Introduction
Some pet owners like to give their dogs cat treats as an occasional snack or reward. Cat treats like Inaba Churu are designed to be tasty and appealing to cats. The soft, meaty texture and strong aroma targets feline tastebuds and offers high palatability. While dogs may readily gobble up these snack-style cat treats, there are some important nutritional considerations and potential issues to keep in mind.
Cat treats are formulated to meet the specific dietary requirements of cats, which differ from those of dogs. Giving a dog cat treats on a regular basis could lead to nutritional imbalances or deficiencies over time. Additionally, some ingredients commonly found in cat treats like fish and milk products can cause stomach upset in dogs. It’s generally best to stick to treats made just for dogs to avoid any adverse effects.
What are Inaba Churu Treats?
Inaba Churu treats are a popular brand of lickable cat treats made by Inaba. As the name suggests, these treats have a smooth, liquid texture that cats find appealing. According to the product details on Chewy.com, “Every Inaba product is made with yummy, high-quality ingredients including farm-raised chicken and/or wild-caught tuna.”
Churu treats come packaged in squeezable tubes that allow cat owners to dispense the liquid treat easily. The smooth, puree-like texture makes it easy for cats to lick up and enjoy. These treats were designed to appeal to a cat’s natural licking instinct.
Inaba Churu treats come in a variety of enticing feline-friendly flavors like tuna, chicken, salmon, crab, and seafood medley. The strong aromas and flavors are very palatable to cats. As Inaba’s website describes, these treats contain “yummy, high-quality ingredients” like real tuna, chicken, and fish oils that cats naturally crave.
Nutritional Comparison
There are some key differences between the nutritional needs of dogs and cats that owners should be aware of. According to Cats vs. Dogs: 5 Differences in Nutritional Needs, cats have a higher requirement for protein made up of amino acids compared to dogs. Cats also need the amino acid taurine in their diet, whereas dogs can synthesize their own taurine.
As explained on MeowMix.com, cats require 25-30% of their diet to come from protein compared to only 18-25% for dogs. Cats also need higher levels of arginine and taurine. In terms of fats, cats require more arachidonic acid than dogs. When it comes to carbohydrates, dogs can tolerate up to 50% of calories from carbs, while cats require under 40% of calories from carbs since they are obligate carnivores.
According to WebMD, cats also have higher needs for other essential nutrients like vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The differences in nutritional requirements means cat food formulations tend to have higher protein and fat with lower carbs compared to most dog foods.
Dangers of Giving Dogs Cat Treats
While the occasional cat treat is generally safe, regularly feeding cat treats to dogs can lead to some health concerns. Cat treats are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats, which differ from the needs of dogs in a few key ways:
First, cat treats are often very high in fat. The average cat treat contains about 7-15% fat, while the AAFCO recommendation for fat in dog treats is under 5%. Too much dietary fat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even death in severe cases. Feeding high fat cat treats regularly puts dogs at risk for this serious condition.
Second, dog and cat treats have very different nutritional profiles. Cat treats are high in protein and fat, while being low in carbohydrates. They also tend to be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals that are important for dogs, like calcium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc. Feeding cat treats long-term could lead to nutrient imbalances and potential deficiencies in dogs.
For these reasons, veterinarians caution against regularly treating dogs with cat treats. While the occasional treat may be fine, cat treats should not make up a meaningful portion of a dog’s diet. Sticking to treats specifically formulated for dogs is the safest approach.
Benefits of Dog Treats
Dog treats that are specifically made for canine consumption provide nutritional benefits tailored to a dog’s needs. According to veterinarians, dog treats have the right blend of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals to complement a dog’s regular diet.
Veterinarians typically recommend dog treats over cat treats for canine health. Dog treats are formulated to deliver complete nutrition for a dog’s digestive system and metabolism. They also cater to a dog’s taste preferences with flavors like beef, chicken and peanut butter.
In comparison, cat treats may contain too much protein and fat for a dog’s needs. Some ingredients like fish and added vitamins can also cause stomach upset in dogs if consumed excessively. Vegetarian cat treats lack the animal proteins that dogs require.
For pet owners looking for safe treat options, veterinarian-approved dog treats are the best choice. Quality brands undergo extensive testing to ensure safety and nutritional balance. With a wide selection of flavors, textures and shapes, there are many options to please picky dogs.
Overall, dog treats designed specifically for canines offer nutritional content and veterinarian guidance not found in cat treats. Sticking to treats formulated for a dog’s needs is the healthiest and safest approach.
Ingredient Concerns
One of the main considerations with feeding dogs any cat food or treat is that cats and dogs have different nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require certain nutrients like taurine that are found primarily in animal ingredients. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores and can tolerate a wider range of ingredients.
