Can Cats And Dogs Eat The Same?
Many people mistakenly believe that animals eat everything and that cats and dogs can eat the same food. This is not true, and even many human foods are considered harmful to them.
We must take into account that foods prepared for different species contain ingredients that meet the nutritional and caloric requirements of each species .
In addition, the size, age, species and characteristics of the pet determine what should be eaten, its content, frequency and quantity.
This will make the difference between good nutrition and malnutrition.
Although dog and cat food or processed foods are very similar, they differ a lot, which can be verified by reading the product labels.
In this article, we’ll look at some information about what cats and dogs need to eat in their diet, as well as why they shouldn’t eat the same food.
Nutritional needs of cats
In their evolution throughout history, cats have been kept on a carnivorous diet.
That’s why today they still require a high dose of protein and fat in their diet. This same amount is not recommended for dogs.
We should also mention taurine, an organic antioxidant acid that protects the health of the feline heart, as well as the brain, muscles and membranes.
This substance also functions as an important neurotransmitter. Its deficiency in the medium and long term causes blindness in cats, nervous system problems , heart disease and finally death.
Likewise, an essential fatty acid required by cats is called arachidonic, which maintains the good health of their coat and skin.
The vitamins B1 and B12 should also be included in a good cat food.
B1 turns glucose into energy for your muscles and nervous system to function. B12 maintains the amount of red blood cells and optimizes iron in the body.
One of the essential nutrients for the cat, which is lacking in dog food, is vitamin A, since the dog’s body produces it.
In general, the cat needs more vitamins in its diet than its canine companions.
Dogs nutritional needs
In the early stages of their evolution, dogs were strictly carnivores, but they developed a more varied diet over the years. This led them to be the omnivores they are today.
The existing market commercial foods include all components necessary to maintain optimal nutrition and health.
One of the components of the diet that the dog’s metabolism requires is beta-carotene, which the body processes to transform it into vitamin A , a great antioxidant.
It maintains healthy vision, reproductive processes, and the bone and epithelial system.
Another example: while cats need 30 units per kilogram of vitamin E, dogs need 50.
As we see, dogs need fat and protein in lesser proportions than felines.
Dog foods should include two essential fatty acids: linoleic and alpha-linoleic.
These nourish muscles and skin, participate in the production of hormones and generate elements needed by cells.
Consequences of an inadequate diet in pets
If dogs and cats live together in the same house, it is very likely that they will eat one of the other’s feeders from time to time.
If it’s occasional, it doesn’t have consequences, but it shouldn’t become a habit. To avoid it, there must be the necessary separation.
In the medium and long term, an inadequate diet in our pets will cause vomiting , diarrhea and other discomforts.
In the long term, the impact is more serious as possible kidney and liver damage can occur.
Conclusions
In conclusion, cats and dogs cannot eat the same food because they are at risk of malnutrition, with possible consequences for their health.
From everything we’ve said, it’s proven how harmful it can be to give food that doesn’t match the pet’s species. The consequences will be even more important in the case of cats.
The recommendation is clear: cats and dogs cannot eat the same food. The veterinarian should be consulted about the best nutrition for them.
And the owners must provide them with quality products that guarantee life in an optimal state of health.
