Have you surprised your cat feeding in the dog's bowl and wondering if a cat can eat dog food? Here are the answers to the questions that arise when a cat has eaten dog food:
Can a cat occasionally eat dog food?
Occasionally YES : Indeed, if your cat has eaten dog food 2 or 3 times, there will be no consequences. Indeed, dog food is not dangerous for cats. However, the cat should not consume it regularly or in place of its own cat food.
Indeed, cats and dogs have very different food and nutritional needs (see explanations below).
Can a cat eat dog food on a regular basis?
Regularly NO : Dog food is made for the nutritional and energy needs of dogs which are very different from the needs of cats! Suddenly, dog food has compositions that will not be suitable for cats.
If a cat consumes dry dog food regularly, in the long term it will have health problems (lethargic state, loss of muscle mass, intestinal, digestive, heart problems).
Can we give dog food to a cat?
If you have run out of kibble for your cat, you will be tempted to feed him your dog's kibble until your next races.
But, even if it is not dangerous for 2 or 3 meals, it is still not recommended for several days. Indeed, even if it is rare because dog food is less appetizing, the cat may get used to it or take a liking to it. However, this replacement solution should not last in the long term because it would affect the health of your cat.
See other solutions to this problem: What to give to your cat when you have run out of dry cat food?
Why is dog food dangerous for cats?
The dry dog food diet does not meet the specific nutritional needs of cats. In the long term, it is dangerous for the health of the cat for the following reasons:
Differences in nutritional requirements
This is because cats need a diet with a much higher protein content than dogs.
Dry cat food has very different compositions from that of dogs, including:
- animal proteins (30 to 45%)
- certain amino acids like taurine and arginine
- some fatty acids
- vitamins including vitamin A
- minerals
- niacin
- high water content
On the other hand, kibble for cats must contain very few vegetables and cereals unlike kibble for dogs which contain more.
As for carbohydrates (rice or corn), they are very present in dog food while cat food which contains much less.
Specific needs of cats for taurine
Cats do not have the capacity to manufacture taurine which is essential for the proper functioning of their body. Suddenly, kibble for cats must contain a sufficiently high level of taurine to cover their daily needs.
If a cat lacks taurine in their diet, they can suffer from:
- Heart problems
- Loss of vision
- Troubles digestifs
- Intestinal problems
However, taurine is not present in dry food for dogs whose needs are less important (their body produces it).
Specific vitamin A needs of cats
Here is another element not sufficiently present in the composition of dog food when the cat particularly needs it: Vitamin A.
However, if a cat lacks vitamin A, it can suffer from:
- peeling problem or hair loss
- fatigue and muscle relaxation
- blindness in severe cases
Quality of dry food suitable for cats
In order for your cat to grow and age in good health and in great shape, her kibble must be adapted to her specific needs, which vary throughout her life.
For example, a young kitten needs more nutrients and energy sources than an older cat or a overweight cat.
However, dog food does not meet the nutritional needs of cats and even less their evolution according to theage and weight of cats or according toage and weight of kittens.
To ensure a long healthy life for your cat, you must give it a Healthy eating, of high quality and adapted to its needs.
Here is a brand of quality kibble that is suitable for the majority of cats even those who are fragile at the digestive level: