Automatic vs Gravity Feeder: PetSafe SmartFeed vs Petmate
Which will actually stop your pet from overeating — the app-smart portion control of the SmartFeed or the no-fuss reliability of a gravity feeder?
Picture leaving for work worried about your hungry cat: this friendly primer compares the high-tech PetSafe SmartFeed and the no-fuss Petmate Replendish, showing who each suits, key differences, and whether automated scheduling or gravity feeding fits your life and budget.
A feature-rich automatic feeder built for pet owners who want precise portions and remote control. It balances smart connectivity and pet-friendly options (slow feed, stainless bowl), though it costs more and needs some setup and occasional maintenance. Great for portion-controlled feeding and people who travel or work long hours.
A straightforward gravity feeder that excels at providing a steady supply of dry kibble with minimal fuss. It’s inexpensive, roomy, and easy to clean, but it offers no portion control or smart features, so it’s less suitable for pets on strict diets. Ideal for free-feeding or multi-pet setups where measured meals aren’t required.
PetSafe SmartFeed Feeder
Ease of Use
8.5
Portion Control & Scheduling
9.5
Capacity & Refill
7.5
Connectivity & Smart Features
8.9
Petmate Replendish Feeder
Ease of Use
9
Portion Control & Scheduling
2.5
Capacity & Refill
9
Connectivity & Smart Features
1.1
PetSafe SmartFeed Feeder
Pros
Highly customizable portioning and up to 12 scheduled meals
App, Alexa and mobile compatibility for remote control and alerts
Slow-feed setting and stainless-steel bowl for pet health and hygiene
Battery backup plus AC adapter reduces missed meals during outages
Moderate capacity that fits most small-to-medium pets without constant refills
Petmate Replendish Feeder
Pros
Very simple, no-setup gravity operation — fill and forget
Large hopper reduces refill frequency (10 lb size shown)
Easy to clean; base and bottle screw apart for washing
Affordable and durable for many households
PetSafe SmartFeed Feeder
Cons
Higher price point than basic feeders
Requires initial Wi‑Fi/app setup and occasional firmware updates
Mechanical parts can jam if food is overly large or moist
Petmate Replendish Feeder
Cons
No portion control or scheduled feeding — not for measured diets
Not suitable for wet/moist foods or pets that hoard/overeat
Design & Key Features: Smart Automation vs Simple Gravity
PetSafe SmartFeed — tech-forward design
The SmartFeed is built like a small appliance that automates meal timing and portions. It uses a touchscreen and pairs with the My PetSafe app (Apple/Android) and Alexa for remote control. Key hardware and features:
Programmable portions (up to 12 meals/day) and a Slow Feed mode
Sealed 6L (about 24-cup) hopper to keep kibble fresher
Stainless-steel bowl for hygiene and chew resistance
AC power with battery backup so meals still drop during outages
Replendish is a “fill-and-forget” gravity hopper made for steady access to dry food. No electronics, no setup — just load and let gravity feed. Standout points:
Large 10 lb hopper (shown size) means fewer refills
Spill-resistant wide-mouth bowl and easy-snap lid
Base and bottle screw apart for simple cleaning
Durable molded plastic body, made in the USA
No power required
Size, materials & safety at a glance
Both are sturdy, but they serve different needs. The SmartFeed uses mixed materials (plastic housing + stainless bowl) and requires power/Wi‑Fi setup; it offers portion control and locked, scheduled dispensing — better for measured diets or pets that need structure. The Replendish is all-plastic, cordless, and spill-resistant — great for free-feeders or multi-pet homes where exact portions aren’t critical. Kid safety: SmartFeed’s touchscreen and sealed hopper reduce accidental access; Replendish’s snap lid and heavy base limit spills and curiosity.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
PetSafe SmartFeed Feeder vs. Petmate Replendish Feeder
VS
Type
Automatic, programmable electronic feeder
VS
Gravity-fed dispenser (no electronics)
Capacity
6 L / ~24 cups
VS
10 lb (large hopper; other sizes available)
Power Source
AC adapter with battery backup (batteries required for backup)
VS
None required — passive gravity dispensing
Portion Control
Programmable portions, adjustable grams/cups per meal
VS
None — food dispenses as pet eats (self-regulating)
Scheduled Meals
Up to 12 meals per day, custom timing
VS
Continuous availability rather than scheduled meals
Smart Connectivity
Wi‑Fi, PetSafe/My PetSafe app, Alexa & mobile compatibility
1 Year Limited Warranty; Radio Systems customer support
VS
Manufacturer support; check retailer for details
Country of Origin / Manufacturer
Radio Systems Corporation (manufacturer details listed)
VS
Made in USA (Petmate)
Approx Price
$$$
VS
$
2
Performance & Reliability: Scheduled Meals vs Continuous Fill
PetSafe SmartFeed — scheduled accuracy & app control
The SmartFeed shines at on-time, measured feeding. It lets you program up to 12 meals a day with portion sizes you set — in real homes that means consistent portions and predictable meal times for pets on a diet.
