Abstract: An automated feeding station for in-home testing away from unfamiliar laboratory settings test the acceptance of pet food by monitoring the reaction of the companion animals or pets in their comfortable in-home environment where the animals make their preferred choice of food without distractions caused by an unfamiliar environment. A pet owner scans appropriate food identifiers to verify the proper diet is being distributed into the appropriate food-receiving region(s). Once the food bowls are placed in appropriate food receiving regions within the feeding station, the testing system begins collecting data and transmits this data, preferably wirelessly, to the testing investigators. The preferred feeding station can measure: intake for the companion animal, information pertaining to the rate of food consumption, the animal's first approach to food, and the food first tasted by the animal. This information is provided via appropriate sensors and algorithms designed for this purpose within the system.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an automated animal feeding system, an automated process for feeding an animal and apparatus therefore. The invention also encompasses methods of behavioral modification of animals.