System and method for feeding a pet

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100, 400) for feeding a pet, which uses a supply system (101, 402) with one or more types of feed, a feeding device (102), a sensor device (103, 403) for reading a microchip (401) implanted in the pet, and a control system (404). This system (100, 400) makes food available exclusively to the specifically identified pet, based on the microchip (401) read by the sensor (103, 403). The amount and frequency of the feed are calculated by the control system (404) based on body parameters of the pet and nutritional value of the feed, which contributes to a personalized diet. In addition, the invention comprises a computer-implemented method for feeding a pet with the described feeding device. This method offers an automated, accurate approach to nutrition, whereby health can be better managed and risks such as obesity or underfeeding can be reduced. The system also prevents unauthorized access to the feed by other animals.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR FEEDING A PET

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for feeding a pet, comprising a supply system comprising one or more feed types, a feeding device for feeding a pet with said one or more feed types, a sensor device for reading a microchip implanted in the pet, and a control system for determining the amount of feed types with a certain frequency via the feeding device, wherein the feed is only made available to the pet that was uniquely identified by reading the microchip via the sensor device, and the amount of feed is determined based on body parameters of the uniquely identified pet, as well as the nutritional value of the feed types.

[0004]

[0002] The present invention further relates to a computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the above-mentioned pet feeding device.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006]

[0003] Obesity in cats has now become a significant global health problem, comparable to trends observed in human populations. The increasing prevalence of obesity in domestic cats has raised concerns among veterinarians, pet owners and researchers due to the serious health implications.

[0007]

[0004] A primary cause of obesity in cats is overfeeding. Many pet owners unintentionally contribute to this problem by providing excessive amounts of feed, often in combination with calorierich treats. Moreover, the availability of highly palatable commercial cat feed, which are often rich in fats and carbohydrates, exacerbates the tendency of cats to overeat.

[0008]

[0005] Another contributing factor is the lack of physical activity. Domestic cats, especially those kept indoors, often have limited opportunities for physical exercise compared to their outdoor-living counterparts. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with overfeeding, creates an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, leading to weight gain.

[0009]

[0006] Obesity in cats is associated with a multitude of health problems. Overweight cats are at higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), osteoarthritis and cardiovascular problems. Moreover, obesity can shorten a cat's lifespan and reduce quality of life through mobility problems and chronic pain.

[0010]

[0007] This societal problem of diet-related complications is not limited to cats. Studies have demonstrated a steady increase in the prevalence of obesity in pets in recent years, with a significant number of dogs, cats, small mammals and domestic birds having to be classified as obese.

[0011] EP

[0008] Currently, strategies to combat obesity in pets focus primarily on diet management and increasing physical activity. Veterinarians often recommend controlled portions and specialized low- calorie diets. However, these strategies have limitations, as many pet owners find it difficult to adhere to strict feeding regimens. Others have started exploring automated feeding solutions.

[0012]

[0009] WO 2015 / 184297 describes a pet feeding apparatus that makes feed available when the sensor detects the presence and identity of a pet via a tag attached to the pet's collar.

[0013]

[0010] WO 2022 / 243652 describes a pet feeder that uses an RFID sensor to detect the presence of an authorized RFID chip in a pet approaching the open front. Upon recognizing an authorized RFID chip, an electric motor moves a lid from a closed position to an open position, giving the pet access to the feed in the container.

[0014]

[0011] NZ756554B2 describes a pet feeding device with multiple feed compartments and doors, allowing it to deliver multiple meals over time or different meals to different authorized pets. The feeding device contains a sensor for reading an RFID tag to identify the pet.

