Have you ever given your pet a handful of salmon flavored cat treats after they begged for them? Or opened a can of canned cat food in the event that you ran out of the brand you normally used and thought, “It’s all pet food, what difference does it make?” There’s a good chance you’re not the only one.

Like an occasional sweet treat or salty snack doesn’t harm our health, eating cat food won’t make your pet’s health fall, so long as it’s not an everyday component of the diet.

Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?

The issue isn’t whether cats are allowed to take cat food or not but if they should. And the answer is quite simple, according to the Dr. Megan McCarthy, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“In general, it is not a good idea for dogs to eat cat food,” she explains.

However, don’t worry about it if your playful dog steals a few crumbs from the bowl of cat food. McCarthy suggests that an occasional bite of cat food isn’t likely to cause any harm to your pet, but McCarthy warns that “if you feed them cat food long term, it can cause problems.”

Can dogs eat cat food in an emergency?

An ASPCA research study revealed that 40 percent of dog owners that had to leave in the aftermath of natural disasters didn’t come back to their homes for at least 4 seven days and some were away for as long as two weeks. In addition, the majority of them weren’t prepared to leave, which means they probably didn’t have any dog food or other items in their bag.

If a natural catastrophe or any other emergency forces you to leave your home without dog food, and you have no access to shops to buy. In this scenario, it’s a good idea to feed your cat with an acceptable substitute for a short time. It’s also fine to put an entire bowl of cat food when the time for dinner arrives, and you realize that you’ve forgotten to go to the grocery store; however, your primary aim should aim to have your pet back to his normal diet as soon as it is possible.

Although feeding your dog tiny quantities of cat food for a short duration is unlikely to trigger any serious problems, McCarthy says that any change in diet can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Diarrhea can be the most common symptom of an abrupt change in food for dogs.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cat Food?

Cats and dogs have distinct nutrition needs and differing nutritional requirements for vitamins.

“Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat,” claims McCarthy. “Dogs are omnivores, meaning they must consume meat, vegetables, and usually a carbohydrate source. Dogs require a diet with more variety than cats.”

In addition, cats require more protein than canines and require additional nutrients, such as amino acids, taurine, and arginine, as well as greater quantities of niacin, as well as B vitamins. Foods that are specially designed for cats could cause issues with the nutrients needed to ensure proper growth and development.

McCarthy states that companies that formulate pet food products will use high protein content along with fiber and the appropriate vitamin content for cats. Contrary to this, pet foods contain more diverse ingredients, including protein sources along with vegetables, and typically carbohydrates as a source.

Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Cat Food?

Although your dog may appear to be a fan of cat food, overindulging or consuming cat food as a part of their diet routine could cause him to get sick. McCarthy states that diarrhea and gas are the most common signs of a change in your dog’s diet; however, more serious signs may be present.

“The high protein content and different nutrients can cause health problems like pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas and obesity,” she states. “The higher protein content can also be harsh on a dog’s liver and kidneys.”

Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats?

Dogs shouldn’t regularly eat cat treats. Cat treats, similar to cat food, were designed specifically for cats. McCarthy suggests that it could be acceptable to make use of cat treats to train your dog occasionally, but she recommends not regularly rewarding your dog with treats, particularly if you’re pet is prone to stomach issues.

“If your dog has a sensitive stomach, cat treats can be a little rich for a dog”.

What To Do if Your Dog Is Eating Cat Food.

There’s a chance that you’re not providing cats foods to your pet, but this doesn’t mean that he isn’t looking for it by himself. In households with multiple pets, it’s normal for dogs to snoop around the bowl of cat food.

It is possible to prevent stomach upset and excessive eating and the increased risk of being overweight and make sure your pet is getting the proper nutrition that he requires by following a few easy guidelines to keep him off of kitty food:

• Feed your cat and dog in separate areas.
• Don’t allow your pet to have get free food graze all day long and take food that has not been eaten after meals.
• Set cat bowls of food on the counter or other elevated surfaces, away from your pet’s reach.

It doesn’t matter if your dog takes some bites from the bowl for cat food or takes a bite of a can of wet cat food during an emergency, it’s perfectly acceptable for your dog to consume small portions of cat food, however, it should not be the primary ingredient in his diet.