Can Cats Eat Dog Food? A Nibble of Kibble Is OK, But...

cat eating food — Busted. Yanya / Shutterstock

If you've caught your cat sneaking a few bites from your dog’s bowl, you may have asked yourself, can cats eat dog food?

The short answer is: not regularly.

While a nibble here and there won’t hurt, feeding dog food to cats long-term can lead to serious health problems. Dogs and cats have very different nutritional needs, and their pet food reflects that.

Contents

Differences Between Cat Food and Dog Food
What Happens If Cats Eat Dog Food Regularly?
What About Dog Treats?
Why Cats Might Eat Dog Food
So, Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

Differences Between Cat Food and Dog Food

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found only in animal sources. Unlike dogs, which are omnivores, cats depend on specific amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins that aren’t present in sufficient quantities in dog food.

Dog food often lacks taurine, arachidonic acid, and enough protein—all essential nutrient building blocks for a cat’s diet. Cat food is specially formulated with higher levels of animal fats and protein to support a cat’s overall health and digestive system.

Dog food may also have more plant-based ingredients and different nutritional components designed for a dog's life stage and digestive system, which don't serve a feline friend the same way.

What Happens If Cats Eat Dog Food Regularly?

Pet food — With all the made-for-cat options out there, why would anyone feed dog food to their cat? monticello / Shutterstock

If you give a cat dog food over a prolonged period of time, it can result in:

Taurine deficiency, which can lead to heart disease and vision problems
Poor coat health due to a lack of essential fatty acids
Weak immune system from inadequate protein and other nutrients
Overall health decline due to nutrient deficiencies

Even high-quality dog food can’t meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Cats require a diet that supports their unique biology.

What About Dog Treats?

Just like dog food, dog treats are not designed for cats. Most are formulated with flavors and ingredients that may be fine for dogs but could upset a cat’s digestive system or lack the nutrients cats require.

If your cat eats dog treats occasionally, it’s not likely harmful, but it shouldn't become a habit. Stick to cat-specific treats for better pet health.

Why Cats Might Eat Dog Food

Cat eating — An all-dog-food diet is a no-go for your kitty cat. Marina Demidiuk / Shutterstock

Cats eat dog food for a few reasons.

Curiosity: If your cat catches a new smell in the dog's bowl, it may go in for a taste test.
Hunger: If feeding time is inconsistent, cats might raid other’s bowls.
Taste: Some cats may be drawn to the fat content in dry dog food.

To prevent this, feed cats and dogs in separate areas or use automatic feeders. Keep each pet’s meals specific to their species.

So, Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

While it's not dangerous for a cat to steal a bite of dog food, eating dog food consistently is bad for your cat’s health. Cat nutrition requires specific nutrients that simply don’t exist in a dog’s dinner.

Healthy cats should eat a balanced, high-quality cat food that matches their age, lifestyle, and any specific health concerns. Always consult a veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.