Can Cats Eat Dog Treats?

It’s a common scene in multi-pet households: You turn your back for one moment, and your curious cat is paw-deep in the dog’s treat jar. But can cats eat dog treats safely? The short answer is occasionally and in small amounts, but it’s not ideal. In this guide, we’ll explain why dog treats aren’t a suitable choice for cats, explore the key nutritional differences between the two species, discuss what happens if your cat sneaks one, and share prevention tips. Understanding these nuances can help you keep your kitty both safe and well nourished throughout their life.

The Fundamental Difference: Cats vs. Dogs

Can cats eat dog food and treats and can dogs eat cat food and treats? It depends. Cats and dogs are biologically different and require specific forms of nutrition to keep them healthy. These differences are important to pay attention to so you can ensure that you are giving your pets the best food for them.

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet composed almost entirely of animal-based proteins. They rely on nutrients found naturally in meat, such as specific amino acids like taurine and arginine as well as certain vitamins like vitamin A and niacin, which they cannot synthesize from plant sources. Due to this, cats need food and treats with higher levels of protein and fat to stay healthy. Cat treats and foods are specially formulated to provide these essential nutrients, supporting everything from muscle maintenance to heart and vision health. On top of this, these are the types of food that cats and kittens prefer to eat to maintain their overall wellbeing.

Dogs Are Omnivores

Dogs are omnivores, capable of digesting both plant and animal matter. Their diets can include a wider range of ingredients, often containing more carbohydrates and fewer proteins and fats than a cat’s diet requires. This is why dogs and cats have fundamentally different nutritional needs. It’s easy to see why dog treats aren’t a perfect match for felines. These added plant-based ingredients can deprive a cat from obtaining the full nutrition they need to remain healthy and satisfied. While dog treats won’t necessarily harm the cat in small amounts, it isn’t the best choice for them in the long run.

Why Dog Treats Aren’t Ideal for Cats

Why are dog treats bad for cats? There are a couple of main points to understand in order to paint the full picture as to what makes dog and cat treats unique for each species. In the following sections, we discuss how nutritional imbalances and ingredient concerns are the two main players that determine why dog treats might not be ideal for a cat.

Nutritional Imbalance

Dog treats are generally much lower in protein and fat than cats require, and they often lack vital nutrients like sufficient taurine, arginine, and vitamins, such as vitamin A and niacin. Over time, these deficiencies can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, poor coat condition, kidney problems, vision loss, and more. Dog treats also tend to contain more plant-based ingredients and carbohydrates, which, depending on the exact ingredient, may be more difficult for cats to digest and could result in digestive upset. In addition, some are calorie-dense, meaning that while they may be lower in protein, they can still contribute to cat obesity if given frequently.

Ingredient Concerns

While most commercial dog treats are fine for dogs, some contain ingredients that may not suit cats. Some foods and treats may contain ingredients that are often considered toxic, but reputable companies will ensure the amount is so small or the form is not toxic to the species the treat is meant for. Some examples include garlic and onion for flavoring and propylene glycol to keep treats moist and tasty. Furthermore, depending on your cat, certain ingredients may cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. Reading food labels can be helpful if you want to avoid certain ingredients.

Texture and size also matter. Many dog treats are too large and/or too hard, posing a choking hazard or making them difficult for cats to chew and swallow. This is especially true for those with smaller jaws or dental issues, like kittens and senior cats. Monitoring treat time and learning some cat first aid can make a huge difference in the event an emergency occurs. At the end of the day, it’s best to give your cat appropriate treats made for them to avoid any potential concerns.

What Happens if Your Cat Eats Dog Treats?

If your cat sneaks a single dog treat, don’t panic. In small amounts, dog treats for cats are unlikely to cause harm. Most cats will digest them without issue. However, monitor for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea.

On the flip side, cats should not be consuming dog treats frequently or in large amounts. If so, they may experience digestive issues such as upset stomach or nutrient imbalances over time. Long-term deficiencies, especially in taurine, can lead to heart problems, vision loss, kidney issues, and more, while the excess calories may result in weight gain or obesity.

If you have questions about specific treats, such as can cats eat bully sticks, can cats chew on dog bones, or can cats have nylabones, then know that it all depends on the type of dog treat. For certain dog chews like bones, rawhide, and nylabones, these are usually not ideal to give to kitties as they can damage to their teeth or even get stuck in their esophagus. When considering what cats can chew on, dog chews like dog jerky treats and bully sticks are better alternatives for your cat as these tend to have softer textures and typically don’t contain toxic preservatives or flavorings. However, if the chews are on the tougher side, these can still act as choking hazards for your cat, so it’s best to monitor them when they indulge in any of these treats.

If you notice anything concerning, then you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. This is especially true if:

• Your cat eats a large quantity of dog treats.
• They show signs of severe vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain.
• They have preexisting conditions like kidney issues or heart disease.

If you’re unsure whether a treat contained any harmful ingredients, it’s always safest to seek professional advice.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Dog Treats

The best approach to protecting your kitty is prevention. These simple strategies can help keep your curious feline out of the dog’s snack stash so they can maintain their optimal health and well-being:

• Store Dog Treats Out of Reach: The best way to store dog food and treats in a multi-pet household is by using sealed containers and keeping them on high shelves.  
• Supervise Feeding Times: Monitor shared spaces during treat time and look for any signs of an emergency or concerning health issues, such as vomiting or choking.
• Separate Feeding Areas: Feed dogs in areas that cats can’t access to minimize temptation. This will also help to keep your dog out of your cat’s food and treats if they are known to sneak a nibble or two here and there.  
• Offer Appealing Cat Treats: Give your cat their own tasty, safe treats designed for their needs.  
• Provide Enrichment: Keep your cat engaged with interactive play and food puzzles. Try ideas like DIY cat puzzle feeders or cat feeding toys to redirect their curiosity.

By following these prevention measures, you will be able to rest assured that all your pets are staying safe and getting the proper nutrition that they need.

So can you give a cat dog treats? Technically, yes, but only in small amounts and on occasion. However, it’s best to give them treats made specifically for kitties to maintain their nutritional and dietary needs. Dog treats should never replace safe treats for cats specifically designed for feline health. They thrive on species-appropriate nutrition, with higher protein, essential amino acids, and specific vitamins that only cat food and treats can provide. To keep your feline happy, healthy, and satisfied, it’s best to choose cat treats made just for them.

For more expert tips on cat nutrition and treats, explore our other cat feeding guide articles.