Sometimes, our pets have specific needs that get overlooked a little too easily, and this can lead to some strange behaviors. For example, many people are shocked when their dog only eats cat food – but there are a few reasons why that might be the case. This is especially true if you’re feeding them a dry diet, or treats, and you don’t offer them a little variety.
Here Are Reasons Why Your Dog Might Only Eat Cat Food.
They’re picky eaters.
You might be surprised to hear that your dog is picky, but there are many reasons why dogs won’t eat everything you give them. If one type of food doesn’t appeal to them, they’re likely to stay away from it.
They like more protein and fat.
Dogs are carnivores and need a hearty meal to keep them going. If your dog only has dry kibble and you never give them any wet food or treats, then they will turn to the cat food because it’s got more of what they like.
They’re nervous or territorial.
If your dog is scared of the cat, you need to do something. If you have a dog that’s not in a great mood because of the cat’s presence, then they’re going to act out. Sometimes, you’ll catch them right as they’re about to do something like steal food or go after the cat.
They smell it more.
If you’re feeding your dog a dry diet, it will be more difficult for them to eat. If the cat food smells better, they might find it tastier.
Should I Feed My Dog Cat Food?
Cat food primarily consists of protein and fat, things that dogs need. However, feeding your dog cat food regularly can be detrimental to their health. Studies show that the cat food we buy at the pet store has far too much protein which can cause mild to severe health problems.
Not only that, but dogs and cats are very different animals and their nutritional needs are very diverse. For example, your dog can eat far more meat than your cat. But, on the other hand, cat food is usually way too high in protein for dogs.
Dog food and cat food also have significant differences and are not just philosophical. Cats are carnivores that have evolved to need a lot of protein and very little fat. On the other hand, dogs also have a large amount of water and other nutrients in their diet. This means that the two species have very different nutritional needs. Trying to emulate an animal’s diet by feeding the wrong things can cause problems with the digestive system, among other health issues. So why should you avoid feeding your dog cat food?
- Dogs cannot produce the necessary enzymes to digest high amounts of protein.
- Dogs cannot properly metabolize the vitamins and minerals in cat food.
- Protein and fat can cause massive weight gain very quickly.
- The high-fat content in cat food can cause fatty liver disease in dogs.
- There are many other reasons, including digestive and skin issues.
Is It Okay for Dogs to Eat Dry Cat Food?
Certain dog breeds may have a higher tolerance to cat food. These breeds include the Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound, which are very similar to cats regarding the nutritional component. However, they also have a higher energy output than other dogs, require a great deal of exercise, making them an active breed, and thus needing more protein.
Dry cat food has very little water, which is a problem for dogs that are used to being fed wet food. If your dog is nothing more than a house pet, then dry cat food is okay. But if you have an active dog that needs more moisture, or your dog has minor breed status, or you’re feeding them homemade, wet food, then providing dry cat food may not be the best choice.
Besides being able to process the proteins in dried cat food, there are other things you have to keep in mind. For example, if your dog is used to wet food and you switch them to dry, they may have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and metabolic bone disease. In addition, during the transition period, they may also have issues with their coat.
See Also: Can I Stop My Dog Chasing Cats?
And: Will a Dog Kill Hamsters?
Can I Mix Cat Food with Dog Food?
When preparing your dog’s meal, it’s a good idea to know what the components in the mixture will be. For example, you will want to ensure not to mix dry cat food with dog food because that can cause digestive issues.
The same goes for mixing dry cat food with wet dog food and vice versa. When you’re preparing your dog’s meal, you’ll want to combine the two in a ratio that is comfortable for them, and that doesn’t cause digestive issues.
From a nutrition perspective, it is also better to mix wet dog food with wet cat food than with dry cat food because the protein in wet cat food doesn’t have a well-defined structure. This shouldn’t be an issue for your dog, though.
On top of that, when you’re mixing two different types of cat food, you should be aware that each protein source has other characteristics and can get some strange results. For example, cats are susceptible to colorants mixed into wet cat food, and low-quality products may contain a lot of coloring. So, you might want to avoid those products for your dog’s sake.
Regarding the actual nutrition, the ingredients in each type of cat food affect the qualities and benefits each one will provide. For example, raw meat is a good source of protein and fat that many dogs find very appealing, but some kibbles are dry enough to make them dangerous.
Conclusion
Dogs and cats are not the same animals. They have different nutritional needs, digestive systems, and ways of looking at food. So, when you feed your dog cat food, you’re putting them in an unsafe situation that’s not only bad for their health but also dangerous for their life.
The most common symptoms include weight gain, liver damage, and many others, so it’s essential to understand what can happen when you feed your dog cat food. Ultimately, you’re endangering your pet when you feed them cat food instead of dog food, so it’s in your best interest to avoid doing so at all costs.
Featured image: Dog Eating from Bowl
