Can Cats Eat Dog Food? What to Know about Feline vs. Pup Dietary Needs

If you have a multi-cat household, it’s probably difficult to keep your kitties from snacking on each other’s food. But what if you own both a cat and a dog? Felines and pooches have very different nutritional requirements, which means they need different diets to stay healthy. However, maybe you happen to run out cat food, or you’ve caught Mr Whiskers snacking from your pup’s bowl and wondered: can cats eat dog food? Below, Cat in a Flat dives into whether it’s safe and healthy for your feline to feast from your pooch’s bowl.

Can cats eat dog food?

Can cats eat dog food? It’s unlikely anything serious will happen if your kitty happens to snack on some pup food. However, eating dog food should not become a habit for your fur friend. Not only is it important to consider potential feline food allergies, but you should also be aware that the cats cannot get all the nutrients they need from dog food. 

For example, your pooch’s food is unlikely to contain enough taurine, which is an important amino acid for kitties. A taurine deficiency could make your kitty sick and lead to serious health issues. Other protein and vitamin amounts in dog food are also not enough for Mr Whiskers to stay healthy. 

Main differences between dog and cat food

Dogs and cats are completely different animals, so it makes sense that they would have completely different dietary requirements. Hence, feline food is made with cats in mind, and dog food is made specifically for pups! While many of the ingredients used in both types of food are similar, there are some key differences between a feline vs. pup diet. 

Mr Whiskers has a higher need for certain essential vitamins and nutrients than Fido. Hence, cat food has higher amounts of fat, protein, and certain minerals and vitamins. One major difference between pup and kitty food is that cats are obligate carnivores. This means your fur friend cannot eat a vegan diet—felines need meat in their food to stay healthy. Dogs, on the other hand, can live happy, healthy lives on well-balanced vegan or vegetarian diets.

Another difference is that Mr Whiskers’ food is smaller because kitties have smaller mouths. It’s also higher in calories in order to meet your feline’s high metabolic needs. So, while your pooch could probably get away with eating cat food, it can be dangerous for your kitty to eat dog food over the long term. 

Are there health risks if I feed my cat dog food?

Are there risks if I feed my cat dog food? While you can certainly feed your feline puppy food in a pinch (i.e. you’ve run out of cat food), there are some serious health risks to doing it too much. For example, dog food doesn’t have enough taurine—an essential nutrient for cats. If Mr Whiskers doesn’t get enough taurine it can lead to issues such as heart disease or even blindness. And since dog food doesn’t contain the minerals and vitamins kitties need, your fur friend could suffer from vitamin deficiencies. This could affect their overall well-being—from digestive health to the health of Mr Whiskers’ coat, claws, and teeth. This is why it’s important your kitty has their own special food! 

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What to feed your cat when you run out of cat food

Dog food can be a short-term solution in an emergency. However, there are a few better options to consider before resorting to giving your feline some of your pup’s kibbles. 

Cat food alternatives:

• Cooked chicken, turkey, or beef: These are lean proteins which are a very good nutritional source for cats. This is the best alternative if you run out of cat food. 
• Cooked rice: Rice can help settle your furry friend’s stomach and is easy for them to digest. 
• Cat milk: It’s actually a myth that cats can drink the same milk humans do. Most kitties are lactose intolerant. However, there are milks made especially for felines. In a tight spot you can also give Mr Whiskers some of your lactose-free milk. 
• Canned fish: Tuna in water or another type of canned fish is a great alternative when out of kitty food. 
• Wet dog food: As a last resort you can feed your feline wet dog food. Cats need to drink a lot of water. Hence wet food is always a better option than dry because it contains more moisture.

Keep in mind that these are only temporary solutions. Aim to switch back to your kitty’s specific cat-friendly diet as soon as possible. This will ensure your feline’s many nutritional needs are met! 

Tip: Always make sure you’re stocked up on essentials like food and litter before going away on a trip. This way your wonderful cat sitter will have everything they need to provide your kitty with five-star care!

What does a healthy cat diet look like?

What does a healthy cat diet look like? The recommended diet for kitties is relatively simple: lots of meat, no grains, and no sugar. Cats are carnivores, so the most important ingredient in their diet is meat. Be careful about feeding your kitty too many carbohydrates. Wet food is often the healthier option over dry food. Not only does it contain fewer carbohydrates, but it’s full of moisture which helps keep your fur friend hydrated.

When choosing your kitty’s food, check out the ingredients list and make sure it has lots of meat and no grains or sugar. If in doubt, consult your vet. They can make some great recommendations to help your kitty stay happy and healthy. 

Remember that the right diet has a major impact on your feline’s health and quality of life. But it’s not just the type of food that matters. How you feed your fur friend matters too! Always carefully monitor Mr Whiskers’ daily diet. If possible, don’t allow your kitty to ‘graze’ or free feed throughout the day (eat whenever they want). Feed your cat on a schedule and provide them with the right amount and variety of balanced foods. Coupled with daily exercise, this will help keep your cat from becoming overweight and lower their risk of diseases like feline diabetes. 

Looking for more cat care tips? Check out our blog posts on how to look after a young kitten and tips for getting your cat to play more.