How to keep ants out of automatic dog feeders? (6+ tips)

To keep ants out of an automatic dog feeder, clean up spilled kibble and crumbs around it every day, stand the feeder in a shallow "moat" of water or create another barrier the ants can't cross, and deal with the colony using baits placed where your dog can't reach them. A feeder with a sealed hopper and a closing lid helps too.

Below we go through each tip in more detail, plus two feeders that make life harder for ants.

6 tips for keeping ants out of automatic dog feeders

Ants can be pesky little creatures, and if you’re not careful, they can get into your automatic dog feeder and contaminate your dog’s food. Here are 6 tips for keeping ants out of your automatic dog feeder:

1. Keep the area around the feeder clean
2. Use an ant bait around the feeder
3. Use a barrier around the feeder
4. Keep the feeder in a cool, dry place
5. Check for cracks and holes in the feeder
6. Use an ant-proof dog food dispenser

1Keep the area around the feeder clean

One of the best ways to keep ants out of your automatic dog feeder is to keep the area around the feeder clean. This means sweeping up any food that falls on the ground and wiping down the outside of the feeder with a damp cloth.

If there are ants anywhere near the feeder, they will most likely be attracted to the food and will try to get into the feeder. By keeping the area clean, you can make it less attractive for them to access the food. A silicone feeding mat makes this easier, and our guide to the best mat to put under a dog water bowl covers easy-to-wipe options. The same habits also help you keep roaches out of dog food.

2Use an ant bait around the feeder

Another way to keep ants out of your automatic dog feeder is to use an ant bait around the feeder. This will help to kill any ants that are trying to get into the feeder. Ant baits work because the ants carry the poison back to the nest, so place them along the ant trail a little away from the feeder rather than right next to the food. No ant bait should be considered safe for your dog to eat, so use enclosed, tamper-resistant bait stations and put them somewhere your dog can't reach, such as behind an appliance. If your dog does chew or swallow a bait, call your vet or a pet poison helpline.

3Use a barrier around the feeder

One way to keep ants from getting into your automatic dog feeder is to create a barrier around the feeder. A simple option is a "moat": stand the feeder in a slightly larger shallow tray with a little water in it, so ants can't walk across. You can also use materials such as a thin smear of petroleum jelly around the base, food-grade diatomaceous earth, or double-sided tape. Keep any barrier on the outside of the feeder base, away from the food, and avoid creating clouds of diatomaceous earth dust your dog could breathe in.

By creating a barrier, you are essentially creating a physical barrier that the ants cannot cross. This will prevent them from getting to the food inside of the feeder.

4Keep the feeder in a cool, dry place

Ants are less likely to be attracted to the food in the feeder if it is kept in a cool, dry place. This is because ants are attracted to warmth and moisture. If you keep your automatic dog feeder in a cool, dry place, the ants will not be able to find it as easily.

Additionally, the food inside of the feeder will not spoil as quickly if it is kept in a cool, dry place. The same goes for the bag you refill it from, and our dog food bag calculator tells you how long that bag will last based on your dog’s daily portion.

5Check for cracks and holes in the feeder

One way to keep ants out of your automatic dog feeder is to check for cracks and holes in the feeder. This is because ants can enter through small cracks and holes. By checking the feeder for any cracks or holes, you can make sure that the ants cannot get inside.

It is also important to regularly check the feeder for any damage, as this can create new cracks and holes that the ants can use to get inside. If you find any damage, make sure to repair it as soon as possible.

6Use an ant-proof dog food dispenser

If ants are a constant problem, it may be time to switch to a feeder that is harder for them to get into. Look for a hopper with a tight-sealing lid, a dispenser that releases measured portions at set times rather than leaving food out all day, and a removable bowl that is easy to wash.

Some owners also pair their feeder with a bowl that has a built-in water moat around the base. Whatever you use, set the feeder to dispense meals your dog will finish in one go, because leftover food in the bowl is what attracts ants most.

Best automatic dog feeders that prevent ants from coming in

Some dog feeders are more prone to attracting ants than others. If you’re looking for an automatic dog feeder that is less likely to attract ants, here are some of the best options: