Automatic Pet Feed System Applying IoT

2.1 Patents

A remarkable example is the introduction of the gravity mechanism in feeders, which was a milestone in functional design. However, this initial innovation had limitations in that it did not allow for precise portion control, which negatively impacted pet health [7].

Automatic feeders and IoT incorporation

Automatic feeders have revolutionized pet care by integrating electronic components that allow for efficient control of feed quantities, solving problems associated with traditional models [8].

The physical absence of owners has driven the need for more advanced solutions, such as remote management through the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology offers real-time monitoring and control, raising standards in pet care and optimizing feeding in a personalized and accurate method [5].

2.2 Papers

Integrating IoT and remote access to home automation

The physical absence of people in the home has driven the adoption of home automation systems, such as robots that control smart devices such as lights, doors, smoke and gas detectors, irrigation systems, and automatic feeders, all accessible from a cell phone [9]. Within this context, remote access, defined as the ability to manage devices from a remote location, has become an essential part of the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology allows users to monitor and control devices in real time, transforming interaction with the environment and optimizing home comfort and security [5].

Innovations in smart feeders for pets

The increase in demand for automatic devices has led to the development of advanced tools in pet care, such as smart feeders [10]. Unlike traditional automatic feeders, which control the amount of food, smart feeders offer personalized feeding based on the individual needs of each pet [11]. Equipped with sensors to monitor the food consumed and actuators to dispense precise portions, these devices leverage cloud connectivity and remote interfaces to provide real-time control and tracking. These solutions not only prevent overfeeding, but also optimize pets' diets, improving their well-being and making owners' lives easier [12].

2.3 Pet feeding

Pets need a balanced diet, as it allows for optimal growth and helps maintain their weight within the recommended standards for their breed [13]. Feeding pets in the correct amounts can be a challenge for people. Commercial foods contain a specific amount of energy per unit of food. Specialists recommend feeding the right amount of food based on the pet's gender, breed, and weight [14].

To estimate the amount of food a pet requires, it is necessary to divide the daily energy requirement by the energy density of the food. For example, if the pet requires 900 kcal per day and its food contains an energy density of 3850 kcal/kg, the amount of food the pet requires is 0.23 kg (233.70 g) [13].

The importance of feeding control is that it ensures that the caloric and nutritional needs of pets will be administered in the correct amounts. The equation that determines the daily energy requirement of a dog must be adjusted considering several factors [13]. The equations for calculating the recommended food portion if pets are physically active are as follows:

Eq. (1) corresponds to the equation for determining the energy requirement of inactive dogs [13].

$95 \times weight (k g)^{0.75}$                (1)

Eq. (2) corresponds to the equation for determining the energy requirement of active dogs [13].

$130 \times weight (kg)^{0.75}$                (2)

Overfeeding in pets can cause obesity, which is defined as when a pet consumes more energy than it uses. Excess energy causes the pet to gain weight. It is important to treat obesity to maintain the pet's health [13]. For the treatment of obesity, the recommended equation for calculating the energy requirement is as follows:

Caloric deficit is a treatment for weight loss. Eq. (3) corresponds to the equation for calculating the energy requirement [13].

$\left(95 \times\right. weight \left.(k g)^{0.75}\right) \times 0.60$                 (3)

Weight loss treatment should be administered until the target weight is reached. It is possible to estimate the weight loss per week until the target weight is reached [15].

First, the pet's ideal weight should be calculated. Eq. (4) corresponds to the equation for calculating the pet's ideal weight [15].

overweight = current bodyweight - ideal bodyweight                 (4)

Subsequently, the weight loss per week is calculated. Eq. (5) corresponds to the weight loss per week [13].

$current \,\, bodyweight \times 0.02$                (5)

Finally, in Eq. (6) the time to reach the ideal weight is calculated [13].

weight loss per week = current bodyweight / ideal bodyweight                 (6)

Conversely, when the pet is below the normal weight range, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. This professional can identify the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate feeding and care plan [16].

Eq. (7) corresponds to the equation for calculating the energy requirement for pets gaining weight [16].

$R E R=(30 \times bodyweight (k g))+70$                (7)

Eq. (8) corresponds to the equation for calculating the portion of feed needed for underweight pets [16].

$|1.20(-1.80 \times R E R)|$                (8)

2.4 Standard weights by breed

Table 1 below shows the different standard weights depending on the breed. In general, an ideal weight range is established for each breed, which serves as a reference for evaluating the health and nutritional status of dogs. To determine the standard weight, the size of the breed is considered. Keeping pets within their standard weight ranges is essential to prevent diseases related to being overweight [17].

2.5 Software

2.5.1 IoT platforms

IoT platforms enable the connection, management and visualization of data from IoT devices, providing various tools and services for developers [18]. A comparison between some of the most popular platforms is presented in Table 2.