure Petcare — a British company with a strong reputation for smart pet technology — this feeder reads your pet’s existing microchip or a supplied RFID tag collar. The lid opens only for the registered pet and closes as soon as they move away.
This makes it invaluable if you have one cat on prescription food, a dog on a calorie-restricted diet, or simply a household where one pet hoovers up the other’s bowl the moment you look away. The feeder works with both dry and wet food, and the bowl is dishwasher-safe. Because there’s no scheduling involved, it’s more of a ‘controlled access’ feeder than a timed one — food sits in the bowl, but only the right animal can reach it.
It’s pricier than most feeders on this list, and the technology does require a small amount of setup to register your pet’s chip. But for the problem it solves, it’s genuinely excellent and has been well-reviewed by vets and pet owners alike.
What we like:
- Works with existing microchips — no additional hardware needed
- Supports both wet and dry food — very versatile
- British brand with excellent build quality and customer support
- Dishwasher-safe bowl makes cleaning easy
Worth knowing:
- Does not schedule meals — purely controls access, not timing
- More expensive than standard timed feeders
- Works with one registered pet per unit (buy multiple for multiple pets)
Specifications:
| Access control | Microchip or RFID collar tag |
| Food type | Wet or dry food |
| Power | 4x C batteries |
| Bowl material | Stainless steel (dishwasher-safe) |
| Suitable for | Cats and small dogs |
| Smart features | None (no app/Wi-Fi on standard model) |
| Brand origin | British (Sure Petcare) |
5. Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for: Mid-range buyers wanting a reliable feeder without a smartphone
The Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder is a solid mid-range option that doesn’t require a smartphone or Wi-Fi. Instead, it features an LCD display and simple button controls, letting you programme up to 4 meals per day with portion sizes from 1 to 39 servings. The 4-litre hopper suits most cats and medium-sized dogs well enough for a long weekend away.
A nice detail is the built-in voice recorder — you can leave a 10-second message that plays at each mealtime, which research suggests can help pets feel less anxious when owners are away. The feeder also has a battery backup, so it continues working through power cuts. The mechanism is reliable for standard-sized kibble and doesn’t jam easily in everyday use.
It’s not the most sophisticated feeder on the market, but it’s well-made, widely available on Amazon UK, and does its core job consistently. A good choice for owners who want simplicity and reliability without monthly app subscription fees or connectivity headaches.
What we like:
- No Wi-Fi needed — works via simple LCD controls
- Voice recorder adds a comforting touch for anxious pets
- Battery backup keeps the schedule running during power cuts
- Good value at around £45–55 on Amazon UK
Worth knowing:
- Limited to 4 meals per day — not enough for frequent small-meal schedules
- Dry food only
- No remote monitoring — you can’t check if meals dispensed from your phone
Specifications:
| Capacity | 4 litres |
| Meals per day | Up to 4 |
| Portions per meal | 1–39 servings |
| Connectivity | None (LCD panel control) |
| Power | DC adapter with battery backup |
| Suitable for | Cats and small to large dogs |
| Food type | Dry food only |
6. Oneisall Automatic Pet Feeder
Best for: First-time buyers looking for a budget entry point
If you’re new to automatic feeders and not ready to spend £50 or more, the Oneisall is worth a look. It typically comes in around £30–35 on Amazon UK and includes features you’d expect from more expensive models: programmable meal times, adjustable portion sizes, and a voice recording function. The 4-litre hopper is reasonable for a single cat or small dog.
Build quality is a notch below the PETLIBRO or Arf Pets models, and the dispensing mechanism can occasionally struggle with smaller or irregular kibble shapes. However, for occasional use — weekends away, long work days, or a period of adjustment — it offers a low-risk introduction to automated feeding. The LCD display is clear and the programming is intuitive enough.
We wouldn’t rely on it for months of daily use without supervision, but as a first feeder or backup unit, it does the job at an accessible price point.
What we like:
- Very affordable — often under £35 on Amazon UK
- Includes voice recording and programmable meal times
- Good for single cats or small dogs as a starter feeder
Worth knowing:
- Build quality is noticeably lighter than premium options
- Dispensing mechanism can struggle with irregular or very small kibble
- Not recommended as a primary feeder for long-term, unattended use
Specifications:
| Capacity | 4 litres |
| Meals per day | Up to 6 |
| Connectivity | None (button control) |
| Power | AC adapter or batteries |
| Suitable for | Cats and small dogs |
| Food type | Dry food only |
| Price range | Around £30–35 |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Automatic Pet Feeder
What to Look For
The most important consideration is how you actually feed your pet. If your cat has wet food twice a day, a gravity or rotating-tray feeder is your only viable option. If your dog eats measured portions of dry kibble, almost any timed feeder will work — but look for portion accuracy, jam-resistance, and a decent hopper capacity for your dog’s size.
