Is it safe for cats to eat dog food?

Although cats and dogs are both four-legged, furry, and full of love, when it comes to food, they have very different needs!

So, is it safe for cats to eat dog food? The short answer is yes, but while a dog's food is likely to be safe for cats to eat occasionally, long-term use can be harmful. Read on to find out more about the different nutritional needs of our furry friends and how to stop your cat from eating dog food.

A cat’s nutritional needs

As the ingredients and dietary makeup of cat and dog food differ, it’s best to feed your pet a diet that’s designed specifically for their species, as well as their age and lifestyle. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on animal protein and fats for essential nutrients. They also need to be supplemented with certain nutrients they can’t produce on their own, such as taurine, which supports heart, eye, and digestive health. Vitamin A is another essential nutrient cats need to get through food, as they can’t make it themselves like dogs can.

As omnivores, dogs can cope with a wider range of ingredients and have fewer specific dietary requirements. This is why a dog food diet may not provide the right balance of nutrients for a cat to stay healthy, grow, and thrive. The same applies to dog treats vs cat treats.

Can cats eat dog food in the long term?

Although cats can enjoy the occasional nibble without experiencing toxicity, eating dog food long-term would likely lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, including:

• Amino acids like taurine and arginine
• Vitamins like Vitamin A and niacin 
• Fatty acids like arachidonic acid
  

Beyond missing essential nutrients, dog food simply isn’t built for cats. It’s lower in protein and fat and higher in carbohydrates – the opposite of what out feline friends need to stay healthy.

What happens if my cat eats dog food?

If your cat enjoys the odd nibble of wet dog food or kibble every so often, don’t panic – it’s unlikely to cause them much harm.

However, if a cat’s diet consists of dog food alone, they’re likely to develop health problems like poor growth and disease.

Nutritional disease

Deficiencies of certain nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and essential fatty acids can cause illness:

• Taurine deficiency can lead to heart disease, vision problems, and poor digestive health.
• Vitamin A deficiency can cause blindness, muscle weakness, and poor skin/coat health.
• Niacin deficiency can weaken the immune system and affect metabolism.
• Arachidonic acid deficiency can impact liver and kidney function.

Poor growth

Cats require much higher levels of protein in their diet than dogs. This means that eating dog food long-term can stunt a cat’s growth and lead to muscle loss and weakness. Kittens are particularly at risk, as they have nutritional requirements specific to healthy development. 

Calorie requirements

Since cats are generally smaller than dogs, they need smaller portions of food with a higher concentration of calories, protein, and fat – all of which they need for energy. This means eating dog food regularly can be hugely problematic in terms of energy requirements.

How to stop your cat from eating dog food

Cats are naturally curious, so it’s no surprise they might poke their (extremely cute!) noses just where they shouldn’t – including your dog’s food bowl. However, it’s fairly unusual for furry felines to give more than a passing fancy to dog food, mainly because it doesn’t taste as nice to them.

Cats have far fewer taste buds than dogs (around 470 compared to a dog’s 1700), which is why they can be picky when it comes to food. Cat food is packed with meaty and fishy aromas and filled with different textures to tempt even the fussiest of eaters. On the other hand, dog food tends to be less tantalizing as the intended audience isn’t so picky about their intake.

If your furry feline’s developed a taste for eating dog food consistently, here are some tricks to stop them: 

Create feeding spaces and set mealtimes

If you usually operate on an ad-lib, open-grazing-type feeding schedule, you may have to rethink this! Try:

• Separating cats and dogs at mealtimes.
• Following a set routine for where and when you feed them. 
• Removing bowls once they’ve finished to prevent anyone ‘tidying up’ what’s left.

Note that if your cats are used to grazing, they may take a few days to adjust to this new schedule – but it’s worth persevering.

Feed high-quality cat food

While the answer to ‘Is it safe for cats to eat dog food?’ is yes (short-term) and no (long-term), we all know how important diet and nutrition is. I highly recommend investing in your cat’s health and well-being by providing them with a high-quality diet that’s specifically designed for their species, age, and lifestyle. This will reduce their interest in food that’s not meant for them.

Prevent boredom

Since dog food isn’t particularly enticing to cats, your furry feline may be eating out of boredom rather than genuine hunger. Keep your cat engaged and stimulated with plenty of:

• Interactive games
• Puzzle toys and feeders for independent play
• Social interaction like snuggles and grooming sessions

Seek veterinary help

If your cat is determined to seek out dog food, it’s worth a visit to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions affecting their appetite.

Why does my cat want to eat my dog's food?

Cats are known to be fairly fussy at times, so why do these fastidious creatures take such an interest in dog food? There are a few reasons why this might be happening:

Smell

Cats rely more on their sense of smell than taste, and the aroma of dog food – especially wet dog food – might be too tempting to resist. If this is the case, try making their own food more appealing by:

• Offering up foods with a strong scent
• Warming up wet cat food to enhance its scent  

Curiosity and opportunity

Cats love to explore and keep tabs on everything in their territory. If dog food is often left out, your furry feline might want to investigate – whether they’re hungry or not. To curb their curiosity:

• Stick to set feeding times
• Remove bowls once mealtime is over

Variety

Cats in the wild eat a large range of prey, from small mammals to birds and even insects. Although sudden diet changes aren’t ideal, introducing different textures and flavors within their regular cat food can help keep things interesting – so they won’t feel the need to go foraging in the dog’s bowl.

Keeping your furry friend on the right diet is essential for their long-term health – but what about when you're away? If you're planning a trip, ensuring your pets stick to their routine (and don’t sneak any dog food!) is much easier with a trusted sitter. Find a reliable pet sitter today to keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and well-fed while you're away!

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been written by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

Useful resources:

• 300+ food names for cats
• 14 of the healthiest cat foods to try in 2024
• 10 best cat food for cats with a sensitive stomach