Discover 5 tips to stop your cat from stealing dog food
As a pet lover, you know that cats are fussy eaters. And yet, most of them eat dog food from time to time, grabbing some extra bites from your dog’s bowl.
Often, it happens because stealing is typical behavior for felines. And while occasional quick meals aren’t that dangerous, it’s better to stop cats from eating dog food.
Why?
First and foremost, dogs and cats have different nutritional needs.
As obligate carnivores that require meat to thrive, cats will miss out on numerous essential amino acids and lack taurine and arginine if they eat dog food.
Plus, most dog food recipes are higher in calories and contain cereal, which is not helpful for cats to eat.
Cats who steal dog food risk getting fat and suffering from obesity and many companion health problems, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart problems, urinary stones, or cancer.
The only way to stop cats from eating dog food is to control the cat’s access to it.
Here are five tips to break the habit and stop cats from eating dog food.
Say no to free-feeding your dog
If there’s no dog food out, your kitty can’t steal it. So, the solution is to stop free-feeding your dog and put him on scheduled meals.
For most owners, feeding dogs two times a day is enough to provide them with all the necessary nutrients.
You don’t have to align a dog’s meals with the clock: Give him one portion in the morning and one more in the afternoon when you are at home, or dinner when you eat.
While your dog is eating, close the door to keep a cat out or play with your feline to distract her from the dog’s food.
Feed the cat and the dog at the same time
If you are a pet owner who doesn’t welcome free feeding, you can organize the meals so your cat and dog can eat simultaneously.
Because cats are naturally curious creatures, the joint feeding can prevent your cat from picking up on the smell of dog food and grabbing it, as she’ll be busy investigating her food bowl.
Consider feeding your cat and dog in different rooms. This will prevent a feline from seeing and smelling a dog’s food, allowing her to concentrate on her treats.
Once both pets finish their meals, clean up any food debris so the cat can’t find it.
Use automatic pet feeders
Some vet experts would disagree with the recommendation to feed the cat and dog simultaneously. That’s because these pets have different eating styles.
While it’s OK for a dog to eat twice daily by gulping the whole portion at once, cats tend to nibble small pieces throughout the day.
If you leave your cat without food for several hours, she will feel hungry. If you leave the food out and your cat doesn’t eat right away, you risk your dog stealing the cat’s food.
The best option is an automatic pet feeder.
Place the dog and cat automatic feeders on opposite sides of your kitchen and stagger feeding times accordingly. This will help your pets concentrate on their own food.
Your pets will soon anticipate the routine and stop stealing food from each other’s bowls.
Automatic pet feeders help you break up meals into smaller portions throughout the day, ensuring that your pets (especially cats) never miss a meal when you’re away.
Make sure your cat loves her food
If your cat’s diet doesn’t satisfy her nutritional needs or doesn’t like its taste, she will look for something more delicious and rich in vitamins or fatty acids.
Ensure your feline is happy with the food you give her so she won’t seek something better in your dog’s bowl. Choose cat food that’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
Consult your vet to find out what nutrients to give your cat, ask if your chosen food contains all the necessary elements, and request some alternative options.
Keep an eye on your cat for a while to see how enthusiastic she is about her food and what recipes she likes most. If your feline enjoys what she eats, she may lose interest in your dog’s food.
Another reason a cat might want to steal a dog’s food is that she is hungry. It may occur when she is on a diet or when you are not giving her enough food.
Or, she may have gone hungry in the past and considered the dog’s food an opportunity to avoid starving again.
So, ensuring your cat always has enough food can help reduce the problem.
If your cat is on a restricted diet to lose weight or because of health problems, it may take some time before she gets used to it and stops seeking more in a dog’s bowl.
Get tricky
Do your best to devise creative ways to stop a cat from eating a dog’s food.
For example, if you have a large dog, try placing his bowl on an elevated platform so a cat can’t reach it.
But don’t make it too wide; otherwise, a cat can jump on it; plus, it will not be comfortable for a dog to eat his food.
Or, you can store dog food in plastic containers with a lid to keep a cat out. Or, place a bowl inside an indoor dog fence so your cat can’t reach it.
Train your cat
If you want to train your cats to avoid dog food, you can try a few methods to prevent harm.
To train your cat to avoid dog food, consider these effective strategies:
Establish boundaries: Create a designated feeding area for your dog that’s inaccessible to your cat using baby gates or barriers.
Create separate feeding areas: Another effective method is to feed your cats and dogs in separate areas to prevent the cats from accessing the dog’s food.
Positive reinforcement: Reward your cat with treats or praise when it ignores the dog’s food. This helps reinforce the desired behavior.
Use commands: Teach your cat commands to redirect them when they approach the dog’s food, rewarding them for following your lead.
Deterrents to discourage cats
If training alone isn’t sufficient, consider these deterrents:
Scent deterrents: Use citrus or other natural scents around the feeding area to repel your cat safely.
Motion-activated devices: Employ harmless motion-activated sprays or sounds to deter your cat from the dog’s food.
Physical barriers: Elevated dog food dishes can make it harder for the cat to access the food.
Consistency and patience are key when training your cats, so be persistent with your chosen training methods.
Why dog food is dangerous for cats
Potential health risks for cats
Here are some potential health risks associated with healthy cats consuming dog food:
Nutritional deficiencies: Dog food typically does not contain adequate levels of essential nutrients such as taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins like A and B12. A deficiency in taurine, for example, can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and vision problems.
Kidney issues: Cats need a higher protein intake than dogs, and dog food is often formulated with lower protein levels. Prolonged consumption can stress a cat’s kidneys, leading to potential renal problems over time.
Obesity: Dog food is often higher in carbohydrates and fats that may not align with a cat’s dietary needs. A diet geared towards dogs can contribute to obesity in cats, along with associated health risks like diabetes and joint issues.
Digestive problems: Cats may have difficulty digesting the ingredients found in dog food, leading to gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Recognize signs of illness
If you suspect your cat has been consuming dog food, it’s crucial to monitor their health closely.
Here are some signs that may indicate your cat is becoming sick from eating dog food:
Lethargy: A noticeable decrease in your cat’s energy levels or enthusiasm for activity can be a sign of nutrient deficiency or illness.
Loss of appetite: Cats are often picky eaters. If your cat shows a sudden change in appetite, it may be due to gastrointestinal discomfort or the lack of essential nutrients.
Vomiting or diarrhea: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea can indicate that your cat’s digestive system is reacting negatively to the dog food.
Weight loss or obesity: Keep an eye on your cat’s weight. Sudden weight loss or significant weight gain can suggest dietary issues.
Poor coat condition: A dull, dry, or thinning coat can be a sign of nutritional deficiency.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian promptly.
Common questions
Q: Why is my cat stealing dog food?
A: Cats are naturally curious and might be tempted to steal dog food due to its smell or flavor. Additionally, if they’re bored or looking for a different source of protein, they may be drawn to it. It’s also possible that they are simply sharing space with the dog and seeing the food as a snack.
Q: Can my cat get sick from dog food?
A: Yes, cats can get sick from eating dog food regularly. While they may not experience immediate issues from small amounts, dog food lacks certain essential nutrients that cats need, such as taurine, which can lead to health problems over time.
Q: Why is dog food not appropriate for cats?
A: Dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, which are different from those of cats. Cats are obligate carnivores and require specific nutrients, such as higher levels of protein and certain vitamins that are not adequately provided in dog food.
Feeding your cat dog food on a regular basis could lead to nutritional deficiencies and long-term health issues.
Bottom line: Stop cats from eating dog food
The most effective method to stop cats from eating dog food is to limit their access. Feed your pets simultaneously in different rooms, try automatic pet feeders so they can anticipate the routine and “forget” each other’s bowls, or consider feeding the dog from an elevated platform so the feline can’t reach it.
Ensure your cat is not hungry, and she likes the food you give her.
Ask a vet for feeding recommendations to satisfy your feline’s nutritional needs so that she won’t seek them in your dog’s food.