Large Neater Feeder

February 15, 2011 6:27 pm | By Zootoo Editor Melba B.

After discovering a wet, crumby floor underneath my dog's bowls too many times to count, I was more than ready to give the Neater Feeder a test run. Designed to protect floors from the stains and damage spilled water and food can cause, the Neater Feeder promises a "healthier eating environment for pets." That's because it's designed to help keep pets' eating areas clean — and by keeping food and water off the floor, it promises to reduce the likelihood that household pests will be attracted to crumbs or moisture.

Constructed of recyclable polypropylene plastic, the Neater Feeder consists of an upper section and a lower section that nest together. Your pet's bowls nest in the upper reservoir, which catches crumbs and large food particles. The upper reservoir is designed to filter spilled water into the lower reservoir, where it collects and can be easily discarded. The Neater Feeder claims that by keeping food and water separate, it's easy to clean. I'm not certain how easy the feeder would be to clean in every household — its bulky dimensions might make it awkwardly shaped for some kitchen sinks, but it is nice to be able to scoop crumbs into the trash, or pour spills away in one step.

Even though the Neater Feeder helps keep my dog's dining area tidier, I still needed to do a quick mopping of drips and spills with a towel after a particularly hearty dining session — which may be a drawback for multi-pet households. If you're into aesthetics, the Neater Feeder is certainly attractive. It's well made and available in two neutral colors, a metallic maroon and metallic bronze that coordinate with most decors.

Pros: Well-made; controls mealtime messes.

Cons: May not fit in all sinks; power eaters might leave a few crumbs anyway.