What All Pet Parents Should Consider?
If you've ever seen your dog guilty of munching on a cat treat, you probably giggled, scratched your head, and said something along the lines of, "They'll be ok." But then you probably start to think... Can dogs eat cat treats or is there more to that small snack?
If you have pets in your home, We bet you've experienced this: your cat takes one lick, refuses to eat it, and before you know it, your dog has scarfed it up. It does not seem to be a concern, right? A dog can eat anything but doesn't mean it should.
This isn't about going into panic mode, it's about knowing what is actually best for your furry friend! Let's get a better understanding of the truth about dogs eating cat treats, the dangers lurking behind that small snack and treats that actually keep your dog's tail wagging.
Before you go any further, make sure to check out our site Pet Bites , we have a variety of dog treats tailored to fun snacking and happy bellies!
What’s In Cat Treats (and Why Dogs Go Absolutely Crazy for Them)
Let’s be real, cat treats smell super good and might trigger any animal. For a dog's nose, a small bag of tuna-flavoured bits might as well be a five-star restaurant. The smells are powerful, meaty, and hard to resist. So, just picture what kind of effect that is on your dog! And, more than self-control, how in the world would a dog overcome that!
After all, cat treats are designed for a cat, not forgetting that a cat is an obligate carnivore. It makes sense cat treats are crazy high in animal protein and fat. Cats treats will include a mashup of some smelly thing as the base ingredient: fish oil, liver paste, chicken based powder, etc. Many brands have also added meat flavour enhancers to the mix, for all the biggest flavour.
Rather, dogs are categorised as omnivores. They will eat a bit of, well, everything including meats, grains, vegetables and fruits, and the digestion of food is quite different from those of an omnivore. Therefore, if your dog senses cat food, or cat treats, he/ she will probably experience something very intense for all of their senses. They can smell every bit of chicken, fish or beef, and the second this pleasant treat is there, it is gone.
What we must consider is that those tasty, meaty flavours that they tend to love are often too rich for their digestion process. Something that smells good might just be too rich to digest properly after consumption.
Yes, these treats may well have your dog drooling the instant you crack open the bag, but they aren’t made for your dog’s body. What’s good for a cat’s diet isn’t necessarily safe for a dog to digest.
The Risks Of Dogs Consuming Cat Treats
You might be asking, “What’s the harm in giving just a few cat treats?”
And, to be honest, you're probably right in that regard, a snack once in a while will not be a problem for the vast majority of pets. However, it becomes a problem once this becomes standardised behaviour or your dog has been able to find a few cat treats on occasion; that's when the problems arise.
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Digestive Problems
Cat treats tend to be far richer and much higher in fat than dog treats, as they have been developed withpicky cats in mind rather than rugged dogs. So when a dog eats something that is so rich in fat, it can lead them to have upset stomachs and may produce the following signs for the following or in the days after the dog initiates his or her cat snacking: diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, or pain.
Some dogs seem to tolerate rich food better than others; however, puppies and small dogs can feel the discomfort and problems the fastest because their digestive systems simply are not set up to handle extra fat and protein.
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Weight Gain
Pet treats are akin to the "junk food" of the pet world, small, delicious, and calorie-dense. If you give your dog treats too often, it can add up to extra weight without you even knowing.
A little extra weight may be cute, yet dog obesity can lead to much bigger problems years down the road, arthritis, diabetes, and even heart strain. Balanced dog treats that are appropriate for their body will keep your dog healthy and active for years to come.
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Risk of Pancreatitis
This condition is not only unpleasant, it's dangerous.
Foods that are too fatty can cause pancreatitis, which causes swelling of the pancreas, which is extremely painful.
If after the consumption of the high-fat treats your dog is vomiting, not eating, lethargic, or in pain, you should call and set up an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. This can become very serious quickly and requires a veterinarian's assistance and treatment.
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Dietary Imbalance
Never forget that cat treats are for cats, not dogs. In fact, cat treats contain some additional taurine and vitamin A that cats do necessarily need, but a dog does not need as much.
Over time, a dog that excessively consumes cat treats can create dietary imbalance from the nutrient deficiencies in the nutrients dogs need versus excess nutrients that dogs actually do not need. So, your dog will seem satisfied with their full measure of anticipation but will not necessarily maintain proper health.
