How Does an Automatic Pet Feeder Work?

Readying the Feeder

The automatic pet feeder consists of two parts--an inverted, plastic or glass food reservoir top section, shaped like a large bottle, and a plastic or ceramic tray which is the bottom section. The top section easily screws off the bottom tray. The top bottle-shaped section is then turned upside down, and filled with dry dog or cat food, up to the rim.

Reattaching the Base

The plastic or ceramic tray base is then turned upside down, and placed back on the lip of the now full, upturned bottle. The tray is turned in a clockwise motion until it screws on tightly to the bottle section.

Flipping it Over

The automatic pet feeder is now back in one piece and turned back over, with the tray base resting on the ground, and the upturned bottle full of food on top. The dry kibble will pour out into the tray until the shallow tray is full and blocks the opening, stopping the flow of food. When the animal eats some food and creates space on the tray, more food will automatically trickle out to replace the eaten food. Using gravity in this way, the food will continue to trickle out over time as the animal returns to eat, until the bottle is empty and needs refilling.