PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder Review

We purchased the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder so our expert reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

When it comes to your beloved pet, you want the best, and PetSafe’s Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder is designed to give you just that. Whether you’re looking for a way to manage your pet’s weight or need a way to feed them when you’re not home, this product allows you total control. In order to evaluate if this feeder really got the job done, we sent it home with one of our testers, who used it to feed his cat twice a day for two weeks and continued using it occasionally during periods when he wasn’t home. Read on to find out what he loved and what he didn't.

Setup: A little tricky

This feeder has a variety of preset modes that are supposed to make it easier to use right off the bat. However, our reviewer felt that these weren’t actually that simple: “Programming this feeder is not intuitive,” he said, “as it does require reading the manual to understand how to set the schedule properly instead of just reading the built-in display.”

Power: Takes batteries but adapter sold separately

Our tester was disappointed by the fact that that this feeder doesn’t come with a power adapter, though you can purchase one separately from the manufacturer. If you choose not to do this, the device requires four D batteries, which PetSafe says will last you about a year on average. “While this makes sense in that it allows this feeder to be placed anywhere,” our tester said, “I’d rather not have to worry about replacing the D batteries every so often.”

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Design: Great size but only works with provided bowl

This feeder, which is made from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel, has a storage capacity of up to 24 cups of dry food and is recommended for cats and small- to medium-sized dogs. “The feeder is large enough so that you don't have to worry about your pets going hungry if you’re away for a week or so,” our tester commented. The food is stored in a translucent hopper, or case, which allows you to see when it’s running low, and dispensed via a conveyor system that works with most dry and semi-moist food. The device also features a locking lid, which is designed to keep your pet from getting into the stored food.

A removable stainless steel pet bowl, which holds up to 5 cups of food, is also included with purchase: “This feeder works best only with the bowl that they provide,” noted our tester. “I initially used a smaller bowl that I've been using for some time now and some of the food bounced out of it.”

Settings: Large variety is a major plus

This feeder allows you to program up to 12 meals a day with flexible portions ranging from ⅛ cup to 4 cups. Our tester was a big fan: “The feeder is great in that it offers a fair number of options in regards to cup size, number of feedings, and when those feedings should occur,” he said.

In terms of timing, there’s a “Slow Feed” option that dispenses a portion over a period of 15 minutes, which can help prevent bloat and vomiting. There’s also an “Immediate Feed” option if you want to feed your pet outside of the programmed times, as well as a “Pause Feed” option, which our tester particularly liked: “The pause function allows you to use the feeder only when you’re not home,” he explained, “which prevents your pets from becoming dependent on the machine.”

Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts

The lid, hopper, bowl, and bowl holder are all dishwasher-safe to make cleaning extra easy.

Price: On the expensive side

With an MSRP of $140, PetSafe’s Healthy Pet Simply Feed is definitely an investment, especially considering that there are some very basic feeders on the market for around $30. Considering its advanced features, though, the investment could add a lot of ease to your life depending on your specific needs. Our tester felt the price was a little steep: “At the current price, it’s definitely more of a ‘nice to have’ than a ‘must have.’” He did add, though, that if the product were on sale, he’d snap it up right away: “I love not having to worry about feeding my cat when I’m out late or won't be coming home for a day or two,” he said.

PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder vs. Arf Pets Automatic Food Dispenser

In terms of price, Arf Pets Automatic Food Dispenser is cheaper than PetSafe’s option—around $40 cheaper, in fact. However, you don’t get nearly as many customization options. With Arf Pets, you can only schedule four meals a day, compared with PetSafe’s 12. Plus, there isn’t a manual dispense option. However, the Arf Pets Automatic Food Dispenser comes with a power adapter (and is also battery-operated), whereas PetSafe’s option requires you to buy an adapter, making it even more expensive.