Introduction
It’s not uncommon for dog owners to use cat food as treats for training or rewarding their dogs. The tiny kibble size and enticing smell of cat food makes it an attractive option. However, cat and dog foods are formulated to meet the different nutritional needs of each species. While small amounts of cat food are unlikely to harm dogs, there are some risks and guidelines to consider before swapping Fido’s biscuits for Kitty’s kibbles.
Nutritional Differences Between Cat and Dog Food
Cats have very different nutritional needs compared to dogs due to their unique physiology and metabolic processes. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found in animal flesh for optimal health [1]. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores and can meet their nutritional needs with a combination of plant and animal sources.
One of the biggest differences between cat and dog food is the protein content. Cat foods contain a minimum of 26% protein, whereas dog foods contain around 18% protein on average [2]. Cats require more protein because they have a higher protein requirement and struggle to metabolize plant proteins.
In addition, cats have a higher dietary fat need, requiring at least 9% fat in their diet compared to 5.5% for dogs. The increased fat provides cats with energy and essential fatty acids. It also makes the food more palatable for finicky feline appetites.
Overall, the higher levels of protein and fat in cat food reflect the cat’s obligate carnivore status. Dogs can thrive on a wider variety of ingredients, but cats rely heavily on nutrient-dense animal ingredients to fuel their bodies and stay healthy.
Risks of Feeding Cat Food to Dogs
Feeding cat food to dogs comes with some health risks that dog owners should be aware of. The most significant risk is potential kidney damage, as cat foods typically contain more protein than dog foods. Too much protein can overwork the kidneys and lead to kidney disease in dogs over time.
According to the AKC, the recommended daily allowance of protein for an average adult dog is 18 percent. Many cat foods contain protein levels around 40 percent, since cats require more protein than dogs.
Excessive protein from cat food can put strain on a dog’s kidneys. Over time, this can lead to kidney disease, causing symptoms like increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Other potential risks of feeding cat food to dogs include gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea, since cat food is usually richer than dog food. Some dogs may be sensitive to the higher fat and protein content in cat food. Pancreatitis is also a risk in dogs prone to that condition, as a diet too high in fat can trigger it.
While the occasional nibble likely won’t harm them, it’s best to avoid feeding cat food to dogs regularly or in large amounts. Consult your vet if your dog exhibits any symptoms after eating cat food.
Benefits of Cat Food as Training Treats
Many dog owners find that cat food can make excellent training treats. Cat kibble tends to be very palatable and appetizing for dogs because of its high protein and fat content. The smellier and more pungent cat food is, the more attractive it will be as a reward during training sessions.
Cat treats like Temptations are also popular since they have an intense fishy aroma that dogs love. As one Reddit user commented, “Dogs go absolutely bonkers for the smell/taste of cat food” [1]. The strong smell appeals to a dog’s keen sense of smell and can help keep them engaged and motivated during training.
The small size of many cat treats also makes them easy to use when teaching commands or behaviors that require rewarding your dog frequently, such as clicker training. You can carry around a bag of cat treats in your pocket for quick access.
Just be sure to adjust the amount of cat food so it doesn’t lead to weight gain. Used sparingly as treats, cat food can add excitement and positive reinforcement to training sessions.
Guidelines for Using Cat Food as Treats
If you do choose to use cat food as an occasional treat for your dog, follow these guidelines to keep your pup safe and healthy:
Only use a small amount as a treat, not as a meal replacement. Cat food should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Too much can lead to nutritional imbalances over time.
Look for cat foods designed for kittens or adult maintenance. These provide balanced nutrition for treats. Avoid prescription or senior cat foods.
Pick cat foods with higher protein and fat, like canned food or freeze-dried raw. The texture and taste appeal more to dogs.
Start with tiny pieces, like the size of a pea. Monitor for any signs of an upset stomach.
Reduce other treats to compensate for the extra calories from cat food. Too many overall treats lead to weight gain.
Never give a dog an entire bowl of cat food. Only use it sparingly in moderation.
