Can dogs eat cat treats?

So, you’re out of dog treats, your pup is looking longingly at you, but you’ve got nothing. You’re out of options. But then you both see it: a packet of your cat’s favourite treats, waiting to be opened and eaten. It’s just a cat treat, right? One biscuit. Two tops. And cats and dogs are both mammals, too, right? Surely it can’t be that bad, just to tide your dog over for now. Well, if only things were that simple. Here, we answer whether a dog can eat cat treats, the differences between cat and dog food, and any potential problems that may happen if your dog wolfs down the cat’s treats (excluding your kitty’s inevitable ire). Can dogs eat cat biscuits and treats? They can, but they shouldn’t. While a one-off is probably fine, regularly giving them the wrong treats isn’t. Treats are formulated for a specific animal. Cat treats are made for cats, not dogs. That means regularly giving them to dogs risks your pup getting things they don’t need. Why don’t cat treats give a dog what they need? Cat treats may have things in them that dogs don’t need or in the wrong amounts. For example, cat treats tend to have the following: Higher fat They often have higher fat content, which can be detrimental to dogs, especially breeds prone to obesity . More calories Similarly, cat treats have more calories, which can impact your dog’s weight and lead to problems like stomach upset. Nutrient inclusion Some cat treats include taurine, which is essential for cats to get from their diet. But most dog treats don’t contain added taurine, as dogs can synthesise this from other compounds. Ultimately, it comes down to balance. Cat treats offer a nutritional profile tailored for cats, not dogs, which can create imbalances over time. While treats supplement the diet, they still impact overall needs. Regularly giving a dog cat treats disrupts that balance. Risks due to a dog eating cat treats Before we outline the main risks, it’s important to note that most problems arise from long-term, regular snacking. Small amounts usually don’t cause much trouble. Long-term exposure to cat treats can cause: Nutritional imbalances Cats, as obligate carnivores, have different nutrient requirements than dogs, who are omnivores. This means dogs benefit from a more diverse diet. As such, the nutrient content of cat treats is different, leading to potential dietary imbalances over time for dogs. Obesity Cat treats have more calories, as kitties typically eat less than dogs at meal time. This makes treats an important part of supplementing a cat’s diet. But for dogs, it offers too much, leading to obesity over time. Stomach upset High fat and protein content can lead to an upset stomach in dogs, particularly if they’re not used to that diet. Too many cat treats can easily lead to diarrhoea , stomach pain, vomiting, and other nastiness. What are the main differences between cat and dog food? We’ve already covered that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they live best on a diet based on meat-based proteins - they need them to get specific essential nutrients. Most dogs, though, as you’ve probably experienced, like to eat pretty much anything. They survive best on a diet with a mix of carbohydrates, fat, and protein, and they aren’t as limited as cats in their diet. Dogs have the enzymes and ability to break down plant material and extract what they need, while cats don’t. With these two key differences in mind, cat and dog food have different focuses. Cat food tends to have: While dog food has: So, while they may look similar, the nutritional profiles are very different. What happens if a dog eats catnip? Sometimes, cat food will contain catnip. We know most cats love it , but what happens if a dog eats some? Usually nothing much, unless it’s in large quantities. Too much catnip may cause stomach upset, but in small amounts - and the amounts that some cat treats have - it won’t do anything substantial. Is it ever healthy for dogs to eat cat food? No, it’s not. You should only feed your dog or puppy food made for dogs. It’s key for them to have a nutritionally balanced diet and live their best life. Is it bad for puppies to eat cat food? Yes, and even small amounts can have a more pronounced effect in puppies. Puppies are growing, and they need very specific nutrients to optimise their growth. For example, puppy food will have specific calcium and phosphorus levels to keep them growing properly, which cat food will lack. Signs your dog isn’t dealing well with cat treats We don’t want to cause too much panic, but sometimes, dogs do get ill when they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t. We’d recommend seeing a vet if your dog has eaten something, like cat treats, and they’re experiencing the following: It’s important that a vet checks your dog out with these symptoms as it can hint at a deeper issue, like stomach upset. Quick, easy swaps if you’re out of dog treats If you want something nicer or more special for your dog, then check out our five favourite homemade dog treat recipes , which use ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

Can dogs eat cat treats?

Content

Pet microbiomes and gut health, explained

Are rawhide treats bad for dogs?

Top 10 dog-friendly birthday cake recipes

Ben Newman

How much does it cost to neuter a dog in the UK?

Heart murmurs in dogs and cats

12 best low-maintenance dog breeds for easy-going pet owners

Best (and worst) dog breeds for seniors

Cruciate ligament surgery for dogs

Our plans

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country