Is There A Food For Both Cats And Dogs

Dosage: Size And Level Of Activity

We have to take into account the amount of exercise our pet does and its weight when choosing the right amount of daily food. It is always a good idea to follow our vets recommendations and to also follow the instructions given by the manufacturer on the pet food packaging.

When you and your veterinarian determine the exact amount your dog will need you can use a standard measurement so you dont have to weigh the amount each time. If there are changes in the weight, health or lifestyle of your dog, you will need to talk it over with your veterinarian and adjust accordingly.

Cats Can Grow Bored Of The Same Food

The same way humans look to eat different foods at every meal to not get bored, cats can also go looking for variety in their diet. Cats see humans as equals, so that is why they may feel that what we eat is for them as well. This will drive your cat to give your dogs food a try just because they want to.

Cute Memes About Cats

Look at that precious little face. Cats really can be sweet companions.

And they also couldnât care less if youâre around. Except when itâs time for dinner.

Also, can we talk about why theyâre always trying to escape out the front door? Honestly, whatâs not to love about a warm bed, food at your beck and call, and a box to poop in?

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Why Your Dog Loves Cat Food

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Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they depend on nutrients found only in meat to survive . They can have a little bit of plant matter, but cat bodies require meat to function, and commercial cat food is loaded with protein. Dogs are able to eat an omnivorous diet , so their food has a broader range of ingredients.

If they can eat more than just plain old meat, why do dogs love cat food so much? Well, think about the pungent aroma that arises from a freshly-popped can of cat food. Cat food is specifically formulated to appeal to your carnivorous cat, but that juicy, meaty goodness will get your dog salivating, too.

Another reason cat food appeals to dogs: its there! Many cats free-feed, meaning their food is left out all day long. Depending on how food-motivated your dog is, sometimes the mere presence of off-limits, delicious-smelling food can cause an obsession .

Top Best Answers To The Question Is There A Pet Food For Both Dogs And Cats

Dogs and cats have different, unique nutritional requirements so it is very important that your dog and cat each have their own species-appropriate food.

Cats are “obligate carnivores” meaning their diets must be meat-based.

Unlike Cats, dogs are able to manufacture their own taurine in the body.

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Is there a pet food for both dogs and cats?» often ask the followingquestions:

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Isn’t Feeding Raw Food Dangerous Due To The Risk Of Salmonella And E Coli

The digestive tracts of dogs and cats are very different than those of humans. The human digestive tract is approximately 25 to 28 feet long with a stomach acidity between 1.5 and 2.5, whereas dogs and cats have a much shorter digestive system at an average of 10 to 13 feet for dogs with an acidity of less than 1.

This means that raw food moves through your pet’s system in less than half the time it would through a human’s system, and the high acidity kills most bacteria. Even if the food was contaminated, it is unlikely that the microbes would enter the animal’s bloodstream.

Commercially prepared raw food manufacturers take measures to control against the presence of unwanted organisms such as salmonella and e. coli, so if you’re concerned about contamination, frozen raw diets are a good option.

If you eat meat, then you are aware of the precautions to take when handling raw meat. The same precautions apply to raw pet food: wash bowls, utensils and your hands after feeding and handling the meat. Keep the meat frozen until two to four days before feeding, and thaw in the refrigerator. Don’t leave the food down for your pet for more than 30-40 minutes, and throw any leftovers away after this time.

If you use common sense, feeding raw food is no more difficult or dangerous than any other pet food, and the health benefits are unparalleled.

Why Your Dog Shouldnt Eat A Lot Of Cat Food

If cat food is full of meat and smells delicious to dogs, you have to wonder: can dogs eat cat food? The answer is, yes and no . Your dog can safely sample a bit of your kittys chow. I sometimes let my dogs lick the cat food spoon as a treat! But a diet consisting solely of cat food wont give your dog the balanced nutrition they need.

Think about humans reactions to our favorite junk food we know our body needs a balanced, healthy diet, but sometimes a burger and fries just smells and tastes so good. Feeding your dog a cat food-only diet would be like feeding yourself McDonalds every day. It might sound delicious at first, but in the long run, its a bad idea.

Overconsumption of cat food can cause health problems for dogs, including:

• Gastrointestinal distress in the short term
• Higher obesity risk as time goes on
• Kidney problems in the long run

Bottom line: you dont have to panic if your dog gets into the cat food, but you shouldnt make it part of her regular diet.

