Is it safe for my dog to eat cat food?

My dog keeps eating the cat food but refuses to eat her own food. Will it do her any harm?



Cats are obligate carnivores meaning that they have to obtain their protein from animal sources.  Proteins are made up of amino acids and those described as essential amino acids are required for normal body function.  Dogs are able to manufacture essential amino acids through their own metabolism from other proteins that are contained in non meat products.  Cats are unable to make an essential amino acid called taurine, which is needed for heart muscle function, vision and reproduction and to aid digestion therefore to meet this requirement they must eat meat.

In other words, it would be much more worrying if your cat was eating only dog food!  Having said that, it would be much more appropriate if your dog was eating her own food! A cat’s normal protein requirement is greater than that of the dog.  You do not say the age of your dog, but for an older dog or one with a liver or kidney condition, eating too much protein can be harmful as it puts a strain on these organs.

My guess is that your dog is not interested in her own food because, having eaten the cat’s food, she is no longer hungry.  Try to feed your pets separately and always make sure you pick up your cat’s food after she has eaten so your dog can’t raid the leftovers.