Pet food preparation system

An apparatus engageable with any one of a plurality of variously-volumed containers of pet food for preparing the pet food and comprising;

• a food preparation system,
• a scanner configured to read a proprietary code on the engaged container;
• a programmed database disposed remotely or within the apparatus and including a list of authorized proprietary codes;
• and
• a controller connected by circuitry to the food preparation system;
• wherein
• the scanner is adapted to communicate the read proprietary code to the controller;
• the controller is adapted to obtain or determine from the read proprietary code, and from consultation with the programmed database, food preparation parameters;
• the controller is adapted to control the food preparation system;
• and
• the controller is adapted, through information or instructions obtained by the consultation with the programmed database, to disable the food preparation system upon failure of the scanner to read an authorized proprietary code from the database on the container;
• wherein
• all the plurality of variously-volumed containers have an identically-shaped periphery and the apparatus is adapted to receive that periphery such that each container is properly positioned regardless of container volume.