Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? [Answered]

We get a lot of questions about what dogs can and can’t eat. The answers are not always so obvious, so caution should be warranted when feeding your dog people foods. But what about your feline friend’s dish? Can dogs eat cat food?

Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?

Dogs shouldn’t be fed cat food, and and dog owners who also have cats should place the cat’s food dish in an area that the dog can’t reach.

Cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores. So, a cat’s diet is mostly made up of meat, where as dogs need a more balanced diet, much like ours.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cat Food?

Cat food is typically high in calories, protein, and fat, which is not ideal for dogs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, he may suffer gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea after eating cat food.

Dogs who are fed cat food regularly are at greater risk for obesity and pancreatitis, which is inflammation in the pancreas.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Cat Food?

If you suspect your dog has been in the cat’s dish, monitor your dog for a while. More than likely, he’ll be just fine. But, just in case his body rejects the cat food, you’ll have a sick dog on your hands. If his condition worsens, call your veterinarian.