Speak to our team
Do you need help?
‘Can dogs eat cat food?’ is one of the many questions asked of our emergency vets and vet nurses, who regularly address concerns about the diets of dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the pet-owning community, sharing advice articles and putting out warnings, it’s now common knowledge that chocolate, for example, is bad for pets. and what else features on the ‘don’t eat’ list? This article looks at the potential dangers of dogs eating cat food.
Can dogs eat cat food?
Dogs should not be fed cat food and dog owners who have cats should ensure their dog’s access to cat food is restricted. One of the reasons for this is cats are carnivores and their diet is almost exclusively made up of meat. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores and need a much more balanced diet to meet their nutritional requirements.
Why is cat food bad for dogs?
Cat food tends to be high in fat, calories and protein, which means it’s not ideal for dogs. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may suffer gastrointestinal upset, sickness and diarrhoea after eating cat food. Those fed it regularly are at greater risk of obesity and potentially pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the organ that aids the digestive process and can be life-threatening.
Having said that, unlike foods containing toxic chemicals such as chocolate, eating cat food that’s been stolen from an unsuspecting cat’s bowl is highly unlikely to cause serious harm.
Why is cat food bad for dogs?
Cat food tends to be high in fat, calories and protein, which means it’s not ideal for dogs. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may suffer gastrointestinal upset, sickness and diarrhoea after eating cat food. Those fed it regularly are at greater risk of obesity and potentially pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the organ that aids the digestive process and can be life-threatening. Having said that, unlike foods containing toxic chemicals such as chocolate, eating cat food that’s been stolen from an unsuspecting cat’s bowl is highly unlikely to cause serious harm.
How to keep dog from eating cat food?
You should always keep cat food out of your dog’s reach and, if you suspect your dog has eaten a significant amount, you should seek veterinary advice. Also remember, dog food is not good for cats either.