Devin
Im just wondering what the difference is and why cats cant eat dog food and vice versa. ***NO, Im not planning on feeding my dog cat food or my cat dog food***Like...what would happen if I started feeding my dog cat food? Im just curious.. :]
Antony
Dogs and cats have unique nutritional needs. High quality foods are specifically tailored to the dietary requirements of the intended species. Therefore, it is not wise to feed an exclusive diet of dog food to cats, nor cat food to dogs. Cats most definitely cannot subsist on dog food alone. Their dietary needs are harder to meet than those of dogs. For instance, cats must consume an amino acid called taurine to prevent heart problems. Dogs do not need to consume taurine–they can synthesize it internally. Therefore, cat foods are supplemented with taurine. Dog foods generally are not. Because dogs are natural scavengers (cats are natural predators), their dietary requirements are less stringent than those of cats. Some cat foods may, in fact, be nutritionally replete for dogs. Others are not. However, cat foods are generally richer and more fattening than dog foods. Dogs that eat cat food may gain weight or suffer upset stomachs, even if they don’t develop nutritional deficiencies. The moral of the story is that your dog should eat dog food, and your cats should eat cat food. The simplest way to make that happen could be to end the feeding free-for-all and offer meals to your pets in separate rooms. Finally, please note that most cats and dogs can tolerate an occasional nibble of each others’ foods. However, serious problems may occur if cats eat only dog food, or vice-versa.
Dino
This is a question better served by typing it in google, so you can get a full explanation from a vet source. Bottom line is - if you feed your dog exclusively cat food, it would probably eventually die of pancreatitis (cat food is also fattier than dog food) or some other malnutrition related illness - and if you did the opposite - fed cats only dog food - they would die even faster, as their digestive systems are more sensitive and they require taurine, which is sometimes but not neccesarily present in dog food.
Anisa
From what I understand, Cat food has more "meaty" products in it compared to dog food...this is why sometimes dogs eat cat poop. also, Ive heard that cats can eat dog food, but dogs shouldnt eat cat food. itll upset their stomach. so your dog would probably get the runs.
Concepcion
There are certain things that a dog can make on its own that a cat cant and vise versa. And by letting the dog eat the cats food it is getting things it doesnt need and things it doesnt need more of.
Beulah
Cat food is designed for cats. Dog food is designed for dogs.
Lashaunda
Cat food has supplemental taurine, which is an amino acid that dogs dont need in their food.
Aubrey
Cat food has got a higher salt and protein ratio compared to dog food. my dog eats cat food and any other food in fact!
Ebonie
Cat food has much higher protein
