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The Petnet SmartFeeder is no longer being manufactured, as the company had to shut its doors. However, we do have a long list of other amazing pet feeders. Click here to find out more and read our reviews!
We at The Vet Desk wanted to look back at the PetNet SmartFeeder—one of the first smart pet feeders on the market, and a cautionary example of when innovative technology doesn’t live up to its promises. While Petnet was a pioneer, the company ultimately shut its doors after numerous reliability issues left many pets unfed and owners frustrated.
Feeding your pet is a delicate balance. Some pets with medical conditions need regular meals to keep blood sugar or hormone levels stable, but it can be difficult to provide round-the-clock feedings. Petnet saw this need and created a smart feeder with multiple settings to address these challenges. Unfortunately, the execution fell far short of the vision.
The Petnet SmartFeeder
The Petnet SmartFeeder worked by connecting your phone and smart home devices to your pet’s feeder, promising total control over your pet’s feeding schedule.
The concept was appealing: extra feedings, scheduled meals, and adjustable portions all managed remotely. The device scored over 7,000 pet food recipes with a quality rating based on ingredients and nutritional density, and the Petnet SmartShop allowed owners to view these scores before purchasing food. In theory, it was designed to help owners manage their pet’s feeding schedule like a pro.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Petnet Inc., Pintofeed, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
How It Was Supposed to Work
The feeder connected to your phone via an app where you could set up a pet profile including weight, age, activity level, and breed. The system would then suggest feeding amounts and schedules, though owners could override these with manual settings.
The SmartFeeder also connected to devices like Alexa and Google Home, and multiple household members could connect their phones to monitor feedings and receive low-food alerts. It was marketed for dogs and cats up to 60 pounds and included a battery backup rated for up to 7 hours without power.
When Pintofeed Became Petnet
The Pintofeed machine was a trailblazer in what quickly became a hot market for intelligent feeders and interactive pet devices. In 2014, the product was rebranded as the Petnet SmartFeeder. The company marketed features like personalized meal portions and automatic food reordering when supplies ran low.
However, the reality didn’t match the promise. Many owners reported critical reliability issues—feeders that failed to dispense food, connectivity problems, and malfunctions that left pets hungry. When the company eventually shut down, many customers were left with expensive devices that stopped working entirely.
See also our reviews of other pet feeders:
3 Responses
I cannot find the Petnet smart feeder app anywhere can you help
Hi Travis,
With the company closing down, it is likely that they have also had to remove their app. There are other alternatives in our reviews that we have listed if you’re looking for something similar
Me podrían ayudar con la app para alimentador