Can cats eat liquid dog food? Is it possible to give cat food to a dog, what will happen if the dog eats cat food

Probably everyone who has both a dog and a cat has at least once encountered a situation where one pet steals food from another. In this case, the question usually arises, is it possible for cats to eat dog food and vice versa?

If you occasionally give your cat dog food as a treat, or even if you feed it a couple of times as a main diet, then nothing bad will happen *. However, for a long time, dog food should not be given to a cat!

*Some pets may experience digestive upset (diarrhea, constipation) after a sudden change in food.

What is the difference between cat and dog food

To understand why a cat cannot be fed for a long time dog food and vice versa, let's see how the food for cats and dogs differs.

Dry food

Dry cat food differs from dry dog ​​food in its composition and balance. nutrients. For example:

• Dog food contains significantly less protein, since the body of these animals needs it less than the body of cats. The digestive system of cats is less able to digest herbal ingredients(primarily cereals), which are higher in dog food than in cat food.
• Dry cat food contains more vitamin A, respectively, when feeding a cat with dog food, there will be a shortage of it. This can lead to poor eyesight, hair loss and other health problems.
• There is no taurine supplement in dry dog ​​food, an essential amino acid for cats that plays important role in the digestion of fats, blood clotting, maintaining nervous system, immune protection, work of the heart, etc. Also, taurine is found in meat, and, as we have already noted, it is less in dog food.

In general, feeding a pet food that is not intended for him can lead to a lack of necessary for his body. useful substances. This, in turn, can lead to serious health problems.

wet food

Is it possible to give a cat a dog wet food? The answer will be the same - permanent basis it's better not to do that. However, canned wet food for both dogs and cats is not intended as a staple diet, so it does not contain all of the ingredients anyway. needed by the body pet substances.

That is, even wet cat food does not contain all needed by the cat nutrients. Therefore, giving liquid dog food to a cat, and vice versa, to a feline dog, is less dangerous for the health of the pet. But do not forget that this is if such food serves only as a treat, and not as a permanent diet.

And so, we learned that dog food should not be given to a cat as a permanent food. But what if you have two pets and the cat eats dog food by stealing it from the dog's bowl? Here's a couple useful tips:

• Feeding pets in different rooms at the same time will help most effectively. Everyone will be busy with their portion and will not see the bowl of the other, respectively, there will be no desire to try what is in the bowl at the sosoda.
• Teach your pets to eat a portion at a time so that the food does not sit for several hours in a bowl in case someone then wants to finish the portion after all.
• Keep food out of the reach of pets, preferably in tightly closed plastic containers. If the food is in a regular bag and in plain sight -
  a cat or dog may want to get it on their own. The case when the package turned out to be gnawed is not uncommon.

These tips are also relevant if the opposite happens and the dog steals dry food from the cat's bowl.

Asking the question “Is it okay to give a dog cat food?” one should think about whether it is worth asking such questions at all.

Cat food differs from dog food in a set of ingredients, a balance of vitamins and minerals, and calorie content, and of course it is impossible to give such food to a dog, otherwise the same food would be produced for such different animals.

Some owners justify themselves by saying that their beloved pet is naughty and does not eat anything other than cat food. This problem is solved simply - put out a bowl of food for 15-20 minutes at the allotted time for feeding, and then remove it, even if the dog has not touched the food. Access to water must always be provided. The animal may not approach food for more than 2 days, but then hunger will still take its toll. This method not cruel, as many might think, but effective. Important to your pet's health proper feeding and no whims, compassionate begging eyes should make changes to the diet, except in cases where the food is really not suitable for the pet and causes allergies.

A common problem is feeding cohabiting cats and dogs that tend to steal food from each other. But this problem is also solved. If the dog once tried food from a cat bowl, then you should not be afraid for the pet's health, but regular feeding is unacceptable.

Why is cat food dangerous for dogs?

Dog with regular feeding cat food is deficient in essential nutrients, since all vitamins and minerals are balanced for cats, and not for dogs.

The main danger lies in elevated content a protein that can lead to liver disease. In addition, many, especially small breeds, there is an allergy to protein. In dog food, the protein content varies in the range of 15-25%, and in cat food in the range of 40-70%. The difference is palpable. Many people have probably observed an increased interest in cat food for their pets, they adore it and eat it with great pleasure. The fact is that dogs love cat food because of the high protein content, food for them is tasty, but harmful. The energy value food for cats is much higher than for dogs. Therefore, with regular feeding, the risk of obesity increases.

