Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Pet Feeding

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Trying to figure out if the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray is the right smart feeder for your furry friends? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this popular device, from its clever features to what real pet owners are saying. Whether you’re a busy pet parent, traveling often, or just want to keep a closer eye on your pets’ meal times, an automatic feeder can be a must. The Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray promises to do just that, offering a blend of convenience, control, and peace of mind.

This smart feeder is designed to take the guesswork out of feeding, especially if you have two pets who eat dry kibble. It packs a 1080p HD camera, dual stainless steel bowls, and smart app control, aiming to make your life easier and your pets’ routines more consistent. But does it really live up to the hype? We’re going to dig into its performance, user experience, and those little details that can make or break a product like this. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear picture of whether this feeder is the perfect fit for your home, helping you make an informed decision for your beloved cats or small to medium-sized dogs. Think of it as your personal guide to smart pet feeding, where we cover everything from setup to common quirks, so you can confidently decide if this is the next must-have gadget for your home. You can often find the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray available online, alongside accessories like replacement desiccant bags and D batteries for backup power.

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What’s Inside the Box? Getting Started with Your Petlibro Feeder

When you unbox your new Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray, you’ll typically find a few key components ready for assembly. It usually includes the main feeder unit, which is the heart of the operation, along with the dual food bowl and its holder. You’ll also get a power adapter to keep it running, a user guide kit that’s super helpful for initial setup, and a desiccant bag to keep the kibble fresh. Sometimes, there’s even a meal splitter included if it’s not pre-installed in the dual tray.

Setting this feeder up is usually a pretty straightforward process. Many users say it takes only a few minutes. You’ll first want to plug it in using the provided adapter and give it about 30 seconds to get itself ready. Then, you’ll download the Petlibro app either “Petlibro Lite” or the “Petlibro” app, depending on your model, which can sometimes be a point of confusion for those with multiple feeders. From there, you connect the feeder to your home Wi-Fi, often using Bluetooth mode for a quick pairing. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, which is a nice touch for modern homes. Once connected, you can start customizing everything from feeding times to portion sizes right from your phone.

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Quick tip: Before you even add food, it’s a good idea to install 3 D-cell alkaline batteries not included in the battery compartment. This acts as a backup power source, so if your power goes out, your pets won’t miss a meal. Keep in mind that when running on battery alone, the camera and Wi-Fi functions might be turned off to conserve power, so remote control isn’t possible in that state. You can find compatible alkaline D batteries easily online.

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Unpacking the Key Features of the Granary Camera Feeder

This Petlibro feeder really shines with its array of features designed to make pet ownership a bit easier, especially for those with multiple cats or small to medium-sized dogs. Microsoft Surface Pro for Business: Your Versatile Copilot+ PC Powerhouse Review

Dual Food Trays and Portion Control

One of the biggest selling points, and what really makes this model stand out, is its dual food tray system. This means you can feed two pets at once, which can be a lifesaver in multi-pet households where mealtime squabbles are common. The feeder comes with a splitter that helps direct kibble into two separate stainless steel bowls. The idea is to promote a more harmonious feeding experience.

Now, about portion control: you can customize up to 10 meals a day, with each meal having anywhere from 1 to 50 portions. Each portion is roughly 20ml or about 10 grams, which works out to about 1/12 cup. This flexibility allows you to tailor feeding schedules and amounts precisely to your pets’ dietary needs, whether they’re on a strict diet or just need smaller, more frequent meals. You control all of this directly from the Petlibro app on your smartphone, making adjustments super easy, even if you’re not at home.

However, a common piece of feedback I’ve seen in user reviews is about the evenness of food distribution between the two bowls. Some users report that the splitter doesn’t always dispense food perfectly evenly, with one side getting significantly more than the other. Petlibro suggests adjusting the meal splitter to the rightmost position for the most even distribution, but even then, there might be a slight tolerance. If you have a dominant pet who might hog one side, this is something to keep an eye on. In such cases, some people even suggest swapping to a single feeding tray for better control, or even getting two separate single feeders.

Integrated HD Camera with Night Vision

The built-in 1080p HD camera is a fantastic feature, especially if you’re like me and love checking in on your pets. It boasts a 145-degree wide-angle lens, giving you a pretty good view of the feeding area. What’s even better is the infrared night vision, so you can monitor your pets’ dinner habits even in low-light conditions or completely in the dark.

