Content
- Why does the dog eat the cat's food?
- Tricks to prevent the dog from eating the cat's food
- 1. Separate the feeders
- 2. Locate the cat's feeder in an elevated place
- 3. Work obedience with your dog
- 4. Purchase an automatic microchip feeder
The coexistence between dogs and cats is, most of the time, fun and enriching, both for the animals themselves and for us, humans. However, there are always minor incidents, such as "theft" of food between them.
If this is a one-off problem, you shouldn't worry, however, if dogs overeat cat food they can suffer nutritional deficiencies and even lead to health problems, as we indicated in our article, "Can dogs eat cat food?" However, in this article by PeritoAnimal we give you some advice for you to know how to prevent your dog from eating cat food.
Why does the dog eat the cat's food?
It is very important to understand why puppies carry out this behavior since, although sometimes it may be a simple whim, in some cases it may hide something else. Then we explain to you the most common reasons:
- THE food quality that you give your puppy is deficient and for that reason he looks for food with a higher nutritional intake. Remember that this can happen even with the most commercial brands. Cat food, being rich in fat and protein, tends to be more appetizing for them. Check the composition of your dog's food and find out whether or not it is a quality food.
- The dog don't feel satiated with the quality of food it gives you. As with the Labrador, some dogs have an authentic obsession with food. In these cases it is highly recommended to consult our veterinarian about the option of giving them a better ration that will help them feel full.
- Some puppies show bad behavior when their care is not optimal. Although we didn't realize it, there are some factors that can lead to behavioral problems: lack of walks or poor quality outings, stress and anxiety, lack of attention and affection, thirst, discomfort (cold, not having a bed, uneasiness due to excessive noises or circumstances of the time), lack of expression, isolation, fear, punishments...
- health problems (usually intestinal) may cause them to eat other people's food in an attempt to improve their digestion. Going to the veterinarian is always recommended, whether the dog is visibly sick or not.
- Finally, it may happen that your dog is simply attracted to your cat's food. Not knowing how to ration your food and finding that of your unprotected companion, your puppy simply decides to eat it.
Tricks to prevent the dog from eating the cat's food
1. Separate the feeders
If you are one of those people who ration the cat's food by giving it food only once a day (or divided into several meals), just give it to them at the same time in separate rooms. Lock the cat in a room, or the dog, and don't open the door until both are finished.
In these cases it is highly recommended to follow a fixed mealtime for both. This type of solution is positive: the cat will eat in a relaxed way knowing that his companion will not steal his food and the dog will reduce his level of stress and excitement by not having to steal.
2. Locate the cat's feeder in an elevated place
If, on the contrary, you are one of those offering unlimited feed to your cat, it will be convenient to place your feeder in an elevated place. You must make sure that the dog cannot access it, but that the cat does manage to reach the feeder. Choosing the place is usually a little tricky, as some dogs are extremely smart and skilled and will do anything to get their prize.
In these cases, it is useful to install a small one on any free wall. walkway system and shelves, or you can use a particular piece of furniture. You should choose the ideal place yourself, but we recommend that you stay alert for the first few days to make sure everything runs smoothly.
3. Work obedience with your dog
If you don't want to change the food connection or your animals' routine, you can always choose to work on basic obedience with your dog, specifically the "Stop" or "Stop". Although it takes some time to get good results, teaching your dog to be quiet when you tell him what to do is the best option and will also foster good communication and spend more time with him, something he will love.
Don't forget that in the beginning you should be there whenever it's time for your cat to eat, to remind your dog to stop and stop eating his companion's food. Through repetitions and the use of positive reinforcement (congratulations after a good behavior) your puppy should have this behavior on his own.
4. Purchase an automatic microchip feeder
On the market we can find special feeders that open automatically when a certain animal approaches. It works with a microchip (which we put on your necklace) and is perfect for houses with lots of animals. This option has a high economic cost but in addition to preventing theft, it can keep food moist and in better condition for longer. One option is the "SureFeed automatic feeder with microchip’.