The next danger is that cat food has high acidity, which is a definite plus for the cats themselves, but dangerous for dogs. Increased acidity affects the pancreas, as a result, the animal will experience constant heartburn. Feeding puppies cat food can lead to impaired development of the musculoskeletal system.

Cat food contains taurine, which contributes to the normal digestion of food in cats, and in dogs, the body produces it on its own, so dogs do not need additional taurine.

Even though some dog and cat foods have very similar formulas, there are some small but significant differences. For example, cat food contains more vitamin B, which dogs need in smaller amounts. Excess protein, which is more abundant in cat food, negatively affects the health of the dog's eyes, increases the risk of otitis media, and skin rashes may occur.

Of course, the tangible harm to a pet from feeding cat food will be noticeable after a long period of time, some dogs can eat cat food regularly without harm to health for more than six months, but others experience an instant reaction of the body, manifested in vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms characteristic of the disorder. stomach. In such cases, it is unacceptable even occasionally to give harmful food. Cat food is especially harmful to the elderly, as well as to dogs weakened for a period and after an illness.

Some owners use cat food as a reward during training, treats between main feedings. However, currently in pet stores a wide range of treats for dogs, so there is no urgent need to buy cat food for this purpose. Physiological Needs Cats and dogs are different, so you need to feed them different foods.

How to wean a dog from eating cat food

You can avoid stealing food from a cat by separate feeding, i.e. feed a dog in one room, a cat in another, or in different time.

You can raise the cat's bowl so high that the dog can't reach it, but the cat can find its way to the food.

If the bowls are on the same level and in the same room, then after eating, you should immediately wash the bowls so that the dog does not come up and lick someone else's bowl, do not let it eat up someone else's food.

Of course, cat food will bring harm only with regular and long-term feeding, but why take risks if there are high-quality dog ​​food, and if you don’t like ready-made food, then you can switch to natural feeding.

Contrary to popular belief that dogs and cats are eternal enemies, these animals are quite capable of coexisting peacefully in the same house. And often the owners watch with tenderness how they are so different pets not only sleep on the same couch, but also eat food from the same bowl. At the same time, most owners do not pay attention to the fact that the doggie enjoys eating cat food without even suspecting that such food can be harmful to the health of their four-legged pet. Why you can not feed your dog dry cat food and how to wean it from eating from a cat bowl?

Features of the nutrition of cats and dogs

Both cats and dogs are predators by nature, so at first glance it may seem that their diet should be the same and these animals can be fed the same food. But this is far from true, because the digestive system and metabolism of cats and dogs differ significantly.

Dogs and cats have completely different digestive systems.

Representatives cat kingdom much higher blood glucose levels than in dogs. because of high level glucose in cats accelerated metabolism, so during the day they eat often, but in small portions. But the dog to satisfy hunger and wellness enough to eat once a day.

Another difference in the nutrition of these animals is that the lion's share of the cat's diet should be meat products, without which the normal functioning of their body is impossible. Dogs can do well without meat and feel great on plant based diet, eating one porridge and vegetables.

Despite the fact that the menu of cats and dogs should be different, do not forget that both pets need the right food. balanced diet containing minerals and vitamins necessary for the health of animals.

Cat Food vs Dog Food: Is There a Difference?

Taurine added to cat food can harm your dog.

Manufacturers prepared feed for pets always take into account the fact that the body and digestive system in cats and dogs is different. Therefore, when making food for animals, it is added to the feed exactly the set of useful substances and microelements, which are necessary for cats, but will be harmful to dogs and vice versa.

For example, commercial cat food contains a substance called taurine, with the help of which the stomach of cats more easily absorbs and digests food. The dog's digestive system makes its own enough taurine, so Too much of it can lead to problems with gastrointestinal tract dog.

High protein content

Cats need protein in their diet.

Do not forget the fact that cats from behind accelerated exchange substances need to be fed with high content squirrel and in cat food, its share varies between 50–70%. And in ready-made dog food, the protein level is from 20 to 30%, so the difference is quite noticeable.

Stones in the kidneys

Another difference between ready meals for these animals is that cat food is additionally acidified so that furry creatures do not form kidney stones. Doggie like this hyperacidity feed will only harm and can even lead to problems with the musculoskeletal system.

To prevent kidney stones, cat food is acidified.

vitamin difference

Different cat and dog food and content vitamin B, which is necessary for cats, while dogs need it less. In turn, in food for felines, almost no vitamin E and zinc which dogs can't do without.

