2006-10-05 06:39:24 · 14 answers · asked by willow 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Dog food is too low in protein for a cat to eat regularly, and it doesn't contain the required levels of supplements cats need, like tourine, for heart and eye health. Dogs LOVE cat food, because of the higher protein levels, but it's not good for them, they'll get fat, plus digestive upset (diarrhea) IF THEY EAT TOO MUCH!
It will not harm either one to eat some once in a while, like if one is sneaking a taste out of the other's dish, but I wouldn't let it become a habit!
2006-10-05 06:52:26 · answer #1 · answered by redneckcowgirlmn 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Dogs are scavengers. The idea that dogs should eat only dog food is at best erroneus. Dogs need a minimum of 16 percent protein when adults and about 21 percent while still growing. Eating cat food will not harm a dog. The most harmful ingredients in all animal food are the grains. No animal on the planet has a physiology designed for high grain consumption, including humans. Cat and dog food has a very high grain content. Cats should have at least a 20 percent protein content in their feed. And both dogs and cats should have access to grass and other plants on which they can graze, which they will do if allowed to. Some ingredient in dog food, except for the really expensive ones, can cause a blockage in a cat's urinary tract. Also, cat food has enzymes, vitamins, and plant material (other than grain) which are necessary for a cat's health. So, it isn't a good idea to let cats eat dog food, but dogs will probably thrive on cat food.
2006-10-05 13:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by quietwalker 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes...if that's the primary diet.
Feeding cat food to a dog on a regular basis is a good way to cause kidney damage leading to early-age kidney failure (due to excess protein) and/or pancreatitis (due to higher fat content.) The excess protein is not good for liver function, either. Their metabolisms are different on a physiological level. It will also cause especially stinky feces.
Feeding dog food to a cat on a regular basis will cause a taurine deficiency in cats, because dogs can make their own (so it's not added to their food), but cats can't (so it IS added to theirs.) Taurine deficiency in cats is one of the many causes of cardiomyopathy. Cats also need a much higher level of protein than dogs....as they are true carnivores, while dogs are omnivores.
That's why there are separate types of food for the different species. If they were all designed by nature to eat the same type food, all that would need to be on the shelves would be 'animal' food. Those who say their pets do it all the time 'with no problem' would rapidly change their tune if they saw the results of bloodwork or liver/kidney/heart biopsies of animals fed that way.
Getting a SMALL bite or two once in a blue moon won't necessarily hurt, though...as long as they are on the proper diet the rest of the time.
2006-10-05 13:49:30 · answer #3 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 dogs and three cats. Over the years each has gotten into the others food and there has never been a problem. I wouldn't recommend giving a steady diet of dog food to a cat and vice versa. I have had several cats go to the dog bowl and sit there and eat about 5-6 bites. I have no idea why they would do that but they did. LOL
2006-10-05 13:54:34 · answer #4 · answered by angel4u2_8 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it can harm both.
Dog food does not conatin taurine, an essential nutrient for cats. Without taurine, they can go blind (among other things).
Cat food is very high in calories and protein. Cats need more calories and protein than dogs because they have higher metabolisms. Cat food can make a dog extremely overweight.
2006-10-05 14:54:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would not hurt once in a while. A steady diet of food for a different species is not a good idea. Cats are meat eaters. They need more protein than dogs.
2006-10-05 13:48:59 · answer #6 · answered by Jabberwock 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For dogs, cat food is considered a treat since the overall quality of the ingredients is better. Unfortunately a cat doesn't consider dog food a treat because of the meat by products that are used which may be difficult for kitty to digest.
2006-10-05 13:50:19 · answer #7 · answered by pepper 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As a regular diet, one type of food would be unhealthy for the other animal. If you happen to run out of one and have the other on hand, a meal or two won't be a problem.
2006-10-05 13:57:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is LESS harmful for a dog to eat cat food than a cat to eat dog food. but a cat should ONLY eat cat food and a dog should ONLY eat dog food.
2006-10-05 13:46:55 · answer #9 · answered by macleod709 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"Experts" say it's bad for cats to eat dog food, can cause health
problems. A friend's alsation dog always steals the cat's food
without any problems it seems.
2006-10-05 13:51:55 · answer #10 · answered by bluejay 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