The centuries-long debate over which animal is a better pet – cats or dogs – has been fought religiously throughout history. If you have both animals, you know that some dogs are selective feeders; most of them spend their time searching for something delicious. And as in multi-pet families, they also have cats as their pets, including cat food.
This behavior can be problematic for various reasons, and you should do everything possible to help prevent your dog from going to cat food. This isn’t always easy, but several possible solutions deserve your consideration. We’ll cover all possible options – including dog-proof cat feeders – here!
Our Best Recommendations – Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Feeder
As a pet owner, it is incredibly frustrating to catch our dog eating our cat food daily, and if it frustrates us, imagine how the cat feels! So we set on a mission to find a solution so that our cat and dog could live harmoniously.
If you also face this problem and want to know how to keep your dog off your cat food, keep reading! You’ll need a dog-proof cat feeder, and We’ve reviewed some of the best products available on the market to find a simple solution so both of your pets can be happy and healthy.
The best solution we find that works better for your cat and dog is Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Feeder. We like this feeder because it only opens when your cat’s microchip is nearby, meaning all food theft is averted! Plus, it works for wet and dry cat food, which is a problem with other dog-proof cat feeders.
You can read the full review further in this post. It’s quite a technical option, so we’ve listed various other options, such as high cat feeding stations, automatic feeders, and cat food enclosures. You’re bound to find something that’s right for you!
5 Best Dog Proof Cat feeder
# 1. Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder (Best All-Rounder)
The solution we use to stop my dog from eating our cat food is to use the Sure PetCare Microchip Cat Feeder, which even vets recommend!
As the name suggests, this is a collared active cat feeder. The food is stored in bowls surrounded by an airtight compartment, which will only open in response to your cat’s microchip. This means that there is no way your dog will be able to snatch up any food that is intended for them. Isn’t Your Cat Microchipped? No worries – they also have an RFI caller tag that works the same way.
The transition to this cat feeder is also straightforward as a training mode is available that takes the lid off in stages. This will help timid cats get used to the movement of closed doors while still helping to keep their dog out.
We also rate this dog-proof cat feeder because it can hold wet and dry food and divides one bowl into two half bowls so you can serve wet and dry food at once! Plus, since the design is airtight, it helps keep food fresh for longer. This is extremely useful if you have a cat that prefers to graze rather than eat all at once.
If we had to find anything to complain about this bowl, it would be the product’s price. It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for a successful solution, it’s well worth it. In addition, batteries are required to operate the feeder, which is not included and will have a small running cost.
Plus, although safe for cats, the included dishes are plastic. It is safe for cats, but we prefer stainless steel or ceramic plates as they do not absorb odors and will not harbor many bacteria. However, you can buy stainless steel dishes that fit this feeder if that concerns you.
Pros
- It comes with an RFI collar tag or can be microchip activated
- It opens only when your cat’s tag is nearby, keeping your dog outside
- It can hold both wet and dry food
- It has airtight storage to help keep food fresh longer
- Provides a training mode for a smooth transition
- recommended by veterinarians
- It comes with three years warranty
Cons
- The bowls are plastic, but stainless steel ones are available for purchase.
- More expensive than other products
- Required batteries that are not included
#2. Casfuy 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder (Best Automatic Cat Feeder)
Another idea to keep cat food away from your dog is to use an automatic cat feeder, the Casafu 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder.
Although it is not 100% dog-proof, the feeder works by delivering up to five small meals per day. Small portion sizes can deter your dog from trying to steal the food. Also, if your dog is constantly munching on your cat’s leftover food, smaller portions will mean nothing left for them to do.
This comes with some limitations. Confident dogs may still bully your cat and eat their food, or if your cat isn’t hungry or isn’t around to eat their food, your dog may be lucky. However, it still reduces the amount of cat food your dog eats remarkably well.
Automatic cat feeders are great for other reasons as well. They help control portion sizes to help maintain your cat’s healthy weight, are attached to keep your cat’s food fresh, and timers can be set when food is available, allowing help to establish a meal routine.
You can also fill the compartments with wet or dry food to ensure that your pet is fed diversified, and the tray is completely removable to make cleanup easy. We’d also rate this automatic cat feeder plugs into the mains, as you won’t have to worry about changing batteries. However, if you don’t want to put cables on the floor, it also works on battery power – choose whichever you prefer!
Pros
- Release small portions regularly to prevent your dog from stealing leftovers.
- Can store both wet and dry food
- The enclosed design helps keep food fresh for longer
- Convenient for when you are away from home
- Allows for precise drug control
- Removable tray for easy cleaning
- Dual-powered and can be powered by battery or mains
Cons
- Confident dogs can still steal food
#3. K&H Mount Up & Away Kitty Diner (Best Budget Option)
Why not pick up your cat bowl for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to keep your dog away from your cat? You can easily do this with the K&H Mount Up & Away Kitty Diner.
This bowl has an attached suction cup, so you can quickly fix it on a window to keep it up and away from your dog. However, your cats are comfortable with high heels and should soon adapt to their high cat food station. Of course, you need to ensure the bottom of the bowl has a shelf or window ledge at a suitable height, but once you figure that out, the rest is easy!
