389Kviews
50 Hilarious Examples Of Pets Being Caught Red-Pawed When Stealing Food (New Pics)
Let’s be honest — we love it when our beloved pets surprise us with their bizarre shenanigans. Whether it’s cats squeezing into the smallest places, dogs sleep-barking and twitching, or mice spinning their wheel like it’s no tomorrow — we can’t help but laugh and grab our phones hoping to snap a quick photo.
However, our adorable four-legged friends tend to act all innocent and holy to our faces, but as soon as we turn our gaze, they're back to their mischievous ways. And if there’s one sly behavior that certainly catches our attention, it’s when they steal our delicious bites right under our noses.
Just take a look at how dogs, cats, and even elephants and lizards tried to sneakily grab food off the counter, yet got caught red-pawed right in the act. Scroll down to see a compilation of pictures that vividly illustrate how pet owners never get bored and upvote the ones you enjoyed most!
Psst! If looking through this list made you hungry for more, make sure to check out our previous posts right here, here, and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
Our Rescue Cooper’s First Meal Was A Sandwich He Stole From The Table. Fast Forward 5 Years Later And Now He Has His Very Own Sandwich Shop
She Stole The Peanut Butter
This Adorable Fruit Thief
Want lipstick but it’s too expensive? Stuff yer face with watermelon
To learn more about our pets and their desire to steal food, Bored Panda reached out to Kate Mornement Ph.D., who goes by the handle @petbehaviourist on Instagram. She is a qualified animal behaviorist based in Melbourne and the founder of Pets Behaving Badly. She consults pet owners and people working professionally with animals and helps them better understand these adorable creatures living under human care.
"In Psychology, food is classified as a Primary Reinforcer because it's essential for all animals' survival," she explained why some pets are famous for being food stealers. "This means that our pets innately find food reinforcing (rewarding), and they are hard-wired to seek food out, even food that's not for them!"
Elephant Named Bhatbhoot Rice Ghost Stealing Rice From The Military Mess In Binaguri, West Bengal, India
Cute Thief
Bread Thief
"Some pets may be more food motivated than others and more likely to steal food. Also, pets who have successfully stolen food and enjoyed eating it in the past are more likely to repeat the behavior in the future," Kate added.
For example, Labradors are generally very food motivated. Kate noted that many of them exhibit behaviors such as food stealing or counter surfing. "Even though Labradors are known to be the 'foodies' of the canine world, any dog can exhibit food-stealing behavior. Some examples of food-stealing I've come across are dogs eating a whole bag of dog food, a freshly cooked roast chicken, a container of butter, and even freshly baked cupcakes!"
My Cat Got Into His Food Cupboard While I Was At Work, Stole All The Food Packets One By One, Then Hid Them In The Dryer
And then continued to open every single of of them! Found him having the time of his life inside there surrounded by food.
Cat Returns With Sausage Stolen From Unknown Neighbors BBQ
My Friends Dog Isabelle Who Stole All Our Hoagie Rolls
While pet owners might become furious seeing their home-cooked meals getting blatantly destroyed, the feelings soften after a while. And for the viewers, witnessing such animal actions is certainly entertaining. According to Kate, there are a few reasons why people find food-stealing cute and amusing.
"Firstly, I think it's funny because dogs are choosing to eat human food," she explained. "Second, it's not a behavior they tend to do when we're around, so they learn to get sneaky when it comes to stealing food. Thirdly, it can be a shock to find that our pet has eaten a whole bag of pet food or your roast chicken, so rather than get angry, I think some of us laugh it off."
He Stole My Croissant And Thinks I Won’t Notice
My Boy Was Busted Just Chillin In The Garbage Can And It Made Me Realize - I Own Oscar The Grouch
Behold The Thief Who Stole Everybody's Snacks
However, sometimes swiping those tasty bites off the counter can pose real threats to your pet's health. "It's important to note, though, that food-stealing can be dangerous for pets because some foods are toxic and can make them sick. It's best to contact your vet if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn't have."
We were curious to learn whether these little goofballs try to tell us something with their sneaky behaviors and the never-ending snack grabbing. "I think that when pets steal food, they're acting on their impulses and eating something they want and have access to, rather than it being a deliberate act to upset us," the animal behaviorist told us.
