- Dogs can eat cat food, but it shouldn’t become part of their diet, says the American Kennel Club.
- Monitor your dog’s health if he gets on cat food.
- Cats are omnivores and dogs are omnivores, and their nutritional needs vary.
Although dogs only have 1,700 taste buds, compared to 9,000 in humans, they love to eat anything they can get their hands on, including cat food.
Interestingly enough, dogs have “special taste buds” that allow them to taste water, says the American Kennel Club. While they can taste salt, puppies won’t taste it the way we do.
Dogs also have taste buds at the back of their throats that enable them to taste food that they seem to have swallowed without chewing. While this may help them savor new and exciting foods, what should they stick to eating?
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Can dogs eat cat food?
Yes, dogs can eat cat food, but they should not eat regularly. The AKC indicates that your pup is actually a carnivore, while cats are omnivores. This means that cats’ diets need more protein and meat products and that dogs’ meals should consist of a variety of meats and vegetables.
PetMD explains that cat food can be used as a treat, as it is often healthier for your dog than many human foods, such as “cheese, chicken, or peanut butter.”
Make sure that cat food does not become an essential part of your dog’s diet. The AKC notes how cat food does not contain all the “protein, fiber, and all the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy.” The AKC says that feeding your pet a lot of cat food can lead to an unbalanced diet, leading to digestive problems, obesity and pancreatitis.
A dog with stomach, kidney, or liver disease may have difficulties consuming excess protein. Likewise, dogs with digestive issues and obesity should avoid cat food, according to PetMD.
What to do if your dog eats cat food
In general, it’s okay if your dog grabs some cat food when you’re not looking, as long as this does not become a regular occurrence or a constant part of their diet. The AKC recommends that owners monitor their dogs in case they have eaten cat food, and if the owner notices “signs of intestinal discomfort,” to contact their vet.
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How to stop your dog from eating cat food
To discourage your pup from stepping into cat food, put it out of their reach or change the times you feed your cat, says the AKC. Make sure your pets learn which food and which food bowl they belong in.
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