Dogs · Guide
Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?
A little cat food won’t usually hurt a dog, but it should not be a regular meal. Here’s why, what signs to watch for, and what to do if your dog ate a lot.
A few bites of cat food usually won’t seriously harm your dog. But cat food is not made for dogs, and it should not be a regular meal. Eating it often can lead to upset stomach, weight gain, and a painful belly problem called pancreatitis.
Why do dogs love cat food?
The AKC explains that cat food has much more meat-based protein than dog food. That strong meat smell and taste is why many dogs go straight for the cat’s bowl.
Why is cat food bad for dogs?
Cats and dogs need different diets. The AKC says cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to live. Dogs are omnivores and need a more varied diet. Cat food is built for the cat’s needs, not the dog’s.
According to the AKC, a dog who eats cat food regularly may get:
- Stomach upset
- Extra weight
- Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas
- Extra strain on the liver and kidneys, because of the high protein
Some dogs are at more risk than others. If your dog has a health problem, such as pancreatitis or kidney or liver disease, ask your vet before you let them near cat food.
What is pancreatitis, and can cat food cause it?
The pancreas is an organ that helps your dog digest food. When it becomes inflamed, it hurts. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the cause is often not clear. But it says eating trash, lots of table scraps, or other food a dog should not eat is believed to be a common risk factor.
The AKC lists pancreatitis as a possible result of eating cat food. We did not find a source that says how much cat food it takes to cause it. Most dogs who sneak a little will not get it.
What signs should I watch for?
The AKC lists these signs of pancreatitis:
- Belly pain, sometimes with a hunched back
- Tiredness and weakness
- Not wanting to eat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A swollen belly
- Fever
The Merck Veterinary Manual adds that milder cases may show only a lost appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea. Pancreatitis needs quick care from a vet. Merck says mild cases usually do well, but severe cases can have a poor outcome.
What should I do if my dog ate cat food?
A small amount may cause only mild vomiting or diarrhea, says the AKC, though dogs react differently.
- Take the food away and note how much your dog ate.
- Watch your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, or tiredness.
- Call your vet if your dog seems sick, ate a large amount, or has any of the signs above.
Tell the vet about any health problems your dog has.
Other kinds of cat food
Is wet or canned cat food okay for dogs?
The same answer applies. The sources we read do not say wet food is better or worse than dry for dogs. A few licks or bites are unlikely to be a problem. Regular meals of canned cat food carry the same risks the AKC describes for cat food in general.
Is dry cat food okay for dogs?
Again, a few pieces of kibble are unlikely to hurt. Dry cat food is still cat food. It is not balanced for dogs, so it should not replace your dog’s own food.
Can puppies eat cat food?
Puppies should not eat cat food as a meal. The Merck Veterinary Manual says puppies need special puppy food that gives enough calories, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals for growth. It suggests looking for a label from AAFCO, a group that sets pet food standards. Cat food is not made to meet a growing puppy’s needs.
A puppy who steals a bite should be fine, but watch for vomiting or diarrhea and call your vet if it keeps going.
Can a dog die from eating cat food?
The sources we read do not describe deaths from eating cat food. The risk is pancreatitis, which Merck says can be very serious in severe cases. Most dogs who sneak some will not get that sick. If your dog shows signs of illness, call your vet.
How can I keep my dog out of the cat food?
The AKC suggests storing cat food where your dog cannot get it, or changing where you feed your cat. Some ideas:
- Feed your cat in a room your dog cannot enter.
- Put the cat’s bowl up high, on a shelf or counter your dog cannot reach.
- Pick up the bowl after your cat is done.
- Store bags and cans in a closed cabinet.
What should my dog eat instead?
The AKC says the best food for your dog is dog food, unless your vet tells you something different. Pick a food with an AAFCO label that says it is complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. If your dog needs extra protein or a special diet, ask your vet instead of switching to cat food.
The reverse is also a question people ask. See our guide on whether cats can eat dog food. For a list of risky human foods, see foods that are toxic to dogs.
Common questions
Is cat food toxic to dogs?
The sources we read do not call cat food a poison for dogs. The AKC says a dog is unlikely to be seriously harmed by an occasional bite. The problem is feeding it regularly.
How much cat food will make a dog sick?
No source gives an exact amount. Dogs differ in size and in how their stomachs react. Mild vomiting or diarrhea is the usual result of a stolen bowl, so call your vet if your dog seems unwell.
Can cat food cause pancreatitis in dogs?
The AKC lists pancreatitis as a possible problem when dogs eat cat food regularly. Pancreatitis is a painful swelling of the pancreas, and it needs prompt care from a vet.
How do I stop my dog from eating the cat food?
The AKC suggests keeping cat food out of your dog's reach or moving where you feed your cat. A high shelf or a room your dog cannot enter works well.