What should you do if your puppo gets into the cat food?

Brush it off or panic uncontrollably?

Well, the actual answer is somewhere in the two extremes.

Let’s explore what to do if your dog does eat cat food and whether it is a major problem or not.

My Dog Ate Cat Food

Cheeky little Fido has just snuck in and cleaned out all the contents of the cat’s bowl! What now?

Well, if this is a one-off occurrence, there isn’t too much to worry about. However, if it becomes a habit for your dog, then it could cause issues. Dogs and cats have different dietary needs, so it stands to reason that their foods are formulated differently.

Cat food tends to be higher in fat and protein than dog food. Which is probably why it is so tempting for your pup to eat. But, if your dog consumes the cat’s tucker regularly, it could lead to:

Upset Tummy

Because cat food tends to have that higher fat content, your doggo could experience gastrointestinal upset from consuming it. This could result in diarrhea, vomiting or an unsettled stomach.

Translation: you might find your dog has an upset tummy and lets off more stinky toots than usual or has the food returning out of either end.

Weight Gain

As we have just indicated, cat food is quite calorie-dense. So, if your dog is snacking on it regularly, they might start to gain weight. This is particularly noticeable if they are having cat food snacks in addition to their own dog food meals.

Nutritional Imbalance

If your dog continues to chow down on the cat’s food on a regular basis, they may start to develop a nutritional imbalance. As dogs have different nutritional requirements to cats, cat food won’t provide the balanced nutrition they need. This can lead to a nutritional imbalance which may trigger health issues or concerns.

Health Issues

Prolonged consumption of cat food may lead to long term health issues in dogs. This could include obesity, pancreatitis, kidney issues, or other metabolic disorders. In short, consuming too much cat food on a regular basis can leave your pup feeling pretty unwell.

The Importance of Good Dog Nutrition

In order to be happy and healthy, dogs need a balanced food full of all the things their bodies need to function optimally. Proper nutrition is the foundation of good physical and mental health for your doggo. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues and organs. This includes essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Eating all those good things will ensure your pup remains a healthy weight and has the energy it needs to tackle the day’s activities. They’ll also have a shiny coat and healthy skin, along with good oral and digestive health.

Good nutrition is known to extend your dog’s lifespan and give them a better quality of life. It minimises the risk of illness and infections as it equips your dog with a strong immune system.

So, as you can see, your doggo can benefit significantly from having the right balance of nutrients in their diet.

Feeding The Right Food

In order to give your dog the right balance of nutrients, you need to find the right food. Many supermarket and vet brands contain a list of foreign and confusing ingredients. A lot of those ingredients are actually fillers and contain artificial or chemical substances.

Choosing a natural, New Zealand made brand is a much better choice. Real Dog Food fits the bill! Made right here in Aotearoa from natural, human grade ingredients, our food contains all the goodness your dog could need without needing to raid the cat’s bowl!

Lovingly blended, our dog food has been formulated by expert pet nutritionists and is packed with the correct combination of probiotics, vitamins, minerals, proteins and goodness. It is an enriching and complete diet for your pup.

Should I Panic If My Dog Ate Cat Food?

Back to the question at hand. Should I panic if my dog ate cat food?

If your dog has eaten a small amount of cat food once or twice, then it is unlikely to cause them significant harm. However, if it becomes a regular occurrence or your dog is starting to show signs of an upset tummy after consuming it, then it’s best to take them to the vet for a quick check.

The solution to the problem is to buy your pup a food that is so delicious that they won’t go hunting for the cat’s kai instead! Real Dog Food is a tasty blend of premium, natural ingredients that dogs just love! Shop our range now.