Is it okay for a dog to eat cat food and vise versa?

Jonell

I have a young cat and dog. And they keep eating each others food. The dog would rather eat the cat food, and the cat would rather eat the dog food. I have tried feeding them at differnt times, using a spray bottle with water, etc. I have been tempted to just feed dog food one day them cat food the new, so that I know they are getting some of each....



Alberta

It really is unhealthy for them to eat the others food. The fat and protein contents of dog food and cat food are very different becuase the fat and protein NEEDS of cats vs dogs are very (VERY!) different. They "can" eat it but it will mean that they arent getting the right nutrients for proper health. Ultimately they will be more prone to digestive upsets, illness and other problems. Try feeding them in seperate rooms. This shouldnt be a problem if you are feeding them twice a day as is generally recommended by most veterinarians rather than "free choice" food. Put the food down and pick it up again in 15 minutes. That evening do it again. If they are used to being able to eat whenever they want you might actually be picking up food uneaten. That is OK! They will soon understand to eat their full portion when its available. It is not only healthier for them but it prevents overeating (a SERIOUS medical condition that many pets suffer from) and allows you to better track changes in mood and behaviour. If you "think" your cat might not be eating as much you wont really be able to be SURE right now becuase maybe the dog ate some, or you cant remember when you last refilled the bowl, etc. By serving measured portions twice a day you can easily tell - You put 1 C of food in the bowl that morning and he usually finishes it all but today he didnt - something is wrong. :-) Easier for you, easier for them AND everyone will be eating THEIR food for proper health and nutrition. Blessings, Angela <><



Kori

Cats arent supposed to eat dog food, but dogs can eat cat food for treats. Put their food bowls in different places and close the door when one of them is eating.



Britni

No...cats require a higher protien diet than dogs, thats why the dog likes the cat food. The cat probably likes the shape and size of the dog food. If it was ok, then they wouldnt make dog food and Cat food...



Bella

Cats cannot survive on dog food as there is something in cat food that they need. They will get sick and die on dog food eventually. I am not sure about the other way though. You can probably find out more about this in a book on Cat care on do a google on what to feed cats.



Darcie

There is nothing really wrong with this my dog and cat do the same thing the only real problem is that they may not get the right nutrients. try putting a bowl of Cat biscuits on a high up bench or some tuna. this way the cat has other options that the dog cant eat



Shaniqua

Put the cat food up high where the dog cant reach it, and try feeding your dog at a specific time each day - stand guard while he eats.... if they eat each others food, it wont kill them - but it is not good for their digestion, and could cause future health problems for both kitty and doggie....



Eli

No, its not good for the dog or the cat. Dog food is specifically formulated to meet at dogs dietary needs, and cat is specifically made for cats. We solve this problem in my house by having the cats food up high where the dog cant reach, and the dogs only get 10 minutes to eat, and if they dont eat it right away it gets picked up (we feed the dogs 2 times a day). Dogs figure this out quickly, and eat when they are fed unless they truly arent hungry.



Dorotha

The cat food is more meaty, and smellier - so the dog likes it. For a short time, it is OK for the dog to eat the cat food. Especially if the dog gets other foods. But it isnt OK for the cat to eat the dog food. It is important that the cat not get ANY form of sugar, and really should not be eating grains, which are safe for dogs.



Barbar

My dog and cats share food and go between each others food bowl. My cat passed away at a ripe ol 21 yrs. My other 3 are 11,8,4 yrs old and in perfect health. If studies show differently than it isnt healthy, my guys go against it then. My dog is 5, perfect health. Unless for some reason the food is medicated, I really dont see a problem.



Jonie

Cats need to eat cat food and a dog can get too fat off of cat food. I know most people dont like cats on the counter, but maybe feed the cat somewhere that the dog cant get to. I would use cat kibble as a training aid for my dogs because they would do anything for cat food.



Albertha

Cats and dogs each need special nutrition specified for them. Your cat can get serious kidney failure and other health issues by not getting the proper diet. Feed one and then the other, as soon as one of them ate, take the bowl and feed the other. When the other is done, take both bowls away until next feeding. Do it while youre home to keep an eye on them. Always provide fresh water (no milk for the cat) for both!



Christen

I remember seeing these canned food that are for both cats and dogs. I cant remember the name though.



Annelle

Feeding cat food to a dog is liable to make it fat and the nutrient values in the two food types are different. Dog food does not usually contain taurine which cats require. Having said that I cook for mine and they both get the same every night but I do kick the dogs out in the morning and the cats get a canned breakfastThe dogs have their own biscuits ( which the cats are inclined to steal ) and the cat biscuits are kept in a place where the dogs cant eat them.



Diego

The canned food for both cats and dogs that Astrid mentioned is probably Science Diet A/D. It is a prescription died for animals who are convalescing, and is labeled as approved for both dogs and cats, but only for short-term feeding. It is not designed to be the primary diet long-term.



Kathe

Its o. k. to let the dog eat the cat food and the cat eat the dog food....It want hurt them...The ingredients are not that much different...with the exception of fish in th cat food....



Missy

Cat food has something called Taurine which cats need in their digestive system to digest food properly. There are supplements available if you feel your cat is not getting enough cat food. Cat food is also higher in fat than dog food. Your dog may start to get pudgy if he eats it for an extended period of time. I dont know as much about dog food, but there are certain ingredients that dogs need to grow and maintain a healthy body. Its especially important for their bones. Big dogs are predisposed to joint problems and small dogs can have development issues as well. Try feeding one in a room with the door closed while you feed the other in the kitchen. You could also keep using the spray bottle or clap or make a loud sound when the dog tries to eat the cats food. Our dog developed a food allergy (we think from eating too much cat food) and now his skin is always red and itchy and hes loosing a lot of fur. Try your best to feed them only food designed for their species.