Timing accuracy is generally good (feeds fire to the minute) but relies on Wi‑Fi. Expect occasional delays or failed remote commands if your network drops; the local touchscreen still works for manual overrides.
App control and Alexa give real convenience, but plan for small connectivity hiccups — use the touchscreen if an important meal is due.
Battery backup helps when the power goes out and will usually keep scheduled drops running during short outages; long outages will depend on battery condition and feeding frequency.
Replendish is the textbook “fill-and-forget” option: food flows continuously into the bowl until it’s empty. That makes it ultra-reliable for daily topping up with zero electronics to fail.
Gravity feed is consistent for most standard kibble shapes, but bulky, oddly shaped, or slightly oily/moist pieces can bridge and cause slow flow or clogs.
For multi‑pet homes it’s true free-feeding: dominant pets can empty the bowl faster and there’s no portion control without monitoring or multiple feeders.
Noise, jams, and food types
Noise: SmartFeed has a motorized whirr and occasional clunk at dispense; Replendish is silent except for pet eating.
Jams: SmartFeed can jam with oversized or moist kibble and may need occasional clearing; Replendish clogs happen when kibble bridges the hopper neck.
Wet food: Neither unit is suited for wet/moist foods — SmartFeed is for dry kibble only and Replendish is strictly dry-gravity use.
3
Capacity, Maintenance & Cleanliness: How Much and How Easy?
Capacity & refilling frequency
PetSafe SmartFeed holds 6 L (about 24 cups). That’s plenty for small cats — at ½ cup/day you’d refill roughly every 48 days; for a dog eating 1–2 cups/day expect 12–24 days between top-ups. Petmate Replendish’s 10 lb hopper holds roughly 40 cups (kibble density varies), so it usually needs refilling less often than the SmartFeed for the same pet — great if you want truly “fill-and-forget” bulk storage.
Cleaning steps & dishwasher-safe parts
PetSafe SmartFeed
Remove stainless-steel bowl (dishwasher-safe).
Wipe or hand-wash the hopper; don’t submerge the electronic base.
Clean the dispensing exit and motor area with a dry cloth; use a lightly damp cloth for stubborn bits.
Petmate Replendish
Twist apart bottle and base; hand-wash both with warm soapy water.
Let all parts dry completely before reassembly to avoid moisture build-up.
Sealing, pests & moisture
SmartFeed’s covered hopper reduces humidity and slow oxidation better than an open bowl; it’s not rodent-proof — keep in a secure area.
Replendish uses an easy-snap lid and a gravity bottle; it’s simple but less sealed against moisture and pests than a motorized hopper.
Lifespan, replacement parts & routine upkeep
SmartFeed: electronics and motor can fail after years of use; replaceable bowls, adapters and batteries are available; check batteries and firmware occasionally.
