Why Calibration Matters

Each feeder meters kibble differently. Some use motor rotations, others use time, and higher end models estimate by weight. Dust, vibration, and kibble changes can drift output over time. Accurate calibration protects your pet’s weight and keeps app reports trustworthy. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that consistent portions are a key part of preventing obesity and related health risks. Calibration is especially important if your cat or dog wears a smart collar that tracks feeding and activity patterns because inaccurate portions can skew those insights.

• Prevents overfeeding and weight gain
• Keeps app history accurate for your vet
• Reduces false empty hopper alerts
• Improves jam detection accuracy
• Syncs meal timing with smart fountains for better hydration routines

Before You Start

Clean hardware and stable networking make calibration stick. Empty crumbs from the auger and wipe sensor windows so the feeder measures consistently. The U.S. FDA also recommends safe handling and storage of pet food to maintain freshness and reduce oil residue that can gum up chutes. Use dry kibble within your feeder’s supported size range and put the unit on a level, low vibration surface.

• Clean the hopper and chute. See the Troubleshooting Guide if you suspect buildup.
• Use dry kibble between 5 and 12 mm diameter.
• Confirm reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and update the app and firmware.
• Have a kitchen scale ready to weigh portions during test feeds.

Step by Step: Calibrate Your Smart Feeder

1. Reset the feeder. Unplug or hold the reset button until the indicator light flashes. Reconnect power.
2. Empty the hopper. Start with no load on the auger.
3. Enter calibration mode. In the app go to Settings → Device → Calibration or Portion Test.
4. Run a test feed. Dispense one portion into a bowl. Weigh it and note the result.
5. Adjust in the app. If the measured weight is off, apply the suggested correction percent.
6. Repeat 2 to 3 times. Re test until the output matches the target weight consistently.
7. Save calibration. Schedule a small automatic feed and confirm timing accuracy.

Brand Specific Calibration Tips

• Petlibro. Tap Portion Calibration. Run three test feeds. The app auto adjusts baseline weight.
• Wopet. Uses motor time rather than weight. Run 10 second test feeds until output is consistent.
• PetSafe Smart Feed. Open Advanced Settings. Run calibration. Confirm with the blinking blue status light.
• Eufy Pet Feeder. The app prompts you to record feed amount manually and syncs to the cloud for the next cycles.

Confirm Accuracy with Smart Collars

After calibration, compare eating patterns against motion and hydration data. Steady meal times with consistent amounts confirm success. If you see irregularities, check for partial clogs or low battery warnings. For healthy weight targets and portion planning, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine provides useful nutrition basics you can discuss with your vet.

Use a smart collar or your camera’s timeline to confirm meal events match schedules. If the collar logs mealtime activity but the portion weight drifts, repeat the calibration cycle.

Maintenance Schedule

Troubleshooting Calibration Problems

• Feeds are inconsistent. Kibble size varies or the motor is slipping. Clean the auger, then recalibrate.
• No calibration option in the app. Update firmware or reinstall the app. Some models auto calibrate in the background.
• Portion always too small. Run two back to back test feeds before recalibrating. The first feed can be partial after a reset.
• Weights fluctuate. Confirm the feeder sits level on a stable surface and that the bowl does not rock.