Why do dogs try to eat cat food?
To know how to stop dogs from eating cat food, it’s helpful to understand why they want to do it. There are a few reasons your pooch may be drawn to your kitty’s meals. First, they might simply be curious about what their sibling is tucking into. Alternatively, if your mutt has a mischievous side, the fact it’s a forbidden treat could make it interesting to them.
However, the most likely explanation is that your pup finds the scent and taste of cat food very appealing. Especially with their extra-powerful sense of smell! And if they’ve tried it once, they’re probably going to crave more. Its nutritional profile gives cat food an intense, meaty aroma and rich flavour that both canines and felines love. Yet it’s exactly this dietetic difference that makes the grub unsuitable for pooches.
The differences between dog food and cat food
Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs. Our feline friends are obligate carnivores, which means they need to consume meat to survive and thrive. Pups, on the other hand, are omnivores, and require a more varied diet.
These differences are reflected in the nutritional composition of the food our pets eat. For instance, cat food contains more protein and fat than dog food. The levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids vary between the two as well. As an example, kitties have to consume more taurine and arginine than pooches do, because they can’t make these themselves.(1) Moggies also need more active vitamin A (retinol) in their diet. This is because – unlike pups – they’re unable to synthesise it from beta-carotene.
The upshot of this is that if a dog ate cat food exclusively (or vice versa), it would be detrimental to their health. That’s why it’s important to know how to stop dogs from eating cat food if you spot this behaviour in your pup. And the same goes for treats. Companies specially craft canine and feline treats to meet the needs of their respective species. Plus, feeding your dog treats meant for cats may stimulate their future appetite for cat food. That’s only going to make it trickier for you to change their behaviour!
The risks of dogs eating cat food
At this point, you might be wondering ‘what happens if my dog eats cat food once?’ Well, if your pup nibbles a small amount of your kitty’s dinner, it’s highly unlikely to cause any health problems. Those who wolf down a large portion may experience some vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, or other tummy troubles. This is especially likely if your pooch has a sensitive stomach. However, these symptoms normally clear up quickly and there shouldn’t be any long-term effects. But what happens when a dog eats too much cat food for a prolonged period of time?
There are several ways in which eating cat food can be detrimental to a dog’s health. Many of these risks arise because your pooch won’t be getting the correct balance of nutrients they require. Most notably, cat food is higher in both fat and protein than dog food. This could cause various issues for your mutt’s wellbeing. First, it raises the risk of obesity. As with humans, being obese increases the chances of your pup developing related conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. It goes without saying that these are all harmful to your pet’s quality of life.
In addition, eating cat food may raise the risk of liver damage, kidney problems, and pancreatitis in your pooch.(2) Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be very serious if left untreated. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, lack of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. This gives us a good idea of the importance of knowing how to stop dogs from eating cat food.
My dog ate cat food… What should I do?
First of all, don’t panic! If your dog ate cat food once and isn’t experiencing any negative symptoms, you don’t need to do anything. On the other hand, if your pup does have some tummy troubles, it’s probably worth taking them to the vet. They’ll be able to make sure your pet is ok and advise you on how to ease their symptoms.
If this behaviour isn’t a one-off, you’ll have to figure out how to stop your dog from eating cat food. Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can try that should help with this. These include feeding strategies, clever technology, training tactics, and choosing the right dog food for your pup. Of course, you don’t have to implement all of them. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for your pet, so be patient! The end result will be worth it.
Finally, if your dog has been eating cat food exclusively for a while, transition them onto their new diet slowly. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive issues. Feed them a mixture of the cat and dog foods, gradually increasing the proportion of the latter until that’s all they’re dining on.
Smart feeding strategies to keep dog and cat food separate
Some easy ways to stop dogs from eating cat food involve physically separating the places you feed your pets. For example, if you have the space, you can serve their meals in different rooms and close the doors. Depending on the size of your pooch, you might be able to use a door prop. This leaves the door open just wide enough for your kitty to enter, but not your pup. Perfect for keeping them away from the cat’s automatic feeder!
Another option is to take advantage of our feline friends’ climbing abilities and feed them at an elevated food station. Putting your moggy’s food bowl high up should prevent your pooch from being able to reach it. However, this tactic won’t be suitable if your kitty is older or has a condition that makes jumping tricky. An alternative is to serve their meals in a playpen or crate (depending on how they feel about it!)
Keeping your pets separate at mealtimes isn’t the only feeding strategy for how to stop dogs from eating cat food. When you’re at home, you could feed them together and supervise them as they eat. Then you can intervene to prevent your dog from stealing any cat food. In line with this, it’s best to avoid free-feeding your moggy. Leaving kibble out all day for them to graze makes it much harder to stop your mutt raiding their bowl.
If your pup always makes a beeline for your cat’s food, you might need to employ some distraction techniques! Try bringing out your dog’s favourite toys while your kitty tucks in to avoid any attempted dinner theft.
Creative solutions and gadgets to keep dog and cat food separate
Technology can be a big help when it comes to how to stop dogs from eating cat food. For example, you could buy a microchip-activated feeder that will only open for your kitty. This gives you peace of mind that your mutt won’t get into your moggy’s meals while you’re out.
There are also gadgets that will keep your dog engaged with their own food and not tempted by your cat’s. Interactive puzzle feeders require your pup to do specific actions in order to get at the kibble inside. This both slows down how quickly your pet eats and ensures they’re entertained at mealtimes. Slow feeders operate on a similar principle, making it impossible for your pooch to gobble all their food at once. Hopefully, by the time they’ve finished tucking in, your cat will have too!
Alternatively, try a device designed to physically block your pup from accessing your moggy’s meals. These include baby gates that your kitty – but not your pooch – can jump over, plus gates with cat-sized openings. The latter work best if you have a larger dog. Likewise, you could install a cat flap on an internal door to prevent your mutt from getting in. If your pup is small enough to squeeze through a cat flap, you might consider an electronic one. These only open when the pet wearing the corresponding tag approaches.
How to train your dog to ignore cat food
Depending on your pup’s personality, you may be able to train them to quit stealing your kitty’s meals. The command ‘leave it’ is particularly useful when it comes to how to stop dogs from eating cat food. If your pooch doesn’t know this one yet, here’s how to teach them.
Start by holding a dog treat in your hand, covering it up, and saying ‘leave it’. Let your pup investigate until he or she gives up, then reward them with cuddles and a better treat. Your goal is to get them to link the action of not trying to eat the treat with something positive. Keep practising this, then have a go with the treat uncovered. If they can restrain themselves from eating the treat, you’re ready to try it with cat food.
Dish up your kitty’s meal, and when your pooch approaches, tell them to ‘leave it’. If they do, reward them with love and treats. If they don’t, move the cat food further away and try again. Eventually, your pup should obey the command without the need for a treat as a reward.
Remember, never shout at your pet if they disobey or get it wrong. This will only stress them out and scare them – neither of which helps them learn. It’s all about rewarding positive behaviour with treats and praise, not punishing unwanted behaviour.
Choosing the right fare for your dog to reduce the temptation of cat food
The final approach to how to stop dogs from eating cat food relates to your pup’s meals, not your kitty’s. Ensuring that your mutt is enjoying high-quality, well-balanced dog food can help decrease their desire to eat something else.
For instance, this means choosing meals that are appropriate for your pooch’s age and breed. If you’re unsure of what the best diet for your pet is, we recommend consulting a vet for guidance. Another factor to consider is buying dog foods with similar ingredients to the cat food they’re so tempted by. As an example, if they love your kitty’s fish dinners, try looking for a dog-friendly product with salmon.
There are also extra toppings you can add to your mutt’s meals to make them more interesting and satisfying. These include herbs and spices like mint and turmeric, cooked eggs, and fresh berries and vegetables. Bear in mind that it’s best to introduce new foods slowly, and not make too many dietary changes at once.
Functional pet foods from Boosie.co
Adding functional foods to your pet’s meals isn’t just an option for how to stop dogs from eating cat food. It can also help ensure that your pooch’s dinners meet all their nutritional needs and give their wellbeing extra support. For example, cordyceps mushroom powder could provide them with a bit more energy for walks and playtime. Meanwhile, Jerusalem artichoke powder nourishes the good bacteria in your pup’s gut.(3) Alternatively, try chia seed oil for heart health, or sea buckthorn oil to care for their coat and skin. With all these ingredients, it’s best to check that they’re suitable for your pet’s individual needs with a vet first.
Final thoughts on how to stop dogs from eating cat food
Although our cats’ meals might be tempting snacks for our pups, they’re not good for their health. Luckily, there are several effective methods you can use to stop dogs from eating cat food. From separate feeding spots to training techniques, you should be able to find a solution that works for your pets.
