Frequent Why does my cat prefer dog food? Surprising Answer

Reasons cats are attracted to dog food

Cats are drawn to certain foods for a number of reasons. Among them, Royal Canin lists the scent of a certain food among the most common. Because cats are meat eaters by nature, a particularly meaty aroma may entice a cat to wander over and pick a few bites from your dogs bowl, especially if theres wet food for the taking. If your cat is not liking her own food but your dogs meals smell good enough to eat, it may be why shes so intent to check it out.

The texture of food is another reason your cat will choose what goes in her mouth. Every cat is different and will have her own likes and dislikes, but if your cat is constantly making her way over to the dog bowl, it could be that she prefers the feel of his kibble over her own. This can ring especially true for short-nosed breeds like Persians, who may have trouble reaching individual pieces of food in their dish thanks to the shape of their faces. Finally, when given a choice, cats will eat what they eat because it simply makes them feel good. While dog food does not contain all of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to keep a cat healthy, some food may be eaten simply because the flavor or the texture is fun to eat.

Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Dog Food?

Dog food isnt toxic to cats, so if your feline eats a small amount once or twice, it shouldnt make themsick. However, The Clinical Nutrition Service says there are several important caveats to keep in mind:

Dog food is considered to be safe for healthy cats. So if your cat has a health condition, such as cancer or kidney disease, this general rule doesnt apply.

Every cat is unique and can vary a great deal when it comes to tolerating certain foods. “Cats must be considered individually,” the Clinical Nutrition Service explains, “as some cats may consume a particular food item with no issue and another cat may consume the same item and develop vomiting, diarrhea, or other adverse signs.”

Portion size and frequency matter. If eating dog food becomes a long-term habit for your cat and starts replacing cat food, your pet wont be able to get the nutrients her body needs, and her health will begin to suffer.

Can your cat eat dog food?

The short answer is yes, but it is not an ideal permanent food replacement for cat food.

In this article, we will dive deeper into the reasons why your cat loves stealing from your dog’s food stash, as well as what you can do as a responsible pet owner to keep your cat from doing it. If you are having a similar issue, keep reading to learn more.

Can Cats EAT DOG FOOD?

For pet owners who have both cats and dogs, the issue of these two animals eating the other’s food is quite common. Sometimes it may even seem like your cat enjoys the dog’s food more than it does cat food.

No, there is nothing particularly wrong with your cat. But there may be some issues regarding the food you are giving them or their feeding routine that need to be addressed.