When looking at the ingredients in Inaba Churu cat treats, there are a few that may be questionable for dogs:
- Fish oil – While fish oil is a healthy supplement for dogs, the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in cat treats like Churu can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in large amounts.
- Added taurine – Dogs can synthesize their own taurine so added amounts like those found in cat treats are unnecessary.
- Sodium bisulfate – This preservative allows the treats to have a long shelf life but high sodium levels may be problematic for some dogs.
Overall the ingredients in Inaba Churu don’t appear to be toxic for dogs, but the high fat content and additives like taurine and preservatives aren’t formulated with a dog’s health in mind. Feeding cat treats occasionally as a special snack would likely not cause issues, but they should not make up a large part of a dog’s regular diet.
Veterinarian Advice
Before feeding your dog any cat treats, consult with your veterinarian for professional guidance. According to Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinary health expert, “Most cat treats are totally fine and safe for dogs to eat” (Source 1). However, Dr. Richter warns that they often contain more calories and fat than dog treats, so they should only be given occasionally and in moderation to avoid weight gain.
The general consensus among veterinarians is that cat treats will not cause immediate harm if given to dogs, but they are not formulated to meet all of a dog’s nutritional needs long-term. Dr. Laura Harris of Greencross Vets explains, “Whilst the odd cat treat or two won’t do dogs any harm, it’s best they stick to treats specifically designed for them” (Source 2).
Veterinarians recommend choosing dog treats over cat treats whenever possible. Dog treats are tailored to deliver complete nutrition and ingredients that align with a dog’s health needs. Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Pet Food, states, “Dog treats have meat as the first ingredient, whereas cat treats often have by-products. Stick to treats made for dogs” (Source 3).
Sources:
1. https://petfriendlybox.com/resource-center/can-dogs-eat-cat-treats
2. https://www.petsradar.com/advice/can-dogs-eat-cat-treats
3. https://pethelpful.com/dogs/can-dogs-eat-cat-treats
Owner Experiences
Some owners have tried giving Inaba Churu treats to their dogs and shared their experiences online. According to Amazon reviews (https://www.amazon.com/INABA-Churu-Lickable-Treat-Dogs/product-reviews/B08CG8144C), most dogs seem to enjoy the taste and find Inaba Churu very palatable. Owners mention their dogs “go bonkers” when they get the treats out. However, some owners note digestive upset like soft stool when feeding too many treats. It’s important to feed treats in moderation.
On Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/puppy101/comments/12tozqw/found_the_one_treat_pup_is_willing_to_pay/), a puppy owner shares that Inaba Churu finally motivated their puppy to pay attention and walk nicely on leash. The high palatability makes it a useful training treat. However, the treats should only comprise a small portion of the dog’s daily calories to avoid weight gain or other health impacts.
Alternatives for Picky Dogs
If your dog turns up their nose at traditional dog treats, there are plenty of tempting alternatives that may entice even the pickiest pup. Many dog owners have success with the following high-value options:
Beef jerky strips make for long-lasting, meaty treats that most dogs find irresistible (Source). Dehydrated cod skin is another popular choice, providing a tasty fishy flavor dogs love (Source). Freeze-dried free-range beef tripe has a strong aroma and enticing texture for picky pups (Source).
You can also make regular dog treats more exciting in various ways. Mix in peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or mashed fruits like bananas to add tempting flavor and aroma (Source). Warm the treats slightly to bring out the smell. Cut treats into smaller pieces to make them more manageable. Ultimately, finding treats that appeal to your individual dog’s preferences is key to overcoming picky eating.
Conclusion
In summary, while Inaba Churu treats are designed for cats, it is generally not recommended to feed them to dogs. The high-fat content can lead to obesity and other health issues if dogs consume them regularly. Additionally, cat treats lack nutrients essential for dogs and may contain additives that are harmful to dogs.
Veterinarians strongly advise against giving any treats formulated for cats to dogs. The different nutritional requirements of dogs and cats mean cat treats will not provide a balanced diet. Feeding cat treats could result in nutritional deficiencies over time.
Instead of Inaba Churu treats, owners should look for treats specifically made for dogs. There are many great options formulated with dogs’ needs in mind that provide a healthy, low-calorie reward. Consider options like dehydrated meats, dental chews, or frozen veggies and fruits if your dog is a picky eater. With so many dog treats available, there is no need to give cat treats.
The safest approach is to check with your veterinarian about the best treats and diet for your individual dog. While an occasional cat treat may not cause problems, regular consumption could lead to obesity, gastrointestinal issues, or malnutrition. Knowing the risks helps dog owners make the best choices for their pet’s health and wellbeing.
