Is Dog Food Bad For Cats? And Viceversa?

You might think that dog food is the same type of food you give to cats, the only difference is that it changes the name. It seems an absurd subject, in reality it is a rather delicate subject. It certainly cannot be said that dog food is poison for cats, but there are still substantial differences.

Many people who have both dogs and cats at home, for convenience or lack of information, give their pets the same food. At first glance it might seem that the difference lies only in quantity and form. However, the substances that compose them and the way they act on our best friends are very different.

Cats aren’t actually particularly attracted to dog food; some are quite demanding in terms of food because they get used to what their owners give them (you get used to everything, except not to eat ..).

The difference between dog food and cat food lies in its formulation, designed for the species based on its specific characteristics.

 Vitamin A

In cat food it is an essential element. It is essential for cat health and many dog ​​foods do not contain it. This is because dog food is rich in beta-carotene, a substance that the dog is able to convert into vitamin A.

Taurine

It is a necessary amino acid for cats, like vitamin A. Even in this case, dogs produce it naturally and therefore many foods created for them are devoid of it. A diet low in this substance could cause the cat to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Disease that can also happen when the feline is fed only with fish, a food that does not contain enough taurine. This is why we sometimes hear people say that fish is not good for cats, which is false if it is included in a balanced diet.

Arachidonic acid

It is a fatty acid that is easily produced by dogs,  whereas cats need to get it through food.

Protein levels

Protein levels are another reason why you shouldn’t give your cat dog food. Although there are dog foods that are high in protein, most are not adequate for the needs of felines. Protein helps cats stay active and lead a healthy life. A low level of protein won’t kill your cat, but it could make him sick in the long run.

Unlike cats, dogs’ taste is less selective when it comes to food. It is for this reason that often those who own both a dog and a cat end up not buying food for the dogs anymore, in fact the latter are satisfied with practically everything they put in their mouth.

Dogs can also stay healthy enough while only feeding on cat food, although it is not advisable to do so.

The high calorie, protein and fat content found in cat foods are not very suitable for canine digestion.

Dogs fed cat food generally tend to be obese and therefore develop degenerative diseases. They are also more prone to gastrointestinal diseases. Situations such as diarrhea, vomiting and even pancreatitis – which can be life-threatening – are some of the effects of cat food used on dogs.

Not to mention the food for “kittens”, even richer in proteins and fats, the consequences of which are even more evident on the dog.

“My pet has accidentally eaten food intended for another species, are you at risk?” No, don’t worry, nothing will happen to him. But don’t get into this habit of inverting your pets’ food, because in the long run consuming a food not formulated for them could put their health at risk.