Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats?

If you live in a multi-pet household, you’ve probably seen it before: the cat leaves behind a few tasty treats, and your dog swoops in to snatch them up. It’s such a common scene that many owners ask, Can dogs have cat treats? 

The quick answer is a cautious yes. Cat treats are generally not harmful if your dog eats them occasionally and in small amounts. However, they are not formulated for dogs and aren’t the healthiest choice. Regularly feeding your dog cat treats can cause digestive upset, weight gain, and long-term health concerns.

This article breaks down why cat treats aren’t ideal for dogs, the key nutritional differences between cats and dogs, what can happen if your dog eats cat treats, and how to keep your pets from sneaking each other’s snacks.

The Fundamental Difference: Cats vs. Dogs

When asking questions like, Are cat treats safe for dogs? or Can I give my dog cat treats? it helps to first understand how different cats and dogs truly are in their nutritional needs. While they may both enjoy tasty snacks, cats are obligate carnivores that rely on certain nutrients that only come from animal sources, whereas dogs are omnivores that benefit from a more balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These dietary differences highlight why dog and cat treats aren’t interchangeable and why foods designed for one species don’t always suit the other.

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Cats have evolved as obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat a diet that differs a little from dogs. Their bodies require specific nutrients found in meat, such as taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins. Unlike dogs, cats cannot produce these nutrients naturally, so their food and treats must supply it.

Additionally, cats have a higher need for protein and fat compared to dogs. Their metabolism is built to process these nutrients efficiently, and while they can digest and utilize energy from carbohydrates, they have no dietary requirement for them. This is why cat treats are usually high in meat content and often richer in calories. It is also why it’s best not to give cats dog food or dog treats and vice versa.

In short, cat nutrition is specialized to keep them healthy as strict carnivores, and those needs don’t translate well to dogs.

Dogs Are Omnivores

Dogs, in contrast, are omnivores. Over thousands of years of living alongside humans, dogs have strengthened their ability to digest and benefit from a wider range of foods, including vegetables, grains, and fruits. Their dietary needs include protein and fat, but in lower proportions than cats, and they can utilize more plant ingredients to gain the nutrients they need.

Because of this, dog food and treats are carefully formulated with nutrient ratios that meet your pup’s needs. Giving your dog cat treats or cat food disrupts that balance by providing more protein and fat than they require and may cause some stomach upset.

Why Cat Treats Aren’t Ideal for Dogs

You might be curious as to why cat treats are not ideal for dogs. While the occasional snack may not cause harm, cat treats are specifically made for feline nutrition and don’t align with a dog’s dietary needs. They often contain much higher levels of protein and fat than dogs require, and their ingredients or texture can pose additional risks. For this reason, the answer to, Can you give dogs cat treats? is best approached with caution as dogs thrive on snacks made just for them. Let’s explore why cat treats aren’t the best option and what you should keep in mind when managing treats for dogs and cats in the same household.

Nutritional Imbalance

Cat treats may smell delicious to dogs, but they’re not designed for them. Here’s why:

• Higher Protein & Fat: Cat treats are packed with protein and fat, often double the levels found in dog treats. While a small amount won’t hurt, over time this can stress your dog’s digestive system. 
• Potential for Weight Gain: The extra calories can add up quickly, well beyond the average weight for dogs. Dogs who sneak cat treats regularly may become overweight, which can lead to joint issues and other health concerns. 
• Digestive Upset: Dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis after eating cat treats, especially if consumed in larger amounts. 

Ingredient Concerns

Beyond nutrition, the ingredients in cat treats aren’t always safe for dogs: 

• Some contain fish oils or minerals in concentrations designed for cats, which may upset a dog’s system if eaten regularly. 
• Certain textures or sizes may be a choking hazard, especially for large dogs trying to gulp down tiny cat-sized treats. 
• Flavors made to entice cats, such as highly concentrated liver or fish, can be too rich for many dogs.