[0015]

[0012] The above-mentioned systems have significant limitations. They use an external tag for identification, which can lead to damage to the tag or the risk of the pet getting caught on the collar. Moreover, nutritional and health parameters of the pet are not taken into account, resulting in a lack of personalized nutritional advice. This can lead to ineffective regulation of feed intake, and an increased risk of obesity or malnutrition, which can negatively affect the pet's health.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017]

[0013] A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for feeding a pet comprising: a supply system comprising one or more feed types; a feeding device for feeding the pet with the feed types from the supply system; a sensor device for reading a microchip implanted in the pet; a control system configured for making available to the pet a certain amount of the feed types with a certain frequency via the feeding device, wherein the making available only occurs to the pet that was uniquely identified by reading the microchip by the sensor device, and not to other pets, wherein the certain amount is calculated by the control system based on one or more body parameters of the pet and one or more nutritional values of the feed types.

[0014] The inventors have discovered that a system according to the invention is particularly effective in reducing the risk of obesity or malnutrition in pets through a personalized, regular feeding regimen. Moreover, the system minimizes the risk of feed theft in households with multiple pets by only dispensing feed when the authorized pet is recognized. Furthermore, by combining the nutritional value of feed types with various body parameters of the pet, the system can calculate the exact amount of feed needed for a healthy diet, with greater accuracy than known methods. Finally, by using the microchip implanted in the pet for identification, no additional external tags, such as those on a pet's collar, are needed.

[0018]

[0015] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for feeding a pet by means of a system according to the present invention.

[0019]

[0016] A final aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using a system according to the present invention, the method comprising: recognizing the presence of a pet by reading their implanted microchip using the sensor device; establishing, via the control system, a communication connection with a database comprising body parameters of said pet and the nutritional value of the feed in the supply system; calculating the amount of feed to be dispensed based on the body parameters of the pet and the nutritional value of the feed; and dispensing the calculated amount of feed.

[0020] Detailed description of the invention

[0021]

[0017] The expression "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising" as used herein, should be construed in an open, inclusive sense, meaning that the described embodiment comprises the mentioned features, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features, as long as these do not render the embodiment inoperable.

[0022]

[0018] The expressions "one embodiment", "a certain embodiment", "an embodiment" etc. as used herein, should be construed as that a certain feature, structure or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such expressions in various places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or properties may be combined in a suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Certain features of the disclosure described herein in the context of separate embodiments are, for example, also explicitly provided in combination in a single embodiment.

[0023]

[0019] The singular forms "the," and "a" as used herein, should be construed to include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Also, the term 'or' is generally used in the broadest sense of the word, i.e. in the meaning of 'and / or1, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024]

[0020] A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for feeding a pet comprising: a supply system comprising one or more feed types; a feeding device for feeding the pet with the feed types from the supply system; a sensor device for reading a microchip implanted in the pet; a control system configured for making available to the pet a certain amount of the feed types with a certain frequency via the feeding device, wherein the making available only occurs to the pet that was uniquely identified by reading the microchip by the sensor device, and not to other pets, wherein the certain amount is calculated by the control system based on one or more body parameters of the pet and one or more nutritional values of the feed types.

[0025]

[0021] The supply system according to the present invention is designed to contain one or more feed types. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the supply system comprises at least two compartments for containing different feed types. Such embodiments enable the system for feeding a pet of the present invention to feed multiple pets or, alternatively, to store different feed types for the same pet in separate compartments. This is particularly useful during diet transitions, when prescribed diet feed must be selectively dispensed, or for providing a variety of regular feed to maintain nutritional balance.

[0026]

[0022] In other embodiments, the supply system has only one compartment to contain exactly one feed type.

[0027]

[0023] Preferably, the supply system has a volume of at least 2 liters, more preferably at least 5 liters. Most preferably, the supply system has a volume of at least 10 liters.

[0028]

[0024] Preferably, the supply system comprises an amount of feed sufficient to provide the pet with feed at a fixed frequency for at least one week. More preferably, the supply system can comprise an amount of feed sufficient to provide the pet with feed at a fixed frequency for at least two weeks. This has the additional advantage that the pet is always provided with sufficient feed, even when the owner is absent for an extended time period.

[0029]

[0025] The feeding device is configured to contain the feed that is dispensed from the supply system, and to release it upon recognizing the authorized pet. Preferably, the feeding device is a bowl. In a preferred embodiment, the bowl can be a so-called haptic feeding bowl, which is specially designed to slow down the eating behavior of the pet and prevent gulping. This type of feeding bowl contains elevations or obstacles that make it more difficult for the pet to eat quickly, which can contribute to healthier digestion and reduce the chance of overeating.

[0030]

[0026] Preferably, the feeding device is removable from the system for feeding a pet to enable easy cleaning by pet owners.

[0031]

[0027] Preferably, the feeding device comprises a built-in weighing scale. This enables the system for feeding a pet to recognize the amount of feed still available in the feeding device, which can optionally be taken into consideration when calculating the amount of feed to be dispensed, thereby preventing feed waste. This also enables the owner to receive a warning when the pet consumes insufficient feed.

[0032]

[0028] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the feeding device is designed to provide controlled access to the feed for an authorized pet, while preventing access by other pets. In such embodiments, the device comprises a cover that only provides access to one pet at a time. The feeding device in this embodiment is substantially covered on all sides, with the exception of a headsized opening that only allows access by one pet. This ensures that other animals cannot access the feed while the authorized pet is eating.

[0033]

[0029] The pet that can be fed with a system according to the present invention refers to any animal that can be monitored and fed. The pet can be an avian, bovine, canine, equine, feline, lupine, murine, ovine or porcine animal species. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pet is a canine or feline animal species, preferably a dog or a cat.

[0034]

[0030] The inventors have discovered that a system for feeding a pet according to the present invention is particularly useful for pets with certain health problems that can be considered diet- related, and for managing conditions that must be treated through feeding or are controlled through feeding. It was discovered that using the system for feeding a pet according to the present invention ensures that such pets adhere to a regular, better managed eating pattern, which contributes to alleviating the symptoms of such health problems.

[0035]

[0031] In some embodiments, the pet suffers from a condition selected from the group consisting of an allergy, kidney failure, gastro-intestinal problems, idiopathic cystitis, and / or diabetes.

[0036]

[0032] In other embodiments, the pet does not suffer from diet-related problems. By using the system for feeding a pet according to the present invention, the risk of developing such health problems can be effectively reduced by preventing overeating and reducing the chance of feed stealing by other pets in the household.

[0033] As mentioned hereinbefore, the feeding device according to the present invention further comprises a sensor device. This sensor device is configured to read a microchip implanted in the pet to uniquely identify the pet, so that the pet receives the correct feed type in the correct amount and with the correct frequency. In some embodiments, the sensor device can also recognize other chips for identifying a pet or sharing specific pet information. An example of such a chip is an RFID tag in some pet collars.

[0037]

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the microchip implanted in the pet is the pet microchip that is usually implanted in the pet when it is still in its juvenile development phase. As known to the person skilled in the art, such pet microchips are generally passive radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, which transmit identification data about the respective pet as soon as they are activated by electromagnetic waves emitted by the sensor device. This enables unique identification of pets without the need for external tags, such as a collar with an identification tag.

[0038]

[0035] In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the sensor device is configured to recognize only one pet. In a household with multiple pets, this has the advantage that feed stealing is effectively prevented.

[0039]

[0036] In other embodiments of the invention, the sensor device is configured to recognize multiple pets. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the supply system has multiple compartments, allowing a single system for feeding a pet to be used by multiple pets. In such embodiments, the system for feeding a pet can be adapted to comprise more than one feeding device.

[0040]

[0037] The sensor device is preferably positioned above the feeding device at an angle of 15-60°, more preferably 25-50°, with the sensor device directed downward toward the neck of the pet. In embodiments where the feeding device is covered by a cover, the sensor device can be integrated into this cover.

[0041]

[0038] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the system for feeding a pet may comprise a mechanism to block access to the feeding device. Examples of such mechanisms include automated gates, retractable covers or lockable doors that are controlled by the sensor device in combination with an electric motor. These mechanisms only provide access to the feeding device when the authorized pet is recognized, thereby significantly reducing the risk of food stealing, especially when the authorized pet does not eat the entire portion of food at once. This is particularly useful in multi-pet households. Moreover, this function can be integrated with the monitoring capabilities of the system, allowing pet owners to track feeding activity and receive notifications when unauthorized access is consistently attempted.

