Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? | Everything You Need to Know

Are you one of those pet owners who have both dogs and cats at home? Well, you are not alone. When a dog or cat lives under the same roof, they might get along during eating hours, trying to sneak into each other’s food. In this case, pet owners might want to know if a dog can eat cat food or not.

Can dogs eat cat food, or can cats eat dog food? The answer for both cases might be yes! However, the real question arises at the type and quantity of the food. That’s because giving dogs cat food is not something to be appreciated on a consistent basis. That’s why, Pet Life Expert has come up with a comprehensive guide to be clued up on dog and cat food and nutrition.

What is the Difference Between Dog Food and Cat Food?

Most pet owners think cat food and dog food are alike, but there’s quite a difference between the two. You may know, cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores. Dogs eat plant-based and animal-based food. Cats eat only meat and fish.

Compared to dog food, cat food consists of more fats and proteins. In addition, the quantity of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids can also vary. Per the nutrient profile and analysis of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), some major differences between dog and cat food are listed here to help you understand things comprehensively. Understand the nutritional needs difference of both cats and dogs via this table.

Ingredients/ Elements	AAFCO Analysis for Adult Cats	AAFCO Analysis for Adult Dogs
Calcium	0.6%	0.5%
Fat	9%	5.5%
Protein	26%	18%
Taurine	0.1% dry food0.2% canned food	0%
Vitamin A	3332 IU	5,000 IU/kg
Arachidonic Acid	0.02%	0%

This table shows the distinct requirements of dogs and cats in terms of nutrition, taste, and protein levels. And it is mandatory to give your dog’s food with balanced nutrition. Also, keep the dog’s breed, age, and size in mind to serve them an adequate yet proper diet. You can trust Dogster, Purina Pro, Royal Canin, and Hills Science Food for Dogs.

Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Cat Food?

Is cat food good for dogs? Is cat food bad for dogs? A lot of queries like this might pop up in pet owner’s minds having cats and dogs as pets. Although giving cat food on an occasional basis won’t cause any harm to the dog, practicing it can have an unfavorable impact on your dog’s health.

Cat food is formulated with high levels of protein and fats that are not necessary portions in dog food. These higher levels of minerals, proteins, and vitamins A and C are normal in cat food, but they can be too high in dog food for consumption.

Can Dogs Eat Dry Cat Food?

Can my dog eat cat food? It is a thought-provoking question. ​Many pet owners prefer mixing wet and dry food to serve their pets. You can think of mixing dry cat food with wet food. But, it is not recommended because it won’t fulfill the necessary nutritional needs of your dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Wet Cat Food?

Can dogs eat canned cat food? Well, yes! Wet cat food can be loved by dogs due to its fragrance and taste. And if your dog sneaks and eats some of the wet dog food, know that it won’t cause any harm. However, you must not give your dog wet food as it can’t fulfill the need for a balanced diet.

Is it Bad if A Dog Eat Cat Food?

Cat food can be unhealthy for dogs based on their consumption by specific dog breeds and age. It can be particularly bad when a dog has:

• Chronic kidney, liver, stomachache, hyperlipidemia, and pancreatitis history.
• Or your dog needs to have a moderate protein diet and low in fats.

More than moderate intake can negatively influence your dog’s health, like:

• Improper digestion
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Abdominal discomfort
• Vomiting

What to Do If A Dog Eat Cat Food?

If your dog has eaten more than enough cat food, and you notice any signs, it is strongly suggested to immediately seek vet assistance. However, if your dog feels okay and acts normal after eating dog food, you should watch them for vomiting and diarrhea. and other relevant symptoms.

Also, if your adult dog or puppy consumes a little bit too much cat food, consider skipping the next meal of the dog until the situation reflects its normal feeding schedule. Moreover, to tackle the situation in the better way possible, it is advised to immediately seek vet’s guidance regarding any serious health issue.

Tips to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Cat Food

Now that you know: can dogs eat cat food or not, let’s understand why it is advised to prevent cat food from eating. Keeping your dog away from cats is mandatory in order to satisfy their nutritional needs, keeping health balance, and ensuring meal consistency among both cats and dogs. Here are some effective strategies and tips on how you can prevent them.

Use a Door Prop

A simple yet affordable solution is to utilize a door prop. Open it wide enough to let only the cat pass through it while keeping dogs of every size out. It not only prevents dogs but restricts toddlers from entering, providing a hassle free and safe space for pets.

Invest in Cat Doors

If you have a dog of the same size as your cat, you are advised to use an electronic cat door that opens when the pet wearing the relevant tag appears and is detected. It is not only effective in keeping other animals out but also provide peace of mind by allowing only the registered pets to exit or enter.

Buy An RFID Feeder

Consider having a microchip or RFID collar tag that only opens when they detect the relevant cat or dog approaches. It offers a highly secure, smart, and convenient feeding solution to prevent food stealing and, personalizing and controlling feeding experience.

Try Elevated Surfaces

If your cat likes to climb on the highest surfaces, consider serving meals to them on elevated surfaces, like a tall cat house, stairs, or a tree. You can custom built a suitable surface for them to keep pet’s focus only on their food.

Change Meal Times

To keep your pets separated during meals, it is advised to change their mealtimes. Consider serving specific or alternate times, so they can be separated during feed time. In this way, they’ll be prioritizing focus only on their meals.

In a Nutshell

Why dogs can’t eat cat food and can dogs and cats eat the same food are the queries that come across of many pet owners regarding balancing the health and diet issues in dogs. When it’s about serving cat food to your dog, know that it’s highly different in terms of nutritional requirements, tastes, and proteins. Depending on your dog’s breed and age, you can give them a slice or two while considering the above recommendations. Make sure to consult your vet if the situation is not in your hands!

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions