My cat eats dogfood, is this okay?

Question

I know it's different diets for dogs and cats, but the cat seems to like the dogfood better than catfood. Does this affect their health?

Answer 1

My goodness, such lack of knowledge here. It can definitely affect your cat's health.

Taurine is an essential amino acid which cats must get from their food (dogs and people can make it in their bodies). Before this fact was discovered many cats suffered from fatal heart problems and went blind to boot.

So now taurine is added to all commercial cat foods to protect cats from these problems. Taurine is NOT added to dog food because it is not necessary.

Answer 2

YES, it can.

You should be very cautious about how much dog food your cat eats - especially if it is a male cat who has been neutered. The composition of most dog foods are not in sync with the digestive needs of a cat. The pH can be off which can lead to urinary crystals and other digestive problems.

Remember - cats are small animals. Most are 15 pounds or less, like an infant. And, just like infant, their little digestive system is very sensitive. The can get sick, toxic and even die fairly easily if you are not cautious.

It's okay if your cat nibbles on the dog's food - many households with both cats and dogs experience the cat eating some dog food and vice versa. But, overall, it is important to feed the cat food formulated for cats.

Answer 3

Yes it can. Cats require twice the protein levels of what a dog needs, AND they only need a small portion of Vitamin A. There's too much of vitamin A in dog food. Keep your cat on cat food. He'll have a problem with Vitamin A buildup in his organs and mismatched nutrition if you keep him strictly on what the dogs are eating. You're letting yourself in for vet bills.

Answer 4

Hi.

No it is not advisable to feed a cat dog food. Cats require more vitamins and such in their diet than a dog. So feeding a cat dog food could have health implications due to lack of the correct amount of vitamins in the diet.

Regards
Mitch

Answer 5

Absolutely not OK for a cat to eat dog food instead of cat food. I am shocked at how many people told you otherwise. In addition to going blind, the cat could suffer liver or kidney failure if she doesn't get the nutrients as formulated for cats. Cats have very sensitive systems--similar to humans, which is why they are, sadly, so popular as lab animals.

Answer 6

My cats being doing it for a long time. Not all the time, only when they have the chance. And the dogs will eat the cat food in a second!. So far, no problems with either ones.

Answer 7

There is not enough nutrients in dog food for a cat. Dogs and cats have different needs in nutrition. That is why its called dog food. I suggest you get your cat back on the cat food.

Answer 8

It just has extra fat and protien. If you are out, you can give your dog cat food, it's not going to kill her...it's just not healthy as a COMPLETE diet...as long as you buy some more dog food within a week or a month, you are more than okay. :)

Answer 9

Well ill tell you what i have avery healthy dog mixed breed, best dog ever, well he eats cat food and i would ake your vet, mine said mix the dog food with the cat dfood , so i do and hes the healthy est dog you have ever seen, i have a part Rottenriller, and wennie dog , (CUTE) ask you vet

Answer 10

No, your cat will have issues with dog food. Your cat is not getting enough protein and is getting far too many carbs. If you don't mind a hefty bill in the future, go for it.