Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? The Complete Guide to the Benefits, Risks, and Safe Feeding Tips

Introduction

Many dog owners wonder if Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats. Cat treats are readily available and often tempting to toss to your pup. But is it safe? What are the risks and benefits? This article provides a complete guide to whether dogs can eat cat treats, their nutritional value, health impacts, and how much is safe to feed.

Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat cat treats, but moderation is extremely important. Cat treats are very high in protein and fat compared to traditional dog treats. They also contain different nutritional balances. While an occasional cat treat won’t harm a dog, too many or too often can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, or obesity. Check with your veterinarian for the recommended amount based on your dog’s size, age, and health status.

Nutritional Value of Cat Treats

Cat treats are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats, which differ from dog requirements. Here is a breakdown:

• Protein – Cat treats contain 25-45% protein, while dog treats have just 15-25% protein. Too much protein can strain the dog’s kidneys and liver.
• Fats – Cat treats have 15-30% fat, much higher than the 5-10% in dog treats. Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
• Carbs – Cat treats are very low in carbs (under 5%), unlike dog treats which offer 10-50% carbs. Dogs need more carbs for energy.
• Vitamins & Minerals – Cat treats won’t have optimal calcium, phosphorus, or antioxidant ratios suitable for dogs.

So while the protein and fat look appealing, the overall nutritional balance is not ideal for dogs.

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	60
Total Fat	3 g	5%
Saturated Fat	1 g	3%
Protein	7 g
Moisture	10%
Carbohydrates	2 g	1%
Fiber	1 g	4%
Calcium	100 mg	10%
Phosphorus	80 mg	8%
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.1 g
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	0.2 g
Vitamin A	100 IU	2%
Vitamin E	3 IU	10%

Are cat treats for Dogs?

Cat treats are designed for the specific nutritional requirements of cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat and prefer a high-protein, high-fat diet. Dogs are omnivores and need a more moderate protein and fat balance. While an occasional cat treat is fine, cat treats should not regularly replace dog treats. Stick with treats formulated just for dogs for the best nutritional balance.

Cat Treats Health Benefits For Dogs

The primary health benefit of cat treats for dogs is the high protein content. In moderation, the extra protein can help build and maintain lean muscle. However, too much protein long-term can tax the kidneys and liver as they work to metabolize the excess.

The other benefits of cat treats come from the ingredients rather than the cat-formulated recipe. For example, some cat treats have fish, which provide omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health. Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? Just check the ingredients and nutritional analysis to understand what’s inside.

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Health Benefit	Explanation
Lean Muscle Maintenance	The high protein content supports and maintains lean muscle mass.
Healthy Skin and Coat	Cat treats contain omega fatty acids from fish and other ingredients that nurture skin and coat health.
Joint Support	Glucosamine, chondroitin, and other compounds in some cat treats support joint health and mobility.
Dental Health	Some crunchy cat treats are designed to scrape plaque and tartar off teeth.
Healthy Immune System	Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E in cat treats boost immunity.
Supplemental Energy	The high fat content provides concentrated energy for active dogs.

Can cat treats be Bad for Dogs?

Too many or too frequent cat treats can be bad for dogs. Here are some of the risks:

• Obesity – The high fat content quickly adds calories leading to weight gain. Obesity strains joints and leads to diabetes and heart disease.
• Pancreatitis – High dietary fat levels contribute to this painful inflammation of the pancreas. It requires hospitalization.
• Digestive upset – The high protein and fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric distress if fed too often.
• Kidney disease – Excess protein puts added stress on the kidneys over time. Older dogs are especially prone to kidney disease.
• Nutritional imbalance – Dog foods and treats are formulated to give optimal nutrition. Cat treats throw off those careful ratios.

So moderation is key. An occasional cat treats as a supplement to a nutritionally balanced dog diet is fine. But cat treats should not become a dietary staple or replace dog treats.

Risks Of Feeding Cat Treats Dogs

The primary risks of feeding cat treats to dogs come from the high protein and fat content:

• Gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea
• Pancreatitis triggered by high fat intake
• Weight gain leading to obesity
• Kidney and liver stress from metabolizing excess protein
• Nutritional imbalance since cat treats lack optimal ratios of carbs, vitamins, and minerals
• Signs your dog may be having issues from too many cat treats include:
• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Lack of energy
• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight gain
• Vomiting

These are signs to stop giving cat treats and call your veterinarian. Moderation and limiting cat treats are important to avoid adverse effects.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Cat Treats?

Yes, dogs can have food allergies to specific ingredients in cat treats, just like dog treats. The most common food allergens for dogs include:

• Beef
• Dairy
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Fish
• Eggs

Allergic reactions can include itchy skin, ear infections, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice any allergy symptoms after feeding cat treats, stop giving them and contact your vet.

You can try a different brand or recipe of cat treats to see if the reaction stops. Then you’ll know a specific ingredient is the likely allergen and to avoid cat treats containing it. An elimination diet and testing can help confirm.

How Much Cat Treats Dogs Eat?

The amount of Cat Treats a dog can eat depends on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Here are some general guidelines based on weight:

• Small dogs under 25 lbs – No more than 1 cat treat per day. Break treats into smaller pieces if needed.
• Medium dogs 25-50 lbs – 1-2 cat treats max per day. Monitor stool and weight.
• Large dogs over 50 lbs – 2-3 cat treats per day. Larger dogs have higher calorie needs.
• Puppies – Avoid cat treats until at least 1 year old when growth has slowed. The high protein can accelerate growth plates.
• Seniors – Reduce treats due to lower activity levels. Check with your vet.

