Cat food and dog food are similar in composition, so dogs can eat cat food.But it's better not to let it eat

If the owner owns a cat and a dog at the same time, they will inevitably eat each other's food, so can dogs eat cat food? Dogs are not cats, their digestive systems are not designed for cat food, and feeding dogs cat food for a long time can cause some health problems.

Nutritional needs of dogs

The six basic nutrients that dogs need are: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, and dogs need these six nutrients because they are omnivores. But cats have different nutritional needs because they are carnivores. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted to determine what is nutritionally beneficial for dogs in order to produce dog food that is right for them.

Since nutritional needs vary based on different life stages, dogs need to consume different proportions of the six essential nutrients depending on their physical condition and age. For example, a healthy adult dog weighing 30 pounds can consume up to 25 grams of crude protein and 14 grams of total fat per day in addition to carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. However, nutritional requirements vary for puppies or dogs with kidney disease.

Different kinds of pet food

Dog and cat food is available in a variety of packaging and formulations. Canned wet food, freeze-dried food, dry food, and even dehydrated food are available for pets. Among these different kinds of foods, there are certain formulas, such as grain-free, high-protein, limited-ingredient, hydrolyzed protein, and other special formulas, that can meet the needs of pets with allergies. For pet owners, the choice of pet food is much better.

What food should dogs eat?

Most dog food has been tested by national safety regulations and can be eaten by dogs, and more and more specialty foods are also attracting some dog owners. Every dog ​​food that owners see at pet stores meets state-mandated testing. When choosing food for dogs, there are no specific hard rules. According to the dog's physical condition and nutritional needs, choose food that is suitable for dogs. The same goes for cats, but that doesn't mean cat and dog food can be exchanged.

What should I do if my dog ​​eats cat food by mistake?

Cat food isn't actually toxic to dogs, but it's likely to cause mild diarrhea and even vomiting. For dogs, the sudden introduction of something new into their diet can cause gastrointestinal distress, but usually only briefly. Most dogs don't even need a visit to the vet, but if vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than a day or so, then a visit to the veterinarian is warranted. If your dog eats a lot of cat food, the most common problem is gas. A dog's stomach fills with air and food, causing bloating, which can be fatal. The abdomen is swollen and hardened, and nothing comes out when you vomit. This blood is a symptom of a dog's stomach bloating.

While it's cute sometimes when cats and dogs compete for each other's food, stop them fighting to avoid serious consequences!