Building a wooden pet food dispenser with a gravity feed system is a great DIY project that ensures your pet is fed on schedule without much effort. This project can be customized in terms of design, size, and material. Below are the steps to create a simple wooden gravity-fed pet food dispenser.
Materials Needed:
- Wood (plywood, MDF, or pine boards) – for the main body of the dispenser.
- Wood screws – to assemble the frame.
- Wood glue – to reinforce joints.
- Sandpaper – for smoothing edges and surfaces.
- Hinges – for easy access to refill the dispenser.
- Clear acrylic sheet – optional, for the food access window.
- Plastic pipe or tube – to serve as the food chute.
- Food-safe finish – to protect the wood.
- Measuring tape and ruler – for accurate dimensions.
- Saw – for cutting the wood pieces.
- Drill – to create holes for screws and the food chute.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Design and Measurements
- Determine how much food you want the dispenser to hold. Measure the height, width, and depth of your desired dispenser size. You will need a larger top compartment for food storage and a smaller bottom compartment for dispensing.
- Draw a simple design. The dispenser should have a sloped or angled interior, allowing food to move by gravity into the feeding tray. Consider a chute or a tube that leads the food down.
2. Cut the Wood
- Using your measurements, cut the wood into the following pieces:
- Base (bottom): A flat piece that will support the whole dispenser.
- Sides: Two long pieces that will form the vertical walls of the dispenser.
- Back panel: The vertical piece that attaches to the back.
- Top panel: A lid or cover to allow easy refilling.
- Front panel: This can be optional, but if you want a door to control the food release, you will need a front panel.
- Cut the interior slats to create a sloped or angled feed that will guide the food toward the chute.
3. Assemble the Frame
- Attach the side panels to the base using wood screws and wood glue. Make sure everything is square and level before drilling holes for screws.
- Attach the back panel to the sides, ensuring it’s flush with the edges.
- Attach the top panel but leave it accessible for refills. You can use hinges or simply make it removable.
4. Create the Food Chute
- If using a plastic pipe, cut it to an appropriate length to extend from the food storage area down to the bottom of the dispenser. Drill a hole in the side of the dispenser for the tube to pass through.
- Angle the food storage area to allow food to naturally roll toward the opening. You may need to add interior slats to guide the food to the chute.
- Attach the chute securely and ensure it is smooth to prevent any blockages.
5. Install the Dispenser Door or Window
- To control the release of food, you can either create a sliding door or a simple acrylic window in the front panel.
- If using an acrylic window, simply cut the size of the window and mount it with screws or glue.
6. Sand and Finish the Dispenser
- Sand all rough edges and surfaces to smooth them out. This will prevent any splinters or rough spots that could harm your pet.
- Apply a non-toxic, food-safe finish to the entire dispenser to protect the wood and make it easier to clean. Make sure it is completely dry before using it for pet food.
7. Test the Gravity Feed
- Once the dispenser is assembled and the finish is dry, fill the storage compartment with pet food.
- Check the gravity feed by ensuring food falls smoothly down the chute and into the tray. Adjust the angle of the slats if necessary to ensure smooth movement.
8. Refill and Maintain
- Regularly check the food level in the top compartment and refill as needed.
- Clean the dispenser occasionally to keep it hygienic for your pet.
Optional Additions:
- Sensor Mechanism: You could integrate a sensor to alert you when the food is low.
- Multiple Compartments: For multiple pets, you can create separate sections for each, ensuring equal food distribution.
- Non-slip Bottom: Attach rubber feet to the bottom to prevent the dispenser from sliding on the floor.
This wooden pet food dispenser will make feeding your pets more convenient and ensure that they get their meals at the right time without any manual intervention.
For detailed woodworking plans, tips, and techniques, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here: Ted’s Woodworking Course