Why exactlly is cat food bad for dogs?

Chang

I know that cat food is bad for dogs, but Im curious as to exactly why? Is dry food or wet food worse? What does it do to them, and what amounts are bad? Occasionally my moms dog snags a bit of my cats food, but I shoo him off before he gets more than a kernel or two. Thanks!



Jerlene

Its really the other way around dog food is not a good diet for cats as they need taurine........dogs love cat food, however it hasnt got the correct nutrients they need, it also is usually very much higher in protien, far more than pet dogs need....so can cause organ malfunction



Ardelle

Dogs and cats have different physiology and their digestive system and also their bodies require different kinds of nutrition. In the long run feeding cat food to a dog can cause health problems (like organ damage) and same is true for feeding dog food to a cat (dog food can cause a cat to go blind if fed long enough). I know they love the other one’s food (for some strange reason), but it is not only not good for them, but actually not safe.



Janeth

Its generally higher in protein than adult dog food. Fed consistently, its hard on their kidneys (in theory). A couple of hunks every now and then wont do him any harm. I doubt wet and dry food are really much different, either.



Joette

Well because its made for cats lol :)



Ashton

Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs. Cat food is made for cats and dog food for dogs. I know they can have allergic reactions which can be very serious. Stick to the dog food. Your dog will eat when shes hungry. She wont let herself starve.



Madelene

My bit bull will do the same thing so I asked his vet and the vet said that cat food is like a happy meal for dog kind of a good for them but not the best it has to much protein or something like that so a little will not hurt but dont let him get too much. We put our cat food up on a table so the dog cant get it.



Kelsi

Cats and dogs are different creatures. Their digestive system is totally different and so their is difference between their food.



Carita

Its just not good for them. It does not offer the best nutrients that a dog needs. Think of it this way, you or i could eat dog food if we absolutely had to. It wouldnt kill us, it might gross you out,, would not be good for you and taste nasty but if it was an emergency - some sort of disaster for instance and its all you had you could eat it. It wouldnt kill you or anything like that. Same thing with dogs eating cat food. Really though, i have multiple dogs as well as cats. If i tired to keep them all out of each others bowls i would drive myself crazy trying to separate them all day long. Its not idea for them but what are you gonna do really? We even have a rabbit who gets in the dog and cat food and eats it when nobodys looking believe it or not. If you can keep them separated do it, but dont stress yourself out over it.



Fredda

Its also bad because it is too high in fatand with dogs - too much fat can lead quickly to pancreatitishowever, occassionally snagging a bit of cat food - no more than a kernel or two is no biggie



Classie

Hello cat food is never to be given to dogs not any dog and not any kind of cat food it contains way too much protine and fat and has ill effects on the dogs kidneys. The dog will be fine if he ate this the once and is now eatting its normal dog food again...feeding a high quaility dry kibble is reccomended for daily feeding...canned dog food is bad for the teeth.