[0039] The system for feeding a pet may further comprise additional sensor devices. An example includes a passive infrared (PIR) sensor device to detect the proximity of a pet. This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the system for feeding a pet. In a preferred embodiment, the system for feeding a pet comprises a sensor device which determines the amount of feed in the feeding device to prevent it from overflowing.

[0042]

[0040] Upon detecting the authorized pet, a control system makes available a determined amount of feed. The amount of feed is calculated based on various parameters. Such parameters can be divided into two groups: body parameters and nutritional parameters.

[0043]

[0041] The caloric needs of a pet will vary considerably depending on a multitude of factors, which means that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to the optimal feeding regime of a pet. It is also important that the portion sizes of pet feed packages often overestimate the amount of food that should be given to a pet when the pet has a low activity level, which causes weight gain, while for more active pets (such as outdoor cats) the portion size may be too low.

[0044]

[0042] Preferably, the amount of feed is calculated based on at least one of the body parameters selected from the group consisting of age, body weight, sex, species, average physical activity, whether the pet is neutered, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the amount of feed is calculated based on at least two or more of the body parameters selected from the group consisting of age, sex, body weight, species, average physical activity, whether the pet is neutered, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the amount of feed is calculated based on all of the above-mentioned body parameters.

[0045]

[0043] In certain embodiments of the invention, the system for feeding a pet may further be equipped with a pet weighing scale. This makes it possible to dynamically determine the body weight of the pet and optionally adjust the amount of food to be dispensed accordingly.

[0046]

[0044] The nutritional value of a specific type of pet feed will vary considerably between different brands, as well as different feed types. Preferably, the amount of feed is therefore calculated based on the actual nutritional value of the feed that is stored in the supply system, wherein the nutritional values are selected from the group consisting of energy content, carbohydrate content, protein content, fat content, ash content, fiber content, and combinations thereof.

[0047]

[0045] In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the system for feeding a pet is configured to store and use nutritional data provided by the manufacturer of the feed. These data can be entered manually by pet owners or automatically retrieved via a barcode or RFID tag on the packaging of the feed. This ensures that the system dispenses an appropriate amount of feed that meets the specific dietary requirements of the pet, taking into account the actual nutritional value of the feed. Such data are preferably entered via a mobile application, as discussed later in this application.

[0048]

[0046] The system for feeding a pet according to the present invention is configured to make available a determined amount of feed with a determined frequency to the pet via the feeding device. Preferably, the frequency is two to six times per day, more preferably three to six times per day.

[0049]

[0047] In particularly preferred embodiments, the control system of the system for feeding a pet according to the present invention further determines the last time that feed was dispensed, wherein a predetermined time period must elapse between each dispensing before the next one takes place. Preferably, at least 2 hours must elapse between each dispensing, more preferably at least 4 hours. This prevents pets from overeating by activating the dispensing mechanism multiple times in succession. Alternatively, the dispensing can occur at predefined times, wherein the control system controls access to the feeding device to ensure that the pet only gets access when there is feed in the feeding device, and / or when this pet is authorized. This is particularly advantageous when the dispensing of the feed occurs at regular times based on a timer.

[0050]

[0048] Optionally, the system for feeding a pet according to the present invention may further comprise an alarm to alert the pet when the next amount of feed is available to be dispensed. This can be, for example, in the form of a sound or by means of a flashing light.

[0051]

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system for feeding a pet further comprises a mobile application running on a mobile system and a wireless connection between the mobile system and the system for feeding a pet, wherein the mobile system is implemented to enable a user to specify the determined frequency and / or body parameters and / or the nutritional value via the mobile application. In such an embodiment, the system for feeding a pet would be connected to the internet, and a centralized database would be used to store all metrics collected and shared by the system for feeding a pet.

