Dogs should generally eat cat food only as an occasional treat;
any intestinal distress caused by overeating will usually subside quickly. They might experience temporary diarrhea or vomiting, but this should resolve quickly.
Felines are obligate carnivores with digestive systems tailored explicitly for processing animal proteins. At the same time, dogs require various nutrients for optimal health.
Meat
Many pet parents believe feeding dogs a diet what they’d find in nature will provide all the essential nutrients they require. Like particularly lean meat such as beef and lamb, which includes protein, vitamins B & E, fatty acids, calcium & phosphorus. To prevent food poisoning, meat should always be thoroughly cooked before giving it to your pup; raw meat contains bacteria such as Salmonella & Escherichia coli that must be killed through proper cooking.
Fish can make an excellent addition to your pet’s diet, particularly oily varieties like tuna and salmon. Small fish such as sardines can provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium. When selecting canned fish to feed your pet, opt for ones packed in water rather than oil, as this will lower sodium content while limiting exposure to ingredients that could cause food intolerances or intolerances. Bones should be removed before feeding any bones as these could present a choking hazard and only in minimal amounts as this could potentially cause stomach issues or intolerances.
Keep in mind, however, that cats are obligate carnivores and require specific amino acids found only in animal flesh – something plants cannot provide them with. Consumption of too much fish could be harmful as too much may lead to taurine deficiency – and be wary of fish meals with additives or preservatives as these could be toxic to your cat’s health.
Fish
Cats are obligate carnivores and need a diet primarily consisting of meat. Many pet parents wish to add fish for flavor or nutrition, such as omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. Fish is safe if cooked thoroughly without bones or seasoning added after cooking, ensuring it remains unseasoned or seasonable.
Raw fish pose a higher risk of contamination by bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium, which can cause illness in people and pets. Therefore, it’s wise to opt for MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) labeled seafood instead, which has reduced environmental impacts during the fishing process.
Although canned cat food may seem more convenient, it’s important to remember that it typically consists of meat by-products, grain fillers, vitamins, minerals, and other additives that could prove troublesome for digestion or even cause discomfort for particular cats. While some cats may enjoy these treats, others could experience digestive distress when digesting them.
Note that cat food typically contains higher concentrations of fat than other meat forms, which may lead to pancreatitis in some dogs and an upset stomach in susceptible cats. Furthermore, some commercial products use animal by-products as fillers that often include low-quality parts like blood, heads, and feet, providing little nutritional benefit. Furthermore, many cat foods use harsh chemical preservatives like sulfites, which can lead to thiamine deficiency, as well as BHA/BHT/ethoxyquin, which may cause allergies and health issues in some cats.
Eggs
Most dogs will occasionally consume cat food, but it should never become a regular practice. Regular consumption can lead to numerous issues, including stomach pain and pancreatitis in dogs who regularly consume cat food. Other nutrients found exclusively in cat food may have adverse reactions, such as taurine (essential for cats but impossible for dog bodies to manufacture on its own) and arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid prevalent only in cat food but not available to them.
Short-term side effects of feeding cat food to dogs may include an upset stomach that leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term feeding should be limited for dogs with sensitive stomachs or medical conditions like pancreatitis worsened by high-fat diets.
Many pet parents mix the foods of both species for added flavor and nutrient diversity, providing their dogs with an extra variety of flavors and nutrients. When mixing, however, be mindful that each species and life stage are catered to; don’t feed your dogs anything toxic like garlic and grapes (just one can lead to kidney failure in some dogs). Store-bought mushrooms are safe, but wild ones must be avoided as they could contain poisonous organisms; it is also wise to feed your pup quality dog foods like Health Extension that provide plenty of nutrients they require for optimal growth and vitality!
Vegetables
An occasional sneaking bite won’t cause much of a problem; however, regular consumption could create serious health concerns for dogs. Cats require higher amounts of protein in their diet than canines, and long-term animal protein consumption can increase your risk for pancreatitis, kidney damage, heart disease, and obesity.
Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and asparagus are generally safe for dogs; however, you should still be selective when feeding your canine these meals. Some vegetables contain chemicals that could be toxic for their well-being, so be sure to read ingredient lists when purchasing food for your pup. Furthermore, it’s advisable to cook most vegetables before giving them to your canine; cooking makes them more digestible while decreasing levels of oxalates that bind minerals and goitrogens that interfere with thyroid function.
Some vegetables contain antioxidants that protect the body against unstable molecules, such as broccoli, that contribute to aging and disease. For instance, it is packed with powerful antioxidants like lutein and quercetin, vitamins C and K, and folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. Bell peppers also make an excellent source of Vitamin C, but be sure to remove the seeds before feeding them to your dog. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, which can break down red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Cheese
Yes, but in moderation. Cheese contains too much sodium, which isn’t ideal for canines’ health. At the same time, its fatty acids could trigger stomach upset in sensitive dogs or contribute to weight gain. Therefore, we advise giving cheese treats only during training sessions or high-distraction situations as a treat.
Low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese are an ideal way to feed dogs because they contain lower lactose levels than other cheeses and have reduced fat content. Pet owners should be wary of cheeses with added herbs or vegetables, such as chives or garlic, as these ingredients could be toxic for their dogs.
Cheese can provide essential calcium and other vital nutrients for dogs, yet should not form the cornerstone of their diet. A balanced and healthy diet should include fruits and vegetables, grains, lean meats, dairy products, fish, eggs, and other animal proteins as part of a well-rounded meal.
It is important to remember that many do not enjoy it and tend to spit it out regarding cats and cheese. Furthermore, some cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy products properly, which may lead to digestive problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Some cats may even be allergic to the proteins found in cheese and other dairy products, which should be avoided at all costs.
Grains
Answering whether dogs can eat cat food depends on several factors. One reason feeding your dog or cat food should be avoided is its higher protein and fat content, which could cause pancreatitis in some pets and difficulties digesting such a large volume of food, leading to diarrhea or constipation for both digestive systems.
Cat foods typically contain higher levels of meat-based proteins and more fats than dog food, making it more palatable and satisfying for hungry or sick pets. While cat food should only ever be used as an interim measure, dog owners must remember this type of solution should only ever be considered temporary.
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can benefit from consuming both plant- and animal-derived sources of nutrition for overall wellness. On the other hand, cats are true carnivores, requiring only meat-rich diets to thrive.
Cat food can be an effective way to get their sick or injured dog to eat, as it is more palatable and nutritious than home-prepared meals or training treats that typically contain only one type of food. Furthermore, protein-rich cat food may help prevent muscle loss and weight loss for an already weakening dog; reports have even demonstrated improvement when combined with taurine supplementation for DCM symptoms; these results align with the general understanding that having a varied diet supports gut microbiome health.
