It is not recommended for cats to eat dog treats.
Dogs and cats are two entirely different creatures, the former being omnivores and the latter being obligate carnivores. As such, their bodies need different types of food to function well.
Dog treats are developed using ingredients that are safe and nutritious for canine pets. These treats may come in the form of dog chews, jerky, and biscuits. Tough dog chews can injure your cat’s mouth and/or teeth. They may also get lodged in her esophagus and stomach. Dog jerky and biscuits may be better for cats to try as long as they do not contain toxic ingredients. These include salt, onion, and garlic flavouring.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats dog treats: Review the list of ingredients used to make the dog treat. More importantly, check how much your cat accidentally consumed. If there are any toxic ingredients on the nutrition facts label, call your veterinarian immediately.
Additionally, watch for signs of feline poisoning. These include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, and shock or collapse. Skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, and changes in drinking, urinating, and appetite may also occur.
In summary: Just like dog food, cats should not be fed dog treats. Regular feeding can make her miss out on vital nutrients she can obtain from carefully formulated, complete, and balanced cat food and treats. She may gain or lose weight, experience digestive distress, or develop other health-related issues from eating dog treats.
Instead of giving her dog treats, find out which fruits and vegetables you can safely give as treats under our blog’s “can cats eat” category.
References:
Can cats eat dog treats? A vet’s guide to whether dog treats are bad for cats
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.