[0052]

[0050] Preferably, the mobile application of the system for feeding a pet provides the pet owner with data about the eating habits of the pet and / or data about the amount of feed still present in the supply system via the mobile application running on a mobile system. The former enables the pet owner to track whether the pet is consuming the correct amount of nutrition and to signal deviations from normal eating patterns that may indicate illness, while the latter enables the system to alert the pet owner when the amount of feed falls below a predetermined threshold, thereby enabling timely refilling of the system for feeding a pet and maintaining optimal feeding conditions.

[0053]

[0051] The design of the system for feeding a pet according to the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the system for feeding a pet can be a stand-alone device, or can be part of a functional piece of furniture. The system for feeding a pet can, for example, be integrated into the side of a sofa, or into an ottoman. This enables better integration of the system for feeding a pet into the interior design of a household.

[0054]

[0052] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for feeding a pet by means of a system as described above.

[0055]

[0053] A final aspect of the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using a system as described above, the method comprising: recognizing the presence of a pet by reading their implanted microchip using the sensor device; establishing, via the control system, a communication connection with a database, comprising body parameters of the pet and the nutritional value of the feed in the supply system; calculating the amount of feed to be dispensed based on the body parameters of the pet and the nutritional value of the feed; and dispensing the calculated amount of feed.

[0056]

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer-implemented method further comprises the step of determining the last time that feed was dispensed, wherein it is ensured that a predetermined time period elapses between each dispensing before the next one takes place. This is particularly advantageous when the pet has a tendency to overeat. In other preferred embodiments, the computer-implemented method further comprises information about when the pet last ate. For example, the amount of feed that is released can be increased when the pet has not eaten anything for a longer time and has skipped certain feeding times.

[0057]

[0055] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly in embodiments wherein the feeding device of the system for feeding a pet comprises a built-in weighing scale, the computer-implemented method may further comprise the step of determining the amount of feed still available in the feeding device. The amount of feed made available is then calculated based on the amount of feed already present. This approach enables more accurate and consistent monitoring of the feeding patterns of the pet, ensuring that the pet receives the correct amount of nutrition as needed. This function also provides a mechanism for automatically adjusting the dispensing of feed based on real-time measurements, thereby preventing overeating or underfeeding.

[0058]

[0056] The order in which the steps of the computer-implemented method are performed is not particularly limited. The amount of feed can, for example, be calculated prior to the recognition of a pet. Likewise, the dispensing of the feed can take place before the recognition of the pet, for example in embodiments wherein access to the feeding device is controlled via a lockable cover as discussed above. of the figures

[0059]

[0057] The following description of the figures is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention. The relative dimensions of the following figures are not always necessarily drawn to scale.

[0060]

[0058] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system for feeding a pet according to the present invention.

[0061]

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system for feeding a pet according to the present invention, wherein the supply system comprises two compartments.

[0062]

[0060] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a system for feeding a pet according to the present invention, wherein the supply system comprises two compartments, and wherein the system for feeding a pet also comprises two feeding devices.

[0063]

[0061] Figures 4 and 5 show a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system according to the invention.

[0064]

[0062] Figure 6 shows a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system according to the invention, wherein access to the feed is restricted by a cover.

[0065]

[0063] Figure 7 shows a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system according to the invention, wherein access to the feed is restricted by a cover, and wherein the sensor device is an RFID sensor device.

[0066] Detailed description of the figures

[0067]

[0064] Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a system for feeding a pet (100) according to the present invention, comprising a supply system (101), a feeding device (102) with a removable feed bowl and a sensor device (103) for recognizing a pet. When the pet is recognized by sensor device (103), an amount of feed from the supply system (101) is made available in the feeding device (102).

[0068]

[0065] Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of a system for feeding a pet (200) according to the present invention, comprising a supply system (202), a feeding device (204) and a sensor device (203) for recognizing a pet. The supply system comprises two compartments (201), in which two different types of feed can be stored. When the sensor device (203) recognizes a pet, the system for feeding a pet (200) can dispense various types based on the user-defined settings.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a schematic overview of a system for feeding a pet (300) according to the present invention, comprising a supply system (302) with two compartments (301) and two feeding devices (303). Such a system for feeding a pet (300) is capable of providing multiple pets with feed in the respective feeding devices.

