[erea77]

Hi Guys,

I am new to the i-love-dogs and I wanted to say hello and also get some feedback on an idea I'm working on.

I realize that dog owners should not be away from their dogs for long periods of time on a regular basis, but sometimes there are circumstances where it is necessary and an auto-feeder too.

I am designing an auto-feeder specifically for large breed dogs. All of the auto-feeders on the market currently seem very cheap and are not large-dog-proof. I have heard numerous sad stories of large dogs somehow tearing into the food in their autofeeder and passing away as a result.

The one I am designing is mechanically automated, durable, sturdy, safe, and most importantly large dog-proof.

My questions are:

What would be your interest in an auto-feeder like this?

What do you think the FidoFeeder would sell for as described?

What features would be necessary to make it a success?

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

Eric

[cigwyllt]

I honestly can not think of any circumstances when an auto feeder would be necessary. If the dog is being left for an extended period of time feeding is only part of the issue. What about toileting, attention and exercise? Food is only one of a dog's needs - and possibly the one that it is easiest for the dog to forgo anyway!

[erea77]

Thank you for the response.

I think I should clarify a few things.

- This auto-feeder would deliver a specific amount of food at specific time intervals (that's my problem with the auto-feeders out there)
- This would mainly be for outside dogs, but would also be usable for inside dogs if the owner works or is out of the house during the day, etc.
- Like I said in the original post, I do not condone owners leaving their dogs for long periods of time, but as an owner of two dogs I know there are days when I am out of the house for a longer period of time than I would like to be.

Thanks again for the feedback

[Lunareclipse]

I can't think of any reason for an autofeeder. If people are too lazy to get up and feed their dogs, they shouldn't own a dog. Real dog owners use food as a training tool.

[cigwyllt]

To be honest the concept of an outdoor dog is uncommon here in the UK. But even if it would be useful on an odd occasion I can't see that people would want to invest in it just of the one off day when they are out longer than normal.

[Deafdogsrule]

Might be useful in kennel type situations, I know people who use them, which goes against the grain for me, cuz free access to food is not good for training, or the dog's health, however if it gives only specified amounts of food at specified times, than it might be helpful... especially for puppies who should have 3 or 4 feedings per day.

I would never use one, but some may.

[Lunareclipse]

I wouldn't ever use one. If a person doesn't want the responsibility of feeding their dog then they shouldn't own one. And an outdoor dog generally doesn't get much attention to begin with. With an automatic feeder, it probably wouldn't get any attention at all except when the owner goes to refill the feeder. I don't see the point of a person owning a dog if they don't interact with it.

[cigwyllt]

You say it is only for occasional use - but would someone want to pay out a lot of money for something that they may use once in a year? I really do not see it as a product that would be worthwhile to produce.

[Lara's mom]

I agree with the majority of the above posters. I honestly can't see any really valid need for something like this.

[Lunareclipse]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I agree with the majority of the above posters. I honestly can't see any really valid need for something like this.

Exactly. Dogs aren't livestock.

[Lara's mom]

Well said Luna!

[dogs rule]

I would agree.
My dogs get fed twice a day. At 7am and 5pm. If I know that we will home later than normal, for the 5pm feeding, then I will give them half their usual amount before I leave and give them the rest when I do return.