Automatic Feeding and Watering Your Dog : is it Right for You?

Automatic feeding and watering your dog may be convenient but there may be some downsides to this practice. Automatic feeders feature a container that holds the food and disburses it into an attached bowl. There are also electronic feeders that can be programmed to disburse a certain portion are specified times. Automatic waterers are much the same in that the water is held in a container and it constantly flows into the water bowl so that the dog does not run out of water until the reservoir is empty.

The convenience of these products is great, particularly if the pet owner is gone for most of the day or even overnight. It is also convenient if there is more than one dog in the home that needs to be fed. Some people use automatic feeders when they are feeding their dog free choice, such as with a puppy or a dog that needs to put on some weight. Automatic feeders and waterers ensure that the dog or dogs don't run out of food and water while the owner is away and that the dog has free access to food and water throughout the day.

Let's look at the pros and cons of automation.

Automatic Feeders

Pros: Automatic feeders ensure that the dog or dogs are adequately fed while the owner is away, even overnight. As long as the reservoir has enough food in it, the dog will continue to be fed.

Cons: Automatic feeders can over feed the dog. Additionally, the food can become stale if the reservoir has any air leaks, the food will not stay fresh. Unless an electronic feeder is used and is set to feed specific portions at certain times, there is no control over how much the dog is fed and he can overeat. This can lead to obesity in the dog which can lead to various health issues for the dog.

Automatic Waterers

Pros: Automatic waterers ensure that the dog or dogs have plenty of water. The reservoir keeps water and it flows into the water bowl as the dog drinks. This keeps the owner from having to constantly refill the dog's water dish.

Cons: With automatic waterers, the water dish and water in the dish can become dirty. Food particles and other pieces of trash can wind up in the water dish, causing it to become dirty and possibly contaminated. If the reservoir is too full or heavy, it can be quite difficult to clean the dish and give the dog fresh water. Changing the water and cleaning the bowl can be cumbersome because of the reservoir, particularly if it is filled or even partially filled.

It is vital to carefully weigh the pros and cons of automatic feeding and watering to determine if it is right for your dog, you and your lifestyle.

Ultimately, you may opt for an electronic feeder to regulate the feedings, or an automatic waterer with a smaller reservoir so that it can be changed more frequently, or you may choose to feed your dog the old fashioned way - on your own. You may even auto water and feed on your own. The bottom line is to make sure that you do what is right for you and for your dog.