Dogs eating cat food

[Topsie]

My dog has suddenly stopped eating dog food.  We have tried her on all diff types od wet and dry but she isnt interested.  However, she will gladly eat cat food without any problems.

Does anyone know if this is harmful or if it will cause problems.

She is a cross breed but mainly staff

THanks Rebecca

 

 

[lats]

I doubt it would cause any problems at all.  It still "meat" as far as the animals can tell. After all it's probably better than it eating nothing

[PurplePixie]

It's a bit too high in protein. If your dog's a bit hyper it could make it worse...also put on too much weight. That's as much as I know..but I've a feeling that there's a lot more to it than that.

[elye]

I have been told not to feed my dog cat food because they digest differently and the food isn't all made of the same kinds of ingredients. You should phone the vet and ask the secretary- at my vet's office they don't charge for basic questions, only if my dog is examined. Or pet store workers sometimes know about pet anatomy.

You might want to ask about an alternative diet for your dog, like rice with cottage cheese - or eggs and potatoes, or mix match. It must sound crazier than cat food, but I had a dog who developed a condition with which so could no longer digest meat protein, and so she lived a realllllly long life on these vet perscibed foods. Just make sure you give your dog a protein mixed with a carb.

 

[FP]

I would mix your cat food with a good dried dog food, gradually adding more of the dried food until she starts eating it with just a small amount of the cat food.  We have hoodwinked our dogs like this over the years. 

 

Feeding just cat food is detrimental to dogs as it does contain too much protein, as has been mentioned.  However, that's just why dogs like it!  (Horrible I know, but my dogs would love to eat my cats' poo as well, for the same reason)

[FP]

By good dried dog food,  I don't mean mixer, but  one of the complete diet foods with all the nutrients your dog needs.

[liljoolz]

my dog went the same way but she was pregnant. she stopped eating, we phoned the vet who suggested vitamin pills and cat food, we went through it by the cart load unfortunatly we had to wean her off it after. so we bought a good complete mixer and left it out. if they dont want it they wont eat it. but if they are hungry enough they will. unless its a specified diet by the vet, you are the boss dont let them get the better of you, it sounds tough but you are the leader of the pack. the mixer can be left for them to eat in thier own time and wont have you worried they are not eating. they will eat if they are hungry just like us.  

[tamVN]

cat food contains v high protein and fat so will put on weight ++ , may interfere with kidneys and liver if given long term.  just being fussy, v v unlikely for dog to starve self.  mix in as prev suggested .  put food down then pick up after 10mins, dont leave it down, retry again several hours later.  think to yourself if she only ate mars bars would you let her?

[45365olivia1]

My dog eats dog food but not mutch. we would like him to gane more weight but we can`t find a food he likes. we would like him to gane more weight becuse he is thin/we rescued him from shelter. would it be ok and healthy for me to feed him cat food?