Key Takeaways
- Dog and cat foods are specifically designed to satisfy the distinct dietary requirements of both species, with cat food being much higher in protein and fat which is unhealthy for dogs in the long term.
- For the most part, a dog eating a little bit of cat food won’t cause any issues. Habitual ingestion can cause nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and health problems, including damage to vital organs.
- Keep an eye out for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or extreme lethargy if your dog eats cat food. It’s important to watch for these symptoms and check with a vet if they continue!
- Puppies and senior dogs are at an increased risk from consuming cat food. They require species-specific, age-appropriate diets to promote healthy growth and development and a longer lifespan!
- This involves establishing separate feeding spaces and/or employing dog-proof feeders to prevent dogs from accessing cat food. Teach your pets basic commands so that no one accidentally eats the wrong food.
- Prioritizing high-quality, dog-specific food is crucial. By working with a veterinarian, you can be sure that you are providing dogs with the balanced nutrition they need for optimal health.
So the short answer is yes, dogs can eat cat food, but it’s not safe for them long term. It’s a question we get pretty often from concerned pet owners who catch dogs eating cats’ food and vice-versa.
Feeding dogs cat food on a regular basis can lead to health issues as dogs and cats require different nutrients. Being aware of these key differences can help you prevent potential dangers and ensure your pets receive the best care possible.
In order to protect the health of pets, pet owners must have reliable information about which foods are good for their pets and which are harmful.
Food Fundamentals: Dog vs. Cat
Dog and cat foods may seem similar at first glance, but their compositions are very dissimilar due to the unique nutritional needs of each species. Cats and dogs have adapted to require different nutrients from their diets, making it essential for pet parents to choose the right commercial cat food or quality dog food. Feeding them the incorrect food can lead to major health problems, ranging from obesity to vitamin deficiencies, especially if the food lacks sufficient taurine or high protein levels. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes their food different.
What’s Inside Cat Food?
Cat food is loaded with protein and fat. Animal derived proteins Some major brands formulate their food using the meats of animals, like chicken, fish, or beef. Cats require higher levels of protein and fat compared to dogs.
They require taurine, an amino acid that isn’t present in plant material. Without enough of it, cats will go blind or develop heart disease. Cat food will contain additional vitamins and minerals adjusted for felines, such as vitamin A and arachidonic acid.
It’s higher in calories, which is more in-line with what an obligate carnivore requires.
What’s Inside Dog Food?
Dog food is formulated to be balanced. It’s lower in protein and fat, but higher in carbohydrates and fiber. Other typical ingredients include grains, vegetables, and a combination of meats.
Plant-based fiber works as a natural laxative, improving digestion. Dogs too require fatty acids and vitamins, but their requirements are not as rigid as those for cats.
Dogs have the ability to convert plant sources such as carrots into bioavailable vitamin A, but felines do not have this capability.
Key Nutrient Showdown
|
Nutrient |
Dog Food (min.) |
Cat Food (min.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Protein |
18% |
26% |
|
Fat |
5.5% |
9% |
|
Taurine |
None |
0.1–0.2% |
Cat food incorporates a greater proportion of animal fats, while commercial dog food uses a broader variety to meet the nutritional needs of different animals. Cats require a number of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, in greater quantities to thrive.
Why Their Needs Differ
Dogs on the other hand, are omnivores. They have omnivorous diets, eating both plant and animal matter.
Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, they must eat meat. Dogs’ bodies are better equipped to break down carbs and make vitamin A from plant sources.
Cats are unable to do so. This has serious implications for what their food needs to contain. Feeding dog food to cats can lead to digestive issues, obesity, or even a condition known as feline pancreatitis.
To neglect these needs is to gamble with the long-term health of each pet.
The Big Question: Cat Food for Dogs?
It’s a common question that dog owners have, can my dog eat cat food. This question is most often asked of me when they have briefly turned their back and find their dog feasting on cat food from the cat’s bowl. This is a frequent worry and shows just how interesting it can be when our fuzzy companions’ diets diverge.
Cat food is not instantly lethal to the average healthy adult dog. It isn’t a good replacement for dog food. It’s important to know what risks you’re looking at, since short-term and long-term effects can be radically different.
1. A Rare Nibble: Harmful?
A small bite of cat food—wet or dry—from the floor or a cat’s bowl usually does not cause serious harm to healthy dogs. The most common side effects that owners will likely see are mild gastrointestinal upset, such as loose stool or increased flatulence.
