Can cats and dogs eat the same food?

20 Mar 2024 | Chin

Having both cats and dogs at home at the same time is common among pet parents. For cost and time of pet parents, cats and dogs sharing the same foods are quite common, too. However, awareness of dietary requirements for cats is still not keeping up due to misconception of pet parents. Cats are not equal to small sized dogs.

Based on studies, cats and dogs’ nutritional needs are significantly different. Although similar ingredients may be used and generally safe to be eaten for both, dog and cat foods are not formulated to the same recipes. Hence, cats and dogs should not share the same food and below are the reasons why.

Differences between nutritional needs of cats and dogs

Palatability – feline unable to taste sweet.
“Obligate” carnivore which needs animal-derived protein for all times.
Requires 12 essential amino acids, especially arginine
Requires dietary taurine
Require Vitamin A and arachidonic acid from diet
Require 5 times of Vitamin B1 (thiamine) than dogs
Higher total calorie, fat, and protein requirements
Food with higher moisture content- felines tend to drink less water.

Omnivore or opportunistic scavengers as they can feed on food from different sources
Require 11 essential amino acids
Taurine is not essential
Can produce sufficient Vitamin A and arachidonic acid themselves
Require normal amount of Vitamin B1 (thiamine
Lower total calorie, fat, and protein requirements

One of the examples, protein intake for both cats and dogs are different:

Protein Requirements & Levels in Adult Cats & Dogs

	NRC Minimum Requirement	NRC Recommended Allowance	AAFCO Minimum	Low Protein	Moderate Protein	High Protein
Cats	40	50	65	<80	80-120	>120
Dogs	20	25	45	<60	60-90	>90

Notes

Values in table are expressed as g/1000 kcal.
Low, moderate, and high descriptors are a general comparison among commercial pet foods.

Source: National Research Council Ad Hoc Committee on Dog and Cat Nutrition. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2006.

Therefore, besides giving the right food for our furbabies, it is also suggested that top up their diet with the right supplement that helps with their nutrient intake and digestion too. For example:

Probiotic

Maintaining gut flora balance and healthy immune system.

Enzyme

Aids digestion especially nutrient absorption and breaking down of hard-to-digest substances, as well as breakdown of harmful toxins.

Fish oil

Anti inflammatory effects, as well as supplies essential fatty acids

Do check and find out our Petsrejoice ranges and get the most suitable one for your beloved pets! Click Here!

GTF Worldwide Sdn Bhd

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday

Language