Is Dog Food Bad For Cats? And Vice Versa

Perhaps some people believe that the food given to pets is practically the same for both dogs and cats, and the only thing that truly changes is the name. And even though it seems like something that doesn’t make sense, it’s really a matter that must be analyzed. 

Although one’s food doesn’t act as a poison to the other species, each has substantial differences from the other that we’ll show you below.

Many people who have dogs and cats at home, for convenience or lack of information, usually feed their pets with the same type of food.

At first glance, there might seem to be only a subtle difference in size and shape between the rations, but the components used to make them and the way they affect our best friends are diametrically opposed.

While cats are not particularly attracted to dog food, some are quite special about the food, given what humans offer them.

As a result, they get used to everything, even not eating. However, there are differences in animal products, as they are targeted to each species thinking about their specific characteristics.

Vitamin A

In cats, food is an essential element. This happens to be essential for maintaining good health for cats. Elements that often do not appear in dog food. That’s because dog foods are rich in beta-carotene, which the dog’s own body is able to convert into vitamin A.

Taurine

It’s an amino acid that all cats need, just like vitamin A. Dogs are able to produce it naturally. As a result, many dog ​​foods do not contain taurine.

If you feed your cat a diet low in this substance, you can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition can also be the result of eating only fish, as this food does not have enough taurine, which is why you may have heard that fish is bad for cats, something that is false. What is needed is to maintain a balanced diet.

arachidonic acid

This fatty acid is easily produced by dogs, whereas cats need it to be supplied to them through their food.

Protein Levels

Protein levels are another reason you shouldn’t give your cat dog food. It’s true that there are some dog foods that have a high protein content, but the vast majority do not contain the proper level that cats need.

Protein helps cats stay active and maintain healthy lives. A low level of this substance may not kill your pet, but it may result, over time, in some illness.

Unlike cats, the canine palate is far less selective about food. Because of this, many times dog and cat owners tend to leave out the specific food for dogs, since they are fed with practically anything that is offered to them.

However, also unlike felines, dogs are able to lead a relatively healthy life by eating exclusively cat food, although this is not advisable.

The amount of calories as well as the high levels of protein and large amounts of fat that are found in cat food are not suitable for the canine digestive system.

Dogs fed cat food generally tend to get obese and develop some degenerative diseases because of this condition. In addition, they are more likely to have gastrointestinal diseases.

Situations such as diarrhea, vomiting and even pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening to your pet, are some of the effects that cat food can cause to them.

These consequences can happen in short periods of time if you feed your dog cat food. If, in addition, you do it with puppy food, the results can be noticed even more quickly, since this type of food has a higher amount of protein and fat.

However, will my pet be at any risk if I accidentally ingest food of another species? Don’t worry, it won’t.

However, don’t make this a habit in any of your pets, as their health can be affected by regularly consuming a food that was not specifically formulated for them.