ConsFirst / Automatic pet feeders

Sure Petcare

SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$$$Microchip feederScore 2.9/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)

Not a timer feeder but a gatekeeper: it opens only for a registered pet's microchip or tag, which The Spruce Pets says it handles 'with aplomb' and vets mentioned to Wirecutter. But the open back lets determined pets in unless you buy a $33 cover, the lid can be slow to close, and it runs only on batteries.

Subscription: None. No app (this non-Connect model)

Top complaints

  • Doesn't always keep other pets out

    Amazon's summary flags pet safety as a concern, with owners saying it doesn't keep other pets out. The Spruce Pets says a determined dog could get in through the open back, and the rear cover costs about $33 extra.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), The Spruce Pets
  • Lid closes too slowly

    Closure speed draws mixed Amazon feedback: some say the door works reliably, others say it doesn't close quickly enough.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Batteries only, small plastic bowl

    It runs on four C batteries with no plug option (about six months per set, per The Spruce Pets). Amazon owners also flag battery-only power. The plastic bowl holds 13.5 oz, so it's not for leaving days of food.

    Source: The Spruce Pets, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

  • Reliably feeds only the right pet

    Amazon owners praise how well it works for multiple cats on different diets. The Spruce Pets says it closes quickly after the identified cat leaves and can learn up to 32 pets.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), The Spruce Pets
  • Fast setup with a training mode

    The Spruce Pets had it working with the included RFID tag in about five minutes, and a training function helps cats get used to it. Ease of use is an Amazon positive.

    Source: The Spruce Pets, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Covered bowl keeps food fresher

    The Spruce Pets says the covered design keeps flies off, tamps down smells and keeps wet food fresher; a split bowl is included.

    Source: The Spruce Pets
Good for
  • Multi-pet homes with different diets
  • Keeping a dog out of cat food
  • Wet or dry food

Scores (tap for why)

  • Reliable dispensing3.5
    Why 3.5?Works well at selective feeding (The Spruce Pets, Amazon), but closure speed is mixed on Amazon.
    Source: The Spruce Pets, Amazon.com product page
  • App & scheduling2.0
    Why 2.0?No app and no meal scheduling on this model; pet registration is quick and simple.
    Source: The Spruce Pets
  • Power backup & alerts3.0
    Why 3.0?Runs on C batteries for about six months with a flashing low-battery light; no outlet option.
    Source: The Spruce Pets, Amazon.com product page
  • Pet-proof build3.0
    Why 3.0?Blocks other cats from the front, but the open back can let a determined dog in (The Spruce Pets), and Amazon owners report other pets getting in.
    Source: The Spruce Pets, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • The Spruce Pets: Best microchip feeder: excellent at what it's designed for; minor cons are the plastic bowl, battery-only power and the rear cover sold separately.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Not yet tested, but several vets it interviewed mentioned SureFeed as a good option for multi-pet homes; testing is planned.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked automatic pet feeders whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in automatic pet feedersWhisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder

The Spruce Pets calls it the most impressive feeder it has ever tested, with the best app, 24-hour battery backup and a schedule stored on the device. WIRED found no real faults beyond the plastic bowl. The catches are a $299 price, a big footprint, and a bowl that isn't dishwasher-safe.

Its catch: expensive and bulky#2 in automatic pet feedersPetlibro Air WiFi Smart Feeder (2 L, rechargeable)

CNN Underscored's best overall and WIRED's best cheap app feeder: slim, cordless for about 30 days, and it never missed a meal in CNN's test, even with the power and Wi-Fi off. But 23% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars, citing Wi-Fi drops and units dying within months, and Wirecutter questions how long Petlibro will keep supporting it.

Its catch: wi-fi drops and early failures#3 in automatic pet feedersCat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs

The Spruce Pets' best overall: a simple, battery-run five-tray carousel for wet or dry food with dishwasher-safe parts and a low 11% Amazon low-star share. But its ice packs kept wet food cold only overnight or about four hours on warm days, WIRED and CNN found wet food reaching unsafe temperatures, and some owners say the timer resets itself.

Its catch: ice packs don't keep wet food cold long

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