Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? 3 Health Risks if Dogs Eat Cat Food

Dogs can eat cat food (whether wet or dry) as an occasional snack or in an emergency, but a long-term diet of cat food can cause health problems for your dog. Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, and specialized pet foods target these unique dietary requirements.

Veterinarians may recommend feeding underweight puppies cat food for a specific period to promote weight gain. A pet care specialist will let you know if your dog needs added protein in their diet and if cat food is the best option for your pet’s health.

Dog owners should avoid regularly feeding their dog cat food because:

1. 1. Cat food can cause health issues. Cats require more protein than dogs, so cat food is higher in protein content. If dogs eat only cat food, they are at higher risk for high-protein health issues like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), liver damage, obesity, and kidney problems. Cat food can also cause digestive problems for dogs with sensitive stomachs, including gastrointestinal upset, flatulence, and diarrhea.
   
2. 2. Dogs require a more varied diet. While cats are “obligate carnivores,” which means non-meat foods harm their long-term health, dogs are omnivores; they require a balanced diet of meat, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Cat food consists of a blend of meats, while dog food includes vegetables and carbs. If a dog’s diet relies only on cat food, they miss vital nutrients.
3. 3. It only includes nutrients for cats’ needs. Cats require different amounts of vitamins and minerals than dogs; cats need more niacin and require compounds that dog breeds don’t need, including amino acids like taurine and arginine.

If you feed cat food to your dog, gradually transition to dog food by adding one scoop of dog kibble (or wet dog food) and subtracting one scoop of cat kibble (or wet cat food) every few days. A slow transition gets your dog’s stomach used to the change and will help avoid the upset stomach that can come with an instant change in food.

If your dog steals cat food out of your cat’s food bowl, try feeding your pets in different rooms, using a baby gate to temporarily separate them, or feed your cat in an elevated spot, out of your dog’s reach, like in a cat tree.

Certain foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.