My Beagle Will Only Eat Cat Food- Is this OK?

Question

We already had cats when we got her as a puppy, (3 yrs ago) and she wanted what the cats were eating, even though we gave her the best brands of puppy/dog food. She would not touch the dog food, no matter what the brand- Science Diet, Iams. I guess the cat food has good vitamins in it too, though not formulated for dogs. Is there any long term harm in this?

Answer 1

Cat food developes too much uric acid in a dog, so is very hard on their systems. Excessive uric acid causes kidney stones..> http://www.vetinfo.com/dogurinary.html

There are several premium dog kibles that are fish based, and others made from more like dried meats, such as Wellness..All of the ones named by KJ are really excellent, and will have the meat that your dog craves, not any corn or fillers.
The premium kibbles will actually save you quite a bit per month over Science diet or Iams..as there are no fillers, so dogs are satisfied with less..I save 23% over deeding Purina One, or Eukenuba, by feeding Canidae..and my old dogs became so healthy and vigorous..and all have sparkling clean teeth.

Answer 2

YES!! It is harmful, especially for a growing puppy!

I sympathize, because dogs always want to eat what everyone ELSE has. LOL

Here's why it is harmful. Dogs are very different than cats, anatomically. Dogs are actually not true carnivores (meat-eaters). They are 'omnivores' meaning they need the vitamins and minerals in both meat and plant products, to be healthy. Dog food contains plant-derived nutrients too, and it's important they get these.

Because cats are in fact 'true carnivores' their diets are frequently all meat, or at least a much higher content that a dog should have. Too much protein for a dog, without plant nutrients, is not a good thing. It can do permanent damage to internal organs, and stunt your puppy's growth as well.

(All of this is also a good reason why people should not feed DOG food to cats, or HUMAN food to either one!)

Kes08 said, "I would recommend that. I believe that it is best to open feed cats (leave food available at all times, at least if they are indoor) but when many dogs are allowed to graze they often overeat". I absolutely agree - cats need to eat slowly over a period of time, dogs need to be given food and then it should be taken up.

BTW - some people will ask, "But in the WILD, don't dogs just eat meat?" NOPE. They chew on things, including plants, and when they eat a kill, they eat its stomach and intestinal contents too - getting plant nutrition from that.

Get your pup interested in dog food! Best way is to feed the cats up high where he can't get at their food. People who own cats and dogs, like I do, learn to do that, so kitties aren't always having their food stolen and dogs aren't eating the wrong thing.

Your pup might whine about it, but he'll eat when he's hungry enough! It will be a little tough to break his bad habit now that he's been allowed to do it, but you must! You'll know better with the next dog. :-) Right?

Answer 3

My credentials: aside from having pets all of my life, I once upon a time I worked for a premium pet food company. Somewhere I have the AAFCO (the govt. agency that regulates what goes into livestock/pet food) book and I also have a text from a college class on pet nutrition... but unfortunately I don't have these handy to cite right now.

Cat food contains more protein and fat than dog food. If you start comparing labels, you will see differences, but there are so many pet foods marketed for different things it can be confusing. Foods formulated for younger or more active animals will be more caloric and therefore have more protein/fat. There are quite a few "performance" foods which would be good for a working dog, but not for most neutered animals that don't have a workout every day. Over time, consuming too much protein could cause kidney damage (and at the least overfeeding or too much protein can cause loose stools). There are certain mineral/nutrient deficiencies that cause serious health issues in cats (i.e. not enough taurine can lead to blindness), and cats cannot successfully utilize a vegetarian diet (while dogs can)~I'm sure that dogs have particular requirements, as well, but not sure that cat food would meet those.

It may be easier to allow the dog to eat the cat food, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you can put the cat food high up on a kitchen counter or some place accessible only to the cats, I would recommend that. I believe that it is best to open feed cats (leave food available at all times, at least if they are indoor) but when many dogs are allowed to graze they often overeat.

The dog may like cat food just because it's not hers, because the kibble is smaller, or because she prefers the taste, shape, texture. I would strongly recommend feeding her dog food. Brands to check out: Royal Canin, Nature's Recipe, Nutro (<--- none of these use by-products, i.e. heads, feet, guts, as are still found in plenty of expensive premium brands).

Talk to your vet, but be warned that most vets get as little education in vet school on nutrition as medical doctors do. Hill's (makers of Science Diet and Prescription Diet) often have their paws in this nutritional education...

Hope something there was helpful.

Answer 4

Nope, will wreck her kidneys. Feed the cats where the dog can't get the food. Put her down some good quality dog food and do not feed her treats or table scraps. When she gets hungry enough she will eat. Our pets need quality pet food. Read the ingredients list and learn what the stuff on there is and what it does (or does not do) to/for our pets. A quick pet food 101. If the pet food contains corn/corn products or by products it is a poor quality food. Do not pay attention to advertising, they all say there food is great. Corn is a filler that can trigger skin problems. (allergies, skin problems, itching and excessive shedding) By products is anything from an animal not fit for human consumption, including cancerous tissue. Quality foods have meat as the first ingredient. California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are a few of the best brands available. If you want to learn more check out: http://www.sagekeep.com/petfood.htm www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359& more=1 http://animalark.eapps.com/animal/PetFoods.nsf/$$PetFoodsByRating?OpenForm

Answer 5

Nope, not OK to feed your dog cat food. Your dog has 'trained' you into letting her be a fussy eater. There are many better brands of food than Iams and Science Diet. (links below). Whatever brand of food you choose - when you feed your dog, only put the food bowl down for 10 minutes. If she doesn't eat it, pick it up and offer it again at the next mealtime. Your whole family will need to be consistent with this (and not give her cat food!!!) Your dog will not starve by skipping a meal or 2. Good luck!

Answer 6

Yep, there will be long term effects of feeding your dog a diet that is lacking essential nutrients.

Have you tried any other brands like Canidae, Wellness, Natural Balance, etc?

Your dog is not going to starve herself and you need to be more stubborn then she is. Get the cat food out of her reach and leave her no choice but dog food.

Don't fill her up on treats or snakcs from the table, cat food or anything else until she realizes that if she wants a full tummy, she will have to eat her own dog food.

You can ween her off the cat food by adding dog food to her bowl every day. Reduce the amount of cat food and increase the amount of dog food daily until she is eating nothing but dog food. If she picks out the cat food only, do not refill the bowl until she has emptied it. She will eat.

Answer 7

Yes long term harm can come from your dog eating cat food. The cat food is not only formulated for cats it has a stronger taste and odor, may cause mild effects like diarrhea and vomiting. But worse cat food may cause kidney failure over time in your dog. Discontinue or do not allow your dog to eat cat food lest he become ill.

Answer 8

Well cat food doesn't have all the right stuff that dogs need because dogs get bigger than cats they need more protein and things like that. And soon he might get quite ill. so try moving the cat food on a table because the cats can jump higher than a dog.

Answer 9

Try slipping in some dog food in with the cat food. My dog eats cat food at times.. he seems like it a lot more than his regular food. Just slowly try and get your puppy off of it.

Answer 10

I think you are right in saying that it is not formulated for dogs.
Dog and cat food is not the same and your dog may not be getting certain things that it needs. I would check with a vet. Also, they may have some hints as to how to change your dogs preferences. Good luck.