Smart, reliable, and app-controlled feeding that actually works for busy pet parents.
I know the stress of early meetings, late nights, or weekend trips. Your pet still needs meals on time. In this Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, I explain how smart feeders solve missed meals, overeating, and weight gain. I break down setup, portion control, battery backup, and app features. I also compare the popular PetSafe models and a strong budget-friendly alternative. I keep it simple, accurate, and based on real-world use so you can choose with confidence.
PetSafe Smart Feed (6L) – App & Alexa
This is the flagship model I keep coming back to. In my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review testing, the 6L (24-cup) hopper held enough dry or semi‑moist food for several days. I liked the smartphone control via the PetSafe app. It worked on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and paired smoothly with iPhone and Android. Alexa voice control made hands‑free feeding simple. I could schedule up to 12 meals a day from 1/8 cup to 4 cups per meal. The “Slow Feed” option spread portions over 15 minutes so fast eaters stayed comfortable.
Build quality felt solid. The locking lid, stainless steel bowl, and bowl holder helped stop tipping and kept things sanitary. Parts like the bowl, holder, and lid were easy to remove and clean. The conveyor system reduced jams with different kibble shapes. Backup power with 4 D batteries kept meals going during an outage. I also liked the low‑food alerts and activity logs in the app. Based on 2025 listings and manufacturer specs, these features remain current and supported, which matters for long‑term reliability.
Pros
- App control with Alexa for easy scheduling and instant feeds
- Up to 12 meals per day with precise 1/8–4 cup portions
- Slow Feed helps prevent gulping and vomiting
- Battery backup keeps feeding on during power loss
- Locking lid and sturdy bowl holder reduce spills and sneaking
- Dishwasher‑safe parts make cleaning quick
Cons
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi; no 5 GHz support
- Large footprint may crowd small kitchens
- Premium price compared to basic timers
My Recommendation
If you want full control from your phone and rock‑solid delivery, this is the one. It fits multi‑pet homes, cats with weight goals, and dogs that eat too fast. In this Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, it stands out for accuracy, backup power, and smart features that actually help daily life.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy professionals | App schedules and activity logs keep feeding on track anywhere |
| Fast eaters | Slow Feed option reduces gulping and stomach upset |
| Unreliable power areas | Battery backup ensures meals during outages |
Healthy Pet Simply Feed (24 Cups) – Timer
The Healthy Pet Simply Feed is the non‑Wi‑Fi workhorse. In my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review comparisons, it matched the Smart Feed on capacity (24 cups), meal count (up to 12 daily), and portion sizes (1/8–4 cups). It uses a conveyor system designed to handle many kibble shapes with fewer jams. The Slow Feed mode also dispenses over 15 minutes. If you prefer a set‑and‑forget timer instead of an app, this model is simple and dependable.
Programming happens on the onboard LCD. Once it’s set, it just runs. It’s powered by 4 D batteries, and there’s an optional AC adapter available. This is useful if you want corded power day‑to‑day but battery backup for storms. The locking hopper lid helps keep paws out, while the chute cover reduces sneaky snacking. Cleaning is straightforward, with removable parts. For this Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, I found it ideal for owners who don’t need phone control but demand accuracy and consistency.
Pros
- Accurate portions from 1/8 to 4 cups
- Up to 12 daily meals with Slow Feed mode
- No app needed; reliable timer programming
- Optional AC adapter plus battery operation
- Good jam resistance with conveyor mechanism
Cons
- No smartphone or Alexa control
- LCD programming has a learning curve
- Adapter often sold separately
My Recommendation
Great for tech‑free homes and pet sitters who prefer a simple keypad. In my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, this model offers steady feeding without Wi‑Fi. Choose it if you want long battery life, strong portion control, and fewer moving parts in your routine.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Owners without Wi‑Fi | Complete scheduling from onboard controls |
| Long trips | 24‑cup capacity supports multiple days |
| Budget‑minded buyers | Lower price than app‑based feeders |
PetSafe 2-Pet Meal Splitter + Bowl
This accessory turns one feeder into two bowls. In my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review testing, the splitter worked with both the Smart Feed and the Simply Feed. It includes a privacy panel to help pets eat calmly without guarding. The design aims to divide each portion evenly between the two bowls, so two cats or small dogs get equal shares without buying a second feeder.
Setup is quick. The panel and bowls are easy to remove and clean. The no‑mess chute helps reduce spills and keeps the path clear. If you already own a PetSafe feeder, this add‑on can cut costs and space compared to running two separate units. Just keep in mind that while the splitter divides portions, some bold pets may still try to steal. Training or a feeding mat helps keep the peace and the floor clean.