Replendish: very durable plastic with minimal failure points; parts are widely available and inexpensive.
Smells, mold risk & freshness tips
Clean feeders weekly, dry thoroughly, store kibble in an airtight canister, rotate stock, and keep feeders out of direct sun. Discard stale or oily kibble — moisture and warm temps = mold risk.
4
Cost, Value & Which Pet Owner Should Buy Which
Upfront price vs ongoing value
PetSafe SmartFeed — about $130 upfront. Higher purchase cost but adds precise portioning, app control and scheduled meals that can help prevent overeating. Petmate Replendish — about $42 upfront. Very low-cost, sturdy, and simple: you pay once and mostly forget it.
Hidden costs & maintenance
SmartFeed: occasional replacement parts (bowls, adapters) and backup batteries — expect roughly $10–30/year for batteries and minor parts; possible repair or replacement if electronics fail after a few years.
Replendish: almost no ongoing electrical costs; occasional replacement lids or bases are inexpensive (usually under $10).
Long-term value
SmartFeed pays off if you need portion accuracy, remote control, or regular scheduling — that precision can reduce weight-related vet bills. Replendish delivers big value for low maintenance, bulk storage, and households that don’t need measured portions.
Quick decision scenarios
Busy owners who travel or want scheduled, remote meals — choose SmartFeed.
Budget-conscious owners or multi-pet homes that need large, low-maintenance supply — choose Replendish.
Weight management: SmartFeed is better for diets and small or overweight pets because it dispenses exact portions.
Small pets: SmartFeed’s portion control is safer; gravity feeders can flood small bowls with too much food.
Large breeds: Replendish’s bulk capacity is convenient, but if a large dog eats fast or free-feeds, consider a slow-feed bowl or SmartFeed for measured meals.
Final Verdict: Match Your Lifestyle to the Feeder
Overall winner: PetSafe SmartFeed — best for precision scheduling, remote control and smart features. Choose Petmate Replendish when you want low‑maintenance, reliable gravity feeding and larger bulk capacity.
Buyer tip: test portion sizes and inspect bowl and dispenser fit for your pet before committing — then enjoy less feeding stress; ready to pick one? If you travel often, prioritize the SmartFeed; if you refill rarely, Petmate saves time and money and reduces pet anxiety.
Emily is a passionate pet care expert and the voice behind Pet Wool Bed.
15 Comments
Does anyone have experience using either feeder for multiple pets with different dietary needs? I’m juggling a senior dog on a low-fat diet and a kitten who needs more calories.
Seems like SmartFeed would let you do scheduled portions but can it handle two different bowls? Or is it better to buy two units?
SmartFeed models typically serve a single bowl/channel, so for different diets you’d likely need two units or supplement with separate bowls and timed feedings. Many owners buy two feeders to keep diets separate, especially for pets with strict needs.
I have two SmartFeeds and it’s the best setup for my cat and dog. Yes it’s pricier but zero cross-contamination and precise portions. Worth it to avoid upset stomachs.
Huge fan of the Petmate Replendish here. It’s solid plastic, seems built to last (made in USA is a nice touch). I used to buy small bags of kibble but the 10 lb capacity lets me buy in bulk and save money.
But — and it’s a big but — you don’t get precise portion control. My cat is a chonker and the gravity system will just keep dispensing if she’s pawing at it. If you have a grazier, this is perfect; if you’re dealing with weight issues, consider the SmartFeed.
Also cleaning is straightforward. The base lifts off and everything rinses easily. No electronics to worry about breaking.
Also, if your cat is a grazer you can add small ceramic bowls beneath to slow them down — sad but works 😅
How’s the build quality holding up after months? Any discoloration or cracking? I worry about sun-exposed plastic.
No cracking yet, Marta. I keep it out of direct sun and it still looks fine after a year. Maybe avoid leaving it on a balcony where temps swing a lot.
