If you have a cat and a dog, you know that one of the eternal questions is: why does the dog always want to eat the cat's food? 

In a perfect world, our dogs would only eat dog food and our cats would only eat cat food. But in the real world, if there is food on the floor that smells delicious, it is natural for them to sneak a taste of each other's food. While mostly this is not a big deal, it can actually be an indicator of some serious health problems for your pet.

In this blog post, we will take a look at why your dog devours the cat food (and how to stop it) so you can keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Dogs eat cat food because…

Dogs like the taste

One of the most common reasons that dogs eat cat food is because they like the taste. Cat food is often packed with more protein and fat than dog food, which can make it quite tasty to our furry friends.

If your dog is getting into the cat food simply because they like the taste, there is not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, you will want to make sure your dog is getting enough of its own tasty food like Health Extension dog food packed with whole ingredients and rich in protein to keep them out of the kitty food! 

Dogs may not be getting enough nutrients in their own food

If your dog is eating cat food on a regular basis, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough nutrients in their own food. Cats are carnivores and require a meat-based diet for their bodies to function properly, dogs are omnivores and are able to obtain their essential nutrients from a combination of plants and meats. 

Since dry dog food often does not always have the same nutrients as cat food, dogs may be turning to the cat food for a nutritional boost. If you think this might be the case, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that is higher in quality. Health Extension pet foods have a variety of healthy nutritious solutions to meet both your dog and cats’ nutritional needs. It also may be helpful for your dog to add Multi + Lifetime Vitamins to provide all the nutrients needed for a lifetime of health and happiness. 

Dogs may have underlying health conditions

Finally, some dogs may have an underlying health condition that is causing them to crave certain nutrients. Conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause dogs to feel ravenous and they may start seeking out food that is high in fat and protein. If you think your dog's appetite changes might be due to a health condition, take them to the vet for an evaluation.

So how can you keep your dog from raiding the kitty buffet? 

Feed your dog first

One method is to keep your dog from eating the cat food is to feed your dog before you feed your cat. This way, your dog will already be full and satisfied and will not be as tempted to steal a few bites of the cat’s food. 

Feed dog and cat in separate rooms

You can also try feeding your dog and cat in separate rooms, or by placing the cat food on a surface that the dog cannot get to, like a countertop or table. 

Get pet food dispensers

There are other fun and inventive ways to keep your dog from eating the cat food. Investing in a pet feeder that dispenses food only when your pet's ID tag is detected, may just be the fix for you! 

So why do dogs really eat cat food?

So, what is the answer to the question of why dogs eat cat food? The most likely explanation is that dogs are scavengers and opportunists. If they see or smell something that looks like it might be food, it's no surprise that dogs will want to snatch a bite if they get the chance. 

With a little effort, you can ensure that both your dog and cat are getting the appropriate nutrition they need - without any feline - canine conflict! 

Let us know how you solved the problem of the dog eating the cat food in the comments below.