Cats can eat dog food in an emergency but only temporarily. Dog food doesn’t contain essential nutrients that cats need, like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A. Therefore, feeding dog food for too long can lead to serious health issues, including heart problems and vision loss.
Keep reading to know whether dog food is a safe short-term solution, what risks it poses, and what alternatives you can consider.
Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Dog Food for a Long Time
In an emergency, your cat can eat dog food for a short time because it won’t immediately harm your cat. But cats shouldn’t eat dog food for a long time because cats and dogs have different nutritional needs.
Long-term feeding can lead to many serious health issues, such as heart disease, vision loss, muscle loss, weakness, skin problems, joint pains, poor kidney function, digestive issues, etc. It’s best to switch back to cat food as soon as possible to ensure proper nutrition and prevent deficiencies.
The Differences Between Cat and Dog Nutrition and Their Food Ingredients
Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs. Their bodies process food in unique ways, so their food is formulated differently. While they might try to steal each other’s meals, feeding them the wrong diet can lead to serious health problems. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between their nutritional needs and food:
1. Cats Are Obligate Carnivores, Dogs Are Omnivores
Cats are obligate carnivores. They must eat meat to survive, and their bodies rely on nutrients found only in animal protein. Dogs, on the other hand, can digest both meat and plant-based foods. This is why dog food contains more grains and vegetables, which don’t provide what cats need.
Cats require a high-protein diet to maintain muscle, energy, and overall health. Dog food often has less protein and more carbohydrates, which cats struggle to digest. A low-protein diet can lead to muscle loss and weakness in cats.
2. Taurine: Essential for Cats, Optional for Dogs (Cats Can’t Produce Taurine But Dogs Can)
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart function, vision, and digestion. Dogs can make taurine naturally, but cats must get it from food. If dog food lacks enough taurine, cats can develop heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), blindness, and digestive problems.
3. Vitamin A: Cats Need It Pre-Formed
Dogs can convert plant-based beta-carotene into vitamin A. Cats can’t. They need pre-formed vitamin A, found in animal-based foods. Without it, they may develop skin problems, weak immunity, and vision loss.
4. Cats Require Arachidonic Acid
This essential fatty acid is crucial for skin health, kidney function, and inflammation control. Dogs can make it on their own, but cats must get it from animal fats. Dog food doesn’t contain enough, which can lead to skin issues, joint pain, and poor kidney function in cats.
5. Carbohydrates: Cats vs. Dogs
Dog food contains more grains, vegetables, and carbohydrates, which dogs can easily digest. Cats, however, don’t digest carbs well. Their bodies are designed to run on protein and fat, not plant-based ingredients. Too many carbs can lead to obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues in cats.
6. Different Caloric Needs
Cats need calorie-dense meals with the right balance of protein and fat. Dog food is often lower in calories, which can lead to malnutrition and weight loss in cats if fed long-term.
7. Cat Food Has More Fat
Cats rely on fat as a primary energy source. Their food contains higher levels of healthy fats compared to dog food.
Dog food has lower fat content to prevent obesity, as dogs can digest carbohydrates for energy. If a cat eats dog food regularly, it might not get enough fat, leading to low energy and a dull coat.
8. Texture and Palatability
Cat food is designed to be more appealing to cats. It has a stronger smell and a higher fat content to match their natural preferences.
Dog food may not be as enticing to a cat, leading to reduced appetite and poor nutrition if fed long-term.
What to Feed a Cat If You Run Out of Cat Food
Running out of cat food can be stressful, but don’t worry—there are safe alternatives you can use in an emergency. The key is to provide a high-protein, meat-based meal that meets your cat’s nutritional needs.
1. Cooked Meat (Best Option)
Cats are obligate carnivores, so plain, cooked meat is the best temporary substitute. Safe options include:
- Chicken (boiled or baked, no seasoning)
- Turkey
- Beef
- Fish (occasionally, and fully cooked)
Avoid raw meat (there is a risk of bacteria) and seasoned or processed meats (spices and salt are harmful).
2. Eggs (Protein Boost)
Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled, no salt or butter) can be a good source of protein and essential amino acids.
