How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating My Cat’s Food?
Did you know eating too much cat food can be bad for your dog’s health? Over time, certain risks come with mixing their formulas up, so it’s important to keep your cat’s food away from your dog. The best way to separate dog food from cat food is to feed them in different rooms at the same time. But since you may not always be there to supervise, this article will show you how to keep your dog from eating cat food using innovative tricks and product solutions like microchip cat feeders and protective cat bowls. Plus, training your dog to “leave it.” Let’s jump right in.
How to Keep Your Dog From Eating Cat Food (7 Ways)
1. Raise the Cat’s Food Bowl
A quick fix: Place your kitty’s food bowl on a higher surface during meal times (a countertop, for example). This simple trick can keep your pup’s curious nose at bay so your cat can enjoy its meal in peace.
2. Set Up a Dog-Proof Cat Feeding Station
If you have dogs that love to eat cat food and don’t want to encourage your cat to eat on your kitchen countertop, you’ll appreciate the foolproof design of this wall-mounted cat-feeding shelf. Cats enjoy running up and down the separate steps to get to their own, private dining station. The raised feeder also helps cats eat more comfortably by reducing strain on their necks. It comes with a wide, whisker-friendly bowl made of 304 stainless steel—healthier and more hygienic than plastic bowls.
3. Install a Pet Gate
Consider using a pet gate to temporarily block off the kitchen (or other designated space) so your cat can eat without interruptions. You don’t need any tools to install the MYPET Portable Pet Gate—it expands from 26″ to 40″ wide and stands 23″ tall, and you can take it anywhere you go. It’s an ideal solution for keeping your dog away from your cat’s food no matter where you are.
4. Install a Cat Door
A small pet door that leads to a separate room can give your kitty a private dining area! Fido will have no choice but to stay outside the room and respect the boundary. This innovative idea also works well for giving cats private bathroom space, as you can put their litter box in the same room (away from the food bowl, of course!). If you want a classy solution that takes less than an hour to install, check out the Meow Manor Interior Cat Door by Purrfect Portal.
5. Use a Protective Cat Bowl
These special bowls are an innovative concept with a cover or mechanism whereby only your cat can access the food. The Purrrfect Cat Dish featured below is a brilliant design that keeps nosy pups out of your cat’s food and minimizes pesky odors and spills. Plus, it’s a breeze to move and clean with its handy built-in handle. Designed with twin bowls that are easy for your kitty to access, you’ll also love the rubber pads and attachments that keep it stable and prevent it from tipping over.
6. Get a Microchip Cat Feeder
The Sure Petcare SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a must-have investment for multi-pet homes! How does it work? It opens only for the pet with the microchip or RFID tag. This brilliant invention prevents food stealing so each pet gets their proper meal. It’s a game-changer if you have pets on special diets or ones that need controlled portions. Setup is straightforward, and once your pets get used to it, feeding time becomes stress-free.
Watch the video below to see how it works:
7. Train Your Dog Using the ‘Leave It’ Command
Training your dog to leave the cat’s dinner alone is helpful because, once mastered, you can teach your pup to ignore anything else you want them to.
- Hold a treat in your hand and show it to your dog. Then close your fist around the treat and say, “Leave it.”
- Your dog will probably try to sniff, lick, or paw at your hand to get the reward. Ignore the attempts and wait.
- When they stop, click (if using a clicker) and give them the prize from your other hand. Praise them and repeat the process several times.
- Next, cover the tidbit on the floor with your hand. Say “Leave it” and wait for your dog to give in and stop trying to get the treat. Then click, praise, and reward them with your other hand.
Practice regularly until your dog responds reliably. You can then use the “leave it” command whenever they go for your cat’s bowl. See also: 10 Basic Dog Training Tips for Beginners to Master
Source: Photo by Chewy on Unsplash
Reasons for Keeping Cat Food Away From Your Dog
Dogs need the correct balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water to thrive. While specially formulated dog food meets those nutritional needs, cat food does not.
- Cat food lacks the necessary nutrients for dogs, leading to nutritional imbalances.
- It can cause stomach problems and other digestive issues for dogs.
- Cat food is high in fat and protein, which can cause dogs to gain too much weight.
- Eating cat food can cause long-term health problems like pancreatitis.
Can a Dog Die From Eating Cat Food?
Although cat food is not toxic to dogs, eating it can sometimes trigger temporary stomach upsets like vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog eats a large portion, you may notice bloating because it’s harder for them to digest. Regular consumption might lead to health problems like pancreatitis, which would need a vet’s care.
Source: Image by María Fernanda Pérez from Pixabay
What Should I Do if My Dog Only Wants to Eat Cat Food?
If your dog only wants to eat cat food, try the following:
- Mix some tasty bits of cooked chicken with their kibble to make it more tempting.
- Feed your dog and cat in separate rooms at the same time to avoid any temptation.
- When your dog whines about not getting any cat food, gently move them to another room and ignore them until they are quiet. Reward their good behavior with treats.
- Invest in a longer-term, innovative solution like a microchip pet feeder or dog-proof feeding station.
Do you want to try making your own dog-proof cat feeding station? Check out the YouTube video below for easy instructions!
Final Thoughts
Stopping your dog from eating cat food can be tricky, but it’s certainly doable by following the tips in this article. These strategies will help encourage your pets to only eat their own food and remain healthy.
Please remember that cat food isn’t made for dogs and can make them sick over time. If you’re worried or have questions about your pet’s food, it’s always a good idea to ask a vet.
Sources
- Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Cat Food? | PetMD
Have you ever wondered if dogs can safely eat cat food? A vet explains the differences between the two and whether you should worry. - Is Cat Food Bad For Dogs? | American Kennel Club
Your dog probably won’t be harmed by eating some cat food now and then, but it isn’t something you should give him on a consistent basis.
