7 Best Dog Proof Cat Feeders - Maine Coon Hawaii (2023 Reviews) (2024)

The best dog proof cat feeder on the market for my cat’s needs is the SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder. It’s also the one we recommend to anyone who has a dog always getting in to the cat’s food.

I know this is a pretty common issue and something I’d deal with too if I ever add a dog to my household! But the ideal one for us may not be for you.

Maybe your cat doesn’t like collars, or you want something simpler. That’s why in this post, I recommend other great dog proof cat feeders in different categories.

A complete buying guide, with info on stopping this behavior and why dogs should not eat cat food, are at the end.

Best Overall Dog Proof Feeder

Ready to start pampering your pet? SureFlap is a modern and high end solution for keeping the dog out of your cat’s bowl, making it our overall best dog proof cat feeder.

The SureFeed Feeder locks food away in a secure compartment until your cat with an assigned microchip or included RFID tag approaches! The feeder will then automatically open for Kitty to chow down.

This dog proof cat feeder also holds both dry and wet food, and it includes a split bowl so you can feed dry and wet food at the same time.

In addition, the airtight design keeps food fresher for longer, and prevents bugs, flies, or curious Petit Minou Puppies out!

The cat feeder has a training mode that gradually closes the lid. In this way, even timid cats can get used to the new experience.

It is ideal for cats that like to graze rather than eat all at once (which is many cats, as they have no concept of breakfast, lunch, and dinner). You can now leave food out and it’ll be unspoiled when they get to it.

This is not a cheap solution, but most purchasers find it well worth the investment, saying they like the easy set up, performance and convenience, and how it keeps wet food good for longer!

The feeder does not come with batteries.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Easy set up with microchip or RFID collar tag
• Holds both dry and wet food
• Airtight storage keeps food fresher for longer
• Provides a training mode to make the transition easier
• Veterinarians recommended
• Three-year warranty

What We Didn’t Like:

• Price
• Batteries not included

Runner Up Dog Proof Cat Feeding Station

Our runner up dog proof cat feeder, the Cat Mate Automatic Pet Feeder makes it easy to ensure your cat gets to eat her food when she wants.

With the digital timer, you choose (down to the minute) when Fluffy’s meal is dispensed. In the meantime, this model features a tamper-resistant design that prevents ants, bugs, or dogs from accessing food until feeding time.

This dog proof cat feeding station is good for both dry and wet foods. Additionally, the LCD display shows all the scheduled meals.

With multiple compartments that hold 11 ounces each, included ice packs, and airtight lid, food freshness is definitely a priority.

This automatic pet feeder will serve up to three to five meals (depending on the model) when you are gone. Not that you will ever be away from precious kitty for that long, but it’s nice to have the option!

A dishwasher-safe bowl and lid make cleanup easy. One downside is that the Cat Mate Feeder comes with a plastic bowl. I prefer stainless steel.

Overall, over 5000 reviewers like the ease of use and clean up, reliable performance, and impenetrable cover!

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Tamper-proof lid and digital timer
• Easy to use and just plain works
• LCD screen shows programmed times
• Included ice packs
• Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid
• Unhackable by dogs and cats

What We Didn’t Like:

• Batteries not included
• Plastic dish

Best Elevated Dog Proof Cat Feeder

Looking for a simple and natural way to keep dogs away from their cat’s food? Elevate the bowl! It is easy to do with K&H’s Mount Up & Away Kitty Diner, our best elevated dog proof cat feeder.

The K&H’s feeder mounts to any window using a powerful suction cup. Attach this dog proof cat bowl to a window and keep it above where your dog can reach.

Your cat will be at home up high, and if not they will adapt quickly. The bowl itself is made from stainless steel, durable, and scratch-resistant. I always advocate for stainless vs plastic as it’s more hygienic and safer overall.

This bowl is dishwasher safe and holds conveniently 12 ounces of food. The bowl is also removable, eliminating the need to stick and unstuck the suction cup constantly.

Furthermore, as this only requires a bowl and a wall mount, it is a really elegant solution at saving floor space too. The high score I gave to this one reflects how simple and effective, things I totally value.

The downside is that (rare) possibility of the suction cup can fall off if the surface is not completely smooth and clean when sticking it on.

Reviewers overwhelmingly love this, they rave about the powerful suction, sturdy construction, and overall practicality.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Affordable
• Portable
• Hygienic and durable stainless steel bowl
• Can hold dry and wet food
• Detachable and dishwasher safe bowl

What We Didn’t Like:

• Incorrectly applied suction cups may fall off

Awesome Enclosed Cat Feeding Station

No, I am not crazy. Yes, the Staart Decorative Wooden Box is marketed as a cat litter enclosure. But in fact, the proportions of this box make it perfect for use as an enclosed cat feeding station.

(It does not with a litter box, so no worries there.)

The 8 inch hole on the side is just large enough for cats but too small for medium and large dogs. Inside, your cat can enjoy their meal without distractions.

Overall, this is is a versatile, functional, and stylish piece of furniture. And if an enclosed cat feeder is no longer necessary, it can be repurposed as space for a cat bed, hidden litter box, or just plain furniture.

