Can dogs eat cat food?

The short answer

A few stolen bites of ordinary cat food are unlikely to trouble a healthy dog. Clear away what's left and work out roughly how much was eaten. If your dog ate a lot, seems unwell, or is on a special diet, call your veterinarian. Cat food shouldn't become a regular part of a dog's diet, and a big raid can upset a dog's stomach.^1,2

Why the two bowls hold different food

Cats need certain nutrients in different amounts and forms than dogs do. VCA's nutrition guide names taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and preformed vitamin A among them. A cat food's “complete and balanced” statement applies to cats; the FDA explains that this statement names both the species and the age group a food is made for.^2,3

For a dog who raids the cat dish, what matters is how much they ate and how well they handle rich food. Cat food tends to be higher in fat and protein than dog food, and a large fatty meal is one of the recognized triggers for pancreatitis in dogs. A few pieces are a very different event from a whole bowl, and your veterinarian, who knows your dog's history, can tell you whether a big raid needs a visit.^1,4

If it happened today

Move the rest of the food out of reach and keep the bag or can. Note the recipe, roughly how much is missing, and when it happened. For a healthy dog who ate a little and seems fine, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or a sore belly. Call your veterinarian if any of those show up, if your dog ate a lot, or if they have a medical condition or special diet. If the cat's food had medication mixed in, mention that too.⁴

Once your dog is eating normally, go back to their usual food and portions.

Make the cat bowl harder to reach

Feed the cat in a room with a door, or somewhere up high the dog can't reach, and pick up leftovers afterward. For a cat who grazes, a separate feeding spot or a controlled-access feeder may be easier than trying to catch the dog every time. VCA recommends separating pets at mealtimes when one keeps eating the other's food.²