There are many 'pet fed/not fed' signs consisting of manual sliders or simply flipping sides. These are susceptible to forgetting to use them, which could lead to over/underfeeding by a second owner, walker or forgetful person. I feel there's case for an electronic sign that resets to NO on a schedule such as midday/midnight.

It won't stop all mistakes but some.

I imagine a battery/mains device with a clock and interval controls, similar to those that to control lights while away on vacation.
-- acemcbuller, Jun 17 2023

Just from reading this precis over my shoulder, and not even seeing a prototype, my dog has already figured out the work-around. [+] for effort.
-- Sgt Teacup, Jun 17 2023


It needs a security feature so only a human can flip it
-- Voice, Jun 17 2023


No security feature needed. Just make it with a single button. If someone presses the button, it displays "Yes" so that other household members know not to feed the animal again. After the configured time (set with a switch under battery cover), it switches back to "No". If the pet presses the button when no one is looking, they won't get fed that day, and hopefully will learn not to press the button.
-- scad mientist, Jun 18 2023


Place the button under the food bowl so that putting the standard amount of food in the bowl actuates the mechanism to display "yes".
-- pocmloc, Jun 18 2023


I've always done the opposite of what they say is required to keep our dogs from over feeding. I make sure that their bowl of dry dog food remains heaping from the time they are puppies.
When a dog never gets put on a feeding schedule but has access to as much food as it wants to eat for its entire life, they never gorge themselves. They want treats and table scraps and remain at their optimal weight for the course of their lifetimes.

As a bonus you can even leave for a day or two and come back to only a half eaten bowl.
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Jun 18 2023



random, halfbakery