Your dog may have an irresistible urge to chow down on your cat's kibble. It’s no one’s fault, but that stuff just smells great! So, any chance your dog has to have a little forbidden snack, there’s a distinct possibility that you’re going to have a pet food crossover. Though this can be okay in small doses, your dog shouldn’t be eating too much cat food, as it’s designed for a kitty’s digestive system and nutritional needs.
Can dogs eat cat food?
While the occasional nibble might seem harmless, your dog regularly eating cat food can cause health issues. Cat food is higher in protein and fat—great for felines, but not ideal for canine digestion. Over time, this can lead to:
- Upset stomach (diarrhea, vomiting)
- Pancreatitis
- Nutritional imbalances (especially if cat food replaces your dog’s regular meals)
That’s why it’s essential to learn how to keep your dog out of cat food and prevent it from becoming a habit.
How to keep your dog out of cat food
Don't "free feed" your cat
The practice of free feeding will likely increase the chances of your dog getting into the cat food. Leaving the bowl of cat food just sitting there is practically asking your dog to sneak up and eat whatever’s there. Though your dog won’t be adversely affected by a little bit, regularly eating cat food can give your pooch diarrhea. So, feeding your cat like you feed your dog—one bowl of food at a time, and at specific times of day—is the surest way to make sure that there isn’t any extra cat food sitting around for your dog to devour.
If you’re tired of playing food referee between your cat and dog, consider an automatic cat feeder like Feeder-Robot. It dispenses precise portions on a set schedule, keeping your cat’s food secure and your dog on track.
Keep your cat’s food up high
Another option for keeping your dog away from your cat’s food is to perch the food bowl up high, where your dog won’t be able to get to it. It should come as no surprise that your cat is a fair bit more nimble than your dog, so even keeping your cat’s food up on a countertop or a piece of elevated cat furniture is a good way to prevent your pooch from pilfering any cat food. Of course, this method requires a good place to keep the cat food off the ground, which might take some consideration on your part, and some getting used to on your cat’s part.
How to keep cat food away from your dog
Here are a few simple, effective ways to reduce “food theft” between pets:
1. Use separate feeding stations
Wondering how to keep cat food away from dogs? Create a feeding area only your cat can reach. Place your cat’s bowl in a location your dog can’t access—like a separate room, baby-gated area, or elevated surface.
2. Try a smart feeder
An automatic feeder like Feeder-Robot dispenses cat food on a schedule of your choosing. The remaining kibble stays in the hopper, inaccessible to pets, making it much harder for your dog to sneak a bite.
3. Don’t free feed
As we discussed earlier in this article, leaving food out all day invites trouble. Instead, feed your cat at set times and remove leftovers. This also helps reinforce meal routines for both pets.
Best products to keep dogs out of cat food
Smart feeders (e.g., Feeder-Robot)
Automatic pet feeders like Feeder-Robot dispense precise portions at scheduled times and keep the majority of the kibble stored away. This makes it much easier to prevent your dog from eating your cat's food.
Elevated cat furniture with feeding platforms
Cats love vertical space, and dogs usually can't access them. Elevated feeding stations, wall-mounted shelves, storage cabinets with top access, or multi-level cat trees let your cat eat in peace up high, far from curious canine noses.
How to train your dog not to eat the cat’s food
Behavior training is key when figuring out how to keep your dog from eating cat food long-term. Here are a few tips:
- “Leave it” command: Practice with treats and gradually work up to cat food bowls.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for ignoring the cat’s food area.
- Supervision: If you feed both pets in the same room, monitor mealtimes closely.
With consistency and the right setup, your dog can learn to respect boundaries, and your cat can finally enjoy their meals in peace. And speaking of keeping your dog out of your cat's business, have you ever noticed that your dog likes to eat your cat's poop? Read our guide on how to dog-proof the litter box.
