Is it possible to give a cat food to a dog

Is it possible to give a dog food that is designed for cats? This question only at first glance may seem strange. In fact, many pet owners are faced with it. Indeed, if both the cat and the dog are mammals, both predators and feed mainly on meat, can the food intended for one species fit the other? And if not, what are the consequences of trying to feed a cat food for a dog, and why can it be dangerous for your four-legged friend? Well, let's try to thoroughly understand this issue.

Is it possible to give a dog cat food

In those families where both the cat and the dog live at the same time, this situation is not uncommon: one animal begins to actively eat food intended for another. As a rule, more often this happens with representatives of a dog tribe. The owner watches as the pet eagerly absorbs the contents of the cat's bowl, and, in the end, begins to feed his furry friends the same thing.

But is it possible to do so? Categorically not. If a dog constantly consumes canned food intended for a cat, it will soon have serious health problems. Absolutely the same applies to the opposite situation: purr is also completely contraindicated for dog food.

What is dangerous cat food for dogs

It is enough to delve into the composition of both feeds, take into account the natural differences between animals, and everything will become clear immediately.

Glucose level. Despite many similarities (sometimes even concerning sizes), a cat and a dog are completely different biological species, and in the process of evolution they finally diverged from each other. This was reflected in the features of metabolic processes. Cats have a rather high glucose level in their blood, which is significantly higher than canine. What does it give? The furry mouse trap needs to eat small meals, but several times a day. The four-legged watchman, on the contrary, has substantial and voluminous portions, but only a couple of times a day. Naturally, these features are taken into account in the developed diets and feeds. Therefore, if you feed the dog with cat food, it will get sick very soon.

Taurine. Amino acid vital to every cat. Without it, the animal becomes discouraged, energy and vital activity are lost. In addition, taurine allows cats to maintain a normal state and protects them from cardiac problems. That is why in almost every cat food this amino acid is always present, which can not be said about the dog. These animals perfectly synthesize the desired element themselves and do not need to receive taurine from the outside. If they constantly consume it, then this will lead to an overabundance, and, consequently, to a violation of the functions of the body.

Protein. For better absorption of taurine (as well as increasing the acid content in the animal’s stomach), cat foods are saturated with protein. The dog does not need this at all and can lead to gastrointestinal diseases. Many representatives of small decorative breeds generally react very poorly to protein, suffering from allergies. And this is another reason why dogs should not be fed what is intended for cats.

Vitamin composition. It is clear that for cat food it will be one, and for dog food it will be completely different. Each developed diet is focused only on those animals for which it is intended. That is why, constantly consuming food purses, the dog will not receive the vitamins and minerals he needs. This will lead, again, to serious health problems that will necessarily affect the nature of your pet and its life activity.

How to wean a dog to eat cat food

But what if the dog already loved eating harmful food for him? Is there any way to wean this habit? Of course yes. True, sometimes it can take a lot of time, but nevertheless, it is better to spend it on learning than on treatment.

1. Feed separately. So that your four-legged protector does not look into the bowl to the purr, give them food in different rooms. For example, one in the kitchen, and the other in the corridor. And watch carefully that there are no cases of theft. If you see, it is better to punish.
2. Feed at different heights. A cat is a great climber. Place her bowl on such an elevation that the dog simply cannot be reached in any way. The problem will be solved.
3. Keep your dishes clean. If separation is not possible, then do not allow food to remain in the cat's bowl. Wash the dishes thoroughly immediately after the handsome mouse-eater has eaten.

Remember that feeding is the foundation of your pet’s health. If it is correct, the animal is cheerful and cheerful, if not, it starts to hurt. And although the use of cat food will harm the body of the dog only after a sufficiently long use, it is still not worth bringing to this. After all, as the Little Prince said, we are responsible for those who were once tamed.

Video: how to feed a dog