Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Dog Food?
While the occasional nibble of dog food likely won’t harm a cat, eating dog food regularly or in place of cat food can be dangerous. Dog food is not formulated to meet all of a cat’s nutritional needs long-term. Cats require more protein and fat than dogs to support their higher metabolism (1). Dog food typically has lower protein and fat levels, as well as lower amounts of essential fatty acids that cats need. If a cat eats dog food for an extended period of time, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health problems like weight loss, poor coat condition, digestive issues, and more.
Sources:
(1) https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-dog-food
Key Nutritional Differences Between Cat and Dog Food
Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements, so cat food and dog food are formulated to meet the needs of each species. According to Petfood Institute, the key differences between cat and dog food are:
Cats require a higher protein content in their food compared to dogs. Protein helps build and maintain lean muscle mass, and cats need more since they are obligate carnivores. Cat food has a minimum crude protein content of 26%, while dog food only needs a minimum of 18% crude protein.
Cat food contains more fat and fatty acids than dog food. Cats have a higher energy requirement and their bodies can efficiently metabolize fat for energy. Fatty acids like arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are essential in cat food. Dog food has a minimum fat content of 5%, while cat food has a minimum of 9% fat.
Vitamin and mineral contents are tailored to meet the needs of cats versus dogs. For example, cats require higher levels of taurine, vitamin A, niacin, and riboflavin. Dogs require more calcium and vitamin D. This is why cats should eat cat food and vice versa – the vitamin and mineral contents are optimized for each species. According to Meow Mix, specialized formulas are crucial for providing balanced nutrition.
Dangers of Feeding Dog Food to Cats
One of the main dangers of feeding dog food to cats is that dog food lacks enough taurine, an essential amino acid for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize adequate amounts of taurine on their own and must obtain it through their diet. Taurine is critical for proper feline vision, heart, and reproductive health.
Feeding a cat dog food for an extended period can lead to taurine deficiency and associated health problems like dilated cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening heart condition. According to PetMD, taurine deficiency can also cause eye issues in cats like retinal degeneration.
In addition to insufficient taurine, dog food does not have the right balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that cats require in their diet. The long-term nutritional imbalances caused by feeding inappropriate dog food can lead to other health issues for cats over time.
While a small amount of dog food on occasion likely won’t harm an otherwise healthy cat, owners should never feed dog food as a steady diet. Cat food is specially formulated to give cats the nutrients they need for optimal health.
When It May Be Okay to Feed Dog Food
In an emergency or short-term situation lasting just a couple days, it may be okay to feed your cat some dog food. As this source mentions, a cat eating a small amount of dog food for a couple days likely won’t have any lasting effects or toxicity.
However, you’ll want to look for a dog food that has higher protein and fat content, more similar to cat food. As explained in this article, dog food tends to have more carbohydrates, while cat food has more protein. Cats need a high protein diet, so look for a dog food with a guaranteed analysis of at least 18% protein and 5% fat.
Overall, feeding dog food to your cat for just a couple days in an emergency situation is possible, but look for a high protein, higher fat formula to provide more appropriate nutrition for your cat.
Transitioning From Dog Food Back to Cat Food
If your cat has been eating dog food for a few days, it’s important to gradually transition them back to cat food over 5-7 days. Abruptly switching your cat’s food can lead to gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Here are some tips for transitioning back to cat food safely:
Mix a small amount of your cat’s old cat food into the dog food. Start with 25% cat food and 75% dog food for 2-3 days. Then increase to 50% cat food and 50% dog food for another 2-3 days. Finally, transition to 75% cat food and 25% dog food for 1-2 days before returning to 100% cat food.Changing Cat Food: How to Transition Your Cat to New Food
Gradually decrease portion sizes if your cat was eating more dog food. Consult your vet for advice on adjusting portions to avoid overfeeding.
Pay attention to signs of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or decreased appetite. If symptoms persist, slow the transition by keeping ratios the same for an extra day or two.
Stick to your cat’s normal feeding schedule as much as possible throughout the transition.
Be patient! The key is gradually transitioning back to cat food over several days. Rushing this process can upset your cat’s sensitive stomach. With some care and close monitoring, you can switch them back to cat food safely.
Providing Proper Nutrition
Cats have unique nutritional requirements that are different from dogs. According to the National Research Council, cats need higher levels of protein, arachidonic acid, niacin, vitamin A, and taurine in their diet [1]. Feeding dog food long-term does not provide the right balance of nutrients cats need to stay healthy.
The best diet for cats is a high-quality, age-appropriate cat food. Stick to cat foods that are specifically formulated to meet feline nutritional requirements. Look for foods that have been subjected to feeding trials to ensure they provide complete and balanced nutrition [2].
Also make sure your cat has constant access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration is a common problem in cats, so provide multiple water bowls around your home. Canned food also provides extra hydration. Feed wet food in addition to or instead of dry kibble to increase your cat’s moisture intake.
Things to Watch Out For
There are several concerning signs to watch out for if your cat has been eating dog food. These include:
Decreased appetite or refusal to eat – Cats with nutritional deficiencies may lose interest in food entirely. According to this source, malnutrition can make cats feel fatigued and disinterested in eating.
Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation – Digestive upset is common when cats eat an improper diet. The wrong balance of nutrients, fats, and proteins in dog food can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation in cats.
Weight loss or muscle wasting – Malnutrition leads to weight loss and muscle wasting over time. As noted here, malnourished cats may have visible ribs, no waist, and a round body shape.
When to Call the Vet
While it’s generally not recommended, the occasional nibble of dog food is unlikely to harm an otherwise healthy cat. However, if symptoms of illness persist more than 24 hours after switching back to cat food, it’s best to call your veterinarian.
Signs that warrant a veterinary visit include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
Dog food can sometimes irritate a cat’s stomach and digestive tract, causing stomach upset that may require medication to resolve. It can also trigger allergic reactions in some cats.
Additionally, eating dog food long-term can cause nutritional deficiencies and imbalances in cats due to the differing needs of dogs and cats. For example, dog food is generally higher in protein and fat, and lacks adequate taurine – an essential amino acid for cats.
If your cat’s symptoms do not improve within a day of resuming their normal diet, take them to the vet right away. Quick treatment can help prevent lasting complications.
Takeaway Points
Cats fed dog food exclusively long-term risk serious nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Dog food lacks adequate levels of key nutrients cats require like taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, and protein. As obligate carnivores, cats have very specific nutritional needs compared to dogs. Only feed dog food to cats as an absolute last resort when no cat food is available.
When transitioning back to cat food, do so gradually over 5-7 days. Mix a little more cat food in each day, slowly decreasing the amount of dog food. This allows their digestive system time to adjust.
Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation when feeding dog food. Also monitor for lethargy, weight loss, poor coat quality, or eye problems which may signal malnutrition.
Dog food does not meet cats’ long term nutritional needs. Only use it temporarily in an emergency until cat food is available again. Make the switch back to cat food gradually to avoid GI issues.
The Bottom Line
Feeding dog food to cats once in awhile likely won’t cause long-term issues if switched back to cat food properly. While cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements, dog food can be fed to cats in moderation or emergencies as long as they are transitioned back to cat food slowly. However, long-term feeding of dog food can lead to taurine deficiency and other problems in cats. It’s best to stick to cat food for everyday cat nutrition. If feeding dog food to a cat for more than a couple days, consult your vet to ensure your cat’s health remains optimal.
If you ever have concerns about your cat’s nutrition or health, contact your veterinarian. They can provide tailored advice for your individual cat’s needs. With proper care and feeding, your cat can continue thriving on cat food formulated especially for their dietary requirements.