We also like that this bowl is made of stainless steel, which is more durable than plastic and scratch-resistant. This also makes it easier to clean because the surface will be smooth and easy to clean even after you’ve had the bowl for a while. The bowl is also removed from the holder, so you don’t have to chug and open the bowl before and after each use.
This is also an innovative idea that provides such a simple solution to a common problem. Because you’re just buying a bowl and wall mount, it’s also the cheapest way to prevent your dog from eating your cat food.
If there is one complaint, we have that the bowl is mounted using a suction cup. The bowl can easily be moved around and placed wherever is convenient, but if the surface isn’t smooth or clean, the bowl could fall.
Pros
- Most affordable solution
- Dog proof your home by elevating it higher than your dog can reach
- Mounts to the wall with a suction cup so it can be easily moved
- Stainless steel bowl which is durable and hygienic
- Can hold wet and dry food
- Clean-up is a breeze with this detachable bowl
Cons
- The suction cup can fall off if it is not applied properly
#4. Sweet Barks Cat House Side Table (Best Enclosed Cat Feeding Station)
Another option is to build an enclosed cat feeding station. You can take your regular cat bowls and place them inside a cat house, such as the Sweet Barks Cat House Side Table.
These cat houses are a great way to create a physical barrier between your cat’s food bowl and your greedy dog! This box has a small cat-shaped entrance that is small enough for your cat to climb in and out of but too large for most dogs. That said, small dogs can come out of holes, which is only effective for larger breeds.
The front of the cabinet also opens entirely like a regular cupboard, allowing you to easily open the door to the place, refill, or remove the cat bowl. You don’t have to worry about your pet knows how to open the door, as there is a magnet to keep it closed.
We also love that these cat houses are super stylish and elegant, and you can use them as a coffee table or in the corner of a room for a different surface. This product is also made from durable wood, making it long-lasting and easy to clean by wiping the surface. Plus, there are three colors to choose from to suit your home decor.
The only downside is that an enclosed cat feeder like this takes up more space in your home, as the enclosure measures 19 by 20 inches. Your cat needs enough room to eat and move around comfortably. Also, for this reason, this enclosure is not great for large breeds like Maine Coons, but is large enough for most cats.
Pros
- Acts as a physical barrier to keep your dog away from cat food
- Looks stylish and elegant in your home
- Provides an additional surface to store items
- Magnetic door lock
- A cute cat-shaped entrance door
- Made from durable and easy-to-clean wood
Cons
- Not suitable for big cats
- takes up a bit of floor space
- Won’t be dog-proof for small dogs that can fit through an entrance
#5. Pioneer Pet SmartCat Feeder (Best Puzzle Bowl for Cats)
Another way to keep your dog out of your cat food is to use a puzzle bowl, such as the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Feeder.
This bowl has holes on the side where your cat has inserted its paws and finds the perfect place to reach for its food. Larger dogs will not be able to use their paws to get pieces of food, and most will also become frustrated by the puzzle and shy away from eating. However, your cats will love the mental stimulation, encouraging them to slow down and eat at a healthy pace.
This bowl may only be successful for a limited amount of time, as dogs can learn that they can get food by picking and shaking it, and smaller dogs can reach and steal their muzzle into the hole and may be able to steal some kibble.
On a more positive note, we like that this bowl is made from ceramic, a great option because it’s durable, safe for cats, and more hygienic than plastic alternatives. The design is also clever as you can quickly put food on top instead of trying to pour it from the sides. That being said, this feeder only works for wet food, so it’s not for everyone.
Pros
- Successfully stops dogs from eating your cat’s food
- It helps to speed up your cat’s feeding
- Provides mental stimulation to your cat
- Made of high-quality ceramic that is durable, safe, and hygienic
Cons
- Suitable for dry cat food only
- Small dogs can reach for kibble
- Dogs can solve puzzles over time
Dog Proof Cat Feeder Buying Guide
All products are great at preventing your dog from eating your cat’s food. However, to decide which is best for you, here is a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
Dog Proof Method
As you’ve seen, there is a range of different products you can buy to dog-proof your cat bowl, and which one works best for you is down to personal preference and your unique needs. Here are the different ways you can dog-proof your cat bowls and what situations they do and don’t work in, helping you find the best fit.
Cat Feeder with Collar Sensor: Cat Feeder with Collar Sensor will work for any situation, cat and dog breeds. However, they are expensive and also require a constant cost of batteries, so this is not the best option if you are on a budget.
Automatic Cat Feeders: These can help reduce how much cat food your dog consumes by delivering smaller portions at a time, but they are not 100% dog-proof and ensure dogs can still consume all the food.
High Cat Feeding Station: This will also work to keep any dogs off your cat’s food, but it requires a suitable shelf. They are also very affordable.
Enclosed Cat Feeding Station: Keeping your cat’s food bowl in a cat house or other enclosed space is great for keeping large dogs out of your cat’s food.
Cat puzzle bowls: Some puzzle bowls, such as the one I recommended, can keep dogs away from cat food, as well as slow your cat’s eating speed and provide them with mental stimulation.