Universal finished feed suitable for good nutrition cats and dogs do not exist, so they should be fed separately and only with the food that is intended for each of these pets.

There is no food that is suitable for cats and dogs.

Why is cat food bad for dogs?

If the dog regularly eats food from a cat bowl, then this can lead not only to a violation digestive system in a four-legged pet, but also to more serious problems, for example, the kidneys or the musculoskeletal system.

• High protein content in cat food can be. The symptoms of an allergic reaction vary from purulent ulcers and skin rashes before and . Small children are especially prone to protein allergies. decorative rocks dogs.
• Due to the fact that cat food is acidified, dogs after such a diet may suffer from heartburn and indigestion .
• Food made specifically for cats is very high in calories and its abuse leads to the fact that dogs begin to dial quickly excess weight which can lead to obesity.
• Due to the lack of vitamin E in the cat's diet and Zinc in a dog reduces immunity which makes him vulnerable to different kind diseases.
• Cat food is high in fat and protein and virtually no carbohydrates. And the dogs get energy from carbohydrates and if there are few of them, then the animal quickly gets tired and becomes lethargic and apathetic.
• Cat food is low in fiber, which is essential for dogs to normal digestion. As a result, such a diet will lead to the fact that the four-legged pet will suffer from diarrhea or constipation .

Regular eating of cat food by a dog will lead to an upset digestive system.

Don't forget that body of older dogs, pregnant females and small puppies reacts especially sharply to low-quality or incorrectly selected food. Therefore, the nutrition of such pets should be approached with all responsibility and remember that in no case should they be fed with cat food.

Can dogs occasionally eat cat food?

Of course, if a dog occasionally eats from a bowl of a cat, then irreparable no harm to his health . But if the owner carelessly allows the dog to eat such food regularly, then such carelessness will lead to the development of various diseases the animal and without the help of a veterinarian in this case can not do.

If the dog has eaten cat food a couple of times, there will be no harm.

Ways to wean your dog off cat food

What if your four-legged friend is addicted to cat food and goes on a hunger strike when the owner tries to change his menu? Only one - do not follow the dog's lead and wean him from the habit of looking into the cat's bowl. This may take a lot of time, but after all, we are talking about the health of the pet, so weaning it from junk food not a whim of the owner, but an urgent need.

• Feed your pets at different times . First of all, feed the dog, and then pour the food into the cat's bowl. When the cat is eating, it is advisable to distract the dog at this time with something, for example, start with him in another room fun game Or take him for a walk.
• Put the cat's plate in a place where the dog will not be able to reach . For this purpose, a window sill is suitable (if the dog is small), a refrigerator or a chest of drawers. This will create indefinite inconvenience for both the cat and the owner, but the owner will be sure that the cunning pet will not be able to stealthily feast on the forbidden food.
• So that a four-legged pet is not tempted to eat cat food when the owner is not around, do not leave food for a furry pet in the bowl at night . By the way, such a restriction will also benefit the cat, since in the morning he will have a better appetite.
• In no case do not reward your dog with dry kibble intended for cats. For a successfully completed command, you can treat the dog with a piece of sweet cookies or caramel.
• Dogs are quite obedient pets, so the owner can try to wean the animal from cat food. commands "no" or "fu". Orders should be pronounced at the moment when the dog approaches the cat's bowl.

While the cat is eating, you can go for a walk with the dog.

Some dogs can be very stubborn and flat out refuse other foods when trying to wean them off cat food. The owner will have to be tough and, no matter how hard it is, not pay attention to the pet's eyes full of pity and reproach. Ultimately, hunger will take its toll, and the dog will be forced to eat the food offered by the owner.

conclusions

The mood, activity and health of the dog depend on the right food. Therefore, it is impossible to indulge the whims of your four-legged friend and feed him the food that he likes, but at the same time it can harm the animal's body! Of course, if the dog is in rare cases feast on a cat bowl, then there will be no tangible harm to his body. The main thing is to make sure that this does not become a habit for the animal, and then the pet will always be healthy and full of strength.

The activity of a dog depends on the food it consumes.

Video about the consequences of feeding a dog with cat food

When several animals live in the house, the owners begin to feed them the same food. Owners prefer to buy portions of cat food. Especially since taste preferences pets can be surprising: having tasted the product intended, the four-legged barking friend will demand exactly him for breakfast. But veterinarians call for a balanced and careful consideration of the formation of the diet of your pets.

Specifics of food for four-legged friends

Feed different brands, intended , differs in composition, but has a number common features that radically distinguish it from food.