"However, if you find your pet is constantly trying to steal food and appears hungry all the time, you might want to discuss this with your vet to ensure they're getting enough food each day," she added.
Pupper Has Been Bringing Us Eggs Everyday That She Steals From The Wild Chickens
My Nephews And I Made A Snowman, Then This Guy Stole Its Nose
You Think You Have Trouble When Your Dog Begs For Food?
Luckily, Kate assured us that it's indeed possible to train your pet not to steal food. "To do this, firstly ensure you're providing a species-appropriate high quality and nutritious diet for your pet. Try to avoid leaving food unattended in areas your pet can access."
When it comes to mealtimes, teach your pet to stay in a specific location and feed them high-value treats for staying there. "With time and repetition, your pet will learn that it's more reinforcing to stay in that place than it is to try to steal food," she said. "Avoid feeding your pet from the table or when you're eating a meal or a snack. The only time they get food should be at their mealtime or during a training session."
Meanwhile, Back At The House
I Present To You, The Bacon Thief. Photo Taken On Christmas Morning
My Dog Decided To Steal A Squash The Neighbor Left On The Porch For Us. This Was The Look She Gave When We Tried To Take It Back
Kate wanted to remind you that some pets tend to be more inclined than others to steal food. "If your pet has stolen food before, take a cautious approach and avoid leaving human food out that might tempt them when you're not there. If your pet succeeds in stealing food every now and again, that's called 'intermittent reinforcement' which tends to maintain the food-stealing behavior over time," she concluded.
The Face Of A Thief
Busted Trying To Steal My Cantucci Biscuits
Lola Stole A Cupcake Wrapper And Made A Mess All Over Mum's Bed. Lola Gives Zero Hecks
I Think I Found The Pasta Thief
Busted
Every Meal You Make, Every Bite You Take, I'll Be Watching You
Naughty Boy Stole A Burger From The New Neighbours BBQ
Mysterious Thief Leaves A Clue In Ravaged Grease Pan
I Turn My Back For 2 Seconds And He's Trying To Steal My Girl And My Food
Got Caught Counter Surfing. Just A Small Snack
Sausage Thief Busted
I Didn’t Steal The Egg. Promise
The Look On His Face After Stealing An Onion
Pop Got Busted While Trying To Raid The Fridge
Caught Red Handed: Monet Drank Some Of Our Unattended Leftover Tomato Soup
Someone Stole My Strawberry
Her Face After I Caught Her Eating An Entire Loaf Of Sliced Bread
He Stole Some Carrot
Charlie Stole A Potato This Morning
Caught My Cat Trying To Steal Extra Noms
Hope You Enjoyed My Breakfast Doughnut
Caught Red Handed Stealing Her Humans Water
My Wife Caught My Dog Mid-Sneak In His Effort To Steal My Taquitos. He Looks Very Guilty
Their Mother Actually Stole This Defrosted Chicken From My Next Doors Kitchen, This Was 4 Years Ago Now, Such Survival Instincts, Much Aww
Someone Stole My Snack
Cute Thief, Stole My Mini Pancake
Caught A Christmas Thief
The Berry Thief
My Kitten Steals Everything, Including The Food In My Fridge
Pupper Do Not Steal My Hecking Peanut Butter
We Got A Nugget Thief. Caught Red Nosed
Pizza Thief
She Stole A Burger Bun And Had The Audacity To Pose
He Is Addicted To Beans. He Screams For A Bean Every Time The Fridge Is Opened And Steals Them At Any Chance
I Wonder Who Stole My Steak Right Out Off The Counter? Couldn’t Have Been This Distinguished Gentleman
I was taking my morning constitutional, when low and behold this steak appeared in front of me on the ground!
Who Stole The Cookie From The Cookie Jar?
Caught In The Act
Rushed To Check My Cat Was Ok Only To Find It Trying To Steal Salmon Jerky From A Kitchen Drawer Shaken Open By The Earthquake
cats! friggin love them. earthquake = opportunity to explore freezer. fear is for the weak!
And The Shenanigans Begin
I quickly learned not to take my dog shopping after he ate a whole loaf in the back of the car while I was driving home. He did it so quietly I didn't even hear him. He knew he was in trouble by the expression on his face as I opened the back door of the car.
