Best Microchip Pet Feeders for Cats and Small Dogs | 2022 Comparison, Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Putting your pet on a diet isn’t just a matter of convenience. Overeating and, as a result, obesity leads to grave health issues and can even shorten the life of your furry friend. However, it is often a challenging task to control your pet’s appetite, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. And this is where microchip pet feeders come to your rescue!

How do microchip pet feeders work? These are units designed to store a bowl with your pet’s food with a lid responding to a specific animal. All you need to do is place the food in the bowl and press the button to close the lid. There is one essential requirement, though: the device works only with an implanted microchip or an RFID collar tag. The trick is that the lid opens only when an animal with a registered ID approaches the unit. Such a feeder is equipped with special sensors that detect microchips and thus distinguish between different animals in your house.

What is the Hype about Microchip Pet Feeders?

This amazing device gives you peace of mind when you are away and keeps your pet full while preventing overeating. This is all the more important for those who have two and more pets. Just imagine that you get a new cat who has the habit of eating almost everything in front of it, leaving the other cat or dog without sufficient food. If you choose to simply place more food in the bowl, you will be watching your pet gaining weight and will be powerless to do anything about it. Not to mention, of course, those pets that have a prescription diet.

Another reason that many people are fascinated by microchip pet feeders is that they can keep track of their pets’ feeding habits. Some models, like the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, are app-connected and allow the user to see the data collected by the device. No matter where you are, you will be aware of how often and how much your beloved friend eats. This is crucial information as any significant variations may be indicative of illness. And finally, many such units can accurately measure portions. You can set the needed portion size and even select the type of food — dry or wet.

Because of their dominating nature, cats may steal each other’s food even though they are not hungry. A microchip feeder is an efficient way to stop this bad practice. One more thing that makes microchip feeders popular is that they are actually great entertainment for your pet. This device will keep your pet curious and active so that it could have fun even when you are away. For instance, a cat may use its paws to try to retrieve the food from the other cat’s bowl. But when approaching its feeder, the cat will see the lid opening on its own. Quite amusing!

Microchip Сat Feeders Compared

Most microchip pet feeders are designed for cats or small-size dogs. If your cat feels uncomfortable with the RFID hanging from its collar, you can use a microchip. In case you do not remember your pet’s microchip number, check it with your vet or animal rescue. If your pet does not have any, you may bring it to the vet to implant a microchip — a useful thing anyway — and the vet will do it without surgery or anesthesia. It is a very simple procedure, just like an injection, and be sure your pet won’t be aware of the microchip implant.

The good news is that most advanced microchip feeders can use both the pet’s ID microchip and an RFID collar tag. Perhaps the most popular quality product in this category is the SureFlap - SureFeed - Microchip Pet Feeder. This item is manufactured by Sure Petcare, a British company making pet lifestyle products, including a broad range of microchip-operated pet feeders and doors. The company was established by Dr. Nick Hill, a Cambridge physicist who developed an innovative technology that utilizes microchips already implanted in the pet as a sort of an electronic key. In 2014, the first product line of microchip pet feeders of this brand was launched.

The SureFlap feeder is ideal for multi-pet homes and pets on prescription diets. With a capacity of 13.5 ounces, the unit is designed for both wet and dry pet food. Once the lid is closed, it seals the bowl with the neoprene lip, keeping food fresh and retaining moisture. The device runs on four C batteries and is compatible with 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA), and 15 (FDXB) digit microchip numbers. It is easy to program — just press the button and bring your cat in. When the pet with a specific microchip ID approaches, the lid opens. The lid closes only when the animal moves away. The product includes one RFID collar tag, so if you need more, you need to purchase it separately. Also, the feeder comes with a single bowl, a split bowl, a mat, and a user manual.

Larger in size, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is loaded with features so that you can get the most out of this type of device. To begin with, it connects to the app, which requires a separately sold hub though, allowing you to monitor your pet’s eating habits and adjust settings. In particular, you can determine the size of the portion and the LED light indicator will help you load the correct amount of food every time you fill the bowl. Built with the integrated scales, the feeder will accurately weigh the food. Through the app, you will get notifications about how much and what type of food your pet eats during each visit to the bowl. You will also stay informed about whether the bowl is full or empty.

Alternatives & Competitors: How Microchip Feeder Differs from Other Automatic Cat Feeders

There is a huge difference between a microchip feeder and a regular automatic pet feeder. Namely, they solve different problems. While automatic pet feeders can only keep flies away and moisture in the meal, microchip units stop food stealing, regulate your pet’s feeding and can even create new eating habits for your pet.

Let’s take the Sure Petcare Motion Activated Sealed Pet Bowl. The unit opens the lid automatically any time an animal approaches it. Such a device does not differentiate between animals and simply responds to any motion nearby. Of course, automatic pet feeders have their advantages, too. Apart from keeping the food fresh, the Sure Petcare Motion-Activated Bowl prevents spills, keeping your floors clean. If you own only one pet and it does not overeat, a motion-activated cat feeder may be a good option for you.

Best-Selling Microchip Pet Feeders in Canada | Comparison Table