Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?

What’s the Difference Between Dog Food and Cat Food?

While dog food and cat food may look similar, they’re actually quite different.  

Most cat foods contain significantly more protein and fat than comparable dog foods. Requirements for certain amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals also vary.  

Here are a few of the more important differences between dog food and cat food, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) nutrient profiles for adult dogs and cats: 

 

 

AAFCO Minimum for Adult Dogs  

AAFCO Minimum for Adult Cats 

Protein 

18% 

26% 

Fat 

5.5% 

9% 

Taurine 

0.1% (dry food), 0.2% (canned food) 

Arachidonic Acid 

0.02% 

Vitamin A 

5,000 IU/kg 

3332 IU 

Calcium 

0.5% 

0.6% 

 

Dogs and cats have distinct nutritional requirements. Dogs are omnivores. They can get all the nutrients they need by eating ingredients derived from other animals or certain plants. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores. Their nutritional needs can only be met when they eat ingredients derived from other animals.

It's important that your dog eats a nutritionally-balanced food that's appropriate for their life stage and size, from a vet-recommended dog food brand like Royal Canin, Hill's, or Purina Pro Plan.

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