There is a common belief that canines and felines cannot coexist. However, there is a large number of households that serve as homes for both cats and dogs together. It is interesting to note that no significant issues have resulted from such an arrangement.
In fact, a good portion of this population is starting to think about feeding dog food to their cats or alternately. After all, it is simply more convenient to just buy a single pet food type for all the animals at home.
The idea sounds pretty nice, but it really is not a good one. As a matter of fact, it is a harmful one. Your cats might end up with health problems in the long run if they consume dog food.
Table of Contents
Is Dog Food Good For Cats To Eat
Their Nutritional Requirements Are Different
Is Dog Food Good For Cats To Eat
The appeal that dog food has stemmed from it being cheaper than that of the felines’. It also usually offers more options. Another basis for the assumption that cats can eat dog food is the fact that they sometimes do.
You have definitely caught your cat stealing their canine friends’ food at least once. This makes pet owners think that dog food can take the place of cat food.
Not everything that appeals to you is actually good for you. The same principle applies to your pets. Therefore, you should not believe that cats will benefit from dog food even if you saw them making an effort to get their paws on it.
Their Nutritional Requirements Are Different
Your pets do not have the same needs when it comes to the nutrients that their bodies require to stay healthy. This means that your cat cannot sustain his health even with the best dog food there is. He will still get malnourished because his canine buddy’s food does not have the nutrients that he requires.
Cats are carnivores while dogs are omnivores. The latter is able to acquire the nutrients he needs from animal and plant food sources. Felines, on the other hand, can benefit from protein derived from animals only. Otherwise, they will not be able to fulfill the protein required by their body to stay functional.
The Amino Acids, Proteins, And Vitamins They Need
Certain amino acids are critical to a cats’ health, but they are not available in dog food.
11 out of the 23 amino acids from animal-based proteins are required by cats. They are unable to produce these amino acids. The only way cats can acquire them is through their food.
Two of these acids are arachidonic acids and taurine. Since dogs can make these on their own in their bodies, their food does not need to have these acids. Cats, on the other hand, need these two in their diet. If cats eat dog food, they will get the acids they need and will end up getting sick.
Conclusion
It is okay for your cats to consume a little dog food sometimes. However, it is not going to give the diet that your feline needs. You should go and get him cat food that has the nutrients that his body needs.
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