Some cat owners wonder if it is safe to feed dog food to their cat. Some dog owners wonder if it is okay if their dog eats cat food. Let us learn if it is safe and health for cats and dogs to eat each other's food.

Dogs Who Eat Cat Food

Cat food typically has more meat, more protein, than does dog food. Cats are true carnivores, even the lower quality foods still recognize this and although they may not have a great meat source, they often still have more meat than the equivalent brand for dog foods. Cat food often has a stronger smell. Cats are pickier eaters than dogs, and cat food often contains more ingredients that serve mainly to increase the smell of a food, such as fish oil.

Everything about cat food combines to draw dogs to eat it, however cat food is more expensive than dog food so most owners do not want dogs to be eating cat food. As well because it contains more meat, or more protein, a dog can get fat quickly by eating cat food, or may even get diarrhea.

Cats Who Eat Dog Food

There are more problems for cats who eat dog food than for dogs who eat cat food. In a pinch, as when an owner runs out of cat food, feeding dog food to a cat for a day or two, will have no adverse effect, however long term it can cause serious nutritional health problems.

Cats need taurine in their diet, and this is specifically added to cat food. Dog food lacks taurine so over time a cat will suffer health problems, such as possibly having a heart condition. Cats also require special kind of Vitamin A in their diet as they cannot process Beta Carotene which is used in dog food. One non essential fatty acid for dogs, is a requirement for cats, this being arachidonic acid.

Cats might be attracted to a dog food due to the different smell, however most cats prefer cat food to dog food when given the choice. The larger size of the kibble (as when for a larger dog) can also be a problem for cats, and some cats will only lick the dog food and leave it otherwise uneaten.

On the whole a cat cannot get enough protein from most dog foods (and some lower quality cat foods), so while it might be okay in an emergency it should never be fed for long periods of time. Cats who are forced to eat only dog food will develop health conditions, such as heart problems, liver problems, and other concerns.

To Clarify

• Dogs can eat cat food on occasion without serious health problems.
• Cats should never be fed dog food except in a dire emergency.
• Cat food is more expensive than dog food so feeding it to a dog is wasteful.
• Cats who eat dog food over extended periods of time may develop health conditions (many owners fail to notice health problems in their pet, and some show only later in life).
• It is always best for cats and dogs to eat food that is made specifically for their needs, neither should eat the others food, but if they do from time to time, there is no need for a panic. An owner should try to prevent it from occurring too often.

Please keep your pet on its correct diet and learn more about pet food ingredients, as many commercially available foods for both cats, and dogs, are low in quality.

Further Reading

Is the Food my Dog Likes Good Food for my Dog?

Is the Food my Cat likes Good Food for my Cat?