Dogs often eat cat food because it is highly palatable to them; it generally has a higher protein and fat content, which appeals to their taste. Additionally, dogs are opportunistic feeders with a strong scavenging instinct, so they’re naturally attracted to any available food source, especially one that smells as rich and meaty as cat food does.
9 Techniques to Stop Your Dog from Eating Cat Food
Cat Door
A cat door is a small entryway installed into a door or wall that allows your cat to come and go as it pleases, while being too small for a larger dog to pass through. By placing the cat food behind a cat door, only the cat will have access to its food. This solution requires that there is a marked size difference between the pets and that the dog is not small enough to follow.
Dog-Proof Gate
A dog-proof gate is similar to a baby gate but designed with cats in mind; it either has a small door within or is tall enough for a cat to jump over but not a dog. Positioning one of these gates to block off the room where the cat’s food is kept can effectively restrict a dog’s access while allowing the cat to jump or pass through to eat in peace.
A Door Strap
A door strap is a device that keeps a door ajar just wide enough for a cat to slip through but not wide enough for a dog. This allows a cat access to a room with its food bowl while keeping the dog out. It’s a simple and effective method to segregate feeding areas within a home.
Elevate the Food Bowl
By placing the cat’s food bowl on a high surface, such as a counter, shelf, or specially-made cat feeding station that only the cat can reach, you prevent the dog from getting to it. This method takes advantage of the cat’s climbing ability and usually the dog’s relative inability to reach high places.
Puzzle Feeder
A puzzle feeder is a feeding station with obstacles or mechanisms that require skill to navigate. Cats are generally more agile and capable of handling delicate tasks to reach their food, whereas dogs may find the puzzle too complex. This way, the cat is challenged and fed, and the complexity of the task deters the dog.
Cat Feeding Station
A cat feeding station is a designated area or furniture designed to give cats an exclusive place to eat. These stations are often elevated or designed so cats can easily access them, but dogs cannot due to size or agility restrictions.
Protective Cat Food Bowl
This is a specialized cat bowl with a lid that only opens when the cat approaches, often triggered by a microchip or a collar tag. This ensures that only the cat can access the food inside, and the dog cannot eat from it.
Feed Both Pets Simultaneously
Feeding both your cat and dog at the same time but in separate areas can prevent the dog from going after the cat’s food because it’s occupied with its own. This method also reinforces feeding time routines and can help manage both pets’ diets.
Train your Dog
Training your dog to stay away from cat food can be done through consistent command training, like “leave it,” and positive reinforcement. Training takes patience and repetition, but over time, the dog can learn that cat food is off-limits and that obedience results in rewards.
Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?
Dogs can eat cat food, but it’s not recommended as a regular diet because it lacks the appropriate balance of nutrients for dogs and is generally richer in proteins and fats. Over time, a diet consisting of cat food can lead to nutritional imbalances and health issues in dogs.
What to do if your Dog eats Cat Food?
If your dog eats cat food, monitor it for any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. An occasional small amount may not cause harm, but if your dog consumes a large quantity or exhibits discomfort, contact your veterinarian. Ensure the cat food is kept out of the dog’s reach to prevent further incidents.