The Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder is a high-rated automated pet feeder designed primarily for small to medium-sized pets, featuring a 5-liter storage capacity and support for dry food up to 15 mm in diameter. Reviewers noted its remote feeding capabilities via Wi-Fi app, with portion sizes ranging from 10 g to 480 g, though it may not be suitable for large pets. Some users recommended pairing it with slow-feeder accessories to manage fast eaters. It's best suited for pet owners seeking smart feeding solutions for smaller animals.
Full review
Twist-lock lid seals out moisture and air
The Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder presents a cylindrical design that measures 13 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches, making it a compact yet substantial unit suitable for most homes. According to Cats.com reviewer Mallory Crusta, the feeder's build quality is solid, with a stainless steel bowl and a sealing twist-lock lid that prevents moisture and air from compromising food freshness. The unit weighs 3.75 lbs and comes with a 5L hopper capacity, which translates to approximately 21 cups of dry food. The packaging is minimal, containing the feeder body, lid, bowl, USB cable, 5V DC adapter, desiccant packet, instruction manual, and stickers. Assembly is straightforward, requiring only the insertion of the desiccant packet into the lid, sliding the food tank onto the base, and placing the bowl onto the base. The design is sleek and unobtrusive, fitting well into typical household spaces without dominating the area.
Smart Features and App Integration
The Granary Smart Camera Feeder distinguishes itself with a 1080p wide-angle camera and app-based control, features not present in the original Granary model. Users connect the device to the Petlibro Lite app through Bluetooth, QR code, or AP mode, though some users reported initial connection issues that were resolved through firmware updates. The app allows for precise meal scheduling, with six programmable slots and meal sizes ranging from 1 to 10 portions, where one portion equals 10g or about a tablespoon. As noted by Crusta, the app interface is intuitive and allows for customization of daily feeding schedules and portion sizes. However, the camera functionality is limited to viewing live feed and does not support night vision or two-way audio, which may disappoint users expecting more advanced monitoring capabilities.
Food Dispensing Performance
The feeder's dispensing mechanism is engineered to prevent food theft, featuring an anti-theft rotor design that discourages cats from fishing kibble out through the spout. According to Crusta, the dispensing process is reliable and consistent, with no reported jamming issues during her testing period. The unit's capacity of 5L can feed a cat for about a month, and the tight seal along with the desiccant packet under the lid ensures food stays fresh. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe, contributing to ease of cleaning and maintenance. Users appreciate the straightforward programming via the app, which allows for scheduling meals for each day of the week with different portion sizes. The portion measurement system, while functional, requires users to do some math to determine appropriate meal sizes based on their cat's needs.
Battery and Power Options
The Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder operates on a combination of AC power and battery backup. The unit comes with a USB cable and 5V DC adapter, but users can add backup power by inserting three D batteries (not included). This dual power system provides redundancy in case of power outages, which is particularly useful for maintaining consistent feeding schedules. The device's battery life is not explicitly stated, but the inclusion of backup power options ensures that feeding schedules remain intact during power failures. Users have noted that the feeder's performance remains consistent whether running on AC or battery power, though the app connectivity may be affected during power outages. The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows for local video recording, which can be useful for monitoring feeding behavior without relying on cloud storage.
Anti-theft rotor blocks food-stealing cats
Reviewers consistently praised the Granary Smart Camera Feeder's security features, particularly the twist-lock lid and anti-theft rotor design that prevents cats from accessing food through the spout. The stainless steel bowl and desiccant pack were highlighted as key elements that keep food fresh and crisp. According to Crusta, the feeder's ability to maintain food quality over extended periods makes it ideal for households with food-thieving cats. The app-based scheduling and portion control were also well-received, with users appreciating the ease of programming and the ability to customize daily feeding schedules. The compact design and easy setup process were additional positives, with reviewers noting that the unit fits well into most home environments without being obtrusive. The inclusion of a 1080p camera for monitoring was seen as a valuable addition, providing peace of mind for pet owners who want to observe their cats' eating habits remotely.
No night vision or two-way audio on camera
Despite its many strengths, the Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder has several drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. One major issue is the limited camera functionality, which lacks night vision and two-way audio capabilities. Users have reported difficulties connecting the device to the app, with some requiring firmware updates to resolve connection issues. The portion measurement system, while functional, can be confusing for users who are not familiar with the 10g per portion conversion. Additionally, the app's reliance on a stable internet connection means that remote monitoring capabilities may be limited during network outages. The lack of advanced features such as voice control or integration with smart home platforms like Alexa or Google Home may disappoint users seeking more comprehensive smart home integration. Some reviewers also noted that the camera's field of view is somewhat limited, potentially missing important details about the cat's behavior during feeding.
Good camera monitoring, no Alexa integration
The Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder is ideal for cat owners who prioritize food freshness and security, especially those with cats that tend to steal or overeat. It's particularly well-suited for households with multiple cats, as the anti-theft rotor design helps prevent one cat from monopolizing the food supply. The app-based scheduling and portion control make it a good fit for owners who want precise control over their cat's feeding routine. Pet owners who want to monitor their cats remotely will appreciate the 1080p camera, though those seeking advanced monitoring features like night vision or two-way audio may find it lacking. The device is also suitable for users who value a compact, easy-to-use feeder with straightforward setup and reliable dispensing performance. However, it may not be the best choice for users seeking extensive smart home integration or advanced monitoring features.
No microchip detection, unlike premium rivals
When compared to other automatic feeders, the Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder stands out for its security features and food freshness capabilities. Unlike basic models such as the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed, the Granary offers a twist-lock lid and anti-theft rotor design that prevents cats from accessing food through the spout. Compared to more advanced feeders with microchip detection, the Granary lacks this feature but compensates with its robust sealing mechanism and stainless steel bowl. The camera functionality is more limited than some competitors, such as the Furbo or Petcube, which offer night vision and two-way audio. However, the Granary's combination of security, ease of use, and app-based control makes it a strong contender in the mid-range automatic feeder market. The inclusion of a desiccant pack and stainless steel bowl also sets it apart from many budget models, providing better food preservation and hygiene.
Strengths
- +Supports dry food up to 15 mm in diameter
- +Offers remote feeding control via Wi-Fi app
- +Dispenses portion sizes from 10 g to 480 g
- +Designed for small to medium-sized pets with 5-liter storage bin
Watch-outs
- −Not suitable for large pets
- −May require additional slow-feeder accessories for fast eaters
How it compares
The Petlibro Granary Smart Camera Feeder is more versatile than the Petkit YumShare Dual-Hopper 2, which lacks a camera and smart features, but it's limited to small to medium pets while the Petkit supports larger pets. Compared to the Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder, the Granary lacks precise weight-based portion control, though it offers a wider range of portion sizes and is better suited for smaller animals. The Granary's app is less robust than the Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder's Smart Life app.
Rating sources
“When it was released in 2021, the Granary was Petlibro's most advanced pet feeder, with excellent security, a stainless steel bowl, and freshness features to keep your cat's kibble crisp. We reviewed the Granary feeder that year and named it Petlibro's best feeder yet.”
“the short answer is yes, it really is. But with some caveats and certainly a few points where it could be improved”
“Put it all together and yes, it's worth it. Not just as a cool product, but as something that generously makes life easier for you and better for your cats.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
