Will it be okay if a cat eats dog food? The nutrients in dog food cannot be replenished to cats in time.

Jan 26,2024
3Min

Cats can eat cat food, but it is not recommended that cats eat dog food for a long time, because cats are pure carnivores, while dogs are omnivores. Cat food and dog food are based on the rules of cats and dogs. It is formulated according to the nutritional needs of cats. Naturally, dog food is difficult to adapt to the nutritional needs of cats. The nutrients in dog food cannot supplement the needs of cats in time.

Is it okay if a cat eats dog food?

Cats can eat cat food, but it is not recommended that cats eat dog food for a long time, because cats are pure carnivores, while dogs are omnivores. Cat food and dog food are based on the rules of cats and dogs. It is formulated according to the nutritional needs of cats. Naturally, dog food is difficult to adapt to the nutritional needs of cats. The nutrients in dog food cannot supplement the needs of cats in time.

Dog food lacks vitamin A that cats need

Cats’ physical development requires the participation of vitamin A. A lack of vitamin A will cause cats to suffer from night blindness, rough fur and muscle weakness. Cats' immune systems also require vitamins to promote growth and neurological development. Generally, vitamin A can be found in the liver, fish oil and egg yolk of animals. As a pure carnivore, cats have a relatively large demand for vitamins and have a higher tolerance to vitamin A.

Dog food lacks taurine that cats need

Taurine is an essential amino acid found in large amounts in human organs. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in their bodies and need to obtain it from foods rich in taurine. Dog food often doesn't have this essential nutrient. Cats need taurine for their eyes, ears, and heart to work properly. Taurine combines with bile acids to aid digestion, and like vitamin A deficiency, taurine-deficient cats may suffer from night blindness and weakened immunity. Taurine is usually not available in dog foods and is not needed because dogs can synthesize it themselves.

Dog food lacks the protein that cats need

Cats need protein more than dogs, but according to one data, the protein content in dog food is generally only 18%, while the protein content required by cats generally needs to be at least 26%. In addition, a large part of the protein in dog food comes from plant-based proteins such as soybeans, which cannot be effectively absorbed by cats.

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