So, are cat treats bad for dogs? Not in tiny amounts, but they’re not designed to meet a dog’s nutritional or safety needs. The best dog treats are the ones created specifically for canines.

What Happens if Your Dog Eats Cat Treats?

Many pet owners wonder, What happens if a dog eats cat treats? In most cases, if your dog sneaks just one or two, there’s little to worry about. Are cat treats safe for dogs in small amounts? Yes, most dogs will digest them without any problem. Still, it’s wise to monitor your pet for signs of mild digestive upset, like soft stool or vomiting, just to be safe. 

The situation changes if your dog eats cat treats in larger quantities or on a regular basis. Because cat treats are much higher in protein and fat, overeating them can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. In more serious cases, the richness of cat treats can even trigger pancreatitis, a dangerous condition that requires veterinary care. Over time, making cat treats part of your dog’s routine diet may also contribute to obesity from the extra calories and increased digestive sensitivity. So, are cat treats bad for dogs if eaten too often? Yes, frequent consumption can cause long-term health issues.

You should call your veterinarian if your dog eats cat treats and they develop severe or ongoing symptoms such as repeated vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, or ongoing diarrhea. While the occasional snack may not be harmful, the safest approach is to keep treats for dogs and cats separate. Instead of wondering, Can I give my dog cat treats? it’s best to remember that most cat treats are not balanced, nor complete for dogs. After all, when it comes to dog and cat treats, each species thrives on nutrition designed just for them.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Cat Treats

Keeping your dog away from the cat’s snacks takes some planning and consistency. Here are several effective strategies to help:

• Store Cat Treats Out of Reach: Dogs are resourceful and have an excellent sense of smell, so simply leaving the treat bag on the counter may not be enough. Use airtight containers or resealable bins to keep treats fresh and odor-controlled. You can even place them on high shelves or in cabinets that your dog can’t access. Following proper storage tips helps to both keep treats safe and prevent curious noses from finding them. 
• Supervise Feeding Times: In multi-pet households, it’s important to keep an eye on both your cat and dog during treat time. Don’t leave cat treats unattended on the floor or in accessible bowls. Supervision ensures your dog doesn’t swoop in the moment you turn your back, while also teaching both pets good boundaries. 
• Separate Feeding Areas: One of the easiest ways to avoid cross-snacking is to feed cats and dogs in different spaces. Cats can be fed on elevated surfaces like counters, cat trees, or shelves where dogs can’t reach. Alternatively, you can feed cats in a closed room with a baby gate or door that only the cat can access. This way, both pets can enjoy their snacks without competition. 
• Train “Leave It”: Teaching your dog a solid “leave it” cue is one of the most valuable tools for preventing sneaky snacking. With practice, your dog will learn to ignore cat treats when told, even if they’re tempted. This training isn’t just useful around pet food, but it can help keep your dog safe around other off-limits items as well. Learn how to reinforce this skill with Purina’s step-by-step training guide. 
• Offer Appealing Dog Treats: Sometimes dogs go after cat treats simply because they smell irresistible. Reduce temptation by making sure your dog has plenty of tasty, species-appropriate options of their own. From long-lasting chews to savory jerky strips to interactive toys for dogs that dispense treats, there are plenty of ways to keep your pup satisfied.

So, can you give dogs cat treats? A stray cat treat here and there won’t harm most dogs, but it’s not recommended as a regular snack. Cat treats are too rich in protein and fat, and very few treats are balanced nor complete when it comes to canine and feline nutrition.

Dogs and cats differ significantly when it comes to certain nutrients in their dietary requirements. Cat treats are often high in protein and fat from animal sources, while dogs do best with treats and diets designed specifically for their omnivorous needs. For your dog’s health, safety, and long-term well-being, stick to species-appropriate nutrition.

Next time your pup looks longingly at the cat’s treat bag, offer them something just as delicious and much healthier like Purina’s dog treats.

For more expert tips on dog nutrition and treats, explore our other what can dogs eat articles.