This camera isn’t just for live viewing, though. It has motion and sound detection, sending you instant alerts to your phone if there’s activity around the feeder. This means you’ll know when your pets are eating, or if they’re just sniffing around. You can even adjust the sensitivity and detection range for these sensors. The camera also offers a two-way voice system, allowing you to not only hear your pets but also talk to them. Imagine being able to call them for dinner with your own voice or soothe them if they seem anxious, all from your phone! You can even pre-record a 10-second message that plays at meal times, up to five times per feeding. The Ultimate Review of the OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Pour Over Kettle

One important thing to note about video recording: while you can live-stream video anytime, saving recordings requires either a microSD card up to 256GB, Class 10 or above, like a SanDisk microSD card or a cloud storage subscription through the Petlibro app. Some users have reported issues with SD card recording not working consistently, or that activating cloud service might disable SD card recording, so that’s something to be aware of.

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Freshness and Reliability

Petlibro put some thought into keeping your pet’s food fresh and the feeder running smoothly. The unit features a secure twist-lock lid and a replaceable desiccant bag located under the lid. These work together with a sealing strip to protect the kibble from moisture, pests, and mold, ensuring every meal tastes fresh. It’s recommended to change the desiccant bag every 15 days to maintain optimal freshness. You can stock up on Petlibro desiccant bags to always have a fresh one on hand.

The feeder also has an infrared safety system that detects if pesky paws are trying to get into the dispenser, shutting down the feeder to prevent accidental overfeeding or jams. Plus, there’s a low food level reminder that sends an alert to your app when it’s time to refill the 5-liter about 21 cups or 5.5 lbs food tank. This capacity is generally good for about a month for an adult cat.

App Control and Connectivity

The entire system is controlled via the Petlibro app, available for both iOS 10.0 or later and Android 5.0 or later devices. This app is your command center, allowing you to: Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Review: Your Next Desk Upgrade?

  • Customize feeding schedules and portion sizes.
  • Manually dispense food with a tap, perfect for an extra snack or if you’re running late.
  • View live camera feed and use the two-way audio.
  • Receive alerts for low food, food blockages, or low battery.
  • Review feeding logs, so you know exactly when your pets ate.

While most users find the app easy to use and intuitive, some have experienced initial connectivity issues during setup. It might require some troubleshooting, like unplugging and re-plugging the unit or restarting and resetting the feeder. It’s also worth noting that some older Petlibro models might use a different app Petlibro Lite than newer ones, which can be a hassle if you have multiple feeders from the brand.

Performance and Real-World Reliability

When it comes to how the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray actually performs day-to-day, it generally gets positive marks for being a reliable feeding solution. For many, it truly simplifies pet care, ensuring consistent meal times even when owners are away.

Users often praise the camera quality, noting that the 1080p HD camera provides a clear view, day and night. This is a huge bonus for peace of mind, letting you check in on your pets’ meal habits and overall well-being from anywhere. The ability to speak to your pets through the two-way audio is also a highly valued feature, helping them feel less alone when you’re not home.

The feeding mechanism itself, for the most part, works well, dispensing kibble at the scheduled times and in the set portions. The anti-clogging design with the infrared safety system is a thoughtful touch to prevent issues, though some users occasionally report food getting stuck, especially with certain kibble shapes or sizes. It’s specifically designed for dry food, with kibble sizes between 2-15mm 0.07-0.6 inches. Trying to use larger kibble or wet food is a definite no-go and could lead to jams.

However, as mentioned earlier, the evenness of the dual bowl dispensing can be a point of contention. While it’s designed to feed two pets, the splitter might not always distribute food perfectly symmetrically. This means you might need to monitor your pets to ensure one isn’t consistently eating more than the other, especially if one is more dominant or on a specific diet. If this becomes a consistent problem, some users opt for two separate single feeders to ensure precise portioning. MSI Prestige 13 AI Plus Ukiyo-e Edition Review: Art Meets AI in a Laptop You’ll Actually Want to Use

Another small but sometimes annoying detail mentioned by users is the loud beep that sounds when the lock button is activated. For sensitive pets or owners!, this can be startling.

