My 3 year old chihuahua wont eat his dog food. He only eats the cat food I put out for my cat. Could this cause a health problem?
2007-02-19 09:11:05 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes dogs can eat cat food (however cats should not eat dog food as its too high in carbs and too low in protein).
Long term its not advisable for a dog to eat cat food as its very high in protein and high protein diets lead to kidney failure.
Try mixing cat food and dog food together do 80% cat to 20% dog and gradually over the month or so get it too 100% dog. You will have to do it slowly.
Cat food is usually more palatable and smelly due to the high protein levels and there for more attractive to dogs.
2007-02-19 09:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cat food and Dog food are not the same. Cat food contains proteins that can cause kidney stones and kidney failure in dogs. If your dog doesn't like the dog food that you are currently trying to feed him, I'd suggest a different type of food. Chihuahua's are well known to be finicky eaters. You could try feeding him soft or canned food for a while or a mix of soft and kibble. Be sure the make sure the food is high quality with Meat (chicken or lamb) as the number one ingredient.
2007-02-19 09:18:51 · answer #2 · answered by kelloggs322 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dogs and cats require much different diets, which is only one of the many reasons why dogs should not eat cat food. I know its not life threatening or toxic, but you risk your dog not getting the protiens and such he needs.
My dogs always got into my cat's food, so we moved them into an unused shower and kept a window lock on the door so only the cats can get in. If you dont have that kind of space, maybe a launfdry room or something where you can put up a gate. You can also put the cat's food somewhere high so only the cat can jump up to it.
You can also use the spray bottle and yelling "NO!" method when you catch him in the act. Something to freak him alittle.
For the not eating thing, you can try adding things in the dry food such as his favorite wet food or juice drippings from cooking meat. But if he doesn't eat his own food, just wait...he's not going to starve himself.
2007-02-19 09:27:24 · answer #3 · answered by Alyssa D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog used to eat my cats food also, so we had to put it up high.
It wont kill your dog if he eats a bit of cat food but this should not be his only source of food, cat food lacks some of the proteins that dogs need so if he's fed this his whole life he could develop health problems.
Just take the cat food away and only give him dog food, he'll eat when he's hungry.
2007-02-19 09:14:51 · answer #4 · answered by antonios mama ♥ 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A cats wet cat food and dry is high protein...look at the label. Cats need that high of protein ...dogs don't. What can happen is it cann mess up the dogs liver eventually. Sure dogs like it...still don't mean its good for them. Dogs could also like chocolate....but guess what ..it will poison them . A small lick is one thing ..a candy bar..chocolate cake now that another matter.
2007-02-19 09:26:09 · answer #5 · answered by sisapeeka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog was a goat in his former life . . . he enjoys a nice bowl of Puppy Chow with a side of toilet paper and Barbie feet!
However, cat food is only nutritionally balanced for the needs of a cat - not a dog. They are two different species of animal so their nutrional needs are different. He won't get all of the vitamins and proteins from their food that his body needs. Trial and error until you find a food that he will eat. Talk to your vet!
2007-02-19 09:20:59 · answer #6 · answered by writerchic06 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it can. It may be that he doesn't like the brand of food you are feeding, but in any case, get that cat food out of his reach. Dogs will not allow themselves to starve - if he refuses to eat his food, do not give in and feed table scraps or cat food. You could mix some boiled chicken in with his food and then gradually reduce the amount of chicken that you put in there.
2007-02-19 09:16:47 · answer #7 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes dogs can eat cat food.My little puppy is 9 months old and she ate cat food and she's fine. We just put it on a high counter or place so she doesn't get it.
2007-02-19 10:19:22 · answer #8 · answered by Nikki 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a ingredient in the cat food that is harmful to you dog.Call the vet and he will tell you the same.
2007-02-19 09:17:48 · answer #9 · answered by Star-Dust 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah they sure can!
My dog ate the cat's food and the cat ate our dog's food!
Depending on the type of food it may be the same thing!
2007-02-19 09:16:43 · answer #10 · answered by roadkilltoad 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