What’s the Difference Between Cat and Dog Food, Really?
You've always fed cat food to your cat and dog food to your dog, because — well, why wouldn't you? But you might be curious about what the difference is between the two types, really. They look similar. They sometimes smell similar. Is it all just the same stuff?
Well, we've got the answer. As it turns out, there's a surprisingly big difference between cats' and dogs' nutritional needs, and, therefore, in their foods. We asked Dr. Donna Waltz, our animal nutritionist, to shed some light on exactly what's in dog and cat food and why it doesn't translate well across species.
Q: Cat food vs. dog food: What’s the basic difference?
Dr. Donna Waltz: Cats have higher needs for many essential nutrients, whereas dogs can adapt to life on very little. Cat food, as a result, tends to be higher in protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Cat food is also smaller for their smaller mouths, and is higher in calories.
Many ingredients used in dog and cat foods are similar, if not the same; it's the amounts used to balance the food that vary. For example, cats are obligate carnivores and have a higher need for protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids and many vitamins. Their bodies can't manufacture the essential nutrients at all or fast enough to meet their metabolic needs. So arguably, dogs could eat most cat foods, but cats should not eat dog foods. However, the levels of some nutrients in car food can be dangerous to dogs.
Q: What are the dangers of a dog eating cat food?
Dr. Donna Waltz: Cats have a much higher safety tolerance than dogs to some nutrients. Cats appear to have evolved pathways that allow them to tolerate levels of Vitamin D that could make dogs very sick and even die. Fish- or marine-based cat foods, which are often high in Vitamin D, should not be fed to dogs for this reason.
It's not difficult to convince dogs to eat, well, anything. But cat foods are made with a bit more fat than dog foods. Dogs prone to fat intolerance should also not be allowed to eat cat foods, as this is a common cause of pancreatitis and digestive upset.
Q: What are the dangers of a cat eating dog food?
Dr. Donna Waltz: A little nibble here or there is not usually a problem for cats. But in some cases, dog food may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. For example, propylene glycol is commonly used in semi-moist dog foods. It's perfectly safe for dogs, but can cause health problems in cats.
Over time, if a cat were fed only dog food, then protein, amino acid and fatty acid deficiencies would be expected. Dogs' nutrient needs are lower, so the content in dog food is often less concentrated.
Q: Do you have any tips for keeping my dog out of my cat’s food and vice versa?
Dr. Donna Waltz: Cat food is very tasty to dogs. They can be obsessed trying to get into Fluffy's bowl. A "creep feeder" is a feeder that the cat can get into, but the hole is too small for the dog. This is one way to keep Fido from Fluffy's food.
While you're keeping your pets' food separated, treat them to their own special snacks, too. Try Meow Mix Irresistibles® treats for your cat.
