Pet Parents Are Switching to Automatic Feeders. Why?

In today’s busy world, convenience is key—especially for pet parents juggling work, travel, and day-to-day responsibilities. A solution gaining popularity is the automatic pet feeder. Once considered a luxury, these convenient feeders are quickly becoming a staple in pet households across the country.

 So why are more pet parents making the switch? Let’s dive into the numbers and the reasons behind the trend.

How Many Pet Parents Are Using Automatic Feeders?

Recent data shows that 30–40% of pet parents in the U.S. either own or are actively considering buying an automatic feeder. Interestingly, cat parents are leading the trend, with nearly half of them using one, compared to about a third of dog owners.

And it’s not slowing down. The global market for automatic pet feeders is expected to grow at a rate of 8–10% every year through 2030, meaning more and more homes are embracing this high-tech approach to mealtime.

7 Reasons Pet Parents Love Automatic Feeders

1. Total Convenience: Whether you're working late, sleeping in on the weekend, or out running errands, an automatic feeder ensures your furry friend never misses a meal. In fact, 72% of users pet parents say convenience is their #1 reason for buying one.
2. Perfect Portion Control: Overfeeding can lead to health issues like obesity. With automatic feeders, you can pre-set exact meal portions, helping you stay on top of your pet’s diet. About 55% of pet parents say they use feeders for portion control and weight management.
3. Consistent Meal Times: Pets thrive on routine, and feeders help keep that schedule consistent—even if you’re running late. Nearly half of users (49%) appreciate this benefit, especially for pets that require strict feeding times.
4. Freedom to Travel or Work Late: Heading out for the day or stuck at the office? 43% of users rely on automatic feeders to keep their pets fed when they can’t be there in person.
5. Great for Multi-Pet Homes: Have more than one pet with different diets? Some automatic feeders are programmable to feed specific pets at different times or in different rooms. 31% of multi-pet households use feeders to make mealtimes more manageable.
6. Smart Features for a Smart Home: Many modern feeders come with Wi-Fi, mobile apps, cameras, and even voice recording—letting you check in, feed remotely, and talk to your pet. About 1 in 4 pet parents say smart tech features are what sold them on upgrading.
7. Helps Reduce Pet Anxiety: Pets can get anxious when their feeding schedule is off. Automatic feeders help minimize that stress by keeping meals on track, even when your routine changes.

Is an Automatic Pet Feeder Right for You?

If you’re a pet parent looking for a little more freedom and a lot more peace of mind, an automatic feeder might be the perfect addition to your home. From helping manage diets to simply making life easier, it’s no wonder more pet lovers are making the switch.

And with so many models available—from basic timers to smart feeders with all the bells and whistles—there’s an option for every budget and pet personality.

Have you tried an automatic feeder? Check out The SmartFeeder to enhance you and your pet's routine!