A pet can be your best companion in all your moments of solitude.
However, if you have a tight schedule or travel often on work and there is no one to take responsibility of your pet in your absence, you might have to reconsider your decision of keeping a pet.
Investing in an automatic pet feeder makes sense in such circumstances.
It ensures that your dog eats his fill at the right time when you are not around.
Listed below are criteria you should tick against when you go shopping for an automatic feeder.
However, before that, let's take a closer look at the design and working of an automatic dog feeder.
About Automatic Pet Feeders As the name suggests, a pet feeder dispenses a set quantity of food at specific intervals of time.
It consists of two parts.
There is a large reservoir and a shallow feeding tray.
The two parts are detachable.
The reservoir is screwed to the top of the tray in an inverted position and it dispenses food into the tray.
Once the tray is full, food automatically stops trickling into the tray.
Food distribution in some models is timer-regulated.
The timer enables pet owners to preset time intervals between any two servings.
An automatic pet feeder operates on electricity; a few models are battery operated.
Comparing Automatic Pet Feeders Dog feeders are not new and hence, there is an overwhelming variety to choose from.

• Product material -

Consider the material used to construct the feeder.
There are plastic and metal options.
A few breeds of dogs are allergic to plastic.
Hence, a feeder made of plastic might not be a suitable option.
You can go in for a stainless steel one.
The material used also determines the strength and sturdiness of the device.

• Aesthetic Appeal -

While a pet feeder is supposed to be purely functional, there is no harm in looking for fancy and good-looking feeders; a design that complements the décor of your home.
They are available in a range of shapes, styles and colors.

• Size of the feeder -

The size of your dog, his appetite and his feeding needs will impact your decision of an automatic feeder in terms of size.
A few models dispense a set serving at a set interval while others dispense food as it is eaten.
Some automatic pet feeders can hold up to week's feeding.
Selected pet feeder models are created to serve both wet and dry foods.

• Pet-Proof -

Curiosity is an inherent trait in animals be it a cat or a dog and they are always ready to tear down some new item to satiate their inquisitiveness.
That's how electric cords get damaged, sandals get chewed up and socks go missing.
When you go shopping for an automatic pet feeder, it is best to invest in a pet-proof model.
It should be sturdy and not topple over with light pushing or nudging.
The container should be airtight with a pet-proof lid.
Also, there should be protective coverings for electric cords and circuits.

• Ease of cleaning and set-up

The pet-feeder you choose should be easy to disassemble and setup.
Also, maintenance should not take up too much time.

• Cost:

Finally, consider the price you are willing to pay for an automatic feeder.
There are budgeted options with basic functions as well as pricey, high-end models incorporating comprehensive features.