Look Who Stole My Crumpet
My Dog Stole An Apple From My Grocery Bag And Has Just Been Delicately Carrying It Around
Caught Him Stealing A Slice Of Beef Cheek This Taco Night
When I Came Back To Wash My Hands, I Found It Was Stealing Food, But Its Legs Were Too Short
Barclay Stole A Chili Pepper
ahahahaha...the lil pool of drool is so adorable. that's not the face of a thief. that's the face of regret.
The Cheese Thief. He Would’ve Gotten Away With It If 3 Year Old Didn’t Tell On Him
Caught Me Munchin' In Corner - Wasn't Me
Ah, shorty has stairs to the bed. What a great mom and dad you got.
Captured The Exact Moment Jasmine Stole My Slice Of Pizza
Whoops, Caught. I Was Only Trying To Get Myself A Biscuit To Save You Getting Up Mum
Old Photo Of My Dog Stealing A Baguette
Two Criminals Trying To Steal My Breakfast
Busted
Our Barn Cat Stole Fries From My Car While I Was Taking In The Groceries
My Little Guy Has Started Stealing Our Jalapeños Off The Counter Lately
When You Get Caught Stealing The Chicken
He Thought He Was Being Sneaky Stealing Food. Then He Got Stuck And Proceeded To Have A Meltdown
She Stole A Ravioli
I’ll Just Have One Of These Thank You
Worst. Coworker. Ever. Busted
Spaghetti Thief
I Don’t Think He Thought Through His Plan To Steal Garbage
Spooky Trying To Steal My Eggs
Caught Red-Handed
My Cat Trying To Steal Some Fish
Green Bean Thief
Stole My Sweet Tart
What? It Wasn’t Me
Oops Caught In The Act. I Just Follow Where My Nose Brings Me
She Goes Into Cabinets To Steal Gummy Bears
My dog goes into my backpack to steal sour patch kids. The more sour the candy the better
Pan Liked My Breathe Easy Tea So Much, He Stole The Tea Bag
Busted. I Got My Head Stuck Through The Handle Of A Shopping Bag Filled With Cat Food And Ran Through The House , Wreaking Havoc. Oh - And Mom’s Eggs Were In There Too
My cat did that in the middle of the night but the bag had empty cat food cans in it! Chased her around at 3am in my underwear as the metal bounced off the tile floors. Severely interrupted my sleep.
Keep Losing My Treat Bags. Now, I Know Why - They Take Them To Different Rooms To Try To Chew Through The Bag. Caught Him
That's why I started keeping mine in the snap-seal bowls and mason jars.
This Is My Cat Yoda. He’s A Balinese Polydactyl Kitten. He Stole My Peach
Nothing Special. She Just Stole My Mushroom
Can't Believe He Stole A Banana From The Kitchen And Carried It Up A Flight Of Stairs
My Cat Stole A Homemade Baguette
"Yeah I Don't Know Who Did That Why Are You Looking At Me?"
Bagel Thief
Guess Who Did This?
Stealing My Food, Eh?
Excuse Me Sir, This Is My Curry
my friend's bird loves: popcorn, pasta, pizza crust, carrots, bread
Vegan Cat! Just Kidding, He Was Stealing My Greens
My cat keeps stealing, eating, and somehow digesting coriander leaves! I will never understand them. another one keeps stealing garlic and another has an undying love for potatoes (they use them as paw-balls, not food)
Spaghetti Sauce Bandit Caught Orange-Pawed (Bonus Chonk In The Bottom Right Corner)
My Baby Cat Theodore Usually Steals Chicken Nuggets And Very Aggressively Growls At Anyone Who Comes Near Him When He Has One
He decided to go for the French fries tonight. (I should add that he isn't eating these, just stealing & hiding them and then coming back for more).
Same with my dog if he likes it he'll eat it but if not he just wants to hide it from me somewhere
Ice Cream Stealing Jerk Strikes Again
She Stole Half A Fortune Cookie
“It says that a cat will steal half of this fortune cookie…? Wh- HEY!”
The Rat Equivalent Of A Dog With Tennis Balls
Little Goof Stole A Walnut And Didn’t Wanna Give It Up
Comet Sneaking In To Try And Steal My Sandwich
Yes, We Made It Past Security And Nobody Suspects A Thing. Now Let's Steal All The Chocolate Eggs Before The Bunnies Show Up
I was hoping there'd be at least one rat post! They are unsurpassed masters of food thievery.
