Animal Friends Blog

Stop your pet from eating your other pet’s food

Living in a multi-pet household can be quite hectic at times, especially when there’s food involved. From dogs preferring your cat’s food, or kitties snacking on dog kibble, and even a pooch giving up its bowl for the other to eat as well.

These dinner time troubles can have consequences for the pet who eats too much or the one not getting enough.

Here are a few things you can do to stop one pet from eating the other pet’s food.

Feed your pets separately

Having your dog eat in the kitchen and cat eat in the hallway or giving each dog a designated eating room can be a simple solution leading to dinner time peace. This can help decrease aggression between your pets, too.

Take it in turns

This method can be especially handy if your pets have different diets or portion sizes as you won’t have to worry about food theft. While one cat or dog eats, the other pet could be treated to some one-on-one time with your or another member of the family.

Train them

Teaching your pets your preferred behaviour around food will make things easier in the long run, for you and them.

Commands like ‘leave it’ or ‘away’ can help teach your pet to concentrate on their own food. While it might take time and lots of positive reinforcement, just think how better meal times will be at the end of it all.

Invest in a microchip bowl

There are food bowls on the market that only opens to their designated pets, using their microchip to allow access to the food. These can be a massive help to anyone struggling with their pets’ behaviour at mealtime.

Don’t leave food unattended

Once a cat or dog has finished with their food, remove the bowl so that your other pets aren’t tempted to help themselves to any leftovers. This will allow you to keep track of who’s eating what, exactly how much and that everyone gets enough.

Keeping to one, or more, of these tips should make mealtimes easier for everyone involved.


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