Small dog eating the cat's food?

Question

My small dog is eating the cats food instead of his own. I want to try putting it up, like on the dryer (which would make it still available to the cats). Has anyone else had this problem? What have you tried? What has worked?

Answer 1

Putting the food high up is a solution, but you could also try feeding them at different times or in different areas as a possible solution.

The cat food must have something which your dog likes. I don't think it would harm him in any way, as most pet food is made in the same factory - cat or dog.

As long as he is healthy and the cat food doesn't upset his stomach, I wouldn't worry about it too much - you just have a dog with a quirky appetite (or has an inner cat!!)

Answer 2

Cat food is not an appropriate diet for a dog AT ALL. Pick a food you want to feed all the time (not cat food), put it in a bowl and give it to your dog. If he hasn't eaten/touched it in 15 minutes, pick it up and offer it then next meal time. DO NOT offer anything else ie scraps, treat, tit-bits etc. He knows to hold out on not eating his food because you'll give in an offer in something different. A healthy dog will not starve himself. He may also have some sort of medical issue going on causing him to be so thin. I would take him to the vet for a check up to rule out anything medical. If all comes back ok, then follow the instructions above.

Answer 3

It's ok if your dog has eaten the cats food once or twice, but i wouldnt let your dog keep eating the cats food. I would reccommend that you keep the cats food put up. You should let the cat eat first then put it up. It's not good to keep the food down all the time, that's how animals get highly over weight. Like at night time do not leave your cats food down all night long. If you do not have any way to keep them separated then you could possibly get a couple of baby gates and separate the two. I have two dogs now and we keep them separated at night, the dauchaund is in the kitchen at night and the fox terrier sleeps with me. We put a couple of potty pads down in the kitchen and a couple down in the room. It works out perfectly!! If you have any more questions feel free to ask away!!

GOOD LUCK, CARRIE

Answer 4

ive never had this problem but i know that dogs will try to eat cat food because sometimes it smells better and tastes better. your dogs food, also, may not have all of the nutrients your dogs body needs so he is eating the cats food to help him.
try getting samples of different dog foods and see if there is anything he would rather eat than what he has right now. also call your vet and just ask them it could be as simple as your dog is bored with what he is eating right now.
i hope this helped:)

Answer 5

I pupt a babygate up in the bathroom the cat's can get in and not only eat but a place t get away from the dog if wanted,
We all need ot get away at some point.
My cats would just knock it off the dryer or a counter.

Answer 6

some dogs like to eat cat food, but you should just put the cat food somewhere, were the cats could reach it not the dog.

Answer 7

dogs ALWAYS eat cat food. dont worry, just put it on the dryer like you said! my grandma does that. it works, the cats have no problem jumping up there to get it. they actually feel safer eating it up there.

Answer 8

I have 2 small dogs and they will grab the cat food every time they get near it.........Just keep it away from them is all I can do, do not want to kill the dogs..............They do not know that they aren't cats I suppose.

Answer 9

yes, all dogs seem to prefer cat food, the only way I've ever got them to stop was by putting it up on something

Answer 10

dogs can eat can food.....
but cat food is fat compare to it's own.
To dog cat food are more tasty in some brands.
no problem