Consider also whether you need remote access. Wi-Fi feeders let you check that meals dispensed correctly and adjust schedules from your phone, which is especially useful for multi-day trips. If you’re only going out for the day, a basic button-controlled feeder is perfectly adequate.
Types of Automatic Feeder Explained
Rotating tray feeders — Like the Cat Mate C500. Food sits in pre-portioned compartments that rotate at meal time. Works with wet, raw, or dry food. Limited meal count but highly reliable.
Hopper feeders — Food is stored in a large reservoir and dispensed by a motorised auger or paddle. Most smart feeders use this design. Best for dry food and larger volumes.
Microchip-access feeders — Like the SureFeed. Control who can access the food rather than when food is dispensed. Ideal for multi-pet homes with dietary restrictions.
Gravity feeders — Food falls naturally as the bowl empties. No scheduling, no portion control. Only suitable for pets who self-regulate their food intake.
Capacity Guide by Pet
| Single cat (dry food) | 2–3 litre hopper typically lasts 1–2 weeks |
| Two cats | 4–6 litre hopper recommended |
| Small dog (under 10kg) | 2–4 litre hopper is usually sufficient |
| Medium dog (10–25kg) | 4–6 litre hopper; check daily portions |
| Large dog (25kg+) | 6+ litre hopper; may need refilling more frequently |
How Much Should You Spend?
Budget (under £40): Expect basic LCD programming, no Wi-Fi, and dry food only. Fine for occasional or short-term use. Build quality varies — check reviews carefully.
Mid-range (£40–80): This is where the best value lies. Wi-Fi connectivity, larger hoppers, better portion accuracy, and more reliable motors. The PETLIBRO Granary and Arf Pets models sit here.
Premium (£80+): Camera monitoring, microchip access control, refrigerated wet food options. Worth the investment for specific needs (multi-pet homes, medical diets, extended travel).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can automatic feeders be used for wet food?
Most automatic feeders are designed for dry kibble only. Wet food will block hopper-style mechanisms and can go off quickly at room temperature. If your pet eats wet food, look specifically for rotating-tray feeders like the Cat Mate C500 (which includes an ice pack compartment) or dedicated refrigerated feeders like the PETLIBRO Polar.
Are automatic feeders safe to leave unsupervised for several days?
For dry food and a reliable feeder, yes — with sensible precautions. Use a feeder with battery backup so power cuts don’t interrupt the schedule. Choose one with a meal log or camera so you can confirm meals dispensed. We’d always recommend having someone check on your pet at least once a day for extended periods, as feeders can occasionally jam or malfunction.
Do automatic feeders work for multiple pets?
Standard timed feeders dispense food regardless of which pet eats it — so if you have a greedy dog who hoovers up the cat’s breakfast, a regular feeder won’t help. For separate feeding, use a microchip-access feeder like the SureFeed, which only opens for the registered pet. For two pets on the same diet, two separate feeders is the simplest solution.
What size kibble do automatic feeders work with?
Most hopper-style feeders work best with kibble between 5mm and 12mm in size. Very small pieces (such as kitten food) can clump together and cause jams, while very large pieces (common in giant-breed dog food) may not feed through the mechanism reliably. Check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying.
Do I need a feeder with a camera?
Not necessarily. A camera is useful if you want to visually confirm your pet ate, check for odd behaviour, or simply see your pet during the day. However, if you have someone checking on your pet and you just need reliable meal delivery, a feeder with a meal log in its app is usually sufficient.
Final Verdict
For most UK cat and dog owners, the PETLIBRO Granary hits the sweet spot: a large hopper, reliable Wi-Fi scheduling, and good portion accuracy at a mid-range price. If you’re on a tighter budget, the PETLIBRO Air delivers similar smart features in a more compact package for around £35–45. For wet food or raw diets, the Cat Mate C500 remains the most practical rotating-tray option, and for households with multiple pets on different diets, the SureFeed Microchip Feeder is worth every penny of its higher price.