The modern yet classic design is a sophisticated and a welcome addition to any room in your home, no matter how you choose to use it.

Water-resistant materials that make cleaning effortless, for all those messy eaters out there. This dog proof cat feeding station is safely constructed with rounded edges and pet safe paint.

Happy reviewers mention how easy it was to assemble, awesome design, and good build quality.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Perfect size entry and exit hole for cats
• Water resistant interior
• Versatile!
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Great design

What We Didn’t Like:

• Some complaints of screw and paint inconsistencies

Best Automatic Dog Proof Cat Food Station

My pick for the best automatic dog proof cat feeder is this PetSafe model because it is simple to program and use, reliable, and just plain works. No more waking up early or rushing home to feed kitty.

Simply prepare up to 5 portions of your cat’s favorite food, program the times on the built-in LCD and clock, close the lid, and lock away the meals until then. Many owners applaud the easy-to-use schedule system.

When it’s mealtime, the lid opens to reveal a container with food. While the manufacturer only talks about use with dry food, some people load up wet food and cover it with ice for freshness.

The unit is dishwasher safe. Remove the BPA-free tray from the feeder and put it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The dispenser is heavy and flat so your dog or cat can’t find the goods within.

Another clever way owners use the PetSafe 5 Programmable Pet Food Dispenser is as a slow feeder for cats who eat too quickly and have gas or GI discomfort.

Spreading out the same meal over a few hours can have a great benefit towards your cats digestion and even prevent vomiting.

Purchasers highly recommend this item, saying that it really works, and the batteries last long! Downsides are that batteries are not included.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Trusted brand
• Dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic food trays
• Generous portions fit in each container
• Easy to program
• Hard to break in

What We Didn’t Like:

• 4 D batteries not included

Awesome Puzzle Dog Proof Cat Feeder

Our best puzzle style cat feeder to keep dogs out is the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Tiger Diner Cat Feeder. This is perfect for “food motivated” (fat and greedy) cat who also lives with a greedy dog.

The Tiger Diner is a healthy option that encourages more movement and interactivity at meal time in your cat, while simultaneously limiting dogs access to the food.

Your cat must solve a puzzle and fish their food out through the holes. Dogs with larger paws will have difficulty reaching the food, so many will get frustrated and give up.

However, your cats will enjoy the mental stimulation as natural hunters. And when they eat at a slower pace, it lessens the chance of vomiting or gastrointestinal distress.

The feeder’s ceramic bowl makes it safe, durable, and hygienic. Always pick ceramic or stainless steel vs potentially toxic plastic.

This puzzle feeder is heavy and well made, necessary for all the action it will be getting. Readers did like the build quality and effectiveness of the design, saying it even slimmed down their fat cats.

Note that the puzzle may be too difficult for some cats, leaving them unable or discouraging them from eating. The dog proof cat bowl’s design makes it best for dry food only, as wet food would just be too messy.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Prevents dogs from eating your cat’s food
• Reduces the speed at which your cat eats
• Stimulates your cat’s mind
• Made of high-quality ceramic
• Meals are easily added to the feeding bowl

What We Didn’t Like:

• Suitable only for dry cat food
• Kibble may be accessible to small dogs

Dog Proof Cat Feeder Furniture

The Sweet Barks Cat House Side Table is another flexible option that really works as an enclosed cat feeding station.

Yes, it is also marketed as litter box enclosure – don’t worry about that, though. It does not include a litter box anything like that!

This is a nicely crafted piece of furniture. The decorative cat hole in the cat door allows your cat to come and go as it pleases, but keeping larger animals like dogs out.

The cat house features a large tabletop that is perfect for anything around the house. The design will work great in any room, and is ideal for condos, apartments, or small spaces.

With plenty of space for eating, your cat will be in peace chowing down. This model is made from durable engineered wood that is easy to clean and maintain.

If not using it a feeding station, you can insert a pet bed for a peaceful hideaway. And yes, it will house a litter box if you are no longer putting meals in there.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Multi-functional, elegant piece of furniture
• Dogs cannot enter
• Easy assembly

What We Didn’t Like:

• Smaller dogs may find a way in

Choosing a Dog Proof Cat Feeding Station

There are several features you should look for before choosing a cat feeders. Making sure that your pet does not eat cat food is crucial! But there are a few other things to keep in mind as well.

Material

Dog-proof cat feeding stations should be made with quality materials to ensure the cat’s health. A stainless steel bowl is extremely durable and is designed to stand the test of time.

Furthermore, they will not scratch easily over time, like plastic bowls. This makes cleaning easier, and germs and bacteria can not thrive in these narrow scratches. Ceramic, glass, and porcelain are also acceptable.

Plastic bowls can be a viable option if they are sterile, BPA-free, and non-toxic. They will simply need to be replaced more often if they become scratched or aged.

Type of Food

What type of food will you be putting in the feeder? This dictates the model you select because certain products can hold both wet or dry food, while others are only designed to work with dry food.

My top pick, the SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder is a winner because it works with both types!

Easy to Clean

Is it dishwasher safe or hand wash only? Any dish or bowl you feed your cat with should be washed with soap and water after every meal. If you wouldn’t eat off of it, don’t give it to your cat either.

How To Keep Dogs Out of Cat Food

A look at the products marketed for this purpose might leave you confused. Here are the actual ways to keep dogs out of cat food broken down by type so you can choose the best one for your needs.

Microchip Feeder

This high tech type of feeder has a lid that opens when when it detects an assigned pet’s microchip or a collar tag they are wearing.

A microchip cat feeder will work in any situation for any pet, as long as they are microchipped or can wear a collar. However, they can be expensive and require batteries.

Automatic Cat Feeders

These feeding devices dispenses food automatically according to a preprogrammed schedule. These are not exactly dog-proof technically, but when do reduce the opportunities for a dog to get into a cat’s food.

Automatic cat feeders are good at reducing the amount of food your pet consumes in each sitting if they tend to overeat and deal with bloating, gas, or vomiting.

Elevated Cat Feeder

An elevated cat feeder basically mounts a bowl to a wall or window, basically so that your dog cannot reach it. Make sure you provide ledge or shelf so that your cat can climb and get to their dog proof cat bowl containing their meal.

Enclosed Cat Feeders

By placing your cat’s food bowl in an enclosed shelf or furniture, you can keep large dogs away from your cat’s bowl. A small entry lets your cat in but prevent dogs from entering.

Enclosed cat feeders can resemble a side table, end table, or cupboard.

Cat Puzzle Feeder or Slow Feeders

Puzzle feeders or slow feeders are bowls that only provide food until Fluffy is able to solve a puzzle, fish it out, or somehow get at the food with their paws.

Dogs find these feeders frustrating, so they can act as an effective deterrent. But cats enjoy these games, as they like toying with their prey, and it stimulates them mentally.

Why Should Your Dog Not Eat Cat Food?

While some dogs have picky eating habits, most eat anything they find appealing – whether edible or inedible. Families with multiple pets will attest that this can sometimes include cat food as well.

This behavior can be problematic for various reasons, including health issues for the dog, a cat not having enough to eat then going hungry, and conflict between the pets. Let’s go over each one:

Health Complications

Cat food and dog food are significantly different when it comes to both their composition and nutritional needs. Cats are obligates carnivores, requiring protein as the main nutrient to thrive. Dogs are omnivores.

But dogs in good health are unlikely to become ill from eating cat food, so it is not an emergency. However, frequent consumption can lead to health complications. Consider:

• Cat food is richer than dog food, containing a significant amount of fats and protein, probably why it’s appealing to dogs!

• Negative gastrointestinal consequences such as upset stomach, gas, vomiting, diarrhea.

• Most cat food is calorie-dense, which will lead to gain weight if consumed regularly. The effects of obesity can range from diabetes to pancreatitis to arthritis.

• Intolerances and allergies. Many ingredients in cat food may trigger food allergies in your dog.

Establishes Bad Habits

Dogs who dig cat food may prefer it over their own food after a while.

Which means they are not getting species specific micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and all the good supplementary ingredients in dog formulas.

Your Cat’s Health and Well-Being

Your cat may not be getting the nutrients and calories required if your dog eats their food. As a result, your cat may not only be hungry but may also lose weight or suffer nutritional deficiencies.

Potential For Pet-on-Pet Conflict

It just sucks to have someone eat your lunch, causing negative emotions and conflict, and can leading to anxiety and stress between the 2 housemates.

DIY Dog Proof Cat Feeding Station Ideas

If you can not find product that suits your needs, you can build your own solution to keep your dog away from the cat food. There are several DIY cat feeder options available, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs!

Cat Door and Door Latch

Cat doors provide a safe place for your cat to eat in peace without having to share it with your dog. You install small door on an interior or exterior door, that’s big enough for a cat but not for a dog to get though.

Alternatively, you can purchase an adjustable door latch and put Kitty’s food in a separate room, with the door slightly ajar, so they can get through but not dogs.

Train Your Dog

You can train your dog to stop eating your cat’s food. To be fair to your dog, it may not be easy for them to differentiate between their food and your cat’s. You can also do the following:

• Make sure that their food bowls are distinguishable. To accomplish this, use bowls of various sizes, colors, and materials.
• Teach your dog a command to stop whatever they are doing
• Place food only in each pet’s own territory

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the dog from eating the cat’s food?

There a few things to try. You can restrict access to the cat food via different feeders or elevate the cat food bowl so that it is out of reach.

Next, you can keep your dog and cat’s feeding areas separate via an enclosure or in totally different rooms where your dog can’t reach with a gate or an adjustable latch.

Why does my dog keep eating cat food?

Cat food is higher in protein and fat, which makes it richer and probably a treat to most dogs. Dog food contains less meat and is more fiber and carbohydrate heavy. Some dogs will also eat anything.

Is cat food bad for dogs’ kidneys?

For some dogs, cat food could pose problems if they have underlying health problems that cannot tolerate a high-protein or high-fat diet.

Dogs with liver or kidney disease need only moderate amounts of protein to keep these organs healthy.