Recently we took a look at whether we can feed our dogs cat food or not. But how about the other way around? Can cats eat dog food?
That’s what this article will cover. Read on for the answer.
Can Cats Eat Dog Food?
The short answer is no. It’s not a good idea to feed dog food to your cat.
Let’s dive a little deeper and learn why that’s the case and what happens if your cat does eat some dog food.
Dogs Eating Cat Food
We told you that cat food is not suitable for dogs due to the nutrients that are found in it.
Cat foods are high in protein and fats, and they have more than enough for a dog’s dietary requirements. And too much protein and fats for dogs can lead to obesity, as well as other conditions such as pancreatitis.
If your dog also has a sensitive stomach, feeding it cat food is also not ideal. Giving your dog cat food may lead to stomach problems such as diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset.
Difference Between Dog and Cat Food
Dog foods and cat foods are formulated differently because the nutritional requirements for each are different.
For example, a cat’s diet requires more amino acids than dogs. And cat food has more protein and fats compared to dog food.
But what if you are running short of cat food, and your cat is getting hungry? Would it be alright to take from your dog’s food and feed it to your cat?
Well, not really. Feeding your cat dog food on a regular basis is not ideal and it may have bad effects on your cat.
It may not seem like it, but cats are actually carnivores. They need to eat more meat and animal-based foods for the nutrients that they need such as proteins and fats.
Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores. Their diet must consist of a balanced mixture of animal-based and plant-based foods.
Cats require 11 types of essential amino acids in their diet. On the other hand, dogs only require 10. Also, cats need taurine and arginine which are essential amino acids that a cat requires for survival.
Feeding your cat dog food on a regular basis can have bad effects on them. To start, because dog food lacks protein and fats that a cat needs in its daily diet, it can lead to loss of muscle mass.
Also, your cat may turn lethargic if you feed it more dog food than cat food. Taurine is so essential to a cat as it can help maintain and improve its vision, digestion, heart function, fetal development, and immune system.
However, if you have fed your cat with dog food once, or rarely, it is alright. A little dog food is not too bad for a cat. Dog food is not necessarily toxic to a cat, it is just not the right food for their dietary needs.
But, for the long haul, you’ll generally want to avoid feeding your cat any dog food.
