Why dogs should not have it
Cat food is made for what cats need. Cats are strict carnivores, so their food has more protein and fat than dog food, and the balance of some nutrients differs from what a dog needs.
A stolen mouthful is not dangerous, but a dog that keeps eating cat food takes in too many calories and too much fat. This can upset digestion, add weight and, in a sensitive dog, cause inflammation of the pancreas.
Contact a vet if, after eating cat food, your dog vomits more than once, has a painful or swollen belly, will not eat or becomes lethargic.
What to watch out for
- A lot of fat can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- In a sensitive dog, rich food can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
- A dog that keeps eating cat food puts on weight.
- Cat food cannot replace dog food: its make-up is designed for cats.
- A dog that learns to eat from the cat's bowl leaves the cat hungry, so feed cats where the dog cannot reach.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give bones or raw meat. Safe
- Eggs Yes, well-cooked eggs without salt or seasoning are a nourishing treat for a dog, but do not give raw eggs. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe