Why does a cat eat dog food? Can cats eat dog food: yes, no, and why. Can dogs eat cat food sometimes?

In addition, some owners themselves regularly give their cats dog food because it is cheaper and seems to contain the same ingredients as cat food.

According to veterinarians, if a cat eats dog food little and rarely, there will be no particular harm. But it definitely shouldn’t become the basis of a cat’s diet, and here’s why.

Can cats eat dog food?

No, this food is absolutely not suitable as a regular diet for cats, the most necessary component of their diet is meat. Dogs' need for animal protein is, in general, lower, because over thousands of years of complete dependence on humans for nutrition, they have adapted to absorb carbohydrates partially from plant components.

Manufacturers take advantage of this, and dog foods often contain too many grains, from which the cat's body does not receive nutrients. Thus, if a cat eats dog food constantly, it experiences a deficiency of protein, and therefore of vital amino acids, primarily taurine and arginine.

Veterinarians warn that taurine deficiency leads to a whole range of health problems, including a dangerous heart disease - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Arginine deficiency causes hyperammonemia - ammonia poisoning of the body, which can lead to fatal consequences.

In addition, dog food contains less animal fat, and cats do not receive the most important arachidonic acid, which ensures the normal functioning of the reproductive, gastrointestinal and other systems. A lack of active fat-soluble vitamin A (retinol) leads to growth retardation, poor vision, and hair loss.

All these substances are synthesized in the dog’s body, so they are only found in cat food in the quantities required for a cat.

How to avoid problems?

So, the question of whether cats can eat dog food, as you understand, is not worth it at all. This is not complete nutrition for them! If your cat is drawn to the dog bowl, then you should think about its own diet. Perhaps it is not complete enough and you need to choose better quality food.

And if eating a dog has become a bad habit for a cat or is a variant of dominant (leadership) behavior and leads to fights at dinner, veterinarians advise the following:

• Feed animals in different rooms, but at the same time;
• Remove dog food from the bowl 15 to 20 minutes after the animal eats. Dogs try to eat everything at once, but a cat will go to the bowl again and again to have a little snack;
• If your dog is large, place the bowl on a raised surface, slightly below head level. Only the bowl should fit there so that the cat cannot jump in there and get to the food;
• Store dry dog ​​food in a tightly sealed plastic container.

Both animals belong to the order of predators, but during their time living near humans, the digestion of dogs has changed more than that of cats. They learned to obtain part of the protein and micronutrients from plant products, and to synthesize amino acids and vitamins themselves. In extreme situations they survive without meat.

Cats became indoor animals relatively recently, so their digestion remains the same as that of their wild relatives. Nutrients are taken from animal products, plant foods are absorbed by 10%. Cats, unlike dogs, do not synthesize a number of amino acids and receive them only from food.

These include:

• Taurine concentrated in muscles, nerve fibers, supports the heart, retina. It is not found in plants and does not accumulate in the body, so cats need to receive this amino acid daily from animal food.
• Vitamin A responsible for cell growth, immunity, affects visual acuity. Cats absorb it from meat foods, but cannot synthesize beta-carotene into retinol from plant foods.
• Arginine - an amino acid that is part of protein. It is involved in the removal from the body of toxic ammonia compounds that are formed after the breakdown of proteins. Cats get arginine from meat products.
• Vitamin PP affects the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, oxidation and reduction processes, the synthesis of a number of hormones, and supports mucous membranes. Cats need it more than dogs.
• Arachidonic acid regulates cell renewal, blood clotting, affects the functioning of the reproductive organs, stomach, and intestines. Cats get it from animal fats.
• Linoleic and linolenic acids participate in metabolic processes, inhibit the development of inflammation, strengthen hair and skin.

These components are added to cat food, but they are not enough for cats in dog food.

Feed differences

Dog food differs from cat food in the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates:

• Contains less meat ingredients , no eggs are added to it. Cats do not receive the required amount of taurine and arginine. With a regular lack of proteins, liver enzymes break down their own proteins.
• Includes more grains, vegetables . The cat's intestines are a third shorter and do not absorb them completely. The amylase enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of starch and plant components; cats produce only 5% of this figure in dogs.
• Contains less fat . Cats develop a deficiency of arachidonic acid and do not absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Dog kibble for cats lacks vitamins B, E, iodine, and biotin. The content of individual micronutrients exceeds the norm for cats: calcium, magnesium, vitamins C, A, D, K. Dogs themselves synthesize taurine, so it is not added to food.

Consequences

If cats are regularly fed dog food, they may develop health problems:

• With a lack of protein, muscle mass is lost and replaced by fat.
• Excess carbohydrates overload the pancreas, leading to excess weight gain.
• A lack of taurine affects eye health, retinal atrophy occurs, vision decreases, and digestion is upset. Over time, the heart muscle weakens and cardiomyopathy develops.
• With a lack of arginine, symptoms of ammonia poisoning appear: lethargy, nausea, drooling, convulsions.
• A deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids provokes skin problems: the structure of the skin is disrupted, dandruff appears, the coat loses its shine, and falls out. The animal often catches colds and suffers from indigestion.
• With hypervitaminosis D, calcium metabolism is disrupted and it is deposited in soft tissues.
• Excess ascorbic acid increases the acidity of urine and precipitates in the form of crystals.
• Excess retinol affects the musculoskeletal system and joint mobility.
• Tocopherol deficiency leads to decreased immunity and reproductive functions.
• Against the background of a lack of nicotinic acid (PP), metabolism and digestion are disrupted, and dermatitis develops.
• With excess calcium, bone tissue grows and kidney problems begin.
• Excess magnesium provokes urolithiasis.

The composition of dog food is not suitable for cats, so pets are given food at different times, each is given a place, and no food is left out. If the cat continues to reach for the dog bowl, try changing the brand of food. Accidentally eating pellets will not affect the cat’s health; intentional feeding involves a trip to the veterinary clinic.

What happens if a cat eats dog food? Many people ask this question because often cat owners also have dogs. Here are a few reasons why cat owners are considering whether to feed them dog food:

1. Dog food is generally significantly less expensive than cat food.
2. Many cat owners have caught their pets stealing dog food.
3. Treats for dogs are more varied and are sold in most stores, while some cat treats (such as those for strengthening teeth and preventing tartar) are not always available.

Is it normal for cats to eat dog food? The answer to this question is simple: cats should not be fed dog food because cats and dogs have very different dietary needs, but a few stolen bites of your neighbor's food won't do any harm.

Many foods seem very attractive and appetizing to cats. A new or interesting food aroma, taste, or certain ingredient creates an irresistible desire to try it. However, delicious food is not always healthy, wholesome and nutritious. This is similar to a person's love of snacks and fast food, which are often made with large amounts of fat, salt or sugar. Potato chips and cakes are not the healthiest choices, but they are certainly extremely tempting in appearance, taste and aroma for many people. Cats may not have a sweet tooth, but they may develop cravings for certain foods that are not necessarily good for their feline health.

Cats need much more protein than dogs. This means that cats need meat to keep them alive. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores, just like humans, who can eat a lot of non-protein foods such as vegetables or fruits. Cats cannot digest these foods as well. A little dog food won't do much harm, but it won't have any nutritional value for your cat. Some cats can survive on dog food for a period of time, but they will lack certain nutrients, such as the amino acid taurine, which is essential for cats.

A cat's liver constantly works with high enzymatic activity, which is ideal for a high protein diet. Unlike cats, dogs and humans are able to reduce liver enzyme activity when they consume low protein foods. In addition, cats are unable to break down vegetable cell walls and extract nutrients from plants.

However, as long as owners are confident that their cat's main food is cat food and not dog food, everything should be fine.

Can cats eat dog food? Many owners of purring pets ask this question. This is understandable, because dog food is much cheaper than cat food, and some cats like to steal food from their furry “competitors.” Therefore, it is important to understand this question in detail and give an unambiguous answer to it.

Why do people buy dog ​​food to feed cats?

Some owners believe that it is possible to feed a cat dog food, and that this will not harm the animal’s body.

This happens for the following reasons:

• Dog food is much cheaper than cat food, and stores often offer promotions specifically for dog food. Such feeding is fraught with serious complications that will require even greater costs for treating the animal. If the owner is not willing to pay for healthy food for the cat, then most likely he should not get this pet.
• Dog food is sold in large packages and can be stocked up for future use. This reason can be considered insignificant, since cat food can also be ordered in larger packs.
• If a cat and a dog cohabit in a family, it often happens that the first pet eats the food of the second. Thus, the animal may be curious or greedy. Dog food often has a stronger smell and thus attracts the purring animal. But under no circumstances should such feeding be allowed.
• Suitable food for dogs can be found in almost every store; with cats the situation is more complicated. For example, if an owner is looking for food for brushing teeth, then finding it for a purring pet is extremely difficult.

Having encountered all of the above reasons, a person comes to the conclusion that it is not at all necessary to purchase specialized food for your pet. Moreover, at first cats can eat dog food with pleasure and require supplements.

In this situation, you need to know that long-term poor nutrition of a cat leads to adverse consequences for its health.

Why not?

Why shouldn't you feed your cat dog food??

• In a dog's stomach, almost all food is digested equally. In the cat's case - ordinary vegetables and fruits are only 15%. This indicator indicates a significant difference in the digestive system of these animals.
• Another reason not to feed cats dog food is the lack of taurine in dog food. This amino acid is necessary for cats for vision, genitourinary and nervous systems. But, unfortunately, the animal’s body does not produce this substance.
• A cat's daily need for protein food is 15% higher. There simply isn't enough protein in dog food. A growing kitten especially needs protein.
• The difference in vitamins in food also prevents feeding a purring animal with dog food. Cats need a higher dose of vitamin E. This is the main difference between cat food. And in dog food, the emphasis is on group A. An excess of this element leads to improper development of the skeleton of cats.
• The reduced energy value of dog food is unacceptable for cats, as they are advised to eat frequently.
• Dry dog ​​food contains approximately 5% fat, while cats need a minimum of 9%.

As a result of improper nutrition of a cat, it becomes sickly and fat. Even the highest quality feed is not able to satisfy the animal's needs for proteins and amino acids.

How to stop a cat from eating dog food?

It often happens that after trying dog food, the cat does not want to return to its previous diet. This situation cannot be left to chance, the problem must be resolved as soon as possible, since it is not entirely normal for cats to eat dog food.

First of all, you need to isolate the bowl of dog food from the cat and try to feed your pets at different times. If this is not possible, then after each feeding the dog, you need to get rid of the remaining food.

A cat may resist and refuse its food, but sooner or later hunger will force it to eat it. To create interest in nutrition, you can try changing the food to a product from another manufacturer.

It is important to remember that if a small dose of dog food is consumed, nothing will happen to the cat, so in this case there is no need to panic.

What are the risks of feeding this way?

People who decide to feed their cats dog food should understand the risks of such feeding.:

• high carbohydrate content in dog food leads to the development of obesity in cats;
• due to a lack of essential amino acids, purring pets develop anemia;
• lack of taurine leads to problems with the heart, nervous system, reproductive function and vision;
• disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract appear.

There is no need to give your cat the same food as a dog as a treat, since such feeding not only leads to problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but also causes addiction, which you will have to fight later.

The only option for feeding both animals the same food is canned meat. The composition of such a product usually does not include anything unnecessary. These canned foods are good for both cats and dogs. You can find a wide range of such products in stores, but you should choose them based on your pet’s preferences. Cats can eat beef, veal, rabbit and chicken.

Instead of a conclusion

All animals are individual, each with their own nutritional and care needs. But, giving preference to dog food when feeding a cat, you need to remember that this choice can not only lead to a lack of vitamins and microelements, but also harm the health of the animal.

Cats and dogs are the most common pets, and they often live in the same apartment. Peacefully (or not entirely peacefully) sharing the territory of the apartment, pets often begin to share the contents of their bowls. Over time, the owners notice that the cat happily eats from the dog bowl and feels great. Is it safe to feed my cat dog food?

Cats are carnivorous predators, everyone knows this. Dogs are also predators - this is a well-known fact. Therefore, cats and dogs can be fed the same food. This is the conclusion often reached by careless owners who want to justify their desire to feed their cat dog food.

Why you shouldn't feed your cat dog food

A dog, unlike a cat, is not an obligate predator; it is rather an omnivore. The stomach successfully digests plant foods and foods of animal origin, while meowing pets only digest 10-15 percent of vegetables and fruits. In addition to this fact, there are other differences in the digestive system of animals.

One of the main disadvantages of dog food is the lack of taurine in it. This amino acid is not produced by the body at all, but a cat cannot live without it. If there is a lack of taurine in food, the vision, urinary and nervous systems are primarily affected.

A cat's body requires 15% more protein than a dog. The mass fraction of protein in the food is too small to fully satisfy the needs of a meowing pet, especially a young and growing one.

Dog food, like cat food, contains vitamins A, B, C, E. But in dog food, the emphasis is on vitamins A, while purrs need a higher dose of vitamin E. In addition, excess vitamin A can lead to improper skeletal formation in kittens during the period of active growth.

The energy value of dog food is too low. The intensity of biochemical processes in the body of cats is higher, so they eat little and often, unlike dogs, who usually eat twice a day.

Why owners choose dog food to feed cats

First, dog food of an identical brand is often significantly cheaper than cat food. But don’t deceive yourself - if you save on food, you’ll soon have to spend money on veterinary services.

Secondly, dog food is often purchased in large packs, and it is always at hand. But, if desired, cat food can be ordered in large packaging, which will last for a long time.

Thirdly, if a purr is faced with a choice of whose bowl to eat from, then most often it chooses the dog's. But this does not mean that it is healthier or tastier; often the purr simply shows curiosity, and sometimes greed.

How to stop a cat from eating dog food

If a cat has tried dog food but refuses its own, then this problem needs to be solved. It is necessary to isolate the dog's bowl from the cat's.

The best way out in this situation is to remove the leftover food from the bowl out of the cat’s reach after feeding the dog. A meowing pet may refuse its food for several days, but if you persist, the animal will never die of hunger if at least some food is available.

You can change the brand of cat food to make your pet more interested in the food. It's worth trying adding new food to your dog's bowl.

Dog food can seriously harm a cat only with long-term, constant feeding. If your pet managed to steal a piece of treat from someone else’s bowl, do not be upset - a small amount of dog food will not cause harm to health.