Is your cat snatching kibbles out of your dog’s food bowl? You are not alone. Stealing is a common behavior problem reported by cat owners, and, if your dog happens to be a lazy “I don’t give a bark” guard, then nothing is there to stop your cat from grabbing some extra bites at the expense of your pooch. Show Or is there? In this article, you will learn how to stop your cat from stealing food right out of your dog’s bowl and why you should care. Is it bad that your cat steals dog food?Why should you care? The cat takes an extra bite; besides the dog getting less, which is clearly his own fault, so what? Well, there are some problems associated with this behavior:
How do you stop a cat from stealing dog food?Regardless of whether you or your dog think that your cat’s kleptomania is distasteful, you can see that there are good reasons to stop it. Luckily, the solution is simple. Stop free-feeding your dog! You don’t need to reinvent the wheel or invent a bicycle. If there is no free dog food on the ground, the cat won’t steal it; one cannot steal what isn’t there. There is not a single cat deterrent (and we have tried many of them) that can both keep the cat away and let the dog in. There are cat doors that are opened/locked by the presence of a pet’s microchip, but they solve the problem for smaller dogs only and won’t prevent an intelligent cat from entering together with the dog. A cheaper solution would be to put your dog on scheduled meals and feed your cat at the same time in a separate area. Alternatively, you can play with your cat or close the door to keep him out while the dog eats. Are you scared of scheduled meals? Don’t be, most dogs are completely capable of going with two meals per day—let’s say, one in the morning and one in the afternoon when you are most likely to be home. The meals don’t even need to be aligned with the clock. If you come home at different times each day, so be it; your dog will associate mealtime not with 6 pm, but with your arrival. To nudge you even further, here are several benefits from scheduled feeding:
How to put your dog on a feeding regimeTo put your dog on a feeding schedule, measure the amount of food your dog needs per day. You will find this information on the package of any commercial dog food. Split the amount into two or more parts. Each part will be one meal for your dog.Feel free to schedule meals at times convenient for you, spreading them evenly throughout the 24-hour period. Take your dog’s current food bowl away at least a few hours before the first meal, so he receives the meal on an empty stomach. Since your dog is used to food always being there and not running away, he may not even wink an eye for his meal. Don’t worry if that happens. Remove anything that is left after 15 to 30 minutes. Serve a single portion when the next mealtime comes (do not compensate for what your dog did not eat in the previous meal) and, again, remove everything after some time has passed. Soon you will realize that there are no leftovers to pick up, and nothing for your cat to steal, either.
Many cats are picky eaters and won’t touch anything but the most delectable wet cat food. Others are keen to munch on just about anything they come across, including dog food. But just because your cat wants to eat dog food doesn’t mean it’s healthy for him. After all, there are reasons kibble is labeled “cat food” or “dog food,” and not simply “pet food.” Nutritional Differences Between Dog Food & Cat FoodDogs and cats have different dietary needs. Here are biggest factors that make dog food inappropriate for cats:
What Happens if Cats Eat Dog Food?If you catch your cat in the act, there’s no need to rush him to the emergency vet. Eating a bite of dog food here and there usually isn’t a major concern, but cats shouldn’t eat dog food full-time. The effects of an improper diet vary, but here are some signs that your cat’s health is suffering from overindulging on dog food:
How to Prevent Cats from Eating Dog FoodLiving with both a cat and a dog can bring great joy to your life, but you must make sure each animal only eats his own food. If your cat keeps snacking on your dog’s food, you’ll need to ditch your open-access feeding technique and try these tips instead:
Seek Dietary Advice for Your Cat at Germantown VetPerhaps you have concerns about your cat’s health after catching him eating dog food, or you simply want assistance choosing food that maximizes your pet’s nutritional intake. Either way, visit Germantown Vet Clinic in Montgomery County for a nutritional assessment. We’ll make sure your cat stays healthy and happy with the right food for his needs. Schedule an appointment at Germantown Vet today! |