SUREFEED BOWLS - any users here?

[meowsyko]

Has anybody here used the Surefeed pet bowl or microchip feeder? I'm considering getting the non-microchip one for my OTJ cat who insists on free feeding all day. I would like an honest opinion about if it is useful for keeping wet food fresh longer outside the fridge. I plan on changing the food twice per day or so, which I pretty much do now with her regular dishes but when the food dries out a bit she won't eat it.

I have an overnight trip coming up and I'm hoping might reduce the amount of times I need somebody to check up on her in the day. And if it works to keep food fresh, it would be useful for me every day.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

While I can't say specifically about the Surefeed, I know lots of people here use the PetSafe5 and say the food stays fresher because it's not sitting out all day

I assume that any time you have it "covered", it will keep it from drying out

 

[meowsyko]

I was looking at that one too, but I feel like it would waste food with her because she doesn't like sticking to any regular schedule and to free feed with it I would need to put some in each compartment... Good to know this sort of thing seems to work though!

I tried testing out just covering her bowl with a plate when she is done today... I keep forgetting about it and wondering why she's yelling at me . Covering seems to help keep the crusties away.

I am not sure how well covering actually helps keep it less bactiria-ey... But Syko seems to approve.

Surefeed says that you shouldn't use an icepack with it but I'm wondering if there's any room to throw one in anyway... And if it would open for a mouse, that wouldn't be good.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Well hi, Stranger!

I used the Petsafe 5 Meal Feeder for both Harvey and Cinco. There is a place under the food tray for an ice pack (sold separately, of course). I also added a little extra water to the later meals. Some people either freeze the food or put an ice cube on the later ones so it will melt with time and keep them moist. Cinco always cleaned out his food, and Harvey, Mr. Picky did a pretty good job, too. The key to remember is always make sure the food tray is properly seated on the base. You can check it by hitting one of the buttons that will make it turn one section. If it doesn't turn, it's not seated right. Checking it saves you and the kitty a lot of frustration.

Stop by and say "hi" sometimes!

 

[meowsyko]

Well hi, Stranger!

I used the Petsafe 5 Meal Feeder for both Harvey and Cinco. There is a place under the food tray for an ice pack (sold separately, of course). I also added a little extra water to the later meals. Some people either freeze the food or put an ice cube on the later ones so it will melt with time and keep them moist. Cinco always cleaned out his food, and Harvey, Mr. Picky did a pretty good job, too. The key to remember is always make sure the food tray is properly seated on the base. You can check it by hitting one of the buttons that will make it turn one section. If it doesn't turn, it's not seated right. Checking it saves you and the kitty a lot of frustration.

Stop by and say "hi" sometimes!

HI!
I know, I will, I think of everyone here often. I've been so busy with online school that the internet isn't even fun anymore.
I went ahead and ordered the Surefeed. She only eats about half a can a day, and she takes some LONG naps and will not leave the cozy bed unless I take her off of it, so the Petsafe just sounded like it might let her waste more food than usual.
.....aaaaaand I just realized I forgot to order batteries with it.

 

[Melanie and Smokey]

I have the surefeed microchip feeders for my non-diabetics food that I don't want the diabetics to get into. I use them for the dry so I can say for keeping wet food fresher, but they do cover pretty good so I think it would keep it from drying out better than an open plate.

eta: there really isn't anywhere to put an ice pack. To be anywhere near the food, it would interfere with the door opening or be on the batteries and possibly make it not work it they got too cold.