Click to Skip Ahead
If you’re a cat father or mother, the enjoyment of giving your furry buddy a tasty cat deal with on occasion. The identical goes for canine dad and mom and canine treats. But what in case you have each cats and canine in the home and run out of canine treats? Is it secure to provide your canine cat treats if this occurs?
In normal, cat treats are secure for canine though the other isn’t at all times true and also you shouldn’t make a behavior of feeding canine cat meals. This comes down to every species’ distinctive dietary necessities. As lengthy as treats make up a small portion of your pup’s weight loss plan and they’re consuming a nutritionally balanced pet food, you’ll be able to feed them some cat treats generally.
Why Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats?
Dogs and cats have completely different dietary necessities; whereas canine are extra omnivorous cats are obligate carnivores. While each cats and canine ought to have meat of their weight loss plan, cats require a better stage of protein normally, in addition to extra particular vitamins that they’ll solely get from meat. Dogs additionally want protein however they’re extra tailored to consuming grains, fruits, and greens than cats are. They have the digestive enzyme, α-amylase, to digest carbohydrates that cats lack.
Since cat treats are often excessive in protein, fats, and typically have grains, fruits, greens, and different substances, they’re tremendous for canine to devour. They received’t have something poisonous or dangerous to your canine and they’re going to doubtless profit from many of the vitamins. The protein and fats content material could make the treats extra palatable and engaging for canine, though this may additionally current an issue in some circumstances.
Feeding Cat Treats to Dogs
The advantages of feeding cat treats to your pup are the style and selection it will possibly add to their weight loss plan. Depending on the substances they’ll profit from the vitamins within the treats in the identical manner as cats. If you’re out of canine treats it may be extra handy to slide them just a few cat treats in a pinch, as a substitute of getting ready one thing particularly for them. You ought to make sure that the treats make up lower than 10% of their weight loss plan and that their normal meals is nutritionally balanced for canine.
Dogs which have particular dietary necessities or medical points might not have the ability to devour cat treats. Dogs with kidney or liver disease on specialised diets might detriment from the excessive protein in cat treats, though this may also be an issue with some canine treats. Similarly, in case your canine is allergic to a particular protein, they’ll’t have cat treats with that ingredient. Dogs with delicate digestion might expertise an upset abdomen from a change in treats so we suggest introducing them to the weight loss plan slowly.
The additional fats within the cat treats generally is a drawback. Fat accommodates a number of energy which may result in weight achieve and weight problems, which may end up in a number of well being issues. And although having a few cat treats received’t hurt your canine, you would see some points in the event that they get into the treats and devour a whole bag. Eating a big amount of cat treats might trigger a canine to develop an upset abdomen or pancreatitis and expertise vomiting, diarrhea, an absence of urge for food, or lethargy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cats Eat Dog Treats?
Not all canine treats are good for cats. Cats want larger protein snacks and should not digest canine treats properly in the event that they don’t match inside their best nutrient profile. They may additionally dislike the style. In addition, canine treats shall be bigger relative to a cat’s complete consumption, which will increase the chance of dietary deficiencies.
What are the Disadvantages of Cat Treats for Dogs?
The principal disadvantages of feeding cat treats to canine is the small measurement and expense of the treats. Certain treats might have sure benefits designed for cats, for instance catnip treats, that received’t profit canine as a lot. Similarly dietary supplements designed for cats might not work for canine because of the substances or concentrations. Feeding too many cat (or canine) treats can result in poor vitamin, weight achieve, or gastrointestinal upsets.
Are There Treats That Both Cats and Dogs Can Eat?
Yes! Both species can profit from plain meat protein or secure fruit and veggies. If you’re on the lookout for a commercially obtainable deal with we love A Better Treat Freeze-Dried Salmon Dog & Cat Treat which offers a excessive protein snack with omega fatty acids.
Conclusion
Most canine will profit from just a few cat treats sparsely. If your pup must shed weight or wants a particular weight loss plan it’s finest to keep away from them although. If a canine eats a ton of cat treats they may find yourself with an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. Giving your pets the identical treats generally is a money and time saver, and there are alternatives that go well with each canine and cats. Remember, this isn’t a two-way avenue so feeding your cat some canine treats isn’t often a good suggestion.
Featured Image Credit: Garna Zarina, Shutterstock