For the most part, these rare nibbles won’t do any permanent damage. Do watch for unusual behavior or signs of distress after your dog consumes cat food.
2. Regular Feasting: The Dangers
Making cat food a dog’s regular meal isn’t safe. Cat food is specifically formulated for cats’ dietary needs, not dogs’. A diet high in cat food can lead to long-term nutritional imbalances for dogs.
This can result in excessive weight gain and a host of other medical concerns. Dogs have different nutritional requirements for proteins, fats, vitamins and other nutrients than cats do, so it’s safest to stay with food formulated for dogs.
3. Tummy Troubles Ahead
The most common complaint for dogs who eat cat food is vomiting and/or diarrhea. While these tummy troubles may resolve on their own, if a dog continues to experience vomiting or diarrhea, they should see a veterinarian.
Digestive health is crucial, as eating the wrong food long term puts your dog’s digestive health at risk.
4. Weight Gain and Organ Strain
Cat foods generally contain higher levels of protein and fat than most dog foods. If a dog eats a high-calorie diet, it will end up putting on weight fairly easily.
This sudden increase in pounds strains important organs including the liver and kidneys. Since obesity poses its own chronic health hazards, a balanced diet is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and overall wellbeing.
5. Missing Essential Dog Nutrients
Dogs require specific vitamins and minerals that cat food fails to provide. With feeding solely cat food, the issues would arise from the lack of nutrients after a period of time.
That’s because a dog’s primary nutrition should ever only be complete dog food!
Beyond a Single Bite: Long-Term Effects
Occasionally giving cat food to dogs may not sound like a big deal, but the cumulative effects of this can be serious. Cat food is more concentrated in protein and fat since cats require more of these nutrients. Over time, this can lead to a serious imbalance of vitamins, minerals, and calories in a dog’s diet. This endangers their health, often without issues being apparent immediately.
Routine examinations at the veterinarian’s office can identify issues early on, preventing further complications. Owners must be the main decision-makers when it comes to choosing optimal food that provides long-term nourishment and life-sustaining health benefits.
Hidden Health Problems
Issues from a bad diet don’t always appear immediately. When dogs eat cat food, they may develop hidden health issues, such as vitamin deficiencies, brittle bones, or dermatitis. Cat food lacks several important nutrients dogs require, while excess fat can cause stomach upset.
Over the course of months or years, this can become more serious issues. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a painful and expensive condition to treat. It can run between $500 and $4,000 to care for a dog with this condition. Identifying early symptoms—like an unusual appetite, digestive issues, lethargy, or a dull coat—are the first step.
The most effective way to prevent these issues from occurring is to feed dogs safe and nutritious food specifically formulated for them.
Impact on Vital Organs
In addition, long-term cat food diets can put a dog’s liver and kidneys at risk. These organs are challenged to process an overload of fat and protein. With time, this could lead to injury or failure of the organs.
Dogs require a consistent balance of nutrients to maintain their organs. Nutrition specifically formulated for dogs helps safeguard these important organs.
Special Risks: Pups & Seniors
Puppies and seniors, in particular, require more tailored nutritional formulas. Either can interfere with their development or exacerbate health conditions. Puppies require proper nutrients to develop, whereas seniors often require assistance for their joints and vital organs.
A veterinarian can help determine the best diet for each life stage.
What If My Dog Ate It?
Whether your dog raided the cat food bowl or just a curious pup, it’s good to understand the difference between normal and abnormal. Fortunately, most dogs that sneak a small amount of cat food won’t experience serious issues.
Cat food is designed for the feline digestive system, higher in protein and fat. It’s loaded with other nutrients, such as taurine and vitamin A, that are essential for cats but harmful to dogs. Cat food is not an adequate substitute for dog food. She explains that dogs tend to get a taste or two, which is typically not cause for concern.
Don’t Panic: Observe First
Don’t panic, but do observe first. Start by monitoring your dog for any immediate or sudden changes. Then there are dogs that will eat cat food and not even bat an eye.
The rest of the population may experience just some stomach ache. Pay attention if your dog is more lethargic, refuses to eat, or behaves abnormally. All in all, a one-time small meal of cat food will have minimal effects at worst. Remain calm and allow your pet some time before moving forward.
When to Call the Vet
Get your dog to the vet if they’ve raided an entire bag of cat food or if they display severe symptoms. Pay attention to warning signs such as repeated vomiting or ongoing diarrhea.
