Is it possible to feed a dog cat food?
Is it possible to feed a dog cat food?
The difference between cat and dog food may not be noticeable at first glance. However, the difference in the physiology of these pets is immediately visible. Cats are predators. In nature, they feed only on meat containing large amounts of protein. Dogs are omnivores. They feel healthy eating both animal and plant foods. Moreover, an excess of proteins in a dog’s body can cause indigestion and liver problems over time. It is unacceptable to feed a dog cat food, much less feed it to it on an ongoing basis.
Why do dogs eat cat food?
The reason may lie in an incorrectly selected diet, or in the pet’s character. The dog may simply not be full of his portion, and therefore rushes to finish the cat’s portion. Also, the dog may be attracted by the smell of economy cat food, because flavor enhancers and flavorings are added to them. By the way, they are harmful to both dogs and cats.
The dog's character traits cannot be ruled out. A dominant dog may eat cat food only to show his dominance in his home territory. If you do not monitor the dog’s behavior in time, dominance can develop into a trait such as greed. Dogs are no strangers to human vices, however, with proper training, all this can be corrected.
Why is cat food harmful to dogs?
The main difference in the diets of cats and dogs is the amount of protein.
During the digestion of proteins in the body of animals, nitrogen is formed as a by-product. Excess nitrogen is removed from the body by the filtering organ – the kidneys. However, cat foods contain more protein than a dog needs. This means the load on the kidneys increases.
Vitamins and microelements in cat food are also in proportions that are unsuitable for dogs. Zinc and vitamin E are several times less than the dog’s intake. And taurine, which is a mandatory ingredient in cat food, is not needed by dogs at all. The dog's body can produce it on its own. It is worth noting that cats need more fat than dogs. Therefore, the amount of fat in cat diets is higher. For a dog, this can mean a risk of obesity and pancreatitis.
Of course, it all depends on the size of the dog and the duration of feeding. If a large dog eats cat food once, it is unlikely to affect its health. However, if eating food from a cat’s bowl has become a habit, it is worth studying the issue in more detail and taking action.
Fundamental differences between feeds
1. Dry cat food has more fiber than dog food. Sources of fiber are plant and fruit fibers. In moderation, it is indispensable for healthy intestinal function, and therefore is contained in all ready-made diets. However, dogs need much less fiber, and too much of it will not bring any benefit to the animal.
2. In super-premium and higher class cat food, the protein is on average 15-20% more than in dog food. The dog’s body is not designed for such an amount of protein, and therefore creates an additional burden on the pet’s kidneys.
You can learn more about the composition of food for dogs and cats using Brooksfield food as an example.
3. Products for cats contain more vitamins E and PP. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the body from harmful substances, prevents thrombosis and supports the pet’s immunity. In an acceptable amount, it brings only benefits for both the dog and the cat.
However, any owner should know: in an effort to give more vitamins to our pets, we can harm their health. The intake of vitamins is different for dogs and cats. What is good for a cat can be a problem for a dog.
4. Cat food is poor in vitamins A, C, D3, K. Super-premium and higher dog food already contains the vitamins your pet needs. Therefore, vitamin deficiency in dogs is rare. The situation changes dramatically when the dog starts eating cat food on a regular basis.
The absorption of vitamins is not a simple process of transition from the intestines to the blood. Each element first binds to receptors and is then transported by certain protein molecules. Such chains of connections are different in cats and dogs. The dog may simply not absorb the form of vitamins that are in cat food. Not to mention, dogs are larger dogs and need more vitamins.
5. Dry and wet cat food is enriched with taurine. Cats' bodies are unable to produce taurine, which they need for proper digestion. But the dog’s body synthesizes taurine on its own, in sufficient quantities. Additional taurine from cat food can be dangerous for kidney and heart problems, as well as digestion and childbirth.
6. Cat food contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus. An incorrect ratio of calcium and phosphorus in a pet’s body affects dental health. And long-term feeding of cat food can lead to dysplasia and more serious pathologies in a dog.
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The differences in the physiology of cats and dogs are obvious. This is why dogs should not eat cat food, especially on an ongoing basis. If you have already encountered the fact that your dog is addicted to cat food, you urgently need to wean him from this bad habit.
How to stop your dog from eating junk food
Before taking steps to curb unhealthy addictions, pay attention to your dog's diet. Cat foods contain higher levels of protein and meat products than dog foods. The dog can feel this and therefore encroach on the cat's bowl.
Add wet food with a decent meat content to your dog's diet. Previously, we told you how to choose wet food for your dog. This way your pet will get enough protein.
To prevent your dog from being tempted to try cat food, feed the animals separately from each other. You can feed your pets one at a time, behind a closed door. Or place the cat's bowl at a height that the dog cannot reach.
Do not leave food freely available. This applies to both dogs and cats. All pets have a natural mechanism for regulating nutrition - satiety and hunger. However, at home, in the absence of loads, the system may fail. To prevent pets from overeating and encroaching on each other's bowls, give out food in portions.
The desire of any owner is a healthy pet. The main guarantee of health is proper nutrition. Therefore, you should be very careful when feeding the animal, prohibiting it from consuming food that is not intended for it.