Great breakdown, Priya. The tradeoff between ease and portion control is exactly what we tried to highlight in the article. For owners of multiple pets or dietary restrictions, programmable feeders are usually better.
Agreed. I bought the Replendish for my second cat and she’s perfect with it. For my other cat who needs timed meals, I use the SmartFeed. Two feeders, no drama.
I went with the Replendish because I’m lazy and don’t want an app. Works perfectly. No drama, no updates, no notifications — bliss.
Price, maintenance, and pet temperament are the key things I look at. If your pet grazes, get the Replendish. If you need strict portions and remote scheduling, get the SmartFeed.
Also keep in mind long-term costs — replacement parts for electronics can add up. Gravity feeders are basically ‘buy once’ unless your pet destroys them 😂
Good point about footprint, Grace. I had to rearrange my kitchen to fit the Replendish but it was worth it for the storage space.
Also think about where you’ll place it. Gravity feeders need a wider footprint; SmartFeed is more compact but needs a power location if you don’t rely on batteries.
Excellent summary, Nina. We included a cost-of-ownership section in the article for exactly these reasons.
Replacement bowls and sensors for the SmartFeed are available on Amazon; they aren’t super expensive, but yeah, factor them in.
Does anyone have experience using either feeder for multiple pets with different dietary needs? I’m juggling a senior dog on a low-fat diet and a kitten who needs more calories.
Seems like SmartFeed would let you do scheduled portions but can it handle two different bowls? Or is it better to buy two units?
SmartFeed models typically serve a single bowl/channel, so for different diets you’d likely need two units or supplement with separate bowls and timed feedings. Many owners buy two feeders to keep diets separate, especially for pets with strict needs.
I have two SmartFeeds and it’s the best setup for my cat and dog. Yes it’s pricier but zero cross-contamination and precise portions. Worth it to avoid upset stomachs.
Huge fan of the Petmate Replendish here. It’s solid plastic, seems built to last (made in USA is a nice touch). I used to buy small bags of kibble but the 10 lb capacity lets me buy in bulk and save money.
But — and it’s a big but — you don’t get precise portion control. My cat is a chonker and the gravity system will just keep dispensing if she’s pawing at it. If you have a grazier, this is perfect; if you’re dealing with weight issues, consider the SmartFeed.
Also cleaning is straightforward. The base lifts off and everything rinses easily. No electronics to worry about breaking.
Also, if your cat is a grazer you can add small ceramic bowls beneath to slow them down — sad but works 😅
How’s the build quality holding up after months? Any discoloration or cracking? I worry about sun-exposed plastic.
No cracking yet, Marta. I keep it out of direct sun and it still looks fine after a year. Maybe avoid leaving it on a balcony where temps swing a lot.
Great breakdown, Priya. The tradeoff between ease and portion control is exactly what we tried to highlight in the article. For owners of multiple pets or dietary restrictions, programmable feeders are usually better.
Agreed. I bought the Replendish for my second cat and she’s perfect with it. For my other cat who needs timed meals, I use the SmartFeed. Two feeders, no drama.
I went with the Replendish because I’m lazy and don’t want an app. Works perfectly. No drama, no updates, no notifications — bliss.
Price, maintenance, and pet temperament are the key things I look at. If your pet grazes, get the Replendish. If you need strict portions and remote scheduling, get the SmartFeed.
Also keep in mind long-term costs — replacement parts for electronics can add up. Gravity feeders are basically ‘buy once’ unless your pet destroys them 😂
Good point about footprint, Grace. I had to rearrange my kitchen to fit the Replendish but it was worth it for the storage space.
Also think about where you’ll place it. Gravity feeders need a wider footprint; SmartFeed is more compact but needs a power location if you don’t rely on batteries.
Excellent summary, Nina. We included a cost-of-ownership section in the article for exactly these reasons.
Replacement bowls and sensors for the SmartFeed are available on Amazon; they aren’t super expensive, but yeah, factor them in.