Store cat food securely away from your dog’s reach to avoid overeating.
Discontinue use if you notice any adverse effects, like diarrhea or vomiting.
Best Cat Foods to Use as Treats
When choosing a cat food to use for training treats, look for high-protein, grain-free options. Grain-free cat foods often have fewer carbohydrates and more meat-based protein, which is better suited for a dog’s digestive system. Some good grain-free options include:
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Adult Dry Cat Food – This cat food is high in protein with real chicken as the first ingredient and contains no corn, wheat or soy. It has optimal amino acid levels to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Feline Formula – Another grain-free option with high protein from real trout and ocean fish meal. It contains antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to support overall health.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Cat Food – With fewer ingredients, this limited ingredient diet makes it easy to identify food sensitivities if they arise. The main protein source is real deboned chicken.
Focus on high-quality ingredients and pick a cat food with flavors your dog already enjoys from their regular diet. Start with small amounts and monitor stool consistency when introducing any new treat.
Monitor Your Dog’s Health
If you do choose to use cat food as treats for your dog, be sure to monitor them closely for any signs of GI upset or allergic reaction. Dogs have different nutritional needs than cats, so cat food can sometimes cause diarrhea, vomiting, or skin irritation in dogs.
According to the AKC [1], the higher protein and fat content in cat food can sometimes cause tummy upset if dogs eat too much of it. And ingredients like fish, eggs, or dairy may trigger food allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
Keep an eye out for symptoms like loose stool, vomiting, excessive gas, itchy skin, ear infections, and hair loss after feeding cat food treats. If you notice any of these issues, stop using cat food immediately and see your vet if symptoms persist.
With supervision and moderation, most dogs can tolerate cat food well for occasional treats. But know your dog’s sensitivities and watch closely for any health changes when introducing a new treat like cat food.
Treat Alternatives
While cat food can make an enticing training treat for dogs, there are many other tasty and healthy options to consider. Here are some alternatives to try:
Other smelly, high-value options like cheese, hot dogs cut into bite-size pieces, or dried liver can work very well for training. The key is finding treats your dog goes crazy for. Just be sure to account for the extra calories by reducing your dog’s regular meals if needed.
You can also make your own healthy homemade treats using ingredients like sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, carrots, or plain yogurt. There are many recipes online for baked treats that provide a safer alternative to commercial processed snacks.
Finally, consider your dog’s favorite dry kibble or freeze-dried raw food as treats. Using their regular diet as a reward can be cost-effective while controlling calories. Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust as needed.
The Bottom Line
Occasionally giving your dog a small amount of cat food as a treat is generally okay. However, it’s important to consult your veterinarian first, as cat food lacks some key nutrients dogs need for long-term health. Limit treats to 10% or less of your dog’s daily calories. Monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or other adverse reactions. While cat food can be used sparingly for training rewards, it’s best reserved for dogs over 1 year old. Consider healthier alternatives like cut up fruits and veggies. Ultimately the nutritional needs of cats and dogs are too different for regular cross-feeding. Dog food is formulated specifically for a canine’s dietary requirements.
According to PetMD, “The occasional nibble likely won’t cause too many issues for an adult dog,” but long-term feeding of cat food “can potentially cause nutritional deficiencies” https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cat-food. As Purina notes, consult a vet before offering cat food, limit portions, and monitor your dog closely https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/feeding/what-dogs-eat/can-dogs-eat-cat-food.
Summary
Overall, while cats and dogs share some nutritional needs, cat food can be dangerous for dogs if fed in large amounts. Cat food tends to be higher in protein and fat and may cause gastrointestinal distress, pancreatitis, and other problems. However, using very small amounts of high-quality grain-free cat food as training treats is generally safe.
The key is to use cat food sparingly, avoid types with harmful ingredients, monitor your dog’s health, and try alternative training treats too. With proper precautions, cat food treats are a potential option, but not required for effective training. If your dog experiences any issues, discontinue cat food treats right away. Focus on the bonding experience, not just the tasty treats, for best training results.