how to deterr stray dog coming around when I am trying to put food down fors

when I GO TO area to feed cats . a  big dog with harness and tags showed up to eat cat food. .would like tips for deterrng dog without hurting him permanently.

maybe call the number on the tag see if the dog is lost?
if dogs too skittish or he's a free roaming dog i would put the cat food up high if possible that may prevent the dog from eating the food.

that wont protect it from other critters though :/ there are sprays and stuff for that kind thing but unfortunately it would also likely deter the cats.

if money isnt an issue i have heard of some people fencing off a large area, the cats would be able to get in and out depending on how it was done while also keeping larger animals out.

Does the dog respond to verbal commands to leave? If you aren't worried about dignity, you can chase it off using a loud, stern voice and when it runs off, keep chasing after it until it keeps looking over its shoulder at you as it runs. The problem with doing this is that it may also frighten off the cats.

An alternative would be to bribe it with a large chew toy but then you risk it showing up for a treat every time you go to feed the cats.

You  could also try asking on a dog site - they may have some better suggestions.