What does it mean that my German Shepherd is letting one of the cats eat her dogfood?

Question

I have a 6 yr old GSD I got from the Humane Society a year ago. She's always been nice to my 4 cats, but when one of the cats would begin to eat her dog food, she (GSD) would rush over and gently shove the cat out of her way with her nose. The past month she doesn't seem to mind at all that said cat is eating her food! If our other dog ate out of her dish it would be a dog fight. Why is she letting this cat do it??

(I try to discourage my cat b/c (1) it's not cat food and (2) GSD is on an expensive prescription diet designed to control crystals from forming in her urine, and it's way too low of a protein % for a cat).

Answer 1

Put the cat in another room while the dog eats or put the dog food up where the cat can't get it after the dog has eaten.

Or shoo the cat away. They learn very fast what is and is not acceptable.

I wouldn't waste the special food on an animal that doesn't require it.

The GSD may think that you approve of the cat eating the GSD's food.

They are a very owner pleaser breed and would go along if you don't mind the cat stealing the food. they would let it since you do.

GSDs also expect you to be Pack Leader and get the cat outta there if you disappove of it eating their food. Once the GSD understands that you don't like the cat eating the dog food. It may just start nosing it out of the way again.

  

Answer 2

Because your dog has now figured out that CATS rule the world.

Answer 3

If your dog has a habit of protecting its dish, even if its only from other pets, i would recommend starting to pick up the dishes when there done eating.  Our vet said to leave there dish down for 15 Min's. they should be able to eat as much as they need to in 15 Min's.  This would also be good since your dogs are on special food. It lets you better monitor who's eating how much too, which helps catch any health issues as soon as they begin.

As to why your dog is letting the cats eat her food. maybe shes gotten tired of chasing them off all the time. or maybe shes figured out that if they empty it you will put more. Or maybe shes decided the cat isn't a threat to her. (protecting a dish is a form of dominance) Best of luck.

Answer 4

your cat is bullying your dog, that's about it.

suprisingly cats, are the one mean to dogs when most people think it's the other way around.

just have your dog eat away from the cat and keep an eye out. if the cat comes push it out of the way.