Can dogs and cats share the same diet?

​When I ask about pet owners' feeding habits, I sometimes hear that some dogs eat their cats' food, and vice versa. The explanation is straightforward: my dog loves my cat's food, or my cats love my dog's food. Since they are both furry friends, one might assume that their dietary requirements are similar. However, the reality is not as straightforward as it seems.

​Can dogs and cats eat the same food?

​In short, no. Dogs and cats shouldn't eat the same food as their main diet. While they may seem alike, their bodies have different nutritional needs. Feeding them the same food can cause health problems for either or both pets.

​Understanding what dogs need to eat

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat and use nutrients from both plants and animals. They need a mix of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. But the exact amounts they need can change based on their age, size, how active they are, and their overall health.
Key nutrients for dogs

• Protein: Dogs need good protein to keep their muscles strong and help their bodies work well.
• Fats: Fats give dogs energy, help their immune system, and keep their skin and fur healthy.
• Carbs: Carbs provide energy and fiber for good digestion.
• Vitamins and minerals: Things like vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus are crucial for overall health.

​Why dogs need a balanced diet

​Giving your dog a balanced diet is key to keeping them healthy. If they don't get enough of some nutrients or too much of others, it can cause problems. These might include poor growth, skin issues, tummy troubles, or even damage to their organs.

​What's usually in dog food?

​Good dog foods often have meat proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. You might see things like chicken, beef, lamb, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and added vitamins and minerals on the label.

​Is it okay to give cat food to a dog?

Feeding cat food to dogs as their main diet is a no-go. Cat food is specially made for felines, whose nutritional needs differ greatly from canines. It's typically richer in protein and fat but lower in carbs than dog food. If dogs regularly eat cat food, they might face health issues like inflamed pancreas, or even damage to their health.

Feline Nutrition 101

​Cats are true meat-eaters, or obligate carnivores. This means they need certain nutrients that only come from animal sources. Their bodies are built to thrive on high-protein, low-carb diets.

​What Cats Need to Stay Healthy

• Protein: Cats require top-notch, animal-based protein to keep their muscles strong and body functions running smoothly.
• Fats: These provide energy, boost immunity, and keep skin and fur in good shape.
• Amino Acids: Cats need specific ones like taurine and arginine, which are crucial for their health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: A mix of these, including vitamin A, B12, and calcium, is essential for overall cat health.

​Why Balanced Cat Diets Matter

​Like dogs, cats need well-rounded meals to thrive. If their diet lacks certain nutrients or has too much of others, it can lead to various health problems. These might include stunted growth, eye issues, or obesity, even organ failure.

​What's in Cat Food?

​Quality cat foods usually contain a mix of meat proteins (like chicken, beef, or fish), essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Common ingredients include taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and some plant-based fibers for digestion.

Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

​Just as dogs shouldn't eat cat food, cats shouldn't eat dog food. Dog food is made for canines and doesn't meet feline nutritional needs. It's usually lower in protein and higher in carbs than cat food. Feeding your cat dog food can lead to health problems like malnutrition, weight gain, and potential organ damage.

​Amino Acids: Important for Both Cats and Dogs

Amino acids are protein building blocks and play a vital role in keeping both cats and dogs healthy. While some amino acid needs are the same for both pets, there are also key differences.

Dogs and cats have different amino acid needs. Let's look at dogs first. Even though dogs are meat-eaters, they sometimes struggle to make certain amino acids. Citrulline is a big one. It helps make arginine. Dogs should be able to create citrulline in their small intestines from other amino acids, but they're not always good at it. Taurine is another important one. Most dogs can turn cysteine into taurine in their livers, but some breeds like Newfoundland and Golden Retrievers have trouble with this. This is because their liver enzymes don't work as well. Newfoundlands might even have gene changes that make it hard to create taurine, even when they eat well.
​
Taurine is super important for dogs' hearts, eyes, and ability to have puppies. Not having enough can cause serious health issues like dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart can't pump blood well. Adding extra taurine to their food can help, but it's crucial to pick the right food for their health.

Now, let's talk about cats. Unlike dogs, cats can't make taurine or citrulline on their own. This means they must get these amino acids from their food. Cats need to eat lots of good animal proteins to get the taurine and arginine they need. This is why feeding cats dog food can be so bad. Dog food usually doesn't have enough taurine for cats and could cause serious health problems like heart issues and vision loss.

​Giving Your Pets a Healthy, Balanced Diet

When feeding your dog and cat, remember they need different things. It's important to give them food that's made just for them to keep them healthy.
To make sure your pets get what they need, choose high-quality pet foods made for dogs or cats. Don't feed them the same food, as this can make one or both of them sick.

Wrapping Up: The Right Food for Your Dog and Cat

​To sum up, dogs and cats have distinct dietary needs, despite their apparent similarities. Giving them the same food can harm their health, as each species requires specific nutrients in different amounts.
By grasping the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats, you can provide a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health and happiness. Remember, a well-fed pet is a content pet!

​If you're interested in extra help or creating a customized plan to balance dog's or cat's diet or improve their health, I'd be happy to discuss and provide personalized guidance. Feel free to ​schedule an appointment with me or sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest pet health and wellness information.

Reference:
​https://jasbsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40104-022-00827-8