An automatic animal feeder has two bowls and a base unit which accepts the bowls. Two lids are provided, one for each bowl, which may be closed to cover the bowl and prevent access to it or opened about a hinge means to allow access to the bowl. A lid control mechanism is capable of keeping either lid closed independently or opening either lid independently. A removable joining member is provided that links the two lids so that one lid cannot open unless the other lid can also open.