The protein component is more significant, since the need of the cat's body for amino acids is higher (often the addition of taurine sulfonic acid follows, which does not at all correspond to the needs of the dog).

The mass fraction of fats is greater, since in the process of metabolism (in contrast) arachidonic acid is not synthesized, and triglyceride acids are additional source energy.

If a dog constantly takes cat food, she is at risk of gaining excess weight.

Less cereals and carbohydrates (their high content causes malfunctions in digestion), while the dog's diet suggests more content energetically valuable carbohydrate component.

Enriched with B vitamins (a slightly different vitaminization has been developed for dogs), which are involved in the processes of energy exchange, synthesis and breakdown of amino acids obtained from protein.

Should you feed your dog cat food?

Both graceful cats and loyal dogs have long lived next to humans and seem very similar in many ways. But their way of life and physiological processes have significant .

Cat food always has increased fat content and nutritional value, which is why dogs love it.

The comfortable diet of animals varies: for dogs, for optimal well-being, it is enough two meals a day, and the cat should eat more often, but little by little due to the high content of glucose in the blood, his food is more high in calories. Consistently eating energy-rich cat foods can lead to dog obesity.

In addition, a high proportion of the protein component increases the risk of kidney ketonization, can affect the ears (threat of otitis media), eyes (redness and discomfort), skin(appearance of a rash). And among the most frequent consumers of cat food - dogs of small sizes - there may be allergic reactions different kind.

You can feed the dog a little cat food, but in exceptional cases.

Thus, for constant feeding, it is better to use specialized food, adding freshly prepared dishes to the pet's diet. At the same time, veterinarians note that serious violations health can only be brought about by the regular and constant consumption of foreign food.

Cats and dogs are the most common pets, and they often live in the same apartment. Peacefully (or not quite peacefully) dividing the territory of the apartment, pets often begin to share the contents of their bowls. Over time, the owners notice that the cat is happy to eat from the dog bowl and feels great doing it. Is it safe to feed a cat dog food?

Cats are carnivorous predators, everyone knows that. Dogs are also predators - this is a well-known fact. Therefore, cats and dogs can be fed the same food. This is the conclusion often reached by negligent owners who want to justify their desire to feed their cat with dog food.

Why You Shouldn't Feed Your Cat Dog Food

A dog, unlike a cat, is not an obligate predator, it is rather an omnivore. Plant food and food of animal origin are successfully digested in the stomach, while meowing pets digest vegetables and fruits by only 10-15 percent. In addition to this fact, there are other differences in the digestive system of animals.

One of the biggest disadvantages of dog food is the lack of taurine in it. This amino acid is not produced by the body at all, but a cat cannot live without it. With a lack of taurine in food, vision, urinary and nervous systems primarily suffer.

A cat's body needs 15% more protein than a dog. Aft mass fraction the squirrel is too small to fully meet the needs of a meowing pet, especially a young and growing one.

Dog food, like cat food, has vitamins A, B, C, E. But in dog food, the emphasis is on vitamins of group A, while purrs need overdose vitamin E. In addition, an excess of vitamin A can lead to abnormal skeletal formation in kittens during the period of active growth.

The energy value of dog food is too low. In the body of cats, the intensity of biochemical processes is higher, so they eat little and often, unlike dogs, which usually eat twice a day.

Why Owners Choose Dog Food to Feed Cats

First, identical brand dog food is often significantly cheaper than cat food. But do not deceive yourself - having saved on feed, you will soon have to spend money on the services of a veterinarian.

Secondly, dog food is often purchased in large packs, and it is always at hand. But cat food, if desired, can be ordered in a large package, which will last for a long time.

Thirdly, if the purr is faced with the choice of whose bowl to eat, then most often she chooses the dog bowl. But this does not mean that it is healthier or tastier, often the purr simply shows curiosity, and sometimes greed.

How to wean a cat from eating dog food

If the cat has tried dog food, but refuses its own, then you need to decide this problem. It is necessary to isolate the dog bowl from the cat.

Most best way out in this situation - after feeding the dog, remove the remnants of food from the bowl in a place inaccessible to the cat. A meowing pet may refuse its food for several days, but if you persist, the animal will never starve to death if at least some food is available.

You can change the brand of cat food to pique your pet's interest in food. Worth a try to pour new food in a dog bowl.

Dog food can seriously harm a cat only with long-term, constant feeding. If the pet managed to steal a piece of goodies from someone else's bowl, do not be upset - harm to health a small amount of will not bring dog food.