Well, this is interesting, isn’t it? A dog eating cat food is definitely a sight to see. Fortunately, dogs can eat cat food and get away with it. But there’s a catch – it won’t give them the nutrients they need.
Dogs eating cat food is a pretty common occurrence, especially if the cat’s food bowl is within their reach. Although I don’t endorse your dogs regularly feasting on it, an occasional munch here and there won’t hurt anyone.
How Safe is Cat Food for Dogs?
Like I said before, if dogs eat small amounts of cat food on rare occasions, there’s nothing to be worried about.
However, when you push your luck and feed your dogs a steady diet of cat food, it will lead to nutritional imbalance and possibly some health problems in the long run. That’s because cat food contains more proteins and fat and a different mix of vitamins and minerals.
What are the risks of regular cat food consumption for dogs?
I can think of a few:
Obesity: Cat food floors dog food when it comes to how much fat and calories they have and this is why dogs who regularly feed on cat food gain excess weight. This isn’t a good thing because obesity brings joint issues, diabetes, and even heart disease.
Pancreatitis: Another thing your dog may have to battle with is pancreatitis thanks to the high levels of fat in cat food. And if there’s anything I know about this condition, it’s that it can be life-threatening when it’s severe.
Digestive issues: It should be no surprise to know that your dogs will have a hard time trying to digest cat food. After all, the food isn’t meant for their system. So, if they munch on it anyway, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
Urinary issues: Regular consumption of cat food can also increase the risk of urinary tract problems and the formation of crystals or stones in dogs. We owe this nasty stuff to the high protein and mineral content in cat food.
When is cat food okay for dogs?
- In limited amounts as a treat: Cat food should only be an occasional treat for dogs, nothing more.
- Veterinary advice for sick dogs: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend feeding a sick or recovering dog cat food temporarily for specific medical reasons.
Better alternatives to cat food treat for dogs
If you want to give your dogs treats more regularly, I have some suggestions that are not cat food. Shall we?
- Healthy Dog Kibble: These can be biscuits, dental chews, jerky, or any other nutritionally balanced dog treats. You can easily find them in reputable pet food stores.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Did you think dogs were just carnivores? I’m happy to surprise you then. Contrary to what many dog owners think, they actually enjoy the natural sweetness and crunchiness of fresh fruits. As a plus, they’re rich in nutrients and low in calories. Just don’t go overboard with it though.
- Plain, cooked proteins: Small pieces of cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, or lean beef can make tasty and protein-rich treats for dogs. But none of that heavily seasoned or fatty cuts.
- Homemade dog treats: Making treats isn’t rocket science. With a few ingredients like peanut butter, wheat flour, oats, and so on in your kitchen, you can whip up something tasty and healthy for your pet.
Conclusion
Let’s sum this up. Cat food is nice and all but only as an occasional treat. Don’t get complacent on your dogs and heavily rely on cat food as their primary source of nutrition. You’ll just be setting them up for various health issues over time. Let dog food be the main diet because that’s what will meet their dietary needs and promote long-term health.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Scallops?
