Many cats are picky eaters who will touch nothing but the most delicious wet cat food. others are eager to chew on just about anything they can find, including dog food. but just because your cat wants to eat dog food doesn’t mean it’s healthy for him. After all, there are reasons why kibble is labeled “cat food” or “dog food” and not just “pet food.”
nutritional differences between dog food & cat food
Dogs and cats have different dietary needs. Here are the main factors that make dog food unsuitable for cats:
- Protein Level: In the wild, cats are strict carnivores, so the main ingredient in their diet is meat. Although some brands of dog food are high in protein, the minimum requirement set by the Association of American Food Control Officials is 18 percent, while the protein requirement for cat foods is 26 percent. . this 8% disparity makes a big difference in your cat’s health.
- Vitamin A: Dogs’ bodies can convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, but cats lack this ability. For this reason, cat food must be supplemented with vitamin A to keep the animal healthy.
- taurine: is an amino acid that cats require in their diet. since dogs’ bodies can manufacture themselves, taurine levels are often low in dog food.
- Arachidonic acid: Dogs can create this fatty acid on their own, but cats must absorb it from animal fats in their diet.
- lethargy and weakness
- hunched back
- poor coat condition
- reproductive problems
- seizures
- loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and other signs of gastrointestinal upset
- choking (caused by larger kibble)
- blindness, deafness and heart problems (caused by lack of taurine)
- Feed your dog twice a day (following the calorie intake recommendations set by the pet food manufacturer).
- supervise your dog during feeding time to make sure your cat doesn’t sneak a taste.
- if your dog leaves food in your bowl, throw it away so your cat won’t find it later.
- similarly, you can prevent your dog from eating cat food by placing your cat’s dish on a shelf, table, or counter where your dog can’t reach it.
what happens if cats eat dog food?
If you catch your cat in the act, there’s no need to take him to the emergency vet. Taking a bite of dog food here and there is usually not a big concern, but cats shouldn’t eat dog food full time. The effects of an improper diet vary, but here are some signs that your cat’s health is suffering from overindulging in dog food:
how to stop cats from eating dog food
Living with a cat and a dog can bring great joy to your life, but you must make sure that each animal only eats its own food. if your cat keeps eating your dog’s food, you’ll need to ditch the open access feeding technique and try these tips instead:
seek dietary advice for your cat at germantown vet
Perhaps you are concerned about your cat’s health after being caught eating dog food, or simply want help choosing foods that maximize your pet’s nutritional intake. Either way, visit the Germantown Vet Clinic in Montgomery County for a nutritional assessment. we will make sure that your cat stays healthy and happy with the right food for her needs.
schedule an appointment with your germantown vet today!
