Can you feed a cat dog food?

Answer 1

Hi Darren.... cats and dogs food are specifically designed for one another which provides the necessary vitamins and protein for their bodies. Cats require taurine an essential amino acid which is important for cardiac (heart) function as well as vision as well as higher protein in their diet unlike dogs so it's not advisable to let a cat eat a diet on dog food alone.

Taurine for cats:
http://www.petngarden.com/cats/cats4.php

Answer 2

A cat should not be fed only dog food. A cat requires a diet much higher in protein than a dog and a dog produces its own taurine, a cat cannot. A lack of taurine can lead to heart disease and blindness in cats. Also the vitamin A in dog food is different than in cat food because dogs can get it through beta carotene while a cat cannot. There is also a type of fatty acid that is not present in dog food because dogs don't need it. So, while it is not dangerous for a cat to have some every now and again, it shouldn't be a main source of nutrition.

Answer 3

Cats can exist on dog food for weeks before there are any adverse effects. While dog food is a bit short on some of the additives that are put in cat food and missing some amino acids that cats require, there is going to be no harm to the cat missing them for a few days. The tuna won't hurt as long as it is low in salts, but you might throw the cat a chunk of raw meat too. She will appreciate that.

Answer 4

Cats have different nutritional needs than dogs. So NO you can't feed cats dog food.

Answer 5

No. Cat food is specially made for cats. Dog food is far too rich and doesn't contain the essentials that your cat needs to develop and grow strong.

On the other hand, cat food can be fed to sick dogs as it is not as harsh on their digestive system.

Answer 6

No! Cats need taurine in their diet and this is absent in dog food! The other way round is fine though- dogs can eat cat food!

Answer 7

yes.it's a very good idea to give a cat a small can of good quality dog food once a week.what all the knowitalls that have answered dont realise is that cat food can't provide everything a cat needs the same as dog food can't provide everything a dog needs,thats why i said once a week.and the same goes for dogs a tin of GOOD quality cat food once a week.dont believe me?try it.

Answer 8

I think it's ok to feed cat food to a dog, but not dog food to a cat.... I've heard that somewhere before.

Answer 9

I don't see why not. They are often made with many of the same ingredients.

Remember a few weeks (or months ago), that story about the overweight 20+ lb cat that got stuck in the doggie door in some other family's house than his owner's?

Well, that cat had been sneaking into that house and eating the dog food they set out for their canine.

Answer 10

There not meant to but some cats prefer it to there own food. With my cat it makes him throw up. Theres meant to be something in it that cats arent meant to eat. But dogs can eat cat food.