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Allergies or sensitivities
Some cat treats may contain fish meal or lots of poultry. If your dog has eaten a cat treat, it can also lead to any allergic reaction. If your dog starts rubbing his back, licking a certain area of his body or “gets red or develops a hot spot”, then it could be indicative of an allergic reaction to the food.
All dogs' gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) react differently to foods. Any foods that "contained or processed" any reasonable amounts of an ingredient can lead to an allergic reaction. Always test or observe closely before trying new foods! What might fit for your dog might be harmful for another dog in your family.
What To Do If A Dog Eats Cat Treats?
It happens to every pet owner or it eventually will, you left the bag of cat treats out, and a mischievous cat carried the bag to the floor, or your dog was sneaking around while you weren't looking and managed to eat a few. So, in that instance, you most likely don't need to be concerned; from the outside,, cat treats are likely not hazardous, but here's your next step:
Look at the package. Look over the ingredient list and any red flags (ex: garlic, onions, too much fat) and how much has been consumed, along with your dog's weight. Then, do a behavior check, just listen for any signs of discomfort over the next several hours. For the most part, dogs will have no problem with a couple of cat treats, but it's always good to know to check.
If your dog is vomiting, in significant distress, or suddenly lethargic, you should, of course, call your veterinarian. Most likely your dog will not have a serious condition, but it's better to be safe than sorry. In most cases, your fur-baby will be back to wagging tails and begging for real dog treats before you know it.
The Differences Between Dog Treats And Why It’s Important
Dog treats are not just some random snacks you throw your dog; they have a purpose which supports your canine's health and nutrition. Each small, chewy biscuit and jerky stick has been balanced and formulated to provide your dog with something tasty and safe to indulge in.
Treats are formulated with digestibility and energy in mind, using the right mix of protein, fat, fibre, and flavour to ensure that your pup can munch away without any issues to their tummy. Dog treats are much more controlled and easy on the system, unlike cat treats. Cat treats often contain very high levels of protein and fat to be as tempting as possible for felines.
Flavour is also broader for dogs than cats. Treats for cats have a more limited range of fishy or meaty flavours as compared to dog treats that are made for dogs outside of the usual beef, chicken, and lamb tastes. There are sweet and even veggie blends of vegetables in your dog's treat.
How To Choose The Best Dog Treat
Choosing the best treat for your dog is about more than just the best smelling or fastest tail wagging treat. It is about a treat that is also healthy and delicious for your dog.
The best dog treats are one that include both taste and nutrition. You want to be sure your dog enjoys the treat, but you also want to be sure it is good for digestion, energy, and coat.
If you want something with a proven record of being dog- and pet parent-approved, here are some of our best sellers from Pet Bites that offer the perfect balance of taste and health:
A crunchy, high-protein option for both dogs and cats. These treats are made from 100% real chicken neck, freeze-dried to maintain maximum flavour and nutrients, perfect for natural chewers and raw feeders.
This is one of our most popular product among our customers. A satisfying, long-lasting chew that is filled with delicious peanut butter goodness. Perfect for dogs who love to munch away for hours.
These are durable little chews made of natural beef muscle, wonderful for healthy gums & strong teeth. Chewy, protein-packed, and made of 100% Australian beef.
Soft, chewy, and yummy chicken skewers for dogs who love real meat. These are bursting with flavour and very easy on their tummies, a great training or weekend treat.
A great reward for well-behaved dogs. A light and fun yoghurt drop that makes for a great reward to distract, pass the time in the afternoon sun, or just a fun little treat.
Each dog is an individual and each will have his or her preferences; some dogs don't love crunchy treats very much, some dogs don't love chewy treats very much, some dogs don't love creamy, soft treats very much, and many dogs don't care either way! The most important thing is to try a few options and see what your dog enjoys the most!
And if you are ever stuck on what to try, browse through our wide variety of dog treats at Pet Bites , we have a treat for every pup, from tiny toy breeds to giant goofballs that love to chew all day long.
The best thing you can do? Keep cat treats aside for your cat, and spoil your dog with goodies made specifically for them.
Browse our Pet Bites dog treats, where you can find treats that are also tasty, nutritious and vet approved and that your dog will just love.