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Cats Vs Dogs: Nutrition

Cats and dogs have different dietary requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that cats must eat meat. Its a biological necessity. Dogs, contrary to some beliefs, are omnivores, which means they eat meat and vegetables, so they need a more varied diet than just meat alone to meet their nutritional requirements.

Cat food is much higher in meat-based protein than dog food. This might be why cat food is so appealing to dogs, since the meat smell and flavor are so strong. However, just because dogs crave it doesnt mean they should eat it.

Unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise, the best food for your dog is dog food, not cat food.

Foods That Are Dangerous For Your Dog

There are quite a few things we humans eat that are toxic or harmful for your canine pets, among these we can mention chocolate solids, onion and garlic, grapes and raisins, milk , nutmeg, macadamia nuts and more. Find the full list here:

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Schedule The Cats And Dogs Meal Times Separately

• This is the most effective method you can try to keep your cat from eating the dog food.
• Keep them in different rooms while you feed one.
• Make sure your dog finishes its food so the cat cannot just wander into the room with the dogs leftovers and eat them.
• Wash the dogs bowl immediately after so the cat does not go snooping there to check the smell.
• This will help both animals stay satiated at all times and lessen the possibility of either one stealing the others food.
• Try distracting the dog while the cat is eating by playing with it, and vice versa.

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Dogs are considered omnivores. This means that their diet consists of a combination of plants and meat from animals. Cats, on the other hand, are true carnivores. They are a hunting species.

This means that they must ingest their nutrients from other animals. Their meals should be high in protein, have a moderate amount of fat, and have a small amount of carbohydrates.

Dog food is formulated with a different balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. If cats are only fed dog food, their nutrient profile will be off-balance and this could lead to significant nutritional deficiencies. In fact, cats require up to three times more protein than dogs do in their diet!

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When Cat Food Is Harmful For Dogs

For other dogs, consuming cat food, even as an occasional treat, could become problematic if there are underlying reasons for why excess protein or fat is not ideal.

Examples:

• A dog with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract may vomit or have diarrhea after eating cat food because the food is simply too rich.

• A dog with kidney or liver disease needs to consume moderate amounts of protein, not excess, to promote optimal functioning of those organs.

• An obese dog, or one with a predisposition for developing pancreatitis , must consume a lower-fat diet to promote weight loss or limit pancreatic inflammation.

For all of these dogs, feeding any amount of commercial cat food, whether its infrequent or on a long-term basis, could exacerbate health issues.

Five Things That Cats And Dogs Have In Common

If you have both a cat and a dog in your life, then you’re aware that they can be quite different. From diet to exercise to overall personality, you’ll find many contrasts between the two. You’ll also find that cats and dogs sometimes don’t get along at all, partially because of these differences. However, there are also many things that cats and dogs have in common.

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The Way Dogs And Cats Exercise Is Quite Different

If you’re looking for a workout buddy, a cat may not be your best choice. While cats are known to be agile and will occasionally spend time playing games with you, they aren’t known to be athletic, per se. Dogs, on the other hand, are usually great exercise pals. Many breeds enjoy running and hiking, and will happily trek along on any trip.

Just because cats aren’t into exercise, doesn’t mean they aren’t nimble. Cats have lean muscles and will pounce or leap when stalking prey, even if that prey happens to be a fun feather toy you’re swaying back and forth on the carpet.

Playtime with dogs and cats is also very different. While many dogs enjoy a game of fetch, cats will often watch you toss a ball, and then walk away, unwilling to join in on your game. For a cat, fun playtime may consist of pouncing on your feet when you’re lying under the covers and sleeping. Cats are nocturnal animals, says the Animal Humane Society, and enjoy playing at night, when your dog is most likely snoring gently.

Choosing Between Dry Food Canned Food Or Both

In general, you need not offer multiple flavors and textures to cats. They get very good at training their owners to add something else to the mix if the cat shows any hesitation to eat what is given. If the cat is otherwise acting fine, a choice to not eat what is offered can be normal, or a test by the cat to see if something better will show up. Very, very few cats need any encouragement to eat. The opposite is usually a goal.

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Heartworms Are A Concern

Both pets are susceptible to heartworms, foot-long worms spread by mosquitoes that can live in the animals heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels. Preventive medication is the best method for protecting both animals from the parasite and is the only method for helping cats. While the worms rarely make it to adulthood in cats, the immature worms can still cause long-term damage and cannot be treated with the same medicine as dogs.

