HOW TO DOG-PROOF THE CAT FEEDER
By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 4 February 2025
If you’re a “pawrent” to both cats and dogs, chances are you’ve wondered how to get a dog to stop eating cat food at least once. Sounds familiar? We thought so!
It’s a common dilemma for many multi-pet households. Another head-scratcher is figuring out how to dog-proof cat food or finding clever ways to keep it out of your dogs reach. Is it even “pawsible” to keep cat food away from dogs while letting your feline enjoy mealtime in peace? After all, cats do love their space, and restricting this is a big no-no. The last thing we want to worry about is cats and dogs fighting!
Let’s face it - most doggos are food-obsessed, and a bowl of cat food is just too tempting to resist! Those irresistible meaty aromas can turn the most well-behaved pup into a sneaky snack thief.
But don’t worry, “fur-ends”! It’s time to stop stressing about how to dog-proof cat food, how to dog-proof the cat feeder, or keep your pup out of the cat’s dining zone. At Door Buddy, we’ve spent almost 10 years perfecting a simple, effective solution to this common problem. Say goodbye to the “cat-astrophe” and hello to harmony in your home!
WHY IS DOG-PROOFING YOUR CAT FEEDER SO IMPORTANT?
Dog-proofing your cat’s feeder is a game-changer for keeping mealtime peaceful! Let’s face it - dogs love sneaking a bite (or the whole bowl) of cat food, but that can lead to tummy troubles, weight gain, and some serious side-eye from your cat. Plus, your feline friend deserves to eat in peace without a hungry pup hovering nearby. A dog-proof feeder helps keep your cat’s food safe, their stress levels low, and mealtime drama-free. After all, fair is fair - your dog wouldn’t want the cat stealing their dinner either!

CAN DOGS EAT CAT FOOD?
Despite cats and dogs both being carnivores, cat food isn't actually good for dogs. Why? Cat food tends to be higher in fat, carbohydrates, and protein, which is not ideal for pups. So, is it bad for dogs to eat cat food? Yes, it can be! That’s why figuring out how to keep dogs out of cat food is so 'im-paw-tant'!
Dogs with sensitive stomachs might suffer from gastrointestinal upset, sickness, and diarrhea after eating some cat food. And let’s be honest, replacing stolen cat chow gets expensive fast!
As far as we know, an effective dog-proof cat bowl or dog-proof cat food station doesn’t exist yet (“paw-lease” someone make this happen!). This makes keeping curious pups away from the cat’s food a tricky challenge. As “pawrents”, we all want happy, healthy pets - no fat hounds or grumpy felines allowed.
So, while we wait for that dog-proof cat food station and dog-proof cat bowl, we need something quick, easy, and practical to keep cat food out of reach. Wondering how to keep dogs out of cat food? Keep reading for clever tips to keep cat food away from your dog!
WHY DO DOGS EAT CAT FOOD?
Why do dogs go wild for cat food? It’s like finding the secret stash of treats they were never supposed to know about! With its extra protein and rich flavors, cat food smells and tastes like a gourmet feast to dogs. It’s basically the pet equivalent of sneaking dessert before dinner! But as tempting as it is, cat food isn’t made for pups - so it’s best to keep your furry foodie out of the kitty’s bowl.
HOW TO DOG-PROOF CAT FEEDER?
What should be so simple seems “impawssible” sometimes - how do you dog-proof the cat feeder? Should you try a dog gate with a cat door, a kitty door for an interior door, or even a pet gate with a cat door? These options can seem a bit extreme. After all, installing cat doors for interior doors often means drilling holes or making permanent changes - something nobody wants, especially if you are renting your home.

Enter Door Buddy
Our adjustable pet Door Strap and Door Prop are game-changers for dog and cat “pawrents”!
Not only does it install in minutes, but you also don’t need any cutting or drilling like you would with other cat doors. In fact, we’d go as far as saying it’s the ultimate pet owner hack for how to dog-proof the cat feeder.
How does a cat door compare to Door Buddy? Find out more here!
How Does It Work? how to keep dog out of cat food
Door Buddy's products aren't just about how to keep your dog out of cat food – it also stops them from digging into the litter box. It creates a safe, stress-free space for your cats, helping to foster a harmonious cat-dog relationship and making it “paw-sible” for everyone to live together peacefully.
Once you have purchased one of our Door Buddy products, all you need to do is install it (which is easy peasy), and you’re good to go!
After your Door Buddy is installed, you can set the length of the strap or prop according to the width you want your door to open. This way, your cat can come and go as they please while your dog stays out of their space.
The best part? Door Buddy does not restrict your cat. Some “paw-rents” tend to make the mistake of investing in a dog-proof litter box or a dog-proof cat feeder. However, this can cause anxiety in our feline “fur-ends” due to a touch of claustrophobia.

It Works for Toddlers Too!
Our dogs aren’t the only ones sneaking into the cat food. This is a surprisingly common “paw-blem” for parents of curious toddlers!
Why do you need to baby-proof the cat food?
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Cat food can be a choking hazard for your little one
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Disrupting your cat’s space can cause your kitty to react negatively to your toddler
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Let’s face it - toddlers getting into cat food usually means a big, messy clean-up!
Door Buddy is a simple and effective way to keep your little one out of the room where the cat food is stored. Plus, we’ve got advice on how to prevent your litter explorer from eating cat food and essential tips for childproofing doors.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG EATS CAT FOOD DESPITE YOUR PET-PROOF HOME EFFORTS?
Sometimes, even with your best pet-proofing efforts, accidents can happen. If your dog manages to sneak some cat food, there’s no need to panic right away.
Cat food isn't toxic to dogs, but it can upset their stomach. If your dog experiences diarrhea or vomiting, these should go away on their own relatively soon. However, if it persists, it’s best to consult a vet.
At the end of the day, all we “pawrents” want is a safe home for every member of the “furmily”. While there are several pet doors for cats out there, few are as simple and effective as Door Buddy.
If you enjoyed this article about dog-proofing and you’re navigating life as a cat and dog owner, you’ll “fur sure” enjoy this post about if cat years are the same as dog years and cats and dogs living in harmony. You can also read our top tips on how to keep the dog out of the litter box.
CONCLUSION: HOW TO DOG-PROOF THE CAT FEEDER
Dog-proofing your cat's food can feel like an endless battle, but with the right solution, it’s totally “paw-sible” to maintain peace in your multi-pet household. By using simple, stress-free tools like Door Buddy, you can create a safe and accessible space for your cat to eat without worrying about your food-obsessed pup stealing their meals. Plus, the easy installation and adjustable settings make it a perfect fit for any home - without drilling or permanent changes. So, whether you’re trying to protect your cat’s food or keep curious toddlers out, there’s no need to stress anymore.
Want to learn more about how to dog-proof the cat feeder and create a dog-proof cat feeding station? Check out our full guide on 6 Ways to Make a Dog-Proof Cat Feeder for more clever tips and tricks!
Say goodbye to mealtime drama and hello to a happier, more harmonious home for your furry family members! And if you're looking for even more advice on managing your pet dynamics, be sure to explore our other posts on keeping the peace between cats and dogs.