Post by Trish Manche
As most pet parents know, it can be nearly impossible to keep dogs from cat food and cats from dog food. Is there any harm in them eating each other’s food? Yes! Can you just buy one or the other? The answer is no.
While all animals need vitamins and other nutrients, the volume of their nutrition is different based on size and other factors. All animals need a plentiful supply of fresh water for good health and to round out their nutrition.
Cats are carnivores (meat eaters). Cat food is generally categorized by age unless there is a weight issue or other health concern. While cat food is 100% complete and balanced for cats, it is not nutritionally complete for any dog. Cat food is very high in protein which can be very hard on a dog’s liver and kidneys. Cat food is higher in fat which can cause digestive upset of all types. It can also result in the dog putting on weight which has a ripple effect upon the body. The additional fat is bad for the animal’s organs and the additional weight is bad for their joints.
Dogs are omnivores, with a diet consisting of meat, fruit, vegetables and a wider variety of foods to receive a balanced diet that is healthy for them. Dog food is nutritionally complete for any dog, but there are different formulas based on age and size. These foods contain an optimal amount of complete and balanced nutrition when purchased for the correct age, size, or in some cases specialized diet. Specialized diets can be prescribed by your veterinarian for health issues
The same rules for the food apply to the treats as well. If your dog is gutsy enough to steal an occasional Temptation treat from your cat, it’s not harmful, but should definitely not be a regular routine treat for your dog. I personally have a cat that will rip open a Ziploc bag to nibble on a Milk Bone or other dog treat left unattended on the counter.
I think the temptation of food that smells and tastes differently than their regular diet is enticing to both species. It’s best to feed your dog and cat in separate areas whenever possible. I keep my cat’s food on an elevated surface to deter dog snacking, but if I am not home they may counter surf. I routinely gate off the area where the cat food is located or kennel the dogs during the time I am away. Some people even feed their dogs in kennels to make sure the dog eats only the food in the correct quantity for that pet. My cats rarely get dog food because I do not free feed, food is stored in a plastic storage bin, and the dogs gobble up every morsel when the dish is placed in front of them.
Some people like the fresh food alternative like The Farmer’s Dog. While dogs love this and even my vet’s dog is a fan, it can be pricey and I still supplement with some dry kibble. There are a few pet parents who prepare fresh food for their dogs, you may want to confirm with your vet they are getting all the nutrition they need and additional supplements are not needed to be added to the food you prepare. Dogs have different needs than humans and you want to make sure they remain at optimal health with the correct nutrition. You also need to be aware of foods that are harmful to dogs (and cats) when preparing food, like cooked onion, garlic, artificial sugars (like Xylitol), etc. There are several organizations that post lists of harmful foods for both species.
Whatever you are feeding your pets, make sure it is the highest quality and most nutritionally complete food you can get within your budget. Just like with their human counterparts, you can spend the money to eat healthier and get adequate exercise or you may inevitably spend money on vet visits, specialized diets, and medication because your dog has health issues as they get older due to a poor diet.