He Stole A Piece Of Bread, Then Proceeded To Forget He Had It While Snuggling
I Wonder Who Stole My Toast?
At least get the man a plate so he doesn’t have eat off of that rug!
My Fluffball, Ellie, Trying To Steal My Cereal This Morning After Having Her Own Breakfast
Spooky Tried To Steal My Croissant. Just Jumped Up And Started To Lick And Paw At It
I had to share the innards of my croissant with my tuxedo kitty, Johnny. He was very particular that they. had to be the most tender pieces. The veterinarian put him out of his pain in March.
Wanted: Thief Boye Has Stole Potate Pls Contact Authorities Thanks
My Koala Trying To Steal Food
I totally thought it was a koala at first. The way the front legs are bent, it looks just like a koala head. Lol
My Cat Pancake Trying To Steal My Food
Mum Caught My Sister Tilly Being A Naughty Cat
This Criminal Tried Stealing My Shake
It's safe. Cats can't suck like we can, so unless he gets the lid off...
Charlie Adored Robbing Things And Destroying Them.she Still Thoroughly Enjoys Robbing Socks. This Is A Small Slice Pan/Batch Bread
Wasn't Getting Enough Attention From Mama So She Decided To Help Herself To The Treats! Naughty Greta Jane
A good example of why you should keep plastic bags away from pets as well as children. They can suffocate in just minutes.
Loaf Of Bread Stole Piece Of Bread
My Chicken Stole My Food
Better bring these thieves in. I'll give them the good ol' pet down...I mean pat down. 😉
We were having chicken dinner and a tornado warning played mover our phones. We went down to the basement with our plates and my wife put her plate on the dryer. Our 15 year old cat appeared from the shadows and stole her chicken and quickly slipped back into the darkness
Why do animals, dogs especially, love people food so much? My own has stolen sticks of butter, loaves of bread, bagels, cheese, an entire chicken breast (which he isn't even allowed to eat due to allergies), fruits, carrots, peanut butter, mashed potatoes, etc.
My cat won't necessarily steal food, but he will drink out of the dishes soaking in the sink if you let him, so we have to keep him off the counter
MaeRee I enjoyed every single "Thief" caught and, I really needed a good laugh
This sheep kept trying to steal food from outdoor diners at a Pyrennees cafe I was in some years ago. The waitress had to keep chasing it away with a broom. P1010857-6...53024b.jpg
I used to have two Schipperkes who loved cucumbers. They would pick their own tomatoes.
I came upon my Artie chewing into a bag of flour. Took a pic but got here too late to post it.
My guy stole 1/2 slice of cherry pie. Unfortunately, it was gone before I found my phone.
We human beings have stolen the whole damn planet...and are now seeking to steal others. The other animals deserve anything they can get away with.
These are not thieves, it’s all just a misunderstanding. If they’re this cute, no wrongdoing could have occurred
Better bring these thieves in. I'll give them the good ol' pet down...I mean pat down. 😉
We were having chicken dinner and a tornado warning played mover our phones. We went down to the basement with our plates and my wife put her plate on the dryer. Our 15 year old cat appeared from the shadows and stole her chicken and quickly slipped back into the darkness
Why do animals, dogs especially, love people food so much? My own has stolen sticks of butter, loaves of bread, bagels, cheese, an entire chicken breast (which he isn't even allowed to eat due to allergies), fruits, carrots, peanut butter, mashed potatoes, etc.
My cat won't necessarily steal food, but he will drink out of the dishes soaking in the sink if you let him, so we have to keep him off the counter
MaeRee I enjoyed every single "Thief" caught and, I really needed a good laugh
This sheep kept trying to steal food from outdoor diners at a Pyrennees cafe I was in some years ago. The waitress had to keep chasing it away with a broom. P1010857-6...53024b.jpg
I used to have two Schipperkes who loved cucumbers. They would pick their own tomatoes.
I came upon my Artie chewing into a bag of flour. Took a pic but got here too late to post it.
My guy stole 1/2 slice of cherry pie. Unfortunately, it was gone before I found my phone.
We human beings have stolen the whole damn planet...and are now seeking to steal others. The other animals deserve anything they can get away with.
These are not thieves, it’s all just a misunderstanding. If they’re this cute, no wrongdoing could have occurred