If you have both a cat and a dog living together, you may have wondered whether it's safe for your cat to eat dog food. Whether it's due to curiosity or an empty cat food pantry, here's what you need to know about allowing your cat to try dog food.
Can cats eat dog food?
While it's generally safe for a cat to have an occasional stolen snack from the dog's bowl, it's not recommended for them to eat dog food on a consistent basis. Regular consumption of dog food can have negative effects on a cat's health and overall well-being. It's crucial to ensure that both dog food and cat food supplies are available in the household where these furry companions reside together.
Why is dog food bad for cats in the long term?
Despite the occasional similarities in behavior, cats and dogs belong to different branches of the animal kingdom and have distinct dietary needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet primarily consists of meat protein. On the other hand, dogs are considered omnivores and can have a more varied menu, including meat, grains, and vegetables. While cats may occasionally sample grains and vegetables, relying on dog food alone is not ideal as it doesn't offer sufficient protein to meet a cat's nutritional requirements.
What are the differences between cat food and dog food?
Cat food and dog food are specifically formulated by experts to meet the unique nutritional needs of each species. While it's possible for cats to have a taste of dog food occasionally, it's not recommended to make it a regular habit. Here are some important differences between cat food and dog food:
Proteins:
Cats have specific dietary requirements for certain amino acids like taurine and arginine, which they cannot produce themselves. These amino acids are crucial for a cat's health, and a deficiency can lead to serious issues such as blindness or heart problems. Dogs, on the other hand, can synthesize taurine, so their food may not always be formulated with appropriate taurine levels for cats. Additionally, cats require more protein in their diet compared to dogs.
Vitamins:
Cats and dogs have different vitamin requirements. Cats, for example, cannot produce vitamin A and need it in their diet for maintaining eye, skin, and coat health. Cat food often contains higher levels of vitamin A compared to dog food.
Arachidonic acid:
Cats require arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid that they cannot produce on their own. Dog food is typically not supplemented with arachidonic acid since dogs can synthesize it internally.
Calories:
Cat food is higher in calories due to cats' increased protein requirements. Feeding cats dog food regularly can lead to protein deficiency and other health issues.
Size:
Cat food is generally smaller in portion size compared to dog food. It's important not to overfeed cats with large portions of dog food. Considering these differences, it's best to provide cats with a balanced and appropriate diet specifically formulated for their nutritional needs.
How to prevent cats from eating the dog’s food
If you’ve caught your cat trying to get into your dog’s food bowl more than once, there are a few things you can do to make sure the food they have access to is the one that meets their dietary requirements.
The “out of sight, out of mind” rule can be helpful in helping cats focus only on the food meant for them. Put enough distance between the cat and the dog food bowls to stop your little feline from being tempted into trying their house mate’s dinner. Having the two pets in different rooms at meal time can help. While dog food is not on the list of harmful and poisonous substances for cats, it is important to make sure it doesn’t become the default meal for a cat curious to try new things at dinner time.