My Dog Ate Cat Food – Now What?

Seriously? You turn your back for just one second…and your dog has carried out the ultimate heist: swiping the cat’s food! Cue the panic: Will my dog get sick from eating cat food? What should I do? And who do I call? That’s where Veterinary Emergency Group comes in!

We’re VEG and we see a lot of pet mishaps, just like this. While this little misadventure may not be a major cause for worry, it’s important to know how it affects your doggo’s health.

FEEDING FRENZY! HOUSEHOLDS WITH MORE THAN ONE PET

Mealtime in houses with multiple pets can be quite the adventure. Keeping every pet in their lane isn’t always easy, as they nudge and nose their way into another’s dish. If you have cats and dogs, your pets may treat feeding time like an all-you-can-eat buffet, with you as the referee.

There are differences in dog and cat food, and potential risks when a dog eats cat food and vice versa that can happen over time. Let’s chow down on the facts. The nutritional needs of cats and dogs are as different as – well – cats and dogs! Cats are total carnivores, so their food is usually higher in protein, fat, and calories.

If your dog has a single serving of cat food, it may not lead to immediate health issues. But, if they dip into the cat food regularly, it can lead to nutritional imbalances. Cat food can make your hungry hound gain weight, have digestive problems, and can even cause pancreatitis. It’s important to ensure a balanced canine diet that’s tailored to their specific needs.

RISKY BUSINESS: DOGS EATING CAT FOOD

Fido the foodie may be biting more than he can chew! If regularly eating cat food, there are short term and long term risks, which can be serious.

• Short term – Your dog may develop stomach issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
• Long term – These are more concerning. Because of the high-calorie content of cat food, your canine is at risk for conditions like obesity and diabetes.

So, as you can see, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup’s diet and restrict access to kitty’s food to prevent some big-time health issues.

IS THIS AN EMERGENCY OR SHOULD I WAIT IT OUT?

A balanced doggy diet is perfectly catered to your pooch’s dietary needs and is integral for the overall health and well-being. Dog food has the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. A species-specific diet plays a major role in their long-term health. If dogs consume cat food, they may show signs of distress, such as:

• Changes in appetite
• Lethargy
• Persistent vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to call your nearest VEG. Our experienced veterinary team is here 24/7 to help guide you on what to do. Based on the symptoms, we may tell you it’s best to bring your dog in for an exam.

PREVENTING YOUR DOG FROM EATING CAT FOOD

Prevention is always better than a cure. If you want to stop your munching mutt from any more cat food slip-ups, try this:

• Feed your pets in different places/at different times.
• Elevated feeding stations are typically out of reach for dogs, but perfect for your acrobatic kitty!
• Keep a close eye on your pets while they’re eating and quickly store their food away.

QUESTIONS? ASK THE PROS AT VEG

At Veterinary Emergency Group, our priority is the health, safety, and well-being of your pets. If you need advice on your dog’s diet or if you’re worried that your dining doggy is constantly trying to become a connoisseur of cat food, our team of professionals is here to help! Call or come in anytime. We’re open 24-hours a day, even on weekends.

At VEG, we triage pet emergencies immediately, and deliver a unique and expert level of care. We’ll sit on the floor with your dog or wherever they’re most comfortable. We’ll also make sure pet parents are okay too, by keeping you by your pet’s side the entire time and making sure you’re part of your pet’s care. Oh, and we’ll have free snacks on hand, too. But as for Fido, no more snacking on cat food!