When you’re living in a hectic multi-pet household, food-stealing is an issue that you’re bound to encounter at one point or another. And, more commonly than the reverse, you’ll probably notice that it’s your dog eating your cat’s food, not the other way around. (That isn’t unheard of, though- cats are just traditionally higher maintenance!)
The good news about this annoying issue is that it is incredibly common. Its frequency means that there have been several tried and true solutions to get your pets back in order and eating out of their designated bowls. So, without further ado, here’s how to stop your dog from stealing your cat’s food!
Why Are Dogs So Enticed By Cat Food, Anyway?
Dogs appreciate the flavor of cat food, even if it isn’t good for them.
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Cats and dogs are, on a physiological level, quite different creatures. Naturally, that means that their nutritional health requirements are not the same. These differences mean that the composition of their food is different, based on their specific needs. For cats, these needs include higher amounts of fat and protein. These are two things that dogs, it seems, cannot get enough of!
That said, there’s no need to call the vet if you catch your dog chowing down on your cat’s food. Unless your dog has specific dietary restrictions or allergies, the consumption of cat food won’t cause them immediate harm. It is the continuation of this habit that can lead to problems like obesity and gastrointestinal issues. That’s why it is so important to address it ASAP!
Preventing Your Dog From Eating Your Cat’s Food
There are a number of effective strategies to get your dog to stop eating your cat’s food.
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Now that we know why they do it, it’s time to learn how you can stop it. Below are some of the most effective strategies for preventing your dog from eating your cat’s food!
- Separate Meal Times and Places: Pets love routine, and accustom themselves to routine quite quickly. A good way to deter your dog from eating your cat’s food is by making your dog’s feeding time come before your cat’s. This way, when your cat is fed, your dog will already be full. This is even more helpful if you feed them in separate rooms as well.
- Store Your Cat Bowl High: While dogs have some difficulty getting up onto high surfaces, this happens to be where cats typically shine. A good strategy is to get your cat used to being fed on a designated counter or shelf space, where your dog cannot reach.
- Use A Gate During Meal Time: If you have an old baby gate lying around, it might be time to bring it back out. When worst comes to worst, you can always use the classic tactic of physically separating them via a gate or door.
Avoid Unnecessary Punishment
If they don’t understand what it is they’ve done wrong, punishing your dog can only lead to them becoming upset.
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Something that is essential to emphasize is that you should not punish your dog when they eat your cat’s food. While you can clearly see the issue, your dog does not understand what they’re doing wrong. Punishing them, especially while they’re in the middle of eating, will only confuse them. This can cause them to believe that you’re yelling at them because they’re eating at all, not because of what it is that they’re having.
Much like children and their parents, a dog that is being punished without understanding your motivations will only get sneakier and sneakier. You have to work with your dog, not against them. Once the boundaries have been healthily established and the dog and food have been separated, then you’ll be able to restore harmony to the household.