If your dog is lethargic or exhibiting signs of discomfort, do not wait to act! Dogs that eat a higher protein/fat ratio diet are more likely to develop GI upset. Have your veterinary clinic’s contact information handy so you can respond quickly if conditions worsen.
Watch for These Signs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen belly
- Signs of pain
- Odd behavior
Smart Ways to Stop Snacking
Preventing dogs from snacking on cat food can be a big problem for pet parents. Simple, smart strategies that work with the flow of everyday life are essential, as dogs and cats have distinctly different nutritional needs. Establishing firm guidelines around dog nutrition and implementing simple changes can help ensure that both humans and pets enjoy a balanced diet and stay healthier.
Create Separate Meal Zones
Providing separate eating spaces for each pet reduces anxiety and minimizes the chance of food pilfering. Keep cat food dishes in an elevated location or in a gated section of the home. This prevents canine olfactory probes from getting in.
Using a baby gate or pet barrier creates a distinctly marked boundary between their areas. That way, dogs and cats aren’t competing for food, and both have a chance to eat in peace. For households with multiple pets, this adjustment will ensure that mealtime is peaceful and secure.
Timed Feedings Work Wonders
Establish regular feeding times for cats and dogs. Remove bowls once they’re done eating. That reduces opportunities for dogs to pilfer cat food.
Monitor portion sizes for each pet carefully. Keeping a consistent schedule lets pets learn when they can expect their next meal. Prevent snacking by providing proper meals. Regular meal times helps keep our pets satisfied and less likely to graze.
Teach a “Leave It” Cue
Train your dog to respond to a simple “leave it” cue. Reward with treats and praise every time they leave the food. Try this in various rooms of your home and with other foods.
With practice, dogs can be trained to leave cat food bowls alone. Training like this is most effective when practiced frequently and in a lighthearted manner.
Use Dog-Proof Cat Feeders
Special covered or microchip cat feeders prevent dog snouts from getting in. These feeders allow only the dog-proof kitty access, so food is protected.
Most big box and independent pet stores carry these tools, and they’re really effective. If you have dogs that like to explore everything, then these feeders are a great purchase.
Why Dog-Specific Food Wins
There are obvious benefits to feeding dogs food specifically made for them. Dogs and cats don’t only look different—they require different things from their food. Dog-specific food is designed to meet a dog’s body, energy level, and best interest in the long run.
It’s not too late to get dogs living longer, healthier, more active lives. Here’s why feeding dogs cat food—even temporarily—is a bad idea.
Tailored for Your Dog’s Best
Food formulated specifically for your dog is vital to ensure they grow up healthy and strong, and support their bodies as they age. It provides the optimal balance of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.
This gives you 18% protein and 5.5% fat, much lower than the cut rates at the high end of cat food. This helps maintain their bones, muscles, and skin health. Other brands specialize in hypoallergenic meat sources, grains, or added vitamins tailored to specific breeds or ages.
For example, a puppy will require higher levels of protein and other nutrients compared to a senior dog. The proper dog food can make all the difference in maintaining high energy levels, a good shiny coat, and a healthy weight.
This is why owners should be seeking dog food brands that use actual meat and provide complete nutrition, not just meat by-products.
The Right Fuel for Canines
Dog-specific food has all the bases—plenty of essential vitamins and minerals, plus just the right balance of carbs and protein. While beta carotene found in carrots or sweet potatoes will convert to vitamin A for dogs, this does not happen in cats.
That’s why dog-specific food makes great sense. A well-balanced formula can prevent expensive health problems such as pancreatitis, which can run as high as $4,000 to treat.
Dogs that receive the proper nutrition are better prepared for walks and playtime.
Your Vet Knows Best
Your Vet Knows Best Vets are trained to identify what your dog specifically needs and can guide meal planning. Regular check-ups help ensure your pet gets just the right amount of whatever their body needs—no more, no less.
They’re the best source for feeding advice, particularly for dogs with allergies or other special health requirements.
Conclusion
Dogs need their own food for a reason. Cat food is more concentrated with fat and protein than what dogs require. Infrequent small amounts should not be toxic. Mindless munching can result in extra pounds, stomach pains or more serious conditions later in life. Dogs do best on food appropriate for their species, not a cat’s. In order to best maintain your pup’s health, stay on dog food and keep the kitty grub inaccessible. If you have any concerns or unusual symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. Have a pet food-related story or inquiry to share with us? Share it with us or take it to your vet and get their expert advice. Your dog relies on you to make the right decisions for them.