The problem of these two animals eating each other’s food is quite prevalent for pet owners who have both cats and dogs. On occasion, it might even seem like your cat prefers dog food to cat food.
No, there is nothing particularly wrong with your cat. However, there might be some problems with the food you are feeding them or their feeding schedule that need to be resolved.
Are There Any Nutritional Benefits to Feeding Cats Dog Food?
Dogs and cats dont just differ with regards to behavior—theyre unique in their nutritional needs, too. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores. Their nutrient needs include both animal and plant (i.e. grains, vegetables) products.
This means a commercial food thats complete and balanced for a dog wont be complete and balanced for a cat. For example, taurine is an amino acid cats must get in their diet to survive. Dogs, on the other hand, are able to produce their own taurine.
Without adequate water intake, cats are also susceptible to dehydration, which is why many experts advise feeding cats wet food. Your cat might not be getting all the water she needs if she frequently fills up on your dog’s dry kibble rather than her own canned food.
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Bottom line: dog food cant replace cat food. The two products are actually distinct from one another and cannot be used interchangeably; it is not a matter of marketing magic designed to persuade you to spend more money and carry around more bags.
“Cats have specific nutrient requirements that must be met by their diet,” the Clinical Nutrition Service explains. “The simplest and most convenient way to meet the nutrient requirements of a cat is to provide them with a complete and balanced commercial diet formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an individual with a PhD in animal nutrition.”
Bring up your concerns with your veterinarian if you’re not sure if the food your cat consumes each day is providing her with the nutrients she needs. They can guide you toward suitable options for your pet based on her dietary requirements.
What To Do if Your Cat Eats Dog Food
It’s usually not a problem if your healthy cat eats a few bites from Fidos bowl. Reach out to your veterinarian if there are any symptoms of illness and be sure to keep an eye out for any serious reactions like weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your cat has an allergy or underlying medical condition, eating dog food might be more problematic.
How to prevent cats from eating the dog’s food
There are a few things you can do to ensure the food your cat has access to is the kind that satisfies their nutritional needs if you’ve caught them trying to enter your dog’s food bowl more than once.
Cats can benefit from the “out of sight, out of mind” maxim by learning to concentrate only on the food that is intended for them. Provide enough space between the cat and dog food bowls to prevent your small cat from becoming tempted to eat their housemate’s food.
Keeping the two animals apart when eating in a room can help.
Even though dog food is not on the list of dangerous and poisonous items for cats, it’s still important to prevent it from becoming a cat’s go-to dinner if it is curious about trying new things.
Read our helpful tips for feeding your cat and feeding your dog to learn more about the different dietary needs of cats and dogs.
FAQ
Will dog food hurt a cat?
Cats cannot survive on dog food alone, just as it is risky to only feed cat food to dogs. Vitamin A and taurine, two nutrients cats require for a healthy life, are insufficient in dog food. Dog food does not contain enough meat-protein for cats and is deficient in arachidonic acid.
Why is my cat eating my dog’s food?
Your cat might become disinterested in your dog’s diet if she enjoys what she eats. A cat’s desire to steal food from a dog may also be motivated by hunger. It might occur if you don’t give her enough food or if she’s on a diet.