Material
To ensure the bowl lasts longer and your cat’s health, you should consider the contents of your dog-proof cat feeding station.
Stainless steel bowls are great because they are highly durable and stand the test of time. They won’t scratch as easily as plastic bowls over time, making cleaning more complex, and harmful bacteria and germs can thrive in these little scratch marks. Plastic bowls are still a good option, as long as they are non-toxic and BPA-free.
Ceramic bowls are another option, but there are no automatic cat feeders, wall-mounted elevated cat feeders, or collared active cat feeders that come with ceramic bowls. However, if you want to use ceramic dishes, try making an attached cat feeding station using a cat house, then you can choose any word you like!
Type of food
All the products we recommend in this article, aside from the cat puzzle bowl, are suitable for both wet and dry food. However, some automatic cat feeders on the market only take dry food. This is not a problem if you feed your cat only dry food. However, if you provide your cat with wet food, always check that the feeder can handle it and make sure you use an automatic wet cat food feeder.
How to stop a dog from eating cat food?
While dog-proof cat feeders are typically the most effective way to deter the average cat food thief, owners sometimes cannot find one that works satisfactorily. But don’t worry, you can keep your dog away from the cat food dish, and it just takes a little creativity.
Several of the following solutions are very simple, but that doesn’t mean they’re ineffective.
#1. Pick up the Food
One of the best ways to manage a mixed-species household is to take advantage of cats’ leaping and climbing abilities. Most adult cats can quickly jump over a standard countertop or table, while some dogs can reach such high places (although some puppies are adept at jumping over counters).
However, encouraging your cat to jump on your kitchen counter or table is not the cleanest option for you.
Your cat’s paws are somewhat dirty, and you don’t want him to spread germs on the same counter you use to make breakfast for your family. Accordingly, you have to provide him with another advanced place where he can feed.
It shouldn’t be anything elaborate; A simple utility table in an outdoor location will work well. You can build any number of shelves or platforms (there are even commercially produced cat shelves available) that are attached to your walls or suspended from the ceiling.
Your cat can get over a few things safely– your imagination is the only limit.
#2. Build an Exclusion Feeder
You can make your version of a dog-proof cat feeder by creating a cage or container where you can store your cat’s food. Then you’ll need to design a door or entryway that allows your cat to enter the container but is small enough to deny your dog access to the interior. This is usually easiest to accomplish when your cat and dog are of vastly different sizes.
In its simplest form, this solution requires nothing more than a large plastic storage box with a suitably sized full-cut on the top or side. There are a million ways to make an exclusion feeder, so feel free to use your imagination.
#3. Use a Selective Pet Door
Of course, you can take the size-exclusion principle to the next level by using a select pet door like the Carlson Walk Through Gate With Pet Door. These gates are built like standard dog gates, except they also have a small, free-swinging pet door, which will allow small pets to pass through.
Using one of these, you can keep your dog out of the kitchen (or whatever room you feed your cat in) and feed your cat on the floor as you usually would. Once your cat is finished, you can clean the dishes and open the pet door.
However, this is not an ideal solution for owners of cats who like to graze on their food during the day, as you will need to keep your dog outside for more extended periods.
#4. Feed-in a Separate Room
While it’s so simple that it seems redundant to call it a “solution,” simply feeding your cat in a room your dog can’t reach is one of the easiest ways to keep your dog’s muzzle out of the cat dish. You may need to experiment to find a place that your cat is comfortable eating, but if you keep trying, you will eventually find a place that works for you and your cat.
While it can be challenging to wean your dog off your cat’s food (especially after he has developed a taste for it), most of the above products and solutions will provide some degree of success. Keep trying solutions until you find a solution that works for you and your pet.
Q1. How can I stop a dog from eating cat food?
Ans: You can try feeding your cat and dog in separate rooms, so your dog does not have access to the cat food. Alternatively, you can purchase a dog-proof cat feeder that can be attached, elevated, automatic, or collar activated to help keep your dog off your cat food.
Q2. What is the best dog-proof cat feeder?
Ans: In our opinion, the best dog-proof cat feeder is the Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Feeder. This is a collar-activated cat feeder that will only open if your cat’s microchip is nearby, meaning your dog will not be able to access food that is not his.
Q3. Can you make a DIY dog-proof cat feeder?
Ans: Yes! Homemade Dog Proof Cat Feeders are easy to make by simply lifting your cat’s bowl onto a surface your dog cannot reach. Alternatively, try building an enclosure to enclose your cat’s food bowl, such as a plastic box with a hole in the side.
Conclusion
If you have both a cat and a dog, your dog mustn’t ingest your cat food. It would help if you made sure that both your cat and dog remain at a healthy weight, get the proper nutrients from their diet, and that no serious health problems arise. Plus, for your cat and dog to lead a happy and stress-free life together, they can’t argue over dinner!
Whether you want to prevent your dog from eating cat food in any way – whether it is buying a dog-proof cat feeder, feeding your pet in separate rooms, or training your dog – you must find a solution that works. This article has gone through several possible ways to keep your dog off cat food, so choose the one that best suits you, your pet, and your household, and everyone can live together harmoniously.