Whats the difference between Cat and Dog food ?

Question

my cat has been eating dog food is this a problem ?

Answer 1

Long term yes, that will be a problem. Switch him to cat food. It's very high in an amino acid called taurine. Dogs don't need much but cats do, so cat food is fortified with it.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=taurine+%2B+cats&btnG=Google+Search&meta=
Theres a couple of sites on this page that will explain.

Answer 2

Generally, it shouldn't pose as too much a problem if not given in large amounts over extended periods of time. If your cat loves dog food, perhaps you can try to just give it as a little snack once in a while.
But yes, there IS a difference between cat and dog foods. Firstly, the nutritional needs of dogs and cats are different, which also applies to foods catered to different dog sizes. Dogs generally require more protein intake than cats, which mean that your cat may be taking in too much protein if he/ she is taking dog food every single meal.

Answer 3

The cat should eat cat food, and the dog should eat dog fod and if the dog is still hungry, he will eat the cat for afters. Ha Ha.

Only for a laugh, I am an animal lover but like to make jokes about all sorts of things, although I am disabled I havent lost being a practical joker.

Answer 4

Your cat needs cat food because cat food is made with more protein and fat and taurine, which cats need. It won't kill your cat to eat dog food and your cat could live on it but not get all the nutrients it needs to be optimally healthy.
That is also the reason dogs are better off not eating cat food because it is higher in protein and fat than what they need. Still,even a starving human could live off of cat or dog food.
Since you can buy cat food for a cat, why not do it?

Answer 5

This is a question better served by typing it in google, so you can get a full explanation from a vet source. Bottom line is - if you feed your dog exclusively cat food, it would probably eventually die of pancreatitis (cat food is also fattier than dog food) or some other malnutrition related illness - and if you did the opposite - fed cats only dog food - they would die even faster, as their digestive systems are more sensitive and they require taurine, which is sometimes but not neccesarily present in dog food.

Answer 6

It probably won't hurt him in the short-term, but he needs to have cat food. The protein levels are definitely different as well as the amount and kinds of vitamins and minerals. Do you mean you've been feeding your cat dog food, or your cat has just been getting into the dog food? If he's just getting into it, I would try to stop him, but he should be fine, but if you're trying to substitute the cat food with dog food, you should stop.

Answer 7

Cat food is high in protein and is mostly meat products. Dog food has more vegetables and variety, which is not good for cats. Your cat is missing out on essential vitamins and minerals.

My vet said that if "corn" is one of the first three ingredients, don't buy it. Vegetables and starch (like corn and potatoes) will cause urinary tract infections and other health issues. Cats are carnivores.

Also DO NOT switch cat foods randomly. Cats need the consistency of one brand. if you need to switch food, gradually wean the cat onto the new food.

Answer 8

Yep, it is a problem. Cats require higher protein levels in their food. I feed mine 40% protein level food. Dogs can get by on as little as 15% protein with between 20 and 25% being optimal.

Answer 9

the difference between cat food and dog food is one is 4 dogs and ones for cats. i say if your cat eats and sleeps al day there happy.

Answer 10

Dogs can eat cat food HOWEVER cats should not eat dog food as it does not meet their requirements for a nutritious diet.