The best advice is to start slowly with just tidbits or crumbs of cat treats. Increase gradually while monitoring stool, behavior, and appetite to look for any issues.

Dog Size	Example Breeds	Max Cat Treats Per Day
Small	Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier	1 treat
Medium	Beagle, Bulldog	1-2 treats
Large	Labrador, Golden Retriever	2-3 treats
Giant	Great Dane, Mastiff	3-4 treats

How Many Cat Treats Safe For My Dog To Eat?

Here is a breakdown of the maximum number of cat treats generally considered safe based on dog size:

• Small dogs: 1 cat treat per day broken into pieces
• Medium dogs: 1-2 cat treats per day
• Large dogs: 2-3 cat treats per day

However, every dog is unique so ideal treat amounts can vary:

• Puppies should avoid cat treats until at least 1 year old
• Senior dogs often do better with reduced treats
• Dogs prone to obesity need extra care with high-fat treats
• Dogs with kidney disease require limits on high-protein foods

Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats, The safest approach is starting with just a bite of a cat treat. Gradually increase to find the amount your dog does well with while monitoring energy, appetite, weight, and stool. Reduce immediately if any issues pop up. Consulting your vet is also recommended when determining the optimal cat treat amount for your furry friend!

Dog Size	Example Breeds	Max Daily Cat Treats
Extra-small (2-20 lbs)	Chihuahua, Yorkie	0.5 treats
Small (21-30 lbs.)	Pomeranian, Pug	1 treat
Medium (31-50 lbs.)	Beagle, Bulldog	1-2 treats
Large (51-90 lbs.)	Labrador, Goldendoodle	2-3 treats
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	Great Dane, Mastiff	3-4 treats

Consulting a veterinarian

It’s always smart to check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods or treats like cat treats to your dog’s diet. Your vet knows your dog’s health conditions, sensitivities, and any special dietary needs.

They can advise you on:

• Any health concerns with cat treats for your dog
• An appropriate serving size and frequency based on size, age, and health status
• Recommended brands and recipes based on specific ingredients
• Signs of trouble to watch for like diarrhea or lethargy
• Alternative nutritious training treat options

Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? Open communication with your vet ensures cat treats are given safely so both you and your pup can feel confident and avoid tummy troubles or other issues. They can even do an exam and lab work if needed to identify problems. Don’t take chances with your dog’s health – consult your vet before treating with cat treats.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Cat Treats?

Yes, cooked cat treats are fine for dogs to eat. Some digestion experts recommend lightly cooking treats to make them safer and easier to digest.

Light cooking helps kill potential bacteria from raw ingredients. It also starts breaking down connective tissues and plant cell walls so dogs absorb more nutrients.

When preparing cooked cat treats:

• Bake, boil, or microwave to at least 160°F internal temperature
• Avoid seasoning with onion, garlic, or excessive salt
• Allow to fully cool before serving

Cooked cat treats may be lower in some nutrients compared to raw but are safer for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Homemade cooked treats also let you control ingredients. In moderation, cooked cat treats are a pup-approved snack!

Can Dogs Eat Canned Cat Treats?

Canned or wet cat treats are fine for dogs to eat on occasion but portion sizes should be kept small.

Wet cat treats contain around 75% moisture versus just 10% in dry treats. This gives a very soft, palatable texture that dogs love. However, the higher moisture dilutes nutrients and allows rapid bacterial growth.

If feeding canned cat treats:

• Refrigerate after opening and discard uneaten portion daily
• Give very small portions – a teaspoon for small dogs and, a tablespoon for large
• Avoid high-sodium varieties

The soft texture and strong aroma of canned cat treats make them highly appealing to dogs. But restrain portions to limit calories, sodium, and spoilage risk. Dry cat treats are safer for routine use.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Cat Treats?

Dried cat treats are the safest variety for dogs to eat regularly. Their low moisture content reduces bacterial growth risk versus canned treats. And drying concentrates nutrients including protein and fat.

When feeding dried cat treats to your dog:

• Select treats with 10% moisture or less
• Check calorie and fat content based on your dog’s needs
• Break larger treats into bite sizes to control portioning
• Pair with water to help with chewing and digestion

In moderation, dried cat treats offer a crispy, protein-packed supplemental snack dogs love. Focus on good quality treats made from whole food ingredients. With reasonable portions, dried cat treats can be part of a balanced canine diet.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Cat Treats?

Feeding raw cat treats to dogs is somewhat controversial. On the plus side, raw treats retain more natural nutrients without cooking. However, the risk of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli is higher.

If you choose to feed raw cat treats:

• Select high-quality products from reputable companies
• Handle and store carefully to prevent cross-contamination
• Supervise eating to avoid choking on hard textures
• Limit portion size based on your dog’s needs

Consult your vet to see if raw cat treats are appropriate for your dog. Some dogs do well with them, while others with sensitivities do better avoiding raw. Balance risks and benefits for your individual pup’s health.

Final Thought

Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? Cat treats are a tasty temptation for dogs, but require caution. While the occasional cat treat is fine, too many too often can cause problems due to the higher protein and fat content versus dog treats. Talk to your vet, read labels carefully, start slowly, and watch for any digestive upset or behavior changes. With judicious use, cat treats can supplement a nutritionally sound dog diet without issue. Moderation and common sense are key when treating your pup to this feline-formulated snack.

FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats?