The Best Automatic Dog Feeders for Large Breed Dogs – Feed Your Big Pup Without Lifting a Finger image 4

The Best Automatic Dog Feeders for Your Giant Pooch

If you own a large dog breed, you know that feeding Fido comes with its own set of challenges. From my experience owning Great Danes, it can be tough to properly portion out big meals while balancing their nutritional needs. Thankfully, automatic dog feeders offer a convenient solution for busy owners of large dogs.

Why Use an Automatic Feeder?

There are several benefits to using an automatic feeder for large dogs:

  1. Portion control – Automatic feeders allow you to pre-portion meals so your dog isn’t grazing all day. This is especially important for maintaining a healthy weight with big breeds.
  2. Convenience – No more waking up early or rushing home at lunch to feed your dog. The feeder does the work for you on a schedule you set.
  3. Consistency – Pets feel secure with a predictable feeding routine. An automatic feeder ensures meals are delivered at the same time each day.
  4. Travel flexibility – You can feel comfortable being away from home for longer periods knowing your dog’s needs are met by the feeder.

The consistency and portion control of an automatic feeder is just as important for giant breeds as it is for smaller dogs. Their large size makes overeating or unstructured meals more risky for weight gain or health issues.

What to Consider When Choosing a Feeder

When shopping for the best automatic feeder for a large breed, consider these important factors:

Food Capacity

Obviously, a feeder needs to hold enough kibble to feed your Mastiff or Great Dane without running out mid-meal. Most quality options for large dogs have a capacity of 10 to 30 pounds. Check the measurements against your daily feeding amounts.

Dispensing Amount

Look for adjustable portions so you can tailor meals to your dog’s metabolism and activity level. A feeder should dispense in increments small enough (around 1/4 cup) to prevent scarfing if set on multiple small meals per day.

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Feeding Schedule

Higher-end models let you program up to 4 feedings per day if you opt for multiple smaller portions. Consider your normal routine and what schedule flexibility you need while away.

Material Durability

Plastic and stainless steel are best for resisting teeth marks or scratches from a big paws and drool. Avoid lightweight plastic that could break under the impact of a Mastiff’s snout.

Easy Cleaning

Sanitation is a must with any pet product. Removable food chambers, sealed lids, and parts that are dishwasher safe earn hygienic bonus points. You want cleaning to be simple for a chore handled daily or weekly.

Spill-Resistance

Accidents happen, especially if a clumsy Great Dane gets over-eager at feeding time. Look for reinforced bases, sealed edges, and features to contain accidental spills and knock-overs.

Size Appropriateness

At 50+ pounds, even a compact feeder may seem toy-sized next to a Mastiff. Choose one proportionate to your large breed‘s stature for maximum convenience.

Cost vs. Value

Manual and basic automated feeders adequate for small dogs won’t cut it for Saint Bernards. Expect to invest over $100 for heavy-duty features, but quality feeders pay off in the long run by serving even the largest pups well.

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Personal Recommendations

After trying several options myself, here are two automatic feeders that stood up nicely to my dogs’ scale and needs:

Paw5 Programmable Feeder

With a 30 lb capacity, this is one of the highest-volume feeders made. The durable metal bowl resisted teeth marks and the entire base sat firmly on our tile despite it being knocked around by slippes. Its 5 meal programming was convenient when our Danes were training.

PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder

At a lower price point, this feeder proved solid for consistent twice-daily portions. Its raised base kept kibble contained during feeding mayhem and single-serving portions prevented gluttony. All parts fit in the dishwasher too.

In summary, an automatic feeder provides an easy, hygienic solution for serving meals to large breed dogs, while regulated portioning aids in maintaining their weight and health long-term. Choosing one sized well and built to withstand jumbo paws will make your gigantor pup just as happy as smaller dogs using similar feeders.

Do your own research to discover other feeder brands well-reviewed by owners of Great Danes, Mastiffs, and other huge hound households. An investment in the right automatic option pays off in convenience, hassle-free traveling, and keeping Fido fit and content whether you’re home or not.

FAQ

  1. How much food can an automatic dog feeder for large dogs hold?

    Most feeders for bigger pups can hold somewhere between 5 to 30 pounds of kibble, depending on the size and model. The bigger containers allow feeding multiple times without refilling as often.

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  2. Will large dogs be able to access the food in an automatic feeder?

    While size can be a problem, many feeders nowadays can handle dogs over 50 pounds. The openings tend to be pretty wide. As long as big dogs don’t try carrying the whole feeder outside, most should do the job. You could always test it out with a sample size first to check.

  3. How often should an automatic feeder dispense food for a large breed?

    Vets usually recommend dividing a large dog‘s daily portion into 2-4 feedings. An automatic feeder lets you set intervals as short as every 3-6 hours. This may help big dogs with sensitive stomachs. Otherwise, one morning and evening feeding is sufficient for many. Check your dog’s needs and start with the longer times and adjust if required.

  4. Is it difficult to program an automatic feeder?

    Most have simple digital interfaces that allow choosing mealtimes and portions with just a few button presses. Though the instructions may seem daunting at first, it’s really not very complicated. And these feeders are meant for pet owners of all tech abilities. So with a little patience, anyone can figure it out. Many also have trial modes for practice runs.

  5. What if the power goes out with an automatic feeder?

    A good feeder will have a battery backup to continue scheduled meals during an outage of a few hours. However, longer blackouts could cause it to stop working. In that case, it’s best to manually feed your large pup until power returns. Some high-end models even have power failure alarms to warn about missed Feedings. So it’s a small risk but evaluating your needs helps pick the right option.

  6. Is an automatic feeder worth it for a large breed dog?

    For busy owners of big dogs who travel frequently, an automatic feeder provides valuable peace of mind knowing their pup will be fed on schedule. It also prevents overeating when left alone all day. However, the cost can be prohibitive compared to simple bowls. But if keeping a large dog healthy and maintaining a routine is important, then it may kind of be worth the investment. Just make sure to get a sturdy brand.

  7. How do I choose between different types of automatic feeders?

    There are gravity, timer and smart Wifi-connected feeders. For large breeds, gravity or timer styles provide bigger containers. Smart feeders track intake but cost more. “Basically”, decide if you need mobile access, longevity or large capacities. Read reviews on durability and sizes that fit giant paws. Ask other owners of big dogs for brand recommendations too. Comparing features will help you pick the top model for your large pup’s needs.

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