People often wonder what foods their dogs can eat. Common questions are can dogs eat raw chicken, or can I feed my dog cheese. We are more or less aware of the usual no-no in dog food such as chocolate and grapes, but how about cat foods? They seem like they are safe for dogs to eat, but does cat food contain harmful ingredients that you have to know of? How about nutritional value? Keep on reading and find out the answer to these questions.
Dogs and cats have their own dietary requirements. Cats are carnivores, while dogs are considered omnivores and they eat a combination of meat and vegetables. They require a more diverse diet than just meat to fulfill their nutritional needs.
COMPLICATIONS OF FEEDING CAT FOOD TO DOGS
If you live with both a cat and a dog, chances are your dog might have nibbled on cat food already behind your back. It’s a naughty behavior for sure, but there is nothing to be concerned about in the long run.
What’s concerning is the amount and frequency of cat food being eaten by your dog, and too much can lead to several health problems. These include damage and strain to your dog’s kidneys, liver, and pancreas – the result of having to process higher amounts of protein compared to that of dog food. Dogs can also become obese with a diet of mostly cat food. This can worsen if your dog doesn’t do much exercise. If these complications happen to your dog, it’s best to contact a veterinarian.
YOUR DOG ATE CAT FOOD – WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Dogs can get sneaky and eat cat food without you noticing. Some slip into the cat bowl, the others hide and snack on food containers and bags. Eating cat food may sometimes cause nothing more than nausea, but this may be different for every dog. If your pet exhibits signs of stomach ache after eating cat food, then call your vet as soon as you can.
If your pet frequently eats cat food, it’s best to change your pets’ meals and make sure that they don’t eat together to avoid sharing. As a rule of thumb, you should put the cat food out of his reach. For the best advice, speak with your vet about any issues you might have.
HOW TO PREVENT A DOG FROM EATING CAT FOOD
You have to keep cat food away from your dog’s reach. If you suspect your pet has consumed a substantial amount, contact your veterinarian immediately.
CAN CATS EAT DOG FOOD?
As previously mentioned, cats need meat to survive, and dog food as a substitute is not a great option since it lacks the adequate amount of Vitamin A and Taurine, two nutrients gained from meat that cats need to stay healthy. Preparing a complete and balanced diet for your pets is important to keep them in tiptop shape.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Cat food is made especially for cats, so try to avoid feeding this to your dog. Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs and as a responsible owner, you have to prepare the right meal for each pet. Letting them eat food without your supervision can lead to harmful conditions, so keep a close eye on your pet’s eating habits.
