• Cats are able to digest dog food but should not eat it long term.
• For best results, feed your cat foods designed to meet their specific dietary needs.
• Some experts recommend wet cat food to help keep your cat hydrated.

Owning a pet can be expensive, especially if you live in a household with multiple pets.

Feeding a cat costs up to $40 per month, and dog owners can expect to pay around $50 per month to feed a pooch.according to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services.

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that it may cost around $900 per year to own a cat and around $1,480 per year to own a dogtaking into account the costs of health care, grooming, food, veterinary services and more.

With expenses like this, you might be wondering if what you’re feeding your dog could also work for your cat.

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Can cats eat dog food?

Cats are able to digest dog food, so it is unlikely to cause an immediate problem, according to PetMD. However, your feline friend cannot be maintained on a diet of dog food alone.

In the long term, eating dog food can have significant consequences on the health of your cat, including diabetes and obesity, according to The Spruce Pets. This is because dog food is designed for dogs, which require a diet higher in carbohydrates than cats, which can thrive without carbohydrates.

According to PetMD, cats also need higher proportions of protein in their diet than dogs, as well as taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A and niacin.

What to do if your cat eats dog food

Although including dog food in your cat’s typical diet is a bad idea, your cat it should be fine if he slipped a little food into your dog’s bowl at mealtime, according to The Spruce Pets.

If you’re worried about something your cat ate, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian.

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What should cats eat?

According to The Spruce Pets, there are three main types of cat food — dry, canned and raw. Each is different from the other, in addition to being distinct from dry, canned, or raw dog foods, which can be high in carbs and lower in protein.

Many experts now recommend wet cat food because it aids the hydration process, but The Spruce Pets suggests speaking with your veterinarian to determine your cat’s optimal diet to meet their unique needs.

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