50 Outlandish Escapades Of Pets Who Somewhat Succeeded In Stealing Their Owner’s Food (New Pics)

No matter how well-fed ourfurry friendsare, there’s something irresistible about the sight (or smell) of food that isn’t theirs. Whether it’s a sneaky swipe from the counter or a bold grab from your plate, pets have a way of turning into tiny bandits when they think no one’s watching.But as it turns out, they’re not as slick as they think! We’ve gathered a collection of hilarious moments where thesefour-legged thieves were caught in the act, with guilt written all over their adorable faces.Check out the pics below and don’t miss our chat with pet behavior consultantErica Peachey, who explains why animals resort to stealing food and what we can do about it!This post may includeaffiliate links.

But as it turns out, they’re not as slick as they think! We’ve gathered a collection of hilarious moments where thesefour-legged thieves were caught in the act, with guilt written all over their adorable faces.

Check out the pics below and don’t miss our chat with pet behavior consultantErica Peachey, who explains why animals resort to stealing food and what we can do about it!

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Cracked The Case On The Missing Bagel

My Rat Fou Fou Is Trying To Steal My Cinnamon Roll

Picture this: you’re preparing dinner, setting the table, and putting out the food. You step away for just a moment, and when you return, something’s missing from your plate. If you havepets, you probably know exactly who the culprit is.Many pet owners have caught their animals in the act, noticing the satisfied look on their faces after sneaking a bite. While it might seem like they’rebeing mischievous, that’s not exactly what’s going on.As Erica Poachey, a pet behavior consultant and animal training instructor, toldBored Panda, pets don’t really understand what stealing is. “Food is there, and if no one is actually eating it, it’s available,” she explains. “‘Stealing’ is our interpretation. We know the food wasn’t meant for them, but they don’t know that.”

Many pet owners have caught their animals in the act, noticing the satisfied look on their faces after sneaking a bite. While it might seem like they’rebeing mischievous, that’s not exactly what’s going on.

As Erica Poachey, a pet behavior consultant and animal training instructor, toldBored Panda, pets don’t really understand what stealing is. “Food is there, and if no one is actually eating it, it’s available,” she explains. “‘Stealing’ is our interpretation. We know the food wasn’t meant for them, but they don’t know that.”

It’s His Now

Evidence Of Guilt “On The Face”

Likewise, stealing food doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is underfed or starving at that moment. Animals, just like humans, like delicious things. “It’s the same reason I eatchocolate and cakeeven after a meal—it tastes good and gives a nice feeling,” says Poachey. She also points out that the thrill of “hunting” for food can be part of the fun, turning the act of finding something to eat into a rewarding experience for them.

I Want To Apologize To Our Neighbors Who Are Missing A Rack Of Ribs. Our Dog Escaped Through The Fence And Came Back An Hour Later With This

Meet Gody

Egg Thief

“Is This Cake Batter?!” Dunks Entire Head In

The Side Eye. I Wouldn’t Have Suspected Anything Had Happened If I Hadn’t Seen The Noodle Hanging From His Face

Smells provide clues about what might taste good. Just as the aroma of coffee in the morning wakes you up or the scent of pancakes pulls you into the kitchen, imagine what it’s like for your pets every time you cook something like chicken. With their powerful noses and hundreds of millions of receptors, it’s no wonder they might be tempted to have some, even if you hadn’t planned on sharing.That said, these strong smell abilities don’t always lead to action. Depending on their personality or training, some pets are pickier eaters, while others might rummage through the garbage if given the chance.

That said, these strong smell abilities don’t always lead to action. Depending on their personality or training, some pets are pickier eaters, while others might rummage through the garbage if given the chance.

“Human, I’ve Done Things, Waffle Things”

I Caught A Papaya Thief

Be Aware Of This Cheese Cheddar Robber. His Last Sighting Was In Glasgow, Central Scotland. He’s Been Stealing Cheesy Cheddars Out Of The Pockets. Keep Your Cheesy Cheddars In A Safe Place

Even the breed of your pet can be a factor in whether they’re more likely to steal food. “It’s known that certaindogs, like Labradors and Beagles, are more inclined towards hunger,” says Poachey.She also notes that size matters: “Bigger dogs are more likely to steal—they tend to eat more and can easily reach work surfaces.” Habit plays a role as well. “A dog who learns that tasty food is occasionally available will search harder the next time,” Poachey adds.

She also notes that size matters: “Bigger dogs are more likely to steal—they tend to eat more and can easily reach work surfaces.” Habit plays a role as well. “A dog who learns that tasty food is occasionally available will search harder the next time,” Poachey adds.