Tuna And Catnip Homemade Cat Treats Recipe

Every good kitty deserves a treat or two especially if it contains catnips! Cats absolutely love catnips, a herb from the mint family labiatae. It contains an active ingredient known as nepetalactone, which may cause a high in your cat to help your furry friend relax! However, be sure to moderate your cats intake of this treat as too much catnip may cause nauseousness.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Recipe Instructions:

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Compare And Contrast About Cats And Dogs

How it works

Dogs and cats have several similarities, but even more distinctions. Both animals are easily loved by mankind and will display love and affection in return for good treatment. Some people enjoy the presence of a cat, and others are simply dog lovers. Based on the history, characteristics, and similarities of the two creatures, dogs are considered to be mans best friend- but most likely its the feline who is.

Thousands of years ago, a man trapped wolves and used a selective breeding process to make canines with certain qualities. Some of the qualities include hunting abilities, obedience, and trainability. Every dog in our modern world has the DNA of wolves, although if you look at a Yorkshire Terrier or a Teacup Chihuahua one would have their doubts. Throughout time, breeding became more selective, and more breeds were born. Humans began breeding dogs for their function. Some canines were great for hunting, while others did the best job of herding or guarding. Canines can show more human characteristics such as love, sorrow, and loyalty. Dogs are also more social than cats which is why some consider them the best companions.

Important Differences In Nutritional Needs Between Dogs And Cats

Dogs and cats are completely different species with their own set of nutritional requirements. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, requiring a balanced mix of both meat and plant-based diets, while cats are known as obligate carnivores, requiring a high-protein meat-based diet. The minimum requirement for protein in cats and dogs respectively is 26% and 18% of dry matter. Cats are also able to tolerate a higher fat content than dogs, with their minimum requirement for fat content being 9% and 5.5% 1. There are also some specific amino acids that cats require in their diet as they are unable to synthesise these for themselves, including arginine and taurine, so for this reason, you shouldnt feed dog food to cats2,3.

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Ask Your Vet For Advice

We recommend you ask your veterinarian for tips on the best diet for your pussycat based on age and habits. It is not the same to feed a kitten, a senior cat or a pregnant or nursing cat. A veterinarian will also recommend giving them dry, wet food or both. It is important not to be stingy and spend a little more money on quality food, because, as with people, health begins with what we eat. Poor quality food will inevitably lead to long-term health issues and we are sure you dont want to offer your pet a life of sickness and a shorter lifespan.

Here are some basic notions about feline food:

Cats drink little water

The Benefits Of Raw Feeding:

• Vet bills are usually greatly reduced after switching to a nutritious species appropriate diet.

• Naturally clean teeth and healthy gums from the natural scrubbing, massaging and flossing action of eating raw meaty bones.

• Clean breath and no doggy odour after changing to raw feeding

• Ripping and chewing raw meaty bones develops the neck, jaw and shoulder muscles of dogs.

• Greater bioavailability of naturally occurring nutrients and enzymes in raw meat, organs and bones.

• Stools are smaller, less smelly and quickly degrade into the soil.

• Dogs tend to maintain a healthy weight and the chances of obesity are minimized since it takes longer to chew and digest raw meaty bones.

• Kibble may sit around for hours untouched but dogs tend to be excited and love their raw species appropriate meals.

• Increased mental, psychological and physical stimulation leading to greater well-being and satisfaction

• Health problems such as arthritis, lack of energy, allergies, skin conditions and dull coats often improve when switching from commercial dog food to raw feeding.

• Ability to custom tailor your dogs diets for their activity level, age, health problems and specific nutritional requirements.

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How To Train Your Dog To Stop Eating Cat Food

Start by making bowls of food distinguishable.To be fair to your dog, it may be hard to tell the difference between a bowl full of kibble that theyre supposed to eat, and a bowl full of kibble thats off-limits. Help your dog out by making the bowls of kibble look very different from each other. Try different bowl sizes and colors, and if you have a placemat under your pets bowls, make sure theyre different too.

Teach your dog the Leave It command. Once your dog knows Leave It, introduce cat food and repeat until they can successfully ignore the food. It can take daily practice for a few weeks, but stay consistent with your training and youll get it together!

Remove the opportunity for your dog to eat cat food.The best way to keep your dog from eating cat food is to separate your pets when food is out. Start by moving your cats bowl to another room one your dog cant get to. If your dog never has access to the cats food, theyll never get the opportunity to steal it! Here are some options:

The bottom line: Dont leave cat food out when your dog has plenty of opportunities to sneak over and grab a few bites. If youre used to leaving food out throughout the day, it may take a while to get your pets used to eating their meals in full on a schedule. However, the benefits of a feeding schedule and removing any food that isn’t eaten in 10-20 minutes is worth it.