does it really make any difference if i feed my dog cat food?

Question

ive heard it might actually be better for him? the dry kind i mean whats the point in buying both if he will eat the cat food?

Answer 1

There's a reason for CAT food and DOG food. Dogs diet requirements are different than cats.

You may not realize any short term health problems except for weight gain, but your dog is depending on you to provide the proper food to keep him healthy for the long run.

The point is that you have a cat that eats cat food and you have a dog that SHOULD eat dog food. If you don't want to buy your dog dog food, then why do you have a dog?

Answer 2

Your dog is not a cat and although a dog will eat cat food just like my cat meows for the dogs food and will eat it their nutritional requirements are different-a dog is a dog and a cat is a cat. Feeding your dog cat food can eventually have him in ill health for cat food misses a lot of the food stuff that your dog needs and then you'll have expensive vet bills-can cause liver damage. Cheaper for you in the long run to get your dog a good quality food that has no By Products-look in the contents and is made specifically for dogs.

Answer 3

When I was cat-sitting my daughters cat, my toy poodle always ate the cat's food. I was concerned that it might be somewhat harmful to him so I called the vet and asked if a dog can eat cat food and the reply was - it is OK, but, a cat should not eat dog food. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Dogs should eat dog food. Thats why its called dog food. Dogs need the fats and nutrients in dog food and cats need other stuff. Stick with the dog food or else he might start puking or get diarrhea. My grandma has a cat and I've got a dog and they kinda switched food, but my dog stopped because she was getting sick. Not that fatass cat though. He'll eat it when I'm sleeping then puke in my room like 4 times and it pisses me off!

Answer 5

It is really not such good idea. Dogs need very different food from cats and will not be as healthy if they eat cat food. If you visit reputable veterinarian sites and you will probably get similar advice, as I was told that the content of cat food is very different and not good for my growing puppies at all.

Also, go to http://www.dogster.com for some good nutritional advice. Some time ago, there was also an excellent reference here on Yahoo on Dog'sHealth where you could test your dog's health with a questionnaire, but I could not find it again. :(

Answer 6

funny our dog eats the cat food all the time BUT the vet said that there is nutritional value in DOG food. So put the cat food up when cat is done and let the dog eat his own that is what we do. Pain in the butt but healthier for your dog.

Answer 7

Just occasionally wouldn't hurt if you run out of the right stuff, but dogs and cats are built different and the makers of the food probably do put different things in that cats and dogs require in their diet.

Answer 8

Trust me on this:

Feed your dog the highest quality dry DOG food you can lay your hands on. There is NO SUCH THING as cheap pet food.

The money you save now will result in extra vet bills and heartache for you and poorer health and a shorter life for your dog.

Ask your vet or someone knowledgeable about pet nutrition to guide your choices. Some good brands are: Science Diet, NutroMax, Eukanuba, Iams, etc.

Answer 9

The protein and meat in cat food is better than a dog's digestive system needs. This might upset his tummy a little bit but he'd adapt. Kind of like putting premium gas in a beater car; you might be wasting your money but you aren't going to hurt anything.

Best wishes and God bless.

Answer 10

Cat food is richer then most dog foods, and will give your dogs the runs. There is a reason they make food for dogs, and food for cats.