The short answer
Check the hopper capacity, the portion range per meal, the meals per day and the largest kibble it handles. PetSafe Smart Feed serves 1/8 to 4 cups up to 12 times a day from 24 cups; big-dog feeders hold 12–15 L and handle kibble up to about 20–23 mm.
Key specs
| Feeder | Capacity | Portions / meals |
|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Smart Feed | 24 cups | 1/8–4 cups, 12 meals |
| PetSafe Simply Feed | 24 cups | 1/8–4 cups, 12 meals, slow feed |
| Whisker Feeder-Robot | — | 1/8–1 cup, 8 meals |
| MOLLY&CODY 14L | 14 L | 6 meals |
Measuring portions
Feeder 'cups' are rarely an 8 oz measuring cup. Run a few portions into a bowl and weigh them against your food's feeding guide.
Big dogs
Large breeds need big hoppers and anti-jam dispensers, such as Nityers 15L (2–23 mm kibble) or Yakry 12L with a camera.
SafetyTest a feeder for several days before relying on it, and never leave a dog alone for days with only a feeder.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
How many meals can an automatic feeder serve?
PetSafe Smart Feed and Simply Feed serve up to 12 a day.
Are feeder cups accurate?
Weigh a few portions to check.