Overall, the feeder’s ability to maintain a consistent feeding schedule, its fresh-food features, and the integrated camera make it a strong contender for automating pet feeding. The battery backup is also a huge plus, offering reassurance that your pets won’t miss a meal during a power outage.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look

Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown to help you weigh your options:

The Good Stuff Pros

  • Remote Monitoring with Camera: The 1080p HD, 145-degree wide-angle camera with night vision lets you watch your pets from anywhere, giving you serious peace of mind. You can check on their meal times, see what they’re up to, and even snap photos or record videos with an SD card or subscription.
  • Two-Way Audio: Being able to talk to your pets and hear their responses is a fantastic way to stay connected, even when you’re not home.
  • Dual Food Trays: Perfect for households with two pets, allowing them to eat simultaneously and helping manage mealtime harmony. The bowls are also stainless steel, which is great for hygiene and durability.
  • Precise Scheduling and Portion Control: You have incredible flexibility to set up to 10 meals a day with 1 to 50 portions per meal, ensuring your pets get exactly what they need.
  • Food Freshness: The twist-lock lid and desiccant bag system actively work to keep kibble fresh, crunchy, and protected from moisture and pests.
  • User-Friendly App: Most users find the Petlibro app intuitive and easy to navigate for scheduling, manual feeding, and camera access.
  • Battery Backup: The option to use D batteries means your pets won’t go hungry if the power goes out.
  • Infrared Safety System: Helps prevent paws from getting jammed in the dispenser.
  • Low Food Alerts: The app notifies you when the food tank is getting low, so you’re never caught off guard.

If these features sound appealing, you can easily check out the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray for yourself.

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Things to Consider Cons

  • Uneven Food Distribution: This is a recurring complaint. The meal splitter doesn’t always deliver perfectly even portions to both bowls, which can be an issue if your pets have strict dietary needs or one is more dominant.
  • Initial Connectivity Issues: Some users report difficulties connecting the feeder to their home Wi-Fi network during the initial setup. While usually resolvable with troubleshooting, it can be frustrating.
  • SD Card Recording Reliability: A number of reviews mention that the SD card recording feature can be inconsistent or not work at all, sometimes requiring a separate cloud subscription for reliable video storage.
  • Multiple App Versions: If you own other Petlibro products, you might find that different models require different apps e.g., “Petlibro Lite” vs. “Petlibro”, which can be inconvenient.
  • Loud Lock Button Beep: The sound when activating the lock feature can be quite loud, potentially startling sensitive pets or people.
  • Dry Food Only: This feeder is strictly for dry kibble, so if you feed wet food, you’ll need a separate solution. Kibble size is also limited to 2-15mm.
  • Frequent Desiccant Bag Replacement: For optimal freshness, you need to replace the desiccant bag every 15 days, which is an ongoing maintenance task and expense.
  • Capacity for Multiple Cats: While 5 liters is substantial, for two very hungry cats, you might find yourself refilling it more often than you’d like, especially if you’re away for extended periods.

Who is the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray For?

This feeder truly shines for a specific type of pet owner and household. If you’re wondering if it’s a good fit for you, consider these scenarios:

  • The Busy Professional: If your work schedule is unpredictable, or you spend long hours away from home, this feeder is a lifesaver. You can ensure your pets get their meals on time, every time, without you having to rush back or worry.
  • Multi-Pet Households especially cats or small/medium dogs: The dual tray is explicitly designed for homes with two pets who eat dry kibble. It helps streamline feeding and can reduce competition at meal times, as long as the slight unevenness in dispensing isn’t a major issue for your specific pets.
  • The Anxious Pet Parent like me!: If you’re constantly wondering what your pets are doing while you’re out, the built-in camera offers incredible peace of mind. Being able to see them eat, talk to them, and even get motion alerts makes you feel much more connected.
  • Those Who Travel Occasionally: For short trips or weekend getaways, this feeder, combined with the battery backup, can largely automate your pets’ feeding needs, reducing reliance on pet sitters for every meal.
  • Pets on a Strict Diet: The precise portion control and scheduling capabilities are excellent for managing your pet’s weight or adhering to specific feeding plans recommended by your vet.
  • Tech-Savvy Owners: If you appreciate smart home gadgets and like managing things from your phone, the app-controlled features will be right up your alley.

However, it might not be the best fit if:

  • You only have one pet and don’t need the dual tray though you can swap to a single tray, a simpler, cheaper single feeder might be more appropriate.
  • Your pets require wet food, as this is strictly for dry kibble.
  • You have very large dogs, as the capacity and bowl size are better suited for small to medium breeds.
  • You’re not comfortable with app-based control or troubleshooting occasional tech glitches.

Think about your lifestyle and your pets’ needs. If you resonate with the “busy professional” or “anxious pet parent” scenarios, and your pets eat dry food, then the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray could be a fantastic addition to your home.