3. Plain Rice or Oatmeal (In Small Amounts)
While cats don’t need carbohydrates, a little plain rice or oatmeal mixed with meat can temporarily fill them up.
4. Canned Tuna or Salmon (Occasionally & in Water, Not Oil)
If you have canned tuna or salmon, serve a small amount in water (not oil or brine). Too much can lead to mercury buildup, so only use it as a last resort.
5. Baby Food (Meat-Based, No Onions or Garlic)
Some plain meat-based baby foods (with no onion, garlic, or seasoning) can be a safe emergency meal for cats.
6. Low-Lactose Dairy (In Small Amounts)
Most cats are lactose intolerant, but a small amount of plain yogurt or lactose-free milk can be safe in emergencies.
What Foods Should Cats Avoid?
Some foods are toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues. Here’s a list of what to avoid:
1. Toxic Foods
- Onions & Garlic – Can cause anemia.
- Chocolate & Caffeine – Affects the heart and nervous system.
- Grapes & Raisins – These can cause kidney failure in cats.
- Alcohol – Extremely toxic, even in small amounts.
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) – Causes liver failure and low blood sugar.
2. Harmful Dairy & Fatty Foods
- Milk & Cheese – Most cats can’t digest lactose properly.
- Fatty Meats & Bones – Can cause pancreatitis and choking.
3. Dangerous Raw Foods
- Raw Meat, Eggs & Fish – Risk of bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli) and vitamin deficiencies.
- Raw Dough (Yeast) – Can expand in the stomach and cause alcohol poisoning.
4. Unhealthy Processed Foods
- Dog Food – Lacks essential nutrients like taurine.
- Salty & Spicy Foods – Can cause dehydration and stomach upset.
Why Does My Cat Want to Eat Dog Food?
Cats are curious and may try dog food for several reasons:
- Smell & Taste – Some dog foods have strong aromas that attract cats.
- Hunger – If your cat isn’t getting enough nutrients, they might look for more food.
- Texture – Crunchy kibble may feel different and fun to eat.
- Imitation – Your cat might copy your dog’s eating habits.
- Curiosity – Cats love to explore, even if the food isn’t meant for them.
How to Keep Cats Away from Eating Dog Food
If your cat keeps sneaking dog food, here’s how to stop it:
1. Feed Pets Separately
- Place your dog’s food in a different room or feed them at different times.
- Use a baby gate or pet barrier—cats can jump, but some gates have cat-proof designs.
2. Remove Uneaten Dog Food
- Don’t leave dog food out all day.
- Pick up the bowl after mealtime.
3. Use Elevated Dog Feeders
- Keep your dog’s food on a raised surface where cats can’t access it.
- Some dogs can eat from higher bowls without any problems.
4. Try a Dog Feeder with a Microchip
Automatic feeders that open only for your dog’s microchip can prevent your cat from sneaking bites.
5. Give Your Cat a Satisfying Diet
Ensure your cat gets high-protein, nutrient-rich meals to prevent food curiosity.
The bottom lines
Can cats eat dog food in an emergency? The answer is yes, occasionally, but it should not be a regular habit. Since dog food doesn’t contain essential nutrients that cats need, excessive eating can cause health issues.
If you run out of cat food, temporarily fix it with protein-rich human foods. Always keep extra cat food on hand to avoid this situation.
FAQ:
1. How many calories does a cat need per day?
A cat typically needs 20 to 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. An average 10-pound cat requires 200 to 300 calories daily, depending on activity level. Indoor cats need fewer calories, while active or outdoor cats need more. Kittens, pregnant, and nursing cats require higher calorie intake.
2. Can I feed a stray cat dog food?
You can feed a stray cat dog food only as a temporary solution if no other food is available. Dog food lacks essential nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, and arachidonic acid, which cats need to stay healthy. Feeding dog food long-term can lead to malnutrition, heart disease, and vision problems. If possible, provide plain cooked meat, canned tuna (in water), or eggs until you can get proper cat food.
3. Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?
Dogs can eat cat food occasionally, but it’s not healthy for them long-term. It lacks the essential nutrients dogs need, which can cause health issues.