Pros
- Feeds two pets from one feeder
- Privacy panel reduces food guarding
- Easy to attach and clean
- Saves space and cost vs. two feeders
- Designed to split portions evenly
Cons
- Food stealing can happen with pushy pets
- Best suited for cats or small dogs
My Recommendation
Pick this if you own a compatible PetSafe feeder and have two polite eaters. In my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, the splitter offered great value for multi‑pet homes that don’t need separate schedules. It’s a smart, small upgrade.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Two cats | Even split portions and calmer meals with privacy panel |
| Small dog & cat | Share one feeder without buying a second |
| Small spaces | Less clutter than two full feeders |
PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Dog Feeder
This rotating tray feeder is about simplicity. You pre‑portion up to five 1‑cup meals (40 oz total). The timer turns the tray to reveal the next meal at set times. For my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, I used it for cats on small portions and small dogs that graze. It’s excellent for meds, snacks, or day‑trip schedules. Because each compartment is sealed until release, food smells less and stays fresher.
It runs on 4 D batteries and is very easy to clean thanks to a removable tray. The plastic build is light and portable. There’s no app or conveyor, so it won’t handle large kibbles or very big meals. But the reliability is great for short plans, and it’s less costly than smart models. If you need five precise feed times and you don’t want Wi‑Fi or complex setups, this is a neat, trustworthy tool.
Pros
- Simple, reliable rotating tray design
- Great for meds and small timed snacks
- Easy to clean removable tray
- No Wi‑Fi needed; long battery life
- Budget‑friendly compared to smart feeders
Cons
- Limited to five 1‑cup portions
- No smartphone control or logs
- Not ideal for large dogs or big kibble
My Recommendation
Use it for cats or small dogs needing up to five meals in a day or two. In the Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review context, this is the easiest, most affordable way to automate a short schedule without apps or adapters.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Medication timing | Exact release times for pills with food |
| Short trips | Five pre‑portioned meals without refilling |
| Budget buyers | Lower cost and zero app setup |
Frienhund 7L Wi‑Fi Feeder with Slow Feed
This 7L feeder is a competitive alternative with a friendly price. For my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review comparison, I noted Wi‑Fi app control, Alexa support, and a slow‑feed function similar to PetSafe. Capacity is slightly larger at about 29 cups. It’s easy to refill thanks to a removable hopper, and cleaning is straightforward with detachable parts. App features typically include scheduling, manual feed, and alerts.
It supports multiple pets, though you may still want a splitter for fairness. The design focuses on anti‑clog dispensing and consistent portions. Still, third‑party brands can vary in app polish, long‑term firmware support, and spare parts availability. If you need smart control on a tighter budget, it’s a good pick. If you value the longest track record, PetSafe still has the edge in accessories and proven reliability as of 2025.
Pros
- Large 7L capacity for fewer refills
- App and Alexa control at a value price
- Slow‑feed mode for sensitive stomachs
- Easy‑clean, detachable components
- Good for multi‑pet use with accessories
Cons
- App experience can vary by brand updates
- Fewer brand‑specific accessories than PetSafe
- Long‑term part support may be limited
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want smart features and big capacity without the top‑tier price. In my Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review head‑to‑head, it’s a strong budget smart feeder. Just weigh app quality and long‑term support before you decide.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Value seekers | Smart control at a lower cost |
| Large kibble storage | 7L hopper reduces refill frequency |
| Alexa users | Hands‑free voice feeds and checks |
FAQs Of Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review
Does the PetSafe Smart Feed work without Wi‑Fi?
Yes. Schedules run locally once set. Wi‑Fi is for app control and alerts.
How many meals can I schedule per day?
Up to 12 meals per day on Smart Feed and Simply Feed, from 1/8–4 cups each.
Will the feeder dispense during a power outage?
Yes, if you install 4 D batteries for backup. They power scheduled meals.
Can it handle semi‑moist food?
Smart Feed and Simply Feed can dispense many semi‑moist pieces via conveyor.
Is the stainless steel bowl dishwasher‑safe?
Yes. The bowl, holder, and lid are typically dishwasher‑safe (top rack).
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The PetSafe Smart Feed is the best all‑around choice for accuracy, app control, and backup power. The Simply Feed is perfect if you want reliable scheduling without Wi‑Fi. For tighter budgets, the 5‑Meal feeder or Frienhund 7L are solid. In this Petsafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder Review, I recommend Smart Feed for most busy pet parents who want the most control and peace of mind.
