Cats and dogs are natural enemies, but what do you think when your cat starts eating dog food?
Do you ever think, why does my cat eat dog food?
It’s not uncommon for a cat to eat its owner’s dog food and vice versa. However, there are 5 reasons why cats might be eating your dog’s food but first, let’s understand the difference between these domestic pets.
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Cats and Dogs Are Different
Dogs can survive on plants and vegetables alone, but felines need more than just plants.
Cats would prefer meat or another high-protein source of nutrients because it has all the amino acids that their bodies crave.
Cats also need taurine, an essential nutrient found in animal flesh. Luckily, there are many ways to give them these nutrients without giving up your pet ownership rights!
So, if you are worried about why my cat eats dog food, let’s find out the reasons.
6 Reasons Why Cats Like Dog Food
- Natural Hunters: Cats are natural predators, and as such, they are attracted to the smell of meat and any other food that seems good to them, so naturally, they eat what they hunt.
- They Like Smell and Texture: Dogs and cats have different tongues. Dogs have a thick, coarse tongue, while cats have a thin, smooth tongue. This is because cats groom themselves more than dogs do.
- They’re Imitating Dogs: Your cat may be imitating your dog by eating its food. Perhaps your cat sees the dog eating its food and assumes that it’s OK for the cat to do so too.
- They’re Hungry: Cats may eat dog food when they’re hungry because it’s a high-protein diet, and as we mentioned earlier, cats need protein to survive.
- They Like the Taste: Some cats enjoy dog food taste better than their regular food. This isn’t a common reason, but it’s still a possibility.
- Mimicking The Dog: If the dog is the primary eater of this food, then it stands to reason that the cat will try it at some point. Dogs and cats have different digestive systems, and what works for one might not work for the other. Your cat maybe just trying to emulate the dog because it sees the dog as the dominant pet in the home.
So, now you know the 5 reasons why cats might eat your dog’s food. Whatever the reasons, if your cat is eating dog food, you should consult your veterinarian to ensure there are no underlying health problems.
Your vet can also offer suggestions on how to get your cat to start eating its regular food again. In the meantime, keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and make sure that it is getting the proper nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Do Dog Food Pose Any Threat To Dogs?
There is a big misconception that dog food poses a threat to dogs. Almost all of the major pet food brands have both cat and dog foods.
The difference between the two types of food is the protein source. Cat food has a higher percentage of protein from animal sources, while dog food has a higher percentage of plant-based proteins.
The plant-based proteins in dog food are not a threat to dogs, and they provide many of the same nutrients that animal-based proteins do.
Plant-based proteins can be a healthier option for dogs because they can help reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems. So, if your cat is eating dog food, don’t worry! It is not a threat to your dog.
How to Prevent Cats from Eating Dog Food?
It’s possible to share your home with a cat and a dog while maintaining harmony. First, however, you must ensure that each animal only consumes their food. For example, if your cat keeps feeding on your dog’s food, they prefer to follow these steps:
- Feed your pets twice a day.
- To prevent your cat from stealing a bite, monitor the feeding session.
- If your dog drops food in his bowl, dispose of it so your cat won’t discover it.
Likewise, you can prevent your dog from eating cat food by placing your cat’s bowl on a shelf, table, or countertop where your dog can’t reach.
What Happens if Cats Continuously Eat Dog Food?
There’s no need to rush your cat to the emergency clinic if you discover him in the act. Eating a little dog food now and then isn’t usually a big problem, but cats should not eat dog food regularly.
The consequences of an unhealthy diet can be severe, but there are specific indications that show that your cat’s health is deteriorating and that signs are:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Hunched back
- Poor coat condition
- Reproductive problems
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and other signs of GI distress
- Choking (caused by larger kibble size)
- Blindness, deafness, and heart problems (caused by a lack of taurine)
Learn to minimize your cat’s food obsession and you must know about the food ingredients which cause urinary crystals in cats so that you can keep your cat healthy while avoiding that food.
Final Words
If you want to prevent your cat from eating dog food, feed them twice daily at set times. Ensure that their bowls are filled with enough food to last through the feeding session. If you want additional tips on feeding your pets properly, consult an expert.
But if the situation persists and your pet is continually eating dog food, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. If they eat dog food regularly, their health can decline, and you might need to change their diet accordingly.