Can dogs eat cat food?

Updated 18/04/2024

If you're lucky enough to have both feline and canine buddies at home, you might have noticed your pup's nose twitching when your kitty's dinner is put down. Or worse - your curious pooch might have even taken a gobble! If that's the case, we're not surprised you're probably wondering - can dogs eat cat food or is cat food bad for dogs? Well sort of - one small nibble of cat food is unlikely to cause any nasty reactions in your pup, but you shouldn't be feeding cat food to your dog on a regular basis. Explore below to find out why cat food is bad for dogs, and what to do if your dog steals your (now rather ravenous) kitty's dinner.  

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Is cat food poisonous to dogs?

So, let's get clear on this one  - can dogs eat cat food, or is cat food completely off-limits to dogs? Well cat food certainly isn't designed for dogs, so it won't do them any good in the long term, nutritionally speaking. A small morsel of cat food or a little bite here and there shouldn't have any seriously negative effects on your pup though and certainly isn’t toxic to your dog. So if you're wondering - can a dog die from eating cat food? The answer is no - that's incredibly unlikely. 

Can dogs eat wet cat food?

And is cat food bad for dogs if it's canned or classed as wet cat food? Well it's bad for dogs in the sense that once they start, they may not be able to stop craving it. Some cat food smells stronger than dog food, which means it doesn't take much to get your pup's nose twitching. And if you give your dog a taste, it'll only make them want it more. The solution? Just don't let your dog eat cat food - your pup has different nutritional needs which they should be getting from their own bowl. 

Can dogs eat dry cat food?

And can you feed cat food to your dog if it's dry, for example as a treat for dog training? Well as we've mentioned, cat food can smell really quite delectable to our canine companions, so you're better off never giving them a taste in the first place. Instead, opt for healthy dog treats that are right for their age, size, breed, and any health issues they've got.

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Why is cat food bad for dogs?

This might all leave you wondering - what's the difference between cat and dog food anyway? Isn't it all pretty much made of the same ingredients? Well we wouldn't blame you for coming to this conclusion - cat and dog food does look pretty similar, afterall. But in reality, cats and dogs have pretty contrasting nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat an animal protein-based diet to stay healthy. Dogs on the other hand are omnivores, which means they need a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals on a completely different scale to cats.  

So what does this mean in the long term? Why can't dogs eat cat food as part of their daily diet? Well eating cat food would result in malnutrition for your pup - they'd miss out on key macro and micronutrients their bodies need. In fact, a dog that eats cat food long-term could lead to some of the issues below. 

• Kidney and liver problems
• Obesity
• Sensitive stomach
• Pancreatitis

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What to do if your dog eats cat food

So, what happens if a dog eats cat food? Well lucky for your pup, not a whole lot. So if you're sat there thinking - my dog ate cat food - are they going to survive? The answer is yes - your pooch should be absolutely fine. As always when trying new foods though, we'd advise keeping an eye on your pup afterwards just in case any sickness or diarrhea should occur. If that's the case, then contact your vet for advice. And as we've mentioned, one nibble of cat food shouldn't be a huge cause for concern, but if your dog keeps eating cat food, that's bad news. Cat food doesn't contain the nutrients your pup needs, so over time they'll be lacking in key nutrients that keep their bodies, brains and coats healthy.

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Other cat food products

Now we've settled the question - can dogs eat cat food, what about other morsels meant for felines that your pup craves? Can dogs eat cat treats or cat chews? Well one treat here and there shouldn't do any harm, but once your pup gets a taste of those protein-packed morsels, there is a chance that they’ll turn their snout up at their own treats. The solution? Keep your dogs and cats separate when it comes to food. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Foods that are safe for dogs

Now we’re clear on the question - can dogs eat cat food - what about other foods dogs can eat? Check out a few safe foods for dogs below to get started. 

• Mushrooms
• Apples
• Eggs

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