If you happen to have a dog and a cat together at home, probably you have gone through this already. The moment you take your eyes off the dog for a very short time, he is there eating the cat's food, and at the same time the dog is smiling with his tail and showing it as his delight. And you are left wondering: can dogs eat cat food, or should I consider it a health risk
This question is very common across pet parents. Cat food has a very pungent odour and an equally tasty flavour and is placed in an open bowl that seems to be a special invitation.
on to the cats. The dogs ignore the mark of "for cats only"; for them, it is only a very delicious and tempting treat. As pet parents, we see a lot more. We see a companion who depends on us for their safety, and we become anxious about stomach upsets, skin allergies, obesity, and even undiscovered problems that might be accumulating over time.
In this Pet Bites guide, we will reveal the aftermath of a dog eating cat food, the hazards of a tiny nibble, and the impact of a dog getting used to cat food as a habit over time. You can view this article as a conversation with an experienced companion who is as concerned about your pets as you are.
What makes dog food different from cat food?
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their systems are meant to be fed only with meat. Their requirements are packed with protein and fat, and they are dependent on certain vitamins and amino acids that are almost only found in animal tissues. But a dog’s counterpart is more adaptable. It is placed in the category of omnivores. Good protein is still a necessity for the dog’s diet, but grains, vegetables, and other sources can also be utilised for the energy. The dog's diet ideally consists of a combination of proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals tailored specifically for dogs.
Cat food is surely built around the necessities of cats. Cats are always having their Meow Mix, while dogs are being fed with a composition that usually does not fit their digestion, and sometimes it is even difficult for the body to adjust over a long period.
Usage of protein and fat by dogs and cats
Mainly dogs and cats are using proteins and fats as their basic nutrients, while the amount and the ratio of these nutrients vary a lot. In order to match the natural diet of a feline, cat food is generally enriched with a higher amount of protein and fat compared to dog food. This is said to be a way of helping the cat to keep strong and have a constant energy level. A dog may find the same levels to be too much.
On the other hand, dog food provides energy sources in a way that is suitable for dogs. It still provides animal protein for muscle and health, but the fat level is more controlled. There is usually a little more fibre. The balance in the bowl is fine-tuned to the dog's movement, play and ageing.
Similar to protein and fat, taurine is the one that has received the most notice. Since cats are not able to produce enough taurine for their own use, pet food manufacturers add extra taurine to the food for cats so that the animals' hearts, eyes and overall health remain in the safe zone. On the other hand, through the process of metabolism, dogs can produce taurine from dietary protein; hence, they do not need the same amount of supplementation in their pet food.
In addition, cat food consists of different levels of vitamin A, niacin, and other nutrients, which are differently absorbed by cats and dogs.
When the vet should be contacted
There are situations when “wait and see” is not sufficient. In the case that your dog accidentally ingests a sizable amount of cat food or he/she is having health problems already, then it is better to consult a veterinarian for help and advice. A vet's consultation should not be ruled out if any of the following symptoms are noticed in the animal: constant vomiting, extremely liquidy diarrhoea, groaning upon touching of the stomach, unusual weakness, and a hunch that appears painful.
Pets suffering from pancreatitis, food allergies, kidney disease, or other chronic illnesses will already be used to a very specific diet and may be less tolerant of rich or unfamiliar diets. Thus, for such dogs, cat food is not only “wrong” but can entail hazards of a serious nature. If your dog is one of those mentioned and has eaten cat food, then always consult your vet, even though the dog may seem fine in the beginning. Asking early is much better than hoping and worrying.
Short-term effects you might notice
During the first weeks of the dog eating cat food frequently, the initial changes may be observed in the toilet area. All these things, like softer stools, more frequent visits to the garden, and stronger odours, are considered normal. Sometimes, a good diet for many years might even lead the dog to show nausea signs, e.g., licking lips, fast swallowing, or even staying on the grass to eat it. The new diet can make some dogs itch as their skin and coat become more sensitive to the food change.