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Dealing with Common Complaints and Potential Solutions

No product is perfect, and the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray has a few recurring complaints that potential buyers should be aware of. The good news is, for some of these, there are known workarounds or things you can do to mitigate the issues. OnePlus 13T Smartphone Review: The Compact Powerhouse You Might Be Missing

Uneven Food Dispensing in Dual Bowls

This is probably the most talked-about complaint. Many users notice that the meal splitter inside the feeder doesn’t always distribute kibble equally between the two bowls, sometimes sending significantly more to one side.

Potential Solutions:

  • Adjust the Splitter: Petlibro officially suggests adjusting the meal splitter to the rightmost position for the most even distribution. Experiment with its placement to see if you can find a sweet spot for your specific kibble.
  • Monitor and Rotate: Keep an eye on your pets during meal times, especially initially. If one pet consistently gets less, you might need to manually add a little extra, or gently rotate which pet eats from which side.
  • Consider a Single Tray/Multiple Feeders: For highly weight-conscious cats or if the unevenness becomes a significant problem, some users find it more effective to remove the dual tray and use a single bowl attachment if available for purchase separately, or invest in two separate single feeders. This ensures each pet gets their exact portion.
  • Kibble Size and Shape: Ensure your kibble falls within the recommended 2-15mm size range. Oddly shaped kibble might get stuck or flow less predictably.

Connectivity Issues During Setup

Some people experience a bit of a hiccup when trying to connect the feeder to their Wi-Fi network for the first time.

  • Check Wi-Fi Band: The feeder supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. Make sure your phone is connected to the same band your feeder is trying to join during setup. If you have a dual-band router, sometimes separating the bands or trying to connect to the 2.4GHz first can help.
  • Proximity to Router: Keep the feeder relatively close to your Wi-Fi router during setup. The recommended distance is within 6 meters about 20 feet without significant obstacles.
  • Reset and Restart: If connection fails, try restarting your router, resetting the feeder usually by holding a reset button for 5-6 seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator flashes, and then trying the setup process again.
  • Bluetooth Mode: Many users find success using the Bluetooth pairing option in the app for initial setup, as it’s often more stable.

SD Card Recording Inconsistencies

Some users have noted that video recording to an SD card doesn’t always work as expected, or that using cloud storage disables local SD card recording.

  • Format SD Card: When you first insert a microSD card, use the Petlibro app to format it. This helps ensure compatibility.
  • High-Quality SD Card: Use a reliable brand of microSD card like Samsung or SanDisk with a speed class of 10 or above, and a capacity between 16GB and 256GB.
  • Contact Support: If you’re consistently having issues, reaching out to Petlibro’s customer support might be necessary. They can sometimes guide you through troubleshooting or offer firmware updates.
  • Cloud Subscription: If local recording remains problematic, subscribing to Petlibro’s cloud storage service is a guaranteed way to save your videos, although it comes with an additional cost.

Different Apps for Different Models

If you have multiple Petlibro devices, you might find that some require the older “Petlibro Lite” app while others use the newer “Petlibro” app. This isn’t ideal for a unified smart home experience.

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  • Check Model Numbers: Before purchasing additional Petlibro feeders, check their compatibility with the app you already use. Look for the specific model numbers e.g., PLAF203 for the camera feeder and verify app requirements.
  • Provide Feedback: Let Petlibro know this is a pain point. User feedback is crucial for product improvement.

By being aware of these potential issues and having a few solutions in your back pocket, you can still have a great experience with the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Keeping Your Feeder Pristine

Keeping your Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray clean is crucial, not just for hygiene but also for the longevity and proper functioning of the feeder. Luckily, it’s designed with ease of cleaning in mind.

Here’s how to keep it in tip-top shape:

  • Disassembly: The main components that come into contact with food are easily detachable. You can remove the stainless steel bowls, the bowl holder, and the food tank for thorough cleaning.
  • Bowl Cleaning: The stainless steel bowls are super easy to clean. You can simply wash them by hand with warm, soapy water or, even better, they’re often dishwasher-safe check your specific model’s manual to confirm. Make sure they are completely dry before reassembling.
  • Food Tank and Lid: For the main food tank and the lid, it’s best to wipe them down with a damp cloth. Avoid immersing the base unit, where the electronics and motor are housed, in water at any time. This is a critical point – water and electronics don’t mix!
  • Desiccant Bag Replacement: Remember to replace the desiccant bag every 15 days. This little bag is a powerhouse for keeping the food fresh, and replacing it regularly prevents mold growth and keeps your kibble dry and delicious. You can easily find Petlibro replacement desiccant bags to keep your supply fresh.
  • Check for Residue: Periodically check the dispensing chute and the area around the motor for any food crumbs or residue that might have accumulated. A small brush or even a dry cloth can help clear these out to prevent blockages or attracting pests.
  • Dust the Camera: If you notice the camera feed becoming less clear, a quick wipe of the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth can often clear up any dust or smudges.