[0069]

[0067] Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system (400) according to the invention. When the pet is recognized by the sensor device

[0070] (403) by means of the implanted microchip (401), the control system (404) calculates the amount of feed to be released based on body and nutritional parameters. The determined amount of feed is then released from the supply system (402) into the feeding device.

[0071]

[0068] Figure 5 shows a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system (500) according to the invention. When the system (500) recognizes the authorized pet via the implanted microchip (501) by means of an RFID sensor device (503), feed is released from the supply system (502) into the feeding device. The amount of feed is calculated by the control unit (504) based on body and nutritional parameters.

[0072]

[0069] Figure 6 shows a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system (400) according to the invention. When the system (400) recognizes the authorized pet via the implanted microchip (401) by means of a sensor device (403), feed is released from the supply system (402) into the feeding device. The amount of feed is calculated by the control unit

[0073] (404) based on body and nutritional parameters. Access to the feeding device is restricted by means of a cover, wherein the opening in the cover preferably only provides access to one pet at a time.

[0074]

[0070] Figure 7 shows a schematic overview of the computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using the system (500) according to the invention. When the system (500) recognizes the authorized pet via the implanted microchip (501) by means of an RFID sensor device (503), feed is released from the supply system (502) into the feeding device. The amount of feed is calculated by the control unit (504) based on body and nutritional parameters. Access to the feeding device is restricted by means of a cover, wherein the opening in the cover preferably only allows access by one pet at a time.

Claims

Claims1 . A system for feeding a pet, comprising: a supply system comprising one or more feed types; a feeding device for feeding the pet with the feed types from the supply system; a sensor device for reading a microchip implanted in the pet; a control system configured for making available to the pet a determined amount of the feed types with a determined frequency via the feeding device, wherein the making available only occurs to the pet that was uniquely identified by the reading of the microchip by the sensor device, and not to other pets, wherein the determined amount is calculated by the control system based on one or more body parameters of the pet and one or more nutritional values of the feed types.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the supply system comprises exactly one feed type.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeding device further comprises a weighing scale to determine the weight of the feed present therein.

4. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pet is a dog or a cat.

5. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pet suffers from a condition selected from the group consisting of allergy, kidney failure, gastro-intestinal problems, idiopathic cystitis, diabetes and / or obesity.

6. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the body parameters comprise one or more of body weight, age, sex, animal species and average physical activity.

7. The system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutritional values comprise one or more of energy content, carbohydrate content, protein content, fat content, ash content and fiber content.

8. The system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determined frequency is two to six times per day.

9. The system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a weighing system, configured to determine the body weight of the pet and to communicate it to the control system as one of the body parameters.

10. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the supply system comprises an amount of the feed types that is sufficient to provide the pet with a determined amount of feed at a fixed frequency for at least one week.11 . The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a mobile application running on a mobile system and a wireless connection between the mobile system and the system, wherein the system is configured to allow a user to specify the determined frequency and / or the body parameters and / or the nutritional value via the mobile application.

12. A method for feeding a pet by means of a system according to one or more of the preceding claims.

13. A computer-implemented method for feeding a pet using a system according to one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising: recognizing the presence of a pet by reading their implanted microchip using the sensor device; establishing, via the control system, a communication connection with a database comprising body parameters of said pet and the nutritional value of the feed in the supply system; calculating the amount of feed to be dispensed based on the body parameters of the pet and the nutritional value of the feed; and dispensing the calculated amount of feed.

14. The computer-implemented method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of: determining the last time that feed was dispensed; wherein a predetermined time period must elapse between each dispensing before the next one takes place.

15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of: determining the amount of feed that is still available via the feeding device; wherein the amount of feed that is made available is calculated based on the amount of feed that is already available for the pet.

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