How to Operate an Automatic Dog Feeder

Automatic dog feeders were designed to make meal time a more convenient, healthier way of eating. Dogs left alone for the day with a bowl full of food often eat every morsel early on, leaving them bloated and out of food. Unless trained, dogs normally lack the discipline to restrain from eating all of the food in the bowl. Automatic feeders teach dogs to eat smaller amounts of food more often. According to a PetMD article, switching to smaller, more frequent meals is a solution to reducing harmful gas in dogs. Since most people are not in a position to feed their pets as frequently as necessary, automatic feeders are an ideal solution.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry dog food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the right type of automatic feeder for your dog. Different types and styles of automatic feeders are available. Those that are gravity-fed and function by the dog's pushing the door open, allowing food stored in the reserve to fall into the tray, are often less expensive than those that operate on a timer. Choose metal over plastic feeders to avoid the potential of bacterial growth on easily-scratched plastic surfaces.

    • 2

      Position the automatic feeder at the right height for your dog. You will find feeders that sit flat on the ground and those that can be elevated. Determine which type works best for your dog based on his height and overall health. Medium to large-size dogs and those with back problems may be better off with an elevated automatic feeder.

    • 3

      Fill the automatic feeder with the appropriate amount of food. Depending on whether you have a gravity-fed or a timer-operated automatic feeder, instructions for filling it will vary. With a gravity-fed feeder, fill the reserve with the appropriate amount of food for the number of days in question. As the bowl empties, more food will fall from the reserve. With timer-operated feeders, set the timer and food will fall into the bowl at preset times during the day.

    • 4

      Clean and sanitize the feeder frequently. Before placing in a dishwasher, verify that all parts are dishwasher safe. Clean most metal automatic feeders with water and a mild detergent. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.