I fed my cats dog food by accident! Will anything bad happen?

**ms. frugal kugel** · 02-11-2008, 10:01 AM

So, I've had a nasty virus for the last few days, but I finally had enough energy to go grocery shopping. And after a whirlwind tour of the store, I picked up the Iams Healthy Naturals DOG food, instead of the cat food. I didn't notice in line, didn't notice when I ripped it open, didn't notice when the pieces were 2x the normal size...and the cats liked it! Is anything bad going to happen to my cat's digestive system because of this? Oh I feel like such a dipstick, but I am a little worried? Any ideas?

**IntlMom** · 02-11-2008, 10:07 AM

ummmmm, I've done it b4, and on PURPOSE. Ok, so maybe this falls into the "too cheap" category. But I had a coupon for free dog food. So, I got it, and fed it to my 2 cats (I'm not a very particular car owner). They like it just fine, and nothing happened to them....(that I know of, I suppose!

)

Ok, so I am probably gonna get in trouble from all of the very caring cat owners......*sorry*

**luv-my-lexi** · 02-11-2008, 10:15 AM

I don't think anything will happen to the cats unless they have a problematic digestive system (as in any time they eat anything different they have a problem) but I am no vet. Why don't you give your vet a call and just ask them the question so that way you won't have to stress or worry about it.

**Lady_V** · 02-11-2008, 10:16 AM

Oh No ... they will start stalking the mailman now!

I didn't think there was a difference between the two either, apparently I was wrong...

Q.

Why is it a no-no to give dog food to cats?

A.

As we often say, "Cats are not small dogs." In the case of diet, it is important to realize a cat's nutritional requirements are much different than those of a dog. For example, cats require higher levels of protein than dogs. Cats must have the amino acid called 'taurine' in their diet; dogs can actually make their own taurine. A cat eating food deficient in taurine can develop severe heart disease and other health problems. Almost all cat foods now contain added taurine. Cats require a different form of Vitamin A than dogs do. Dogs can use beta-carotene as a source of Vitamin A; cats cannot. Cats can not manufacture the fatty acid called 'arachidonic acid' and must have it supplemented in their diet; it is not essential for dogs to have this fatty acid in their food.
So, you see, if a cat is allowed to eat a significant amount of dog food, the cat would be eating a diet deficient in many of the cat's required nutrients. For your cat's health, be sure she is eating quality cat food.

**seadream** · 02-11-2008, 10:18 AM

My cat used to eat my dogs food all the time and he was just fine.

**sdrjeolsen** · 02-11-2008, 10:20 AM

I think it will be fine. In the wild they eat all sorts of stuff. Also with it being short term, its probably fine.

Int'l mom, I do the same, I give cat food to my dog from time to time if I have a coupon for a free bag or can. She loves it.

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-11-2008, 10:24 AM

I think your pet will be just fine, I've done it on purpose a few times but also on accident and nothing every happened. Your SAFE!

**PrairieRose** · 02-11-2008, 10:27 AM

Yeah I think it will be ok, I'd just not feed the whole bag that way.

**frugalfarmwife** · 02-11-2008, 11:01 AM

It can be harmful long term, but this one instance should be ok, watch for cat yack though, lol, last thing you need to do is step in that the way you're feeling.

And, if they start barking get the video camera, you'll make a FORTUNE!

And on the feeding dogs the cat food, won't hurt them but the results can be REALLY nasty gas, trust me

kj

**KKCondrey** · 02-11-2008, 11:17 AM

Rocky (the cat) use to always eat food that was for Speedy (the dog). Even if her dish would be full, when Speck was living and Rocky wanted to eat at the same time, instead of sharing she would go to the dog food bowl.

**Holly** · 02-11-2008, 11:30 AM

I feed my cats dog food all the time. It doesn't hurt them at all.
I have also fed my dogs cat food.

**JustJoy** · 02-11-2008, 12:07 PM

If they start barking, you most likely have a problem...LOL.... seriously they'll be just fine

**forHISglory** · 02-11-2008, 12:14 PM

Those animals are pretty resiliant, and they can't read the labels LOL. Our dogs and cats always shared the same bowl, no matter what was in it. I don't think you'll have a problem.

**dancar3** · 02-11-2008, 03:08 PM

Some of my cats would prefer to eat the dog food (and they do!) while my dog would much rather eat the cat food........which she seldom does because it's more expensive! Your cats will be just fine unless they're strange already like mine are.

**Missy** · 02-11-2008, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by KKCondrey

Rocky (the cat) use to always eat food that was for Speedy (the dog). Even if her dish would be full, when Speck was living and Rocky wanted to eat at the same time, instead of sharing she would go to the dog food bowl.

Same here. My cat stole the dog food and vice versa here all the time (dont' have a cat any more). Wet and Dry.

Didn't seem to do them any harm. Was annoying though. Cat barfed alot because of it.