Why is dog food unsuitable as food for your cat?

A cat is not a small dog

Cats and dogs are different animals. Of course, this is already apparent from a cat’s appearance and character. But when it comes to nutritional needs, a cat is also biologically different. A cat is an obligate carnivore, which means it cannot survive without certain nutrients that are primarily found in animal-based foods. Dogs, on the other hand, are more omnivorous and can survive on a diet that contains little or no meat.

Which nutrients must cat food contain?

There are a number of nutrients that a cat cannot produce on its own, unlike dogs. These are known as essential nutrients and must be obtained through the diet. These nutrients include:

• Taurine
• Arachidonic acid
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12

Dog food often contains too little of the nutrients that cats cannot do without. So if your cat eats dog food for a longer period of time, it may lead to deficiencies.

A cat’s protein requirement is different from a dog’s

Dog food generally contains less protein and more carbohydrates than cat food. Cats have a higher protein requirement than dogs. Their metabolism breaks down amino acids more rapidly, which increases the need for protein.

Proteins are essential for many bodily functions, such as growth, tissue repair, blood transport proteins, hormone production, and enzymes. If cats do not receive enough protein in their diet, their bodies will begin to use their own muscle proteins to meet these needs.

Cats also generate energy through protein breakdown. Unlike many other animals that rely on carbohydrates to produce glucose, cats primarily rely on complex conversions of proteins. Therefore, to meet their energy needs, cats require more protein than dogs.

Cat food should therefore contain at least 25% protein. Dog food usually contains only 18–24% protein.

So, based on the above, dog food is not suitable as a complete diet for cats.

Fortunately, there is a wide range of cat food that meets your cat’s nutritional needs!

Do you have a question about food for your cat? Feel free to contact us by phone or email: veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.