Raccoons Stealing Dog and Cat Food

Raccoons are opportunistic animals, taking advantage of a free meal of pet food, sometimes while your pet will stand around and watch. Raccoons will use their hands much like we do. Dog and Cat food left unattended will capture the attention of a raccoon or raccoons, who will often return for a free meal. Raccoons are mostly nocturnal, but in a residential area, and availability of food, they will increase daytime activity. Raccoons can even be bold enough to enter doggie doors on their mission to grab pet food.

• Do Not feed raccoons, or other wildlife.
• If you feed pets outdoors, remove uneaten food.
• Remove all squirrel and bird feeders, as this will attract raccoons.
• Secure all doggie doors.
• Secure openings around your home.

Dangers Of Raccoons Getting In Dog and Cat Food

The dangers of the presence of raccoons around pets or their pet food can cause great concerns. Raccoons can be aggressive towards pets, although they will mostly be after the food. Raccoons will typically waddle up to the food bowl, grab handfuls of food, and move away to feed before returning.

While raccoons are fascinating to observe in their natural setting, they can carry a number of diseases that can be a danger to people and pets. Most diseases are spread through saliva and droppings, which around pets, pet food, water bowls, and people, can cause serious issues. You can visit our “Sick or Rabid Raccoon” page to find out some of these concerns.