Giving your cat treats can be such a lovely activity. It is well known to be an excellent training tool and can be a wonderful way for the two of you to bond. It’s true that cats adore treats, so it’s wise to carefully monitor their intake.
There are many different cat treats on the market from which to choose. There is typically something available for every feline taste bud, whether you’re looking for biscuit treats, mouthwatering chews, or some other strange and wonderful treat for your cat.
But despite this, we continue to be questioned frequently about whether cats can consume dog treats. This query frequently originates from owners who live with both cats and dogs and have completely run out of cat treats. We will further explore this question because it is very important.
It is not recommended for cats to eat dog treats, so the answer is no. Dog treats don’t give cats the nutrition they require. Many dog treats also contain trace amounts of the toxic to cats ingredient ethylene glycol, which is the main component of antifreeze. Small doses are typically not harmful to consume, but doing so over the long term is not a good idea.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats That Are SAFE for Cats
Your cat might enjoy trying this popular soft dog treat made with peanut butter. Given that there are no warning ingredients on the label, cats could eat these.
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, oats, dried whey, salt, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), lecithin, egg powder, cane molasses, blackstrap molasses, peanut butter, palm oil, vegetable glycerin, and brewer’s dried yeast.
Certain components in dog biscuits and chews can be unhealthy for cats. But generally speaking, a single treat or even a treat once per week won’t cause any issues.
In other words, you don’t need to rush your cat to the doctor if she sneaks a bite of a dog biscuit containing these ingredients. Whether or not you notice any symptoms, if she consumes these ingredients daily for several days, you might notice some changes on blood tests.
Our three cat-safety ingredients (onion, garlic, and propylene glycol) lead to oxidative changes in the oxygen-carrying substance hemoglobin within a cat’s red blood cells, which is a problem. The warning ingredients cause hemoglobin to twist and tear the membrane of the red blood cell. If sufficient red blood cells burst, the cat will show signs of anemia, such as:
Foods from the allium family, which includes leeks, chives, onion, and garlic, can make cats very sensitive. These plants contain a substance called n-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells through oxidative stress.
In dog food and treats, dogs can tolerate a small amount of onion or garlic powder, but cats have developed anemia after consuming chicken baby food for a few months that contained onion powder (9)
A preservative called propylene glycol is present in some semi-moist dog treats and foods. Cats with high levels of D-lactate and Heinz bodies may experience depression and ataxia (wobbly gait) (4).
If a cat eats a tiny amount, the changes to hemoglobin brought on by propylene glycol might not be severe enough to result in clinical symptoms. However, one study discovered Heinz body development and associated anemia in cats receiving propylene glycol as little as 6% of their diet (2).
It’s definitely not a good idea to intentionally give your cat dog treats containing propylene glycol, onion, or garlic. And especially avoid feeding them habitually!.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter Dog Treats?
Can cats eat peanut butter or dog treats containing peanut butter? It seems like the majority of dogs LOVE peanut butter.
Plain peanut butter, whether sweetened or not, is safe for cats; the other ingredients used in dog treats, however, may not be so safe. Look for the same three cat-caution ingredients on all labels: propylene glycol, garlic, and onion.
You may be aware that some peanut butter contains the sugar-free sweetener xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Fortunately, xylitol is not toxic to cats (5).
Can Cat Treats Be Replaced with Dog Treats Altogether?
Giving your cat dog treats if you give them treats a few times a week wouldn’t be harmful. Over time, this can help your household save some money on dog and cat treats while allowing you to continue to care for your pets as usual. Your cat shouldn’t experience any health issues from eating dog treats even once a day. But before giving your cat or dog treats every day, consult your doctor.
Remember that some vitamins and minerals, like taurine, are more important for cats than for dogs. Generally speaking, compared to cat food and treats, dog food and treats contain less taurine and other minerals.
Therefore, feeding your cat a lot of dog treats could result in deficiencies. If you frequently give your cat treats, you should consider the treats to be a part of the cat’s overall diet. Unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, you should continue to give your cat cat treats.
FAQ
Is it safe for cats to eat dog treats?
Try to refrain from giving your cat dog treats if you can. Dog treats are made specifically for dogs and may contain toxic ingredients for cats, like ethylene glycol. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best cat snacks and treats.
Can dogs and cats eat the same treats?
Cat treats and dog treats are different and made specifically for the animal in question, so cats and dogs cannot be fed the same food or treats.
Can cats eat homemade peanut butter dog treats?
In short, no. Dogs and pet parents may both enjoy peanut butter treats, but when it comes to cats, you shouldn’t add this delicious human food to your furry feline friend’s treat menu.
What dog treats can cats have?
Dog jerky treats are a superior substitute for your cat’s dog chews. They have a softer texture as a result, making them less likely to chip your cat’s teeth. The majority of jerky treats do not contain any harmful preservatives or flavors, but it is still advisable to check just in case.