Cat Diets vs Dog Diets
Cats and dogs may live in the same homes with us, but when it comes to nutrition, their diets are fundamentally different. In other words, you should never feed a dog your cat’s food, or vice versa.
Today, the team at Allure Veterinary Partners wants to share the whys and hows underpinning these differences.
Why Cat and Dog Diets Don’t Match
Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
The main reason cats and dogs have vastly different dietary needs is that cats are obligate carnivores. This means they must consume nutrients only found in animal tissue. In the wild, cats rely on high-protein, low-carb diets. They don’t eat plant-based foods to stay healthy—in fact, plant-based nutrients do nothing for them.
The key nutrients required by felines include taurine, arginine, and methionine—all of which are naturally found in animal organs and muscles. And in those little tins of cat food your kitty laps up every day.
When you select food for your cats, make sure you choose food that’s composed of at least 40% protein and 10% (or less) carbohydrates. Wet food can be easier for cats to digest than dry kibble, and it also helps keep felines hydrated. (Just steer clear of milk as a hydration option—water is best.)
If you’re unsure which type of cat food is best for your feline, your veterinarian can help!
Dogs Are Facultative Carnivores
While wolves are facultative carnivores that primarily eat meat but benefit from plant matter too, dogs have evolved to be omnivores. This means they need nutrients found in both plant matter and animal tissues.
Dogs need proteins, amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals found in meat, but they also need the fiber, vitamins, and carbohydrates that vegetables provide.
And while wet foods can help your pup stay hydrated, dry kibble is essential for helping your dog’s teeth stay clean and sharp. (But weekly brushing is still important!) Dry food also contains more carbohydrates than wet food—which is why a mix of the two is optimal.
How Veterinarians Can Help Navigate Cat and Dog Diets
While most foods on the market meet essential dietary needs for pets, some dogs or cats may need specialized diets based on their breed, body composition, or health history.
Your veterinarian knows your pet’s health best and can help figure out the best diet and feeding schedule for your cat or dog.
For pets in the Rancho Cordova area, the team at Allure Veterinary Partners is here to help provide proper nutrition for both existing and new patients. Call us at (916) 680-9975 to schedule an appointment today.