By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
In homes with both a cat and a dog, food bowls rarely stay private. Many cats will happily help themselves to the dog's dinner, and some owners wonder whether one food could do for both. The short answer is that a mouthful of dog food is not dangerous for a cat, but dog food cannot be a cat's regular diet. Cats have nutritional needs that dog food is not designed to meet, and the gaps can cause serious illness over time.
Key takeaways
- An occasional bite of dog food is unlikely to harm a healthy cat.
- RSPCA Australia advises never feeding puppy or dog food to a cat, because it will be deficient in taurine.
- VCA Animal Hospitals states that dog food does not contain enough taurine to meet a cat's normal requirements.
- Taurine deficiency develops slowly, over months, and can cause blindness and heart disease.
- Cats also need preformed vitamin A and arachidonic acid from animal tissue.
- Related reading: taurine for cats.
Why cats and dogs need different food
Dogs are able to use a wider range of foods than cats. Cats are obligate carnivores. RSPCA Australia explains that cats need certain nutrients that are only found in animal tissue, including specific amino acids, arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A, and that cats cannot make use of plant foods the way dogs can. Cats also need more protein than dogs.
Dog food is formulated to be complete and balanced for dogs. It is not formulated against a cat's requirements, so it can be short on the nutrients cats rely on most.
Taurine, the nutrient that matters most
Taurine is an amino acid that cats must get from their diet. VCA Animal Hospitals describes it as critical for normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function, immune health and normal pregnancy and foetal development. VCA states plainly that dog food does not contain enough taurine to meet the normal requirements of a cat. RSPCA Australia gives the same advice.
The VCA handout explains that signs of deficiency are slow to develop and may take several months to appear. Problems it describes include:
- Feline central retinal degeneration, which can lead to irreversible blindness
- Dilated cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle, which may be reversible if caught early
- Reproductive problems in breeding queens, such as small litters and low birth weights
- Digestive disturbances
What happens if my cat ate some dog food?
If your cat had a few mouthfuls, the most you are likely to see is a mild tummy upset, especially if the food is richer than usual. A cat that eats dog food regularly instead of cat food is the real concern, because deficiencies build up quietly.
Dog food can also contribute to weight gain if a cat is eating two dinners. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that obesity is the most common nutritional problem in cats.
Signs to watch for
After a one-off bite:
- Vomiting or soft stools
- A skipped meal
In a cat that has been eating dog food for a long time, ask your vet about:
- Changes in vision, bumping into things or reluctance to jump
- Breathing faster, tiring easily or collapse
- Poor coat or weight changes
When to call a vet
Call your vet within the day if your cat has eaten dog food and vomits more than once or refuses meals.
Book a check-up if your cat has been eating mostly dog food for weeks or months. Your vet can assess your cat and advise on diet.
Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, sudden weakness or collapse, which can be signs of heart disease.
How vets help
Your vet will examine your cat, listen to the heart and check the eyes. Depending on the history and findings, they may suggest further tests. They can help you plan a complete diet and a safe transition. RSPCA Australia recommends changing a cat's diet gradually over about four to seven days.
Keeping bowls separate
- Feed cats and dogs in different rooms or at different times.
- Put the cat's food on a bench or shelf the dog cannot reach.
- Pick up the dog's bowl as soon as the meal is finished.
- Consider a microchip feeder that opens only for the right pet.
- Store both foods in sealed containers.
FAQ
Can my dog eat cat food instead?
Cat food is formulated for cats, not dogs. Keep each pet on its own food.
Is there a food that suits both a cat and a dog?
Not as a complete diet. Each species needs food formulated for it.
Can I add taurine to dog food for my cat?
No. Taurine is only one of several gaps. Feed a complete cat food instead.
Is it an emergency if my cat ate dog kibble?
Usually not. Watch for tummy upset and call your vet if you are worried.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has been sharing the dog's food or you want help setting up a feeding plan for a mixed household, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Taurine in Cats.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Do cats have special nutritional requirements?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Obesity.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.