Who Did It? Own Up

He Stole A Pancake

Pizza Thief

Cats, on the other hand, are much more selective when it comes to food because they have specific dietary needs as carnivores, unlike omnivores. “They’re usually only interested in something that appeals to them, typically meat, but some have broader tastes,” says Poachey. “And of course, cats can get into just about anywhere.”Cats are also naturally designed to eat little and often. “So, if we’re only feeding them twice a day, they’re likely to go looking for something to munch on between meals,” she adds.

Cats are also naturally designed to eat little and often. “So, if we’re only feeding them twice a day, they’re likely to go looking for something to munch on between meals,” she adds.

Cute Little Thief

Everyone, This Is Kiki, The Dog, Trying To Steal Pizza From Me

Someone Got Into The Spaghetti Bolognese

Punishing animals for stealing food, even when you’re really frustrated, isn’t the right way to handle the situation. “Any punishment will have side effects, no matter the context,” says Poachey. “Quick fixes that involve something aversive when an animal does something we don’t like won’t work and can increase the risk of other issues—like a lack of trust, food guarding, fearfulness, and more.”

The Grocery Thief

Steal A Bite Of Grandma’s Chinese Cabbage

No Trick Is Too Dirty When It Comes To Cake

Additionally, punishing pets for eating food can leave them confused. “If they’ve already eaten and we get angry, they’re unlikely to connect the two actions,” Poachey explains. “‘Looking guilty’ is usually just ‘looking frightened.’ They’ve eaten the food and enjoyed it, so why would they associate your anger with something they found pleasurable?”“If they still have the food and we try to take it away, they don’t understand. They’re likely to become defensive—how else can they react? Then we end up with an animal who’s learning to guard what they see as important from us.”

“If they still have the food and we try to take it away, they don’t understand. They’re likely to become defensive—how else can they react? Then we end up with an animal who’s learning to guard what they see as important from us.”

My Husband Caught Our Cat Stealing Our Son’s Chicken Nugget

I Came Home To This Little Bastard Bloated Because He Ate 3/4 Of A Costco Pizza By Knocking It Off The Counter

Caught My Cat Eating My Soup While I Was On The Phone. It’s Been More Than 10 Years That I Have To Pay Attention To Him Every Time I Eat. He Never Gives Up. I Love Him

So what should you do instead? “The quick answer,” says Poachey, “is to not leave food where your pet can reach it. If you don’t want your pet to get it, it’s your responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen.”It’s also important to remember that many foods we eat can be highly dangerous for animals—like chocolate, raisins, bones, and certain nuts.“Teach your pet that it’s rewarding to come to you, to be with you, and to respond to you. Be someone they enjoy being around.” While these tips can certainly help, Poachey advises not to rely on them completely. What works for some pets might not work for others, and sometimes there could be underlying issues. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional.

It’s also important to remember that many foods we eat can be highly dangerous for animals—like chocolate, raisins, bones, and certain nuts.

“Teach your pet that it’s rewarding to come to you, to be with you, and to respond to you. Be someone they enjoy being around.” While these tips can certainly help, Poachey advises not to rely on them completely. What works for some pets might not work for others, and sometimes there could be underlying issues. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional.

Do You Think He’s Guilty?

He Stole The Baguette From The Table

Left The Pot Of Spaghetti Alone For A Few Minutes And Caught Him Red-Handed

Momo Decided To Un-Decorate The Gingerbread House

Cheeseburger Thief Caught Red-Handed

Caught Red-Handed

I Turned Away For 2 Seconds And We Found Him With His Face Dipped In Our Nacho Cheese

The Crime, The Criminal, And The Evidence

Why Is He Like This? Yes, He Knows He’s Not Allowed On The Counters. He Just Doesn’t Care. Corn Is Life

My Dog Almost Gave Me A Heart Attack Today. I Thought She Attacked Our Other Dog Outside And Had Blood All Over Her Face. Then I Saw A Seed And Realized She Got Into The Tomatoes

Putting His Entire Foot In My Coffee To Lick My Bowl Clean. He Could Have Just Gone A Few Inches To His Right

Potato Bandit Strikes Again

This Sweet Tooth Stole A Vein Worm And Was Caught

Uncle Rico Found A New Way To Tell Me To Feed Him. He Takes Food From The Kitchen Counter And Leaves It Next To Me In Bed While I Sleep

I Can’t Even Make Dinner In Peace

Freaking Kevin

Not So Sneakily Licking Sushi

He’s Like, “Chill Guys, I’m Keto”

My Cat Is Ridiculous. Insanely Food-Motivated. I Just Fed Him. He Eats Every 6 Hours Because He Acts Like He’s Being Tortured If It’s Any Longer

This Is Maddie. She May Be Blind, But It Didn’t Stop Her From Finding The Cake I Baked For My Dad’s 75th Birthday And Helping Herself To A Surprisingly Restrained Bite

Making My Son Cry Because She Stole His Sucker. The Look In Those Eyes Is Pure Evil

She Stole My Nutter Butter