Is it Ok for dogs to eat cat food? Read on for the facts…
You might think that cats and dogs are very similar but in terms of their diet, this is definitely not true. They have differing nutritional needs and should therefore eat food that is specifically designed with this in mind. Eating cat food will not necessarily be harmful – especially in the short term – but your dog is unlikely to do as well on it as they would on dog food and it could potentially lead to health problems.
Is It Dangerous for Your Dog to Eat Cat Food?
When it comes to their diet, cats and dogs have very different needs. Dogs are omnivores and need plenty of fibre in their diet, while cats are natural carnivores and need lots of protein (especially from animal sources). Cat food therefore contains more protein and fats than dog food, which can be problematic if it is eaten for dogs. Ironically, it is thought to be these ingredients that make many dogs prefer it to their own food. However, your dog’s body is not designed to eat a protein-rich diet and this will have a negative impact in the long term.
Gastrointestinal problems can occur as a result of the higher protein and fat content. This can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea and is relatively common in dogs that have sensitive stomachs. In rarer cases, it can result in other health problems.
Even if your dog seems to be tolerating cat food without experiencing digestive problems, it is not advisable to allow your dog to eat it in the long term. Kidney problems can develop if your dog’s body is not able to get rid of the excess protein that is being consumed. If your dog already has kidney problems or diabetes, eating cat food can make these conditions a lot worse.
The fat and protein content in cat food can also make your dog put on weight, especially if they are eating it in addition to their own food. Obesity can lead to a wide range of health problems including high blood pressure, joint problems and breathing problems.
Malnutrition is another potential problem, not least because vital nutrients that are needed for your dog’s health are not present in cat food.
How to Stop Your Dog Eating Cat Food
If you also have cats in the household, you may find it challenging to discourage your dog from continuing to eat cat food. This is particularly true as wet cat food is often left out for several hours at a time so that cats have the opportunity to come back to it when hungry.
If they currently eat in the same area of the home, it is advisable to make sure that this is no longer the case. If you are still concerned that your dog will seek out cat food, you can try feeding your cat(s) on a higher surface that your dog is less likely to access or in a location which your cat can access but your dog can’t.
[Photo Credit: CaptPiper]