Dog Food vs. Cat Food

[KWielk]

Can dogs get sick if they eat cat food?

[knight_47]

Dog food is made specifically for dogs, and cat food is made specifically for cats. dogs and cats have different physiology and their digestive system and also their bodies require different kinds of nutrition. In the long run feeding cat food to a dog can cause health problems (like organ damage) and same is true for feeding dog food to a cat (dog food can cause a cat to go blind if fed long enough). I know they love the other one’s food (for some strange reason), but it is not only not good for them, but actually not safe.

[hlynch]

It's because cats are obligate carnivores and have no carbohydrate requirement. Dog are omnivores, like we are, and can eat meat, fruits, veggies, etc. When cats eat a diet too high in carbohydrates for too long, they are at risk for several systemic diseases, including diabetes. Dogs are at less risk eating cat food - primarily, it is generally higher in fat than dog foods, and can cause GI disturbances and pancreatitis - not to mention obesity.

[DogDaddies]

Drives me crazy. We had to train J.R. to stay clear of the cats food and vice versus with the cats and his food. It was a pretty epic battle, and we didnt think we would gain the upper hand. Luckily, we managed to strike luck by keeping J.R. interested with his food by introducing a food that he loved (Blue) and the cats....well, to be honest, I just prayed that they would listen to me for once. I guess they overheard me praying and decided mutually to give me this one at least....

But yes, it can become complicated for both species if they eat each other's food on a regular basis.