By sticking to a regular cleaning routine, you’ll ensure your Petlibro feeder continues to dispense fresh food reliably and that your pets are eating from a hygienic environment.

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Value for Money: Is It Worth the Investment?

The Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray typically sells for around $149.99. When you compare it to other automatic feeders on the market, especially those with similar camera and dual-feeding capabilities, it generally falls into a competitive mid-range to higher-end price point. Some comparable feeders might be slightly cheaper, but they might lack certain features or the robust build quality of the Petlibro.

So, is it worth the investment? For many pet owners, the answer is a resounding yes, especially if they value the peace of mind and convenience it offers.

Consider what you’re getting for the price:

  • Advanced Features: You’re not just buying a dispenser. you’re getting a smart device with a high-definition camera, two-way audio, precise scheduling, and dual feeding capabilities. These features collectively save you time, reduce anxiety about your pets’ feeding, and allow for remote interaction.
  • Build Quality: Many users describe the feeder as well-built and sturdy, with hygienic stainless steel bowls. This suggests it’s designed to last, which adds to its long-term value.
  • Health and Routine Benefits: For pets, especially those needing strict portion control or a consistent routine, this feeder is invaluable. It can help prevent overeating, manage weight, and establish healthy habits, which can lead to fewer vet bills down the line.
  • Time-Saving and Flexibility: For busy individuals or those who travel, the ability to manage feeding remotely and rely on an automated schedule is a huge time-saver and provides immense flexibility.

While the initial cost might seem like an investment, the benefits in terms of convenience, pet health management, and peace of mind can easily outweigh it for the right household. If you have two pets who eat dry food, want to monitor them, and appreciate smart home technology, the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray offers a comprehensive solution that many find to be excellent value. However, if you only need basic timed dispensing or have a single pet, a simpler and cheaper feeder might suffice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food can I use in the Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray?

You can only use dry pet food in this feeder. It’s designed for kibble with a diameter between 2 to 15 millimeters 0.07 to 0.6 inches. Trying to use wet, canned, or moist food will likely cause blockages and damage the feeder. Larger kibble sizes may also get stuck at the food outlet.

How often do I need to replace the desiccant bag?

For optimal food freshness and to prevent mold growth, it’s recommended to replace the desiccant bag every 15 days approximately every two weeks. You can purchase replacement desiccant bags directly from Petlibro or other retailers.

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Can the camera record video without a subscription?

Yes, the camera can record videos, but to save them, you’ll need to insert a microSD card capacity 16-256GB, Class 10 or above. Alternatively, Petlibro offers a separate cloud storage subscription service for saving videos. Some users have reported inconsistencies with SD card recording, so if reliable recording is crucial, the cloud subscription might be a more consistent option. You can also manually record live video to your phone through the app without a subscription or SD card. Password manager for rxo

What happens if the power goes out?

The Petlibro Granary Camera Dual Food Tray has a battery backup feature. If you install 3 D-cell alkaline batteries not included in the designated compartment, the feeder will continue to dispense scheduled meals even if your main power source is interrupted. However, note that when running solely on battery power, the Wi-Fi and camera functions are usually turned off to conserve energy, so you won’t be able to monitor or control it remotely during that time.

Can I set different portion sizes for each meal?

Yes, absolutely! The Petlibro app allows for highly customized feeding schedules. You can set up to 10 meals per day, and each individual meal can have a different portion size from 1 to 50 portions. This flexibility is great for managing your pets’ specific dietary needs throughout the day.

What should I do if the food isn’t dispensing evenly into both bowls?

This is a common concern with the dual tray. First, make sure the meal splitter is properly positioned, typically adjusted to the rightmost position for the most even distribution. Also, ensure you are using kibble within the recommended size range 2-15mm. If the problem persists, you might need to manually adjust the portions or consider if your pets’ dynamics would be better suited to two separate single feeders. You can also contact Petlibro customer service for specific troubleshooting tips for your unit.

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