Dispense cycle can be triggered either at a preset time or by using "Smart-Feed" option. This is a one time easy setup. Once you setup your choice, you likely don't have to keep changing this setup, unless you want to.  You can also suspend PawBot operations temporarily by simply selecting "Suspend Robot" from the PawBot's touch screen LCD or your mobile device if you are home and would rather feed your pet yourself on any given day.

Preset Time option:  You can program up to 4 dispense times per day and each dispense time can serve 1 or 2 cans per dispense cycle - i.e. up to 8 cans per day.  

Alternatively you can select "Smart-Feed" option with maximum number of cans to dispense per day. In Smart-Feed option mode PawBot will constantly check the weight of the food remaining in the bowl and when the bowl is empty, PawBot uses an algorithm to figure out how soon to dispense the next can automatically. If your pet eats at random times, using Smart-Feed is a great option to let PawBot feed your pet as needed.