Our Top Pick: SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Key Features:

  • Senses the designated pet’s microchip to open the flap and allow access the food bowl.
  • Flap opens only for the pet it’s programmed for, and stops other pets from eating the food.
  • Good for small dogs and cats.

 

Overview:

The SureFeed microchip feeder is our top pick because it finally stops your dog from eating the wrong food (or having his food eaten by someone else!). The automatic feeder only opens when it registers the microchip of the pet that’s programmed in, so others can’t access the bowl. While not necessary in a single-pet household, this is ideal if one of your dogs or cats has prescribed food, expensive puppy food or food that could cause allergic reactions in another pet.

The SureFeed feeder is sized to fit cats and small dogs.

 

Tips: The main consideration with this feeder is keeping it in a small or enclosed area so other pets can’t walk around the back of the feeder and steal food while the correct pet has the bowl open. Also, if you have aggressive pets, keep an eye on the feeder for the first few days to make sure they don’t try to rip it open!

Price: $149.99 on Amazon.

 

Best Dog Treat Camera: Furbo Dog Camera

Key Features:

  • Full HD, 1080p Camera with night vision.
  • 2-Way Chat with your dog and alerts for when your dog is barking.
  • Tosses treats to your dog to catch, and stores over 100 (dry) treats.

 

Overview:

The Furbo Dog Treat Camera is an awesome way to connect with your dog while you’re out of the house. The creators of this dog camera thought of everything: treats, 2 way chatting, barking alerts, night vision, easy user experience and a 1080p HD camera. Fill the treat dispenser with over 100 pieces of your dog’s favorite snack and throw them to him throughout the day.

The treat camera is one of the pricier options, but has a few extra features that make it stand out from the crowd. Those extras include taking dog selfies for you when your pup is facing the camera, and alerting you when your dog is extra active (so you can stop them from chewing your furniture!). 

 

Price: $199.00 on Amazon.

 

 

 

Best Automatic Dog Feeder: WOpet 7L Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser

Key Features:

  • Can schedule up to 4 meals a day with flexible meal portions (from 2 teaspoons to 4.5 cups per feeding)
  • Record a voice message for your pet at mealtimes.
  • Power adapter included and battery power available as backup (needs 3 D-sized batteries, not included).

 

Overview:

This automatic dog feeder is great for households with one or two dogs that eat dry food. The WOpet feeder can hold 20 cups of dry food and is easy to clean, with a removeable large storage compartment and dishwasher safe feeding tray. The voice-message feature is fun, and can get your dog excited about eating when you’re not there. If you’re away from the house for large portions of the day and your dog is bad with portion control, this might be a great fit!

Tips: The feeder can only accommodate for certain (common) sizes of kibble: 0.2-0.6 inches in diameter. Also if your pets don’t like to share food, or eat wet food, this product probably won’t work for you.

 

Price: $89.99 on Amazon

 

Best Dog Ball Launcher: iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs

Key Features:

  • Throws mini-tennis balls (1.6 inches in diameter). There is also an iFetch Too for large dogs.
  • Adjustable launching distance of 10, 20 or 30 feet for the small launcher.
  • Battery operated and great for inside or outside.

 

Overview:

We love playing with our pups, but sometimes dogs have extra energy that needs to be burned up! We chose iFetch because it’s simple, easy to use and is great for making sure indoor dogs get enough exercise and stay healthy. All your dog needs to do is fetch, drop the ball in the top of the launcher and wait to chase after the next one!

 

Tips: Be patient when teaching your dog about the ball launcher, especially if they’re sensitive to noise. The launcher is quite loud when throwing the balls, but reviews say most dogs quickly get used to it (and then can’t stop!). If your dog is a heavy chewer, you might want to invest in some heartier balls that are a similar size to the ones the launcher comes with.

 

Price: $115 

 

Best GPS Dog Tracker: Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor

best dog gps collar trackerKey Features:

  • Light, waterproof, durable and hooks onto your dog’s collar.
  • Monthly subscription fee for GPS plan that connects to AT&T towers. Starts at $6.95 for a two-year commitment.
  • Average battery length is 7 days, and GPS goes on battery-saver (non-tracking) mode when connected to a designated ‘Safe Place’ wifi.

 

Overview:

The main concern with a GPS dog collar is the distance it tracks for and how long it stays charged for. Since the Whistle 3 (and original Whistle) uses the AT&T towers to transmit the GPS signal, the range is huge and extends all across the US. This doesn’t mean you have to use AT&T though, the tracking app and GPS collar connects to any smart phone that has a cellular connection or wifi. As for battery, the GPS stops sending signals to conserve battery when a dog is in one of your ‘Safe Places’. A ‘Safe Place’ is a wifi connection you’ve designated in your app as being in a location that’s safe for your dog to be at.

 

Tips: If your dog spends a lot of time outside of your wifi range (acreage or farmland) your battery won’t last as long so try to charge more frequently. Also if you live in an area with poor cellphone coverage, this product might not work for you since once the tracker is off the AT&T tower signal it’s unable to send notifications.

 

Price: $79.90 plus a subscription fee (from $6.95 to $9.95 a month).

 

 

Best Outdoor and Running Gadget for Dogs: The Headlight Harness

Key Features:

  • Bright LED headlight in the center of your dog’s harness’ chest that uses a 9V battery (included).
  • Comfortable, lightweight, water resistant and reflective harness.
  • Two points of attachment for a leash and a no choke/no pull design.

 

Overview:

For anyone who loves running at night or going on big camping adventures, this harness is a thoughtful and easy way to keep your dog safe. The harness itself is made for everyday use, with padding and a mesh belly section for comfortable movement, and comes in several sizes. The LED headlamp embedded in the harness is bright, emits no heat (so is safe for your dog) and lasts for ages. Special embroidery is available when purchasing the harness for your dog’s name, or any special labelling your dog might need (Service Dog, Do Not Pet, etc.).

Another bonus is that you can use this harness to secure your dog in the car by running the seatbelt through the sturdy handle on the back of the harness.

 

Price: $59.95