Cats and dogs are the best pets to adopt due to their playful nature. When you bring both pets at your home, then you have to provide them with their all basic needs, such as shelter, food, and training, etc. but have you ever wonder if they both share their food.
Cats and dog foods are different and are specially formulated to nourish cats and dogs according to their need. Cat’s nutritional needs are different from dogs, so; you cannot provide the same food to your pets.
Cute litter box will discuss, can cats eat dog food in an emergency ?
Can a cat eat dog food?
The cat should not eat dog food because due to different nutritional formulas, a dog’s diet cannot fulfill the requirements of the cat’s nutrients. But if there is an emergency, you can provide your cat with a little dog’s food but do not give a regular basis. Otherwise, it will harm the cat.
What is included in dog food?
Dog’s food has different ingredients than the cats’ food. These foods are made of different flavors and according to different breeds and diets of the dog.
Beta-carotene is included in most of the dog’s foods because it is necessary for the development of the dog. It is also responsible for restoring the immune system of older dogs.
Dogs’ food has more minerals and vitamins and fewer proteins and fats than cat food. Dogs can gain weight faster due to the proteins; therefore, their menu has less protein and fats.
What is included in cat foods?
Cat’s food is enriched with fats and protein and has fewer fibers. Cats also need more vitamin A, because they cannot metabolize on their own. Taurine is essential for the cat’s overall health. Commercially-made cats’ foods do not contain taurine and amino acids, so these elements are added artificially in the cat’s diet.
What About Feeding in Emergency Cases?
Sometimes there is a situation in which you have no choice but to provide your cat with dog food. You can feed your cat with the dog food if you have forgotten to buy their food from stores or you are run out of their diet.
These are the cases in which you can consider to feed your cat with dog food instead. It will not hurt the dog if you do it occasionally but do not repeat it daily; otherwise, it can hurt your cat.
Usually, vets do not recommend feeding cats with dogs’ food. Due to the different nutritional needs of both pets, it may harm the cats if you use it for long terms.
If you are providing your cat with a dog’s food for a long time, then she may get a lack of all essential nutrients that are the need of her body, due to different nutritional needs.
You can feed her with the dog’s food in an emergency, but it is not a good option. You can prepare a portion of home-made food for your cat that should have high proteins to fulfill the needs of your pet.
Feeding Time
Sometimes cats develop a habit of stealing food from the dog; in this situation feed them away from the cats. Keep an eye on both of your pets to ensure that they are eating their food. If your dog is stealing the menu of your cat, then keep the cat’s bowl on the counter top so that the dog cannot reach on it. It will help your cat to eat the food without the disturbance of the dog.
There is no harm to eat the dog’s food for the cat but try not to give your cat this food. Due to different nutritional requirements, dog food is not suitable for cats and can cause a lack of essential nutrients. Do not make your cat to snack on the dog’s food always. Cats can get used to the dog’s food and refuse to eat the food that is specially formulated for them. This situation can cause harm to the cat.
Conclusion
Animals lovers have a dream to own the cats and dogs as pets, if you are one of them and deciding to adopt them both pets then, first ensure that you know about all the individual needs of each pet. You can allow your dog to share toys, bed or other things but do not allow them to share their food. Ensure to provide your cat with a diet that is can actually fulfill the nutritional need of your cat. But in an emergency, when you are run out of the cat’s food, you can feed her with a dog’s diet but do not feed her continuously with that type of food.