For a number of reasons, dogs might swipe cat food. To begin with, the powerful odor and flavor of cat nourishment — generally higher in protein and fat compared to their particular fare — are usually appealing to dogs. Second, it may signal hunger or a nutritional imbalance.
If your dog cannot get sufficient nutrients from his diet, he could search for them elsewhere such as from eating the meals meant for cats.
This can be just one habit learned by positive reinforcement, but if you allow your puppy to steal once before because it made him happy then there is no doubt that he will keep on doing so.
Here are five ways to discourage your dog from stealing cat food
Separate their feedings: Guarantee that your dog and cat have their own eating places. Position the cat’s food on a lofty surface or behind a gate that allows only the cat to pass through.
Tastier Food: Dogs are attracted to a wide variety of scents and flavors, which is why providing them with better or tastier dry pet food can make them lose interest in wet cat food. Check out this site for a good range of tasty and healthy dog food and cat food in Sri Lanka.
Timed feeding: Instead of leaving food out for them all day, give each pet its meal at specific times. This way, when you are not looking, the dog will not get as many chances to grab the cats’ food.
Observe them while they eat: Keep watching your pets during meals. If a dog tries snatching the other pet’s food, gently redirect it back to its bowl and reward it for eating its own food.
Teach them “leave it”: Teach the dog not to touch anything belonging to cats. Start by practicing with treats then use this phrase when there is cat food around.
Regularly eating cat food can be dangerous for your dog
Because it is made for cats and not dogs, cat food might not be the best option for your pet. Unlike other animals, felines require a diet that includes high amounts of protein and fat, which are found in this type of product.
On the other hand, if consumed daily by dogs such substances may cause obesity or health problems.
Cats and dogs have dissimilar digestive systems; therefore they react differently to what they eat. For instance, there is nothing wrong with giving a dog some cat food once in a while as a treat, but when taken regularly it causes stomach upsets such as diarrhea or vomiting because their bodies cannot break down certain components.
Some ingredients used in making cat foods are toxic when consumed by dogs. For instance, certain fish varieties and additives like xylitol can lead to severe health complications in canines.
Unlike dog food, feline meals are softer which may not provide similar dental benefits for dogs. Chewing harder kibble helps keep their teeth clean and strong.
It is true that occasional nibbles of cat food may not hurt your dog but they should mainly eat diets specially designed for them so as not only obtain necessary nutrients but also safeguard their welfare.
