When it comes to feeding your pet, we all want what’s best for our animals, from tasty foods to safe and useful pet feeders. However, recently, new buzz around automatic pet feeders has emerged.

Many owners see them as an alternative to feeding your furry companion while being away, or simply making sure you never forget to put some snacks out when you’re out of time.

But experts warn that automatic food dispensers are in no way an alternative to human interaction. In fact, Russell Hartstein, a certified pet behaviorist and the founder of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles, told NY Times that “A feeder should never be used as a way to not hire a pet sitter, walker, or boarding facility.”

Even though automatic pet feeders are meant to dispense a specific amount of food at a programmed time, they cannot give the full care and attention your pet needs. Plus, they are not always reliable, and when there’s technology, bugs do happen.

Moreover, an automatic pet feeder is likely to overfeed your pet even if you've programmed it not to. It can be anywhere from a teaspoon to a nibble, but if your pet is on a restricted diet, that little bit can be enough to pile on weight.