But we can observe some behavioural changes of dogs, giving the dog owner a clue of some of the underlying health conditions. The energised-to-sleepy change is what we call the reversal of energy. Your dog probably will not sleep completely during the night and will be moving around and constantly asking to go out. Nevertheless, the signs do not point to cat food as the reason for the dog's rich or diverse diet not being as good as it could be; rather, they may well be interpreted as the opposite.
Long-term health risks you should not ignore
Inevitably, more serious risks will appear in the long run. Dogs eating cat food regularly have been reported to suffer from weight gain, pancreatitis, and joint strain, which are the major issues. Feeding dogs with fat-rich food can be a slow but sure process of weight gain for them that might last for several months or even years. It will be the case even more if the dog's owner does not increase the time for walks and play. The dog's obesity will lead to difficulties in movement, and the dog will also suffer from the hot Australian summers as he/she will take longer to cool down.
Pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a condition that significantly impacts the health of the dog and is associated with feeding high-fat diets. Possible signs of the condition are pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, and, in rare instances, serious complications requiring hospitalisation. Pancreatitis is not a definite fate for every dog that steals cat food, but still, being in the proximity of rich, fatty food won't be of any help.
Additionally, the dog might not get some nutrients that are specific to its species and that would normally be obtained from a good-quality diet. Canned cat food, although in the "premium" category, is still inappropriate for dogs. Ultimately, the lack of these nutrients may affect a dog's vigour, skin and hair, digestion, and overall well-being adversely.
Pet Bites Australia: The Most Popular Dog-Friendly Options
In case your pet is fond of cat food’s aroma and flavour, he might be very subtly showing his preferences; he simply loves the creamy taste and the crunchy feel. Fortunately, you can still offer your pet a similar treat, but only with a dog food that is specially made for him, not a cat one. Pet Bites Australia’s primary purpose is to provide your canine companion with an item that is not just delicious but also nutritious.
Kiwi Kitchens Dog Fish is among the best meals for dogs that are entirely freeze-dried. It contains natural omega-3s, which give the dog a shiny coat, muscular body, and healthy skin. The grain-free formula is very easy to digest and can be given to all dogs that have fish as their main protein source. The mix of vitamins, minerals, and natural oils makes it a meal that is complete and balanced in every bite.
KIWI KITCHENS AIR-DRIED BEEF DOG DINNER
Kiwi Kitchens Air Dried Beef Dog Dinner is a nutritious and high-protein dog food. The clean ingredient list along with omega oils helps maintain the dog's strong muscles, good digestion and nice shiny coat. The dog's food without grains in it is equally impressive as a full and balanced daily meal or as a nutrient-rich topping to attract even the most picky feeders.
Kiwi Kitchens Dog Chicken is not just a meal; it is a healthy and tasty source of protein made from chicken of very good quality and enriched with essential nutrients. Natural proteins, gentle grains and added omega oils are the components of this dog's food that support building strong muscles, an easy digestive process and a healthy, shiny coat.
Final thoughts: Make sure to feed your dog and not to let it starve!
Your canine friend gets the food that corresponds to his or her weight, age, and character. The pooch will be good and contented with the cat's food ban, smart feeding times, and dog-only meals and treats that are sumptuous and satisfying as well. It's not merely about offering food; besides, you are giving them something alive and safe, but you are also transmitting an unstated message: "I get you; I care for you, and I will be your protector for a very long time." It is the daily love that is expressed through the choices made that brings dogs the happiness and peace of mind that they are yearning for in their hearts. The daily love expressions through the choices made are the ones that bring dogs the happiness and peace of mind they long for inside their hearts.
Is it time for a change in your dog's bowl? Then, go to Pet Bites Australia, check out the best-selling dog products, and choose a diet that is not only delicious but also healthy and keeps your pet far from being tempted by the cat's food.
