I have 4 cats (including 16 week kitten) and a 9 week puppy. I put cat food in an ice cream container in one room and puppy's food in a low bowl in another room with her pen. Occasionally the cats eat her food but rarely as it's in her pen and is 'no go' zone. However recently my puppy (shih tzu) has become big enough to get her head in the ice cream container and eat some cat food. What should i do???
2007-10-20 23:41:53 · 7 answers · asked by one_sweet_little_thing 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
First things first, cats are not meant to have free access to their food. In the wild, they would have one or two bigger meals a day. While most cats know when is enough, some will eat out of pure boredom, and this can lead to obesity and other health problems. If you had one or two meals a day, you could feed them in an area the puppy can't get to.
You said you have three cats including a kitten. This has nothing to do with your question, but, what food are you feeding them? Does the kitten have his own food made for kittens? Or does he eat what the others are eating? Kittens need more calories, protein, etc. for their growing bodies. If you are wanting to feed them the same food, look for a food that says "Complete and Balanced for All Life Stages."
Cats are obligate carnivores. They require a diet that is mostly meat. Dog food doesn't have taurine in it, an essential nutrient for cats. A taurine deficiency can lead to blindness or heart problems.
An occasional treat of the others food isn't going to hurt them, just don't think you can feed them the same food.
2007-10-21 03:23:39 · answer #1 · answered by I hate Doodles!!!!! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alright i have a dog and a cat , my dog LOVES my cat's food and treats and sometimes my cat eats my dog's food , i think that the nutrients and flavors are different to each cat/ dog like strong big bones that dogs need and teeth and cats need healthy yet strong helping for their body but some dogs/cats are different come to say some might like this and not this or they like both, so if you don't want one of them to eat the other as being rude and unfair to the other animal u could keep them away (say the dog would eat all the cat's food) but you can let them have the others food unless they become sick (vomiting) but for my dog and cat they haven't shown any signs or vomiting so i guess it all depends but once in awhile i will give my dog some cat treats as well.
2016-03-13 03:49:25 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have that problem too.First of all cat food will not harm your pup, but dog food does not contain the right nutrients for a cat but an occasional taste will do no harm. My dogs love canned cat food.
As some one suggested put the cat: kit food in a place which is above the height of your pup, other wise, as he is young,with a big appetite, he will finish everything he comes into contact with!
Good luck with the youngsters they sound a lot of fun and they must be adorable!
2007-10-21 00:45:55 · answer #3 · answered by paula c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It won;t kill your puppy, but cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements. Keep them apart when feeding so this doesn't happen. Some people keep cat food dishes up high where the dog can't reach but the cats can easily get to them. But I don't recommend this either because it will teach cats to jump up onto kitchen counters where the people food is prepared. Just keep the kitty food where the dog doesn't go.
2007-10-20 23:49:55 · answer #4 · answered by atomictulip 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's fine. Dogs usually prefer the taste of cat food and sometimes cats prefer dog food. It doesn't affect the animals just let them eat it.
2007-10-21 01:44:06 · answer #5 · answered by depressed_blue_sky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep feeding them in different rooms. Cat food is too high in protein for dogs (can make them get diarhea) and dog food is too low for growing kittens or cats. The vitamins in each don't complement the other species either.
2007-10-21 12:45:14 · answer #6 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its ok for the cats to eat the dogs food but it is not good for the dog to eat the cats food as it can be bad for the dog if it has to much.
2007-10-20 23:51:09 · answer #7 · answered by clowney 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your puppy will be just fine let her eat it she likes it
2007-10-21 01:27:11 · answer #8 · answered by little_momma89 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