Knowledge base · Feeding
Can a smart feeder set my pet's diet?
No. The feeder does not know the animal. You decide the food and the amount, then the machine can split that amount across the day. A timed pet feeder can only release what you put in. Weigh that amount first.
PDSA says to feed a complete commercial diet from a UK Pet Food member, matched to the cat's life stage, and to weigh the day's portion. If the cat is overweight, PDSA's obesity page says feed for the ideal weight, not the current weight, and reduce slowly over a couple of weeks. Grazing cats do better with the same allowance split into at least two meals.
Treats count. PDSA's diet guide says they should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of daily calories. Its Weigh Up page says not more than 10 percent, with the main food reduced to match. If those two pages matter to you, ask a vet rather than averaging them.
Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, in England and Wales, includes a suitable diet among the needs you must take reasonable steps to meet. A powered feeder that is empty or offline does not pause that duty.
Sources
- The best diet for your cat — PDSA, accessed 14 November 2026.
- Obesity in cats — PDSA, accessed 14 November 2026.
- How to treat your cat — PDSA, accessed 14 November 2026.
- Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 9 — legislation.gov.uk, accessed 14 November 2026.