· 9 min read
Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? What Pet Parents Need to Know
It’s a scenario many pet parents know all too well: You turn your back for two seconds, and suddenly your golden retriever is nosing into the cat’s treat jar, tail wagging like they’ve struck gold. “Can dogs eat cat treats?” you wonder, half-amused, half-panicked. After all, if Fluffy the cat loves them, they must be harmless… right?
The truth is, our furry friends have vastly different nutritional needs—even if they share our couches (and sometimes our snacks). Cat treats are designed for cats, not dogs, and while a stolen bite here and there might not land your pup in the ER, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Let’s dive into whether cat treats are safe, what risks they pose, and how to keep your dog happy (and healthy) without raiding the cat’s stash.
Table of Contents
- Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? The Short Answer
- Potential Benefits of Cat Treats for Dogs (Yes, There Are Some!)
- Risks of Feeding Cat Treats to Dogs (Why They’re Not Ideal)
- How Much Cat Treats Can Dogs Safely Eat? Guidelines by Size
- Healthier Alternatives to Cat Treats for Dogs
- FAQ: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
- Conclusion: Moderation is Key (And When to Call the Vet)
Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? The Short Answer
Yes, dogs can technically eat cat treats—but they’re not a good idea as a regular snack.
Here’s why: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require high levels of protein (specifically taurine, an amino acid dogs don’t need as much of) and fat to thrive. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores—they need a balanced mix of protein, carbs, fiber, and vitamins. Cat treats are formulated to meet feline needs, not canine ones, so they’re often higher in fat, protein, and calories than what’s optimal for your dog.
Think of it like feeding a human a diet designed for a tiger: Sure, we both eat meat, but our bodies process nutrients differently. A little taste won’t hurt, but making it a habit? That’s where problems can start.
Potential Benefits of Cat Treats for Dogs (Yes, There Are Some!)
Before we dive into the risks, let’s acknowledge the silver lining: In tiny, occasional amounts, cat treats might offer a few minor perks. These are incidental, not reasons to feed them regularly, but it’s worth noting:
1. A Boost of Protein (But Not the Right Kind)
Many cat treats are packed with animal-based proteins like chicken, salmon, or turkey—ingredients dogs love. Protein is essential for dogs (it supports muscle health, immune function, and more), but here’s the catch: Cats need more protein per pound of body weight than dogs, and their treats often contain amino acids like taurine, which dogs can produce on their own. So while your dog will enjoy the taste, they’re not getting “extra” benefits from cat treat protein that they can’t get from their regular dog food.
2. A Little Fiber (If the Treats Include It)
Some cat treats include fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, or oats to support feline digestion. Fiber is great for dogs too—it helps regulate their bowel movements and keeps them feeling full. But again, cat treats don’t contain enough fiber to make a meaningful difference in your dog’s diet. You’d get better results from adding a spoonful of plain pumpkin to their regular meals.
3. Potassium from “Human-Grade” Ingredients
Occasionally, cat treats include fruits or veggies like bananas, blueberries, or sweet potatoes—all rich in potassium, an electrolyte that supports heart and muscle function in dogs. For example, a cat treat with mashed banana might give your dog a tiny potassium boost, but it’s negligible compared to feeding them a slice of fresh banana (which is safer and healthier!).
Risks of Feeding Cat Treats to Dogs (Why They’re Not Ideal)
Now, let’s get real: The risks of feeding cat treats to dogs far outweigh the minor benefits. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. High Fat and Protein Can Lead to Pancreatitis
Cats need more fat in their diet than dogs, so cat treats often have double the fat content of dog treats (or more!). For dogs, especially small breeds, overweight dogs, or those with a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), this can be dangerous.
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes irritated by high-fat foods, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even organ failure. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), fatty foods are one of the top causes of pancreatitis in dogs. A single handful of high-fat cat treats could trigger an episode in susceptible pups.
2. Added Sugars and Empty Calories
Many cat treats (especially “training” or “reward” varieties) contain added sugars, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners to make them more palatable. Dogs don’t need sugar in their diet—too much can lead to obesity, dental decay, or even diabetes over time.
Worse, some cat treats use xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs (it causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure). While xylitol is more common in human snacks, always check the label—if you see it, keep the treats far from your dog.
3. Choking Hazards (Especially for Small Dogs)
Cat treats are often tiny—think bite-sized for a 10-pound cat. For a Chihuahua, Yorkie, or other small breed, these little treats can easily get stuck in their throat, leading to choking. Even larger dogs might gulp them down too quickly, increasing the risk.
4. Stomach Upset and Digestive Issues
Dogs have sensitive tummies, and sudden changes in diet (like introducing cat treats) can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. Cat treats may also contain ingredients that dogs struggle to digest, like excessive grains, artificial preservatives (e.g., BHA, BHT), or by-products.
5. Nutritional Imbalances Over Time
If your dog starts begging for cat treats regularly, they might eat less of their balanced dog food to make room for the “junk food.” Over time, this can lead to deficiencies in vitamins (like vitamin D, which dogs need for bone health) or minerals (like calcium, critical for puppies). Dog food is formulated to meet all their nutritional needs—cat treats are not.
How Much Cat Treats Can Dogs Safely Eat? Guidelines by Size
If your dog does sneak a cat treat (or you want to give them one as a rare “special occasion” snack), follow these rules to keep them safe:
The 10% Rule
Treats (of any kind) should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For example, a 30-pound dog eating 700 calories a day should have no more than 70 calories from treats. Most cat treats are 5-10 calories each, so that’s 7-14 treats max—but that’s way too many!
Size Matters
- Small dogs (5-20 lbs): 1-2 tiny cat treats, once a week at most. Examples: Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats, once a week at most. Examples: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog.
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 3-4 treats, once a week at most. Examples: Labrador, German Shepherd, Great Dane.
Pro tip: Always check the treat’s calorie count (listed on the package) and adjust based on your dog’s age, activity level, and health. If your dog is overweight or has health issues (like pancreatitis), skip cat treats entirely.
Healthier Alternatives to Cat Treats for Dogs
Instead of raiding the cat’s stash, opt for these dog-safe snacks that are actually good for them:
1. Dog-Specific Treats
This one’s a no-brainer! Dog treats are formulated with their nutritional needs in mind—balanced fat, protein, and added vitamins (like glucosamine for joints or omega-3s for skin). Look for options with whole-food ingredients (e.g., “chicken and sweet potato” instead of “meat by-products”).
2. Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Many fruits and veggies are low-calorie, high-fiber, and packed with nutrients:
- Carrots: Crunchy, low-calorie, and great for dental health.
- Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants (good for aging dogs!).
- Pumpkin (plain, canned): Soothes upset tummies and adds fiber.
- Green beans: A favorite for weight-loss dogs (crunchy and satisfying!).
Avoid: Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and avocado—these are toxic to dogs.
3. Homemade Treats
Whip up a batch of dog-safe cookies using ingredients like:
- Oatmeal + peanut butter (no xylitol!) + banana
- Pumpkin + egg + whole wheat flour
- Salmon (cooked, no bones) + sweet potato
Homemade treats let you control the ingredients, so you can skip sugar, salt, and additives.
4. Dental Chews
Dental chews (like Greenies or bully sticks) clean your dog’s teeth while satisfying their urge to chew. Just make sure to choose the right size for your dog to avoid choking.
FAQ: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
Q: My dog ate a whole bag of cat treats! Should I panic?
A: Take a deep breath. First, check the treat ingredients for xylitol (if present, call your vet immediately). If not, monitor your dog for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite—these could signal pancreatitis or an upset stomach. If symptoms appear, contact your vet. For small dogs or those with health issues, it’s better to call your vet even if they seem fine.
Q: Are grain-free cat treats safer for dogs?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free doesn’t equal “healthier” for dogs (or cats!). Some grain-free cat treats are still high in fat or contain legumes (like peas or lentils), which recent studies link to heart issues in dogs when overfed. Stick to dog-specific grain-free treats if that’s a priