How to Keep Birds Away From Dog Food

Dogs are not the only ones enticed by the smell of dog food. Birds can be attracted to it as well, leaving pet owners to find ways to keep these unwelcome visitors away. While some people may want to feed the birds, allowing them access to dog food can be an issue as birds eating dog food can become ill. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your canine companion’s meal from becoming a bird buffet.

Feeding Birds Away from Dog Food

If you want to feed birds, the best way to do so is away from the dog food. Choose a spot near your home for your bird feeder that is out of the way of your pet. Consider setting it up near a window where you can watch the birds, or in the backyard away from your dog’s food bowl. Many bird feeders come with a squirrel guard so that other critters won’t eat the food intended for the birds.

Store Dog Food Properly

When it is not in use, store your dog food properly. Plastic or metal containers with tight-fitting lids are the best option for keeping birds away. If you buy food in bags, pour the food into the container and seal it tightly. The container should be stored in a dry, cool place. This will help keep the food fresh and prevent birds from being attracted to it.

Cover the Dog’s Food Bowl

When it’s time to feed your pup, cover the food bowl with a light-weight cover, such as a towel, light blanket, or even a plastic lid. This will help keep the birds away from the food. If you have more than one dog, it’s a good idea to cover each food bowl individually so that no one dog eats all the food.

Use a Bird Deterrent

If you have a lot of birds in your yard, you may want to use a bird deterrent. There are a few different products on the market that are designed to keep birds away from your yard. These include scarecrows, sound machines, and reflective tapes. Make sure you choose a product that is safe and won’t harm the birds.

Keep the Area Clean

Finally, make sure to keep the area around your pet’s food bowl clean. Don’t leave any food or treats lying around or the birds will be attracted to it. Also, pick up any food that your dog has dropped on the ground so that the birds won’t be tempted to come and eat it.

Keeping birds away from your dog’s food can be a challenge, but with a few simple steps, you can make sure that your pup’s meal is safe from unwanted visitors. Make sure to store the food properly, cover the food bowl while your dog is eating, and use a bird deterrent if needed. Also, keep the area around your pet’s food bowl clean and free of food or treats so that the birds won’t be attracted to it.