Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Selective Feeder: Ultimate BPA-Free Pet Solution

As a dedicated reviewer with many years of experience testing automatic cat feeders, I understand how important it is to find the right product for your pets.

I have carefully researched and personally tested the Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Selective Microchip-Activated Automatic Pet Feeder (CP500). This review is based on thorough hands-on use and detailed analysis to help you make a smart choice.

My goal is to provide honest and clear information, especially for readers who may not be familiar with such technology. You can trust this review to guide you in deciding if this feeder fits your small to medium cats or dogs’ needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Microchip & tag activated for selective feeding
• ✅ Prevents food stealing in multi-pet homes
• ✅ Fully enclosed, compact design with side guards
• ✅ Long battery life up to 6 months

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Not compatible with non-15-digit microchips
• ❌ Smaller bowl size may not suit larger pets
• ❌ Higher price point compared to basic feeders

Who Should Buy This

This Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Feeder is perfect for pet owners who want to control their pet’s feeding times easily. It works best for small to medium cats and small dogs.

If you have a busy schedule or often forget to feed your pet on time, this feeder will help a lot. It keeps food fresh and only lets your pet eat when their microchip is detected, which stops other pets from stealing food.

If your pet is very large or eats a lot at once, this feeder might not be the best choice. Also, if your pet does not have a microchip or you do not want to use one, this product will not work well.

People who prefer manual feeding or want a cheaper option should look for other feeders.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Closer Pets
• Model: CP500
• Size: 9.53″ x 12.99″ x 8.70″
• Weight: 3.09 lbs
• Material: BPA and BHT Free Plastic
• Color Options: White (MiBowl)
• Special Features: Microchip-Activated Selective Feeding, Automatic Pet Feeder, Enclosed Back Design
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Warranty Included

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Selective Feeder, I was curious and a bit excited to see how well it would work with my two cats. Setting it up was pretty straightforward.

I followed the guide to pair my cats’ microchips, which was quick and didn’t take much time at all. The feeder itself looked clean and modern, and I liked that the bowl was fully enclosed.

It felt sturdy and safe, which is important because my cats can be a bit rough when eating.

Daily Use

Using the feeder every day was a smooth experience. My cats quickly learned that only they could access their food from their designated bowls.

There was no more food stealing or fights between them, which was a huge relief. The side guards helped keep things neat, and the bowl size was just right for their wet food portions.

Cleaning was easy too since the bowl is dishwasher safe. I didn’t have to worry about any mess or food getting stuck in hard-to-clean spots.

Key Features in Action

The microchip and tag functionality really stood out for me. It worked perfectly with the ISO 15-digit chips my cats have, making sure only the right pet could eat from the feeder.

This helped reduce stress during mealtime since there was no competition. The enclosed design prevented other pets from sneaking in from the sides or back, which I appreciated.

Overall, these features made feeding time calm and organized in my multi-pet household.

Long-Term Performance

After using the feeder for several weeks, I noticed it held up well. The materials stayed clean and fresh, without any signs of wear. The microchip recognition remained reliable every time, and my cats were comfortable using it daily.

I also liked that the feeder is BPA and BHT free, so I felt good about their safety. This feeder has become a helpful part of our routine, especially for managing specific diets without hassle.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Selective Microchip-Activated Automatic Pet Feeder (CP500)	PetSafe Microchip Pet Feeder	SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	High-quality BPA and BHT free materials with a fully enclosed, compact design to prevent food theft and reduce stress.	Durable plastic construction, known for reliability but with less focus on food enclosure from all sides.	Premium build with stainless steel bowl option, designed for durability and easy cleaning, but less compact design.
Features	Compatible with ISO & AVID 15-digit microchips and electronic ID tags; effective food separation; enclosed back and optional side guards; dishwasher-safe bowl holding 11.83 fl oz of wet food.	Microchip activated feeding; detects pet microchips to open lid; bowl capacity suitable for dry and wet food; no enclosed back design.	Selective microchip feeder with built-in RFID scanner; stainless steel bowl; smaller bowl size; simple user interface but no side guards.
Best For	Small to medium cats and small dogs in multi-pet households needing selective feeding and food separation.	Pet owners seeking reliable microchip-activated feeders for cats and small dogs without strict food enclosure needs.	Owners wanting a premium, stainless steel bowl feeder primarily for cats with microchip access control.

In my opinion, this Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Selective Microchip-Activated Automatic Pet Feeder (CP500) stands out because of its fully enclosed design that effectively prevents food stealing from all sides, which is crucial in multi-pet households.

Its compatibility with ISO and AVID 15-digit microchips and the BPA/BHT free bowl add to its safety and reliability. If you’re like me and prefer a compact, clean design that reduces pet stress while ensuring only designated pets access their food, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Closer Pets MiBowl Smart Selective Microchip-Activated Automatic Pet Feeder (CP500) – BPA and BHT Free Bowl with Enclosed Back for Small to Medium Cats and Small Dogs, White

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys high overall satisfaction with a strong seller rating of 4.88/5, reflecting positive user experiences and reliability.

Most Praised Features

• Effective microchip activation ensures only the designated pet accesses the food.
• Safe, BPA and BHT free materials provide peace of mind for pet health.
• Enclosed back design helps keep food fresh and reduces mess.

Common Concerns

• Some users reported occasional issues with microchip recognition sensitivity.
• Minor difficulties in setup or initial programming were noted by a few customers.

Who Loves It Most

Small to medium cat and dog owners who want controlled feeding and allergy management appreciate this feeder the most, especially those seeking convenience and hygiene in pet feeding routines.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $129.99, the Closer Pets MiBowl CP500 sits in the mid to high range for automatic pet feeders with selective access features. Considering its smart microchip activation and quality materials, the price is reasonable compared to simpler feeders lacking such technology.

Value Features

• Microchip & Tag Functionality – Ensures only designated pets access their food, ideal for multi-pet households and personalized diets, adding significant value.
• Effective Food Separation – Prevents food stealing and reduces stress among pets, which is essential for managing multiple cats or small dogs.
• Clean, Enclosed Design – The BPA and BHT free bowl with enclosed back and optional side guards offers hygiene and prevents access from all sides, justifying the cost.
• Long Battery Life & Easy Setup – Up to 6 months battery life and clear instructions including video support reduce maintenance and frustration, saving time and effort.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other selective feeders priced similarly or higher, the MiBowl CP500 offers strong microchip compatibility and a more compact, enclosed design. Some alternatives may lack the enclosed back or have shorter battery life, making this a competitive option.

Final Verdict

For pet owners needing smart, selective feeding with hygienic design and reliable performance, the Closer Pets MiBowl CP500 represents good value for money at its price point.