Can A Cat Eat Dog Food?

Dogs and cats are very different from each other and both have very different needs. Whether these differences are medical, emotional, nutritional or otherwise, dogs and cats cannot be put in the same box, so to speak. Many people believe that cat and dog food are similar and both can eat them, but is this true? There are several reasons why it is a bad idea to give dog food to a cat.

dog food vs cat food

Dog food is basically composed of Beta Carotene, a compound that the canine organism is able to transform into Vitamin A.

Cats, in turn, do not have this ability, needing a food that contains Vitamin A. In addition, felines also need Taurine, an amino acid that dogs are capable of producing.

Dog food is low in fat and protein and high in vitamins, as dogs are more likely to be overweight. Cats, for their part, need large amounts of protein and fat. Feeding a cat with dog food can cause malnutrition and serious illness.

Of course, this only happens if you feed it that way often. Your cat won’t die if, on a Sunday when all businesses are closed and cat food is gone, you offer some of the food you give your dog. The best thing would be to offer your own food, sausage or tuna, but if there is no other option, you cannot leave it without eating.

Even if your cat likes dog food, forget it, it’s not what he needs. It’s the same with dogs: no cat food.

Advice for your feline to eat cat food

It could be that you have a cat and a dog and they both get confused with food. Or maybe one likes the smell and taste of the other’s food. If you can’t teach each of them to eat their own food, you can try one of the following suggestions:

• Change the container. Do not use two identical containers as this can confuse both animals. Choose different shapes and colors and show them which bowl they have.
• Put the containers in different places. Have everyone eat in different places in the house. If necessary, store the food somewhere they can’t reach until they ask.
• Establish schedules. If you keep food available at all times, one of the animals is likely to eat the other’s food.
• Teach commands. While this works best in dogs, cats can also learn commands like “leave it” or “no”. This can help when your cat gets close to other people’s food.

Cat Food Recipes

Of course, it can happen that the cat’s food runs out on a day when you don’t want to or can’t leave the house. It’s best to be on the safe side and talk to your vet to find out what foods you can feed your feline if this happens. Below are some recipe ideas your cat can taste.

• Meatballs. Full of protein, they are a great food for your cat. Meat may have a little fat, but be careful not to have too much, as cats also suffer from being overweight. Add vegetables and veggies as cats also need vitamins, especially A.

• Tuna with vegetables. Easy as picking up a can of tuna from the shelf. Drain the water well and mix the tuna with pieces of carrots and other vegetables. Do not add salt or other flavorings.

• Salmon. Your cat will go crazy over a piece of grilled salmon. There’s nothing he likes better in the world than fish. If you don’t have salmon, you can substitute another fish.

Those are some ideas, but only you, better than anyone else, know your feline friend and know what he likes. Finally, don’t forget that you should only offer him another type of food in emergencies.