- Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, so the same food won't work for both pets.
- Dog food doesn't have enough fat or taurine, and it also has grains that may upset a cat's stomach.
Plenty of curious cats like to nibble their housemates' food. Who wouldn't want to try new flavors from time to time?
If your cat prefers your pooch's morsels over their own, you might even consider swapping out their regular cat chow.
But experts say it's not a good idea for cats to eat dog food regularly.
That's because cats have different nutritional requirements from dogs, and dog food isn't designed with the needs of cats in mind, says $4, veterinarian and owner of $4.
Get the details on why cats shouldn't eat $4 below, along with vet-approved tips for feeding your cat a balanced diet.
Why shouldn't cats have dog food?
Your dog's food won't meet your cat's nutritional needs for a few key reasons.
1. Cats need nutrients only found in meat
Cats are $4, which means they need nutrients found only in animal sources, says $4, veterinarian, medical director of $4, and feline health consultant for cat food brand $4.
In contrast, dogs are $4, which means they can get nutrition from plant and animal sources. As a result, your dog's kibble might contain $4 that may not agree with your cat's stomach.
"Many dog foods contain grains, such as corn and wheat, which can cause digestive issues in cats," says $4, veterinarian and CEO and co-founder of $4.
2. Cats need more fat than dogs
Most cat food also has a $4. Cat foods need a $4, while dog foods only needs a $4, according to the $4 (AAFCO).
Fat is essential for a cat's diet, according to Lang, since it:
- $4
- Gives your cat $4, including omega 3s and omega 6s
- Aids in transporting $4, like vitamins A, E, D, and K
Regularly eating a low-fat diet could leave your cat $4, like omega-3s, which could raise their risk of developing $4, including:
- Scaly skin
- Fur loss
- Vision problems
- Learning difficulties
3. Cats have different amino acid needs
Additionally, dog food may not contain enough of the amino acids cats $4, like taurine.
Taurine $4, but cats need it for $4.
Thus, cats who regularly eat dog food may $4, which can cause $4 like:
- Retinal degeneration or blindness
- Deafness
- Poor immune response
- Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
If you're worried your cat may have a health issue from a taurine deficiency, a few $4 it's time to make a vet appointment include:
Will eating dog food make my cat sick?
If your cat is a $4, here's some good news: Eating a few pieces of dog kibble from time to time won't harm your cat or make them sick — as long as dog food doesn't make up a regular part of their diet, Wystrach says.
So if your cat only nibbles an occasional bite from the dog's bowl, you typically only need to worry about your dog pleading for a few extra bites of dinner.
However, if your cat constantly sticks their nose in your dog's bowl and fills up on dog food instead of their own, it may be time to consider $4.
Microchip feeders keep a retractable shield over the food inside them. When you sync the feeders with each of your pets' microchips, the shield will only open when the right pet comes near.
What to feed your cat for a balanced diet
To make sure your cat's food has all the necessary nutrients, you'll want to opt for cat foods that are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contain taurine, according to Wystrach.
Taurine $4. So, try to buy foods with animal protein near the top of the ingredient list. "Chicken, fish, turkey, and beef are all rich in amino acids," Lang says.
You'll also want to avoid foods that contain grains, preservatives, colorings, and other artificial ingredients, Wystrach says.
Additionally, keep an eye out for a nutritional guarantee from the AAFCO. They establish nutritional guidelines for pet food, and vets generally consider cat foods with an AAFCO statement $4.
According to the AAFCO, $4:
- At least 26%-30% protein
- A minimum of 9% fat
- Around 0.10% taurine
You also want to keep factors specific to your cat in mind, including their:
- Age: "Cats have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives, and a food that is appropriate for a kitten may not be appropriate for an adult cat," Wystrach says. Check the suggested age range on the bag or tin before putting it in your shopping cart.
- Lifestyle: If your cat loves to hunt, play, or go outdoors, they may need a formula designed for active cats instead of one meant for a sedentary indoor cat.
- Weight: If your vet says $4, a food designed for weight control might help them $4. Your vet can recommend a few options and offer guidance on how much to feed your cat
- Overall health: If your cat has a medical condition, like diabetes or kidney disease, you'll need to choose a food formulated for their specific needs, Wystrach says. Ask your vet what food they recommend for your kitty's condition.
Best cat food
Finding the right food for your cat can be tricky. Our guide to the $4, which has tried and true options for pets of all ages and lifestyles, can help ease the process.
Best adult dry cat food: Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Salmon Recipe - See at $4 and $4
Best adult wet cat food: Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree - See at $4 and $4
Best organic cat food: Purina Beyond Organic Chicken and Carrot Recipe - $4
Best kitten food: Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe - See at Chewy and Petco
Is wet or dry food better?
Trying to choose between $4 or $4? Either can be a good option.
"Both types of food have their own set of benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on your cat's individual needs and preferences," Wystrach says.
The benefits of wet food include:
- More moisture: Many cats notoriously $4, possibly because they descended from wildcats that $4. Wet food could help your kitty $4, thanks to its higher moisture content, Lang says.
- More palatable: Many cats prefer the taste of wet food, making it a good choice for finicky eaters.
On the other hand, dry food is often:
- More affordable: Wet food costs an average of $4, while dry food costs an average of $4, making dry food ideal if you need to feed your cat on a budget.
- Better for grazing: If your cat prefers to nibble throughout the day, dry food may be a better option, since it $4.
Of course, it's perfectly fine to feed your cat a mix of wet and dry foods, so they can have the best of both worlds. After all, you'd probably get bored eating the same thing every day, and your cat might enjoy mixing things up, too.
Insider's takeaway
Does your cat love to sneak bites out of your dog's dinner bowl? While cat and dog food might look the same on the surface, they contain very different nutritional content. And feeding your cat a diet meant for dogs could put them at risk of serious health concerns, like heart disease or vision issues.
To make sure your cat gets all the nutrients their organs need to function, it's best to only feed them food specifically designed for cats.
When shopping for cat food, choose one with a high animal protein content. You'll also want to consider your cat's other individual needs — like their age, weight, and any underlying health conditions.
It's always good to discuss your cat's diet with your vet, since they know your cat and can address any specific needs they may have, Finn says.