by Andrew Garcia
May 03, 2022
3 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is an Automatic Dog Feeder?
- Why Do You Need a Smart Dog Feeder?
- What Is the Feeding Time and Frequency?
- What Should You Consider Before Buying A Smart Dog Feeder?
- Conclusion
Work or school cause busy schedules, making it increasingly challenging to feed your dog regularly. Most dogs eat between two and four meals every day. And although some of them get fed morning and night, it is not enough for the day. Fortunately, with an automatic dog feeder, your furry pal can eat the required food quantity when needed, even while you are away from home.
What Is an Automatic Dog Feeder?
An automatic feeder, otherwise known as a smart feeder, is a device that feeds your canine companion depending on the ration and schedules you set in advance. Because this feeder is automatic, you can control some of them from your smartphone, helping you monitor and control your dog’s feeding. You can buy a feeder compatible with any smart device you own. However, it is essential to note that the features of the auto feeder vary depending on the type.
Why Do You Need a Smart Dog Feeder?
Pets are always busy playing with their toys and chasing their tails. Nevertheless, regardless of how busy they are, they never forget to eat. Therefore, getting an automatic dog feeder provides numerous benefits for both you and your furry friends. Some of these benefits include;
Time-Saver
You don’t have to be present because the smart dog feeder can feed your dog automatically. Consequently, you get more time, which is especially useful when you need to sleep or relax. So, instead of coming to you, your dog learns to go to the feeder to get food rather than bothering you when you are still in the bed.
Regular Routine Feeding
Changes in routine are a common cause of anxiety in dogs - you can check out our blog on anxiety in dogs. Fortunately, a smart feeder is able to feed your best buddy imultaneously every day, creating a consistent routine.
Weight Management
With a smart dog feeder, you can preset your pets’ feeding quantity and frequency. This feature is especially handy for pups with a specific diet. Also, if you give your pet too many extra treats every day, an automatic dog feeder can help you regulate it.
Improving Man-Dog Relationship
Dogs suffer anxiety, especially in unexpected situations, affecting their mental health. Although you may be used to late office hours, traffic, and change in social plans, your dog is not used to it. Fortunately, an automatic feeder presents the perfect solution where you don’t have to bother about your busy schedule.
What Is the Feeding Time and Frequency?
Dogs are habitual creatures, and dinner is fundamental to their daily life. Although there is no specific rule about the frequency of dog meals, feeding your dog twice a day is excellent. With regular feeding times, your dog feels secure and predicts the routine. Therefore, meals become a significant event of their daily life around which you can add other activities.
Two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, is enough for adult dogs. Nevertheless, this may not apply to particularly small or big dogs. Suggestions for feeding your dog include;
Small Breeds
Although miniature, small breed dogs have faster metabolisms compared to larger breeds. Therefore, they burn energy quickly, increasing their sensitivity to low blood sugar levels. Consequently, it is best to feed your small breed dog three meals a day in a calm environment, aiding digestion.
Giant Breeds
Large dog breeds are susceptible to gastric issues, including bloating. Therefore, it is best to feed your large dog small-sized portions instead of two large meals throughout the day. Also, avoid feeding your giant breed dog before them on a walk, and always provide fresh drinking water. Another way to address this issue is investing in a slow dog feeder.
What Should You Consider Before Buying A Smart Dog Feeder?
Before getting a smart dog feeder, here are some factors to consider;
Portion Size
The first criteria to consider before getting a pet feeder is if the feeder can release portion sizes appropriate for your dog. Some feeders have designs that release significant quantities of food at once, while others do not. Therefore, if your dog is small or on a diet, you need to look for a smart feeder that measures out smaller portion sizes.
Feeding Frequency
Another factor to consider before getting an auto feeder is the number of times the feeder dispenses food per day. Most smart feeders release food a couple of times per day. However, if you need to feed your dog more often than that, you need to find a feeder with a higher daily feeding frequency - this may be a little harder to find though.
Feeder Location
It would be best to consider where you would place the feeder before getting it. For instance, if the auto feeder needs an AC adapter, you need an extra outlet close to its location. Otherwise, you will have to get an extension, which is not ideal. Therefore, if you need a feeder you can move around frequently or place anywhere in your home, you may need a battery-powered one.
Capacity
What amount of food can the feeder take? Large dogs eat a lot of food. Therefore, if you have a large dog, you must ensure that a feeder’s storage capacity is adequate before getting one. Otherwise, you may have to refill the feeder every day, defeating the purpose of obtaining an automatic feeder in the first place.
Conclusion
Although your pets are just one portion of your life, you are their whole lives. Therefore, it is sad that your hectic schedule may keep you away from them. Because irregular eating habits and insufficient feeding can cause digestive issues in dogs, getting an automatic dog feeder helps combat overeating or undereating issues in dogs.
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