Smart Feeders vs Traditional Feeders: What’s Better?

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By Theo Grant | Pet Innovations Column | The Pet Standard

There was once a simpler time when feeding your pet involved a bowl, a scoop, and the hope that your cat wouldn’t knock the whole thing over out of sheer spite.

Now? Welcome to the era of smart feeders automated, app-connected, and slightly more intelligent than your average housemate.

They promise precision feeding, remote control, and even mealtime selfies of your beloved furball. But are these high-tech gadgets worth it, or is the trusty old bowl still king of the kibble?

Let’s chew on that, shall we?

What Exactly Is a Smart Feeder?

In short, a smart pet feeder is a food dispensing system with built-in tech features.

These might include:

• Scheduled, portion-controlled feeding

• Remote access via smartphone app

• Camera monitoring (because you must see if Fluffy is eating)

• Voice commands or audio messages

• Alerts when food is running low

It’s basically an Alexa for your dog’s dinner minus the unsolicited political opinions.

🐾 Traditional Feeders: The Classic for a Reason

The humble traditional feeder has been holding down the fort for decades. Think:

• Gravity feeders (refills as your pet eats)

• Manual bowl refills (you do the work)

• Timed mechanical feeders (low-tech but effective)

They don’t connect to Wi-Fi. They don’t text you when your cat ignores breakfast. But they do have their charms like simplicity, affordability, and not requiring firmware updates.

The Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s break it down:

Feature	Smart Feeders	Traditional Feeders
Automation	✔ Automatic scheduling	✖ Manual or basic timer
Portion Control	✔ Precise measurements	✖ Variable (eyeballed)
Remote Access	✔ App control anywhere	✖ N/A
Power Needed	✔ Mains or battery	✖ Often no power needed
Price	£80–£250+	£5–£50
Pet Interaction	✔ Camera, voice, alerts	✖ None—just food
Failsafe?	✖ Prone to glitches	✔ Foolproof (unless it’s the cat)

Pros of Smart Feeders

1. Portion Perfection

Trying to manage your Labrador’s “bottomless pit” appetite? Smart feeders dish out the exact amount no more, no less. Great for pets on special diets or those who would happily eat until they burst.

2. Feeding While Away

Off to a weekend in Cornwall? No need to bribe your neighbour with wine to feed the cat. Smart feeders let you schedule meals from your phone even mid-hike.

3. Helpful for Multi-Pet Homes

Some feeders (like SureFeed with microchip recognition) only open for the right pet, ensuring your greedy spaniel doesn’t nick your kitten’s food.

4. Peace of Mind

App alerts and in-built cameras mean you can confirm: yes, Muffin did eat today, and no, the feeder didn’t jam while you were at work.

Downsides of Smart Feeders

1. Tech Troubles

Wi-Fi goes down. Apps glitch. Your dog ends up staring at an empty bowl like Oliver Twist. If you're not the techy type, this could be more stress than it’s worth.

2. Not Chew-Proof

Some feeders have entire forums dedicated to clever dogs breaking into them. (We’re looking at you, Border Collies.)

3. Pricey Investment

A smart feeder can set you back upwards of £150, especially with camera or chip recognition features. That’s a lot of kibble.

Pros of Traditional Feeders

• No batteries, no Wi-Fi, no nonsense

• Budget-friendly for multi-pet households

• Immediate control—no waiting on app updates

• Reliable even during power cuts

• Perfect for calm, consistent pets who don’t need micromanaging

But Not All Bowls Are Created Equal...

There are also some clever innovations in the low-tech world worth mentioning:

• Slow feeders for gulp-happy pups

• Raised bowls for large breeds or older dogs with joint issues

• Non-slip mats and spill-proof designs (ideal for messy eaters and overly enthusiastic tail-waggers)

🎯 Which Should You Choose?

Let’s be real: your pet won’t care what’s dispensing their food as long as it arrives on time.

But you might, depending on your lifestyle.

Choose a Smart Feeder if you:

• Travel or work long hours

• Have a pet on a strict diet

• Love gadgets and convenience

• Have more than one pet with different feeding needs

• Want to check in during mealtimes (and maybe say “hi” via audio)

Stick with a Traditional Feeder if you:

• Prefer reliability and simplicity

• Are home most of the time

• Have a pet who free-feeds without overindulging

• Are on a tighter budget

• Don’t want to deal with apps, subscriptions, or Wi-Fi woes

Our Top Picks

🔹 Best Smart Feeder (Overall):

PETLIBRO Granary WiFi Feeder – approx. £90 Remote control, dual power, and portion control with ease.

🔹 Best for Multi-Pet Homes:

SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder – approx. £115 Ideal for households where food theft is a daily drama.

🔹 Best Traditional Feeder:

Mason Cash Ceramic Pet Bowl – £8–£15 Classic, sturdy, and charmingly old-school.

Final Thoughts

Smart feeders aren’t just flashy gadgets for pampered poodles they can genuinely improve feeding routines, especially for busy or multi-pet homes. But if your feeding system already works, there’s no shame in sticking with a reliable bowl and a good old-fashioned routine.

Whether you go high-tech or low-fuss, the important thing is that your pet stays fed, happy, and healthy. And hey, if your feeder sends you a selfie of your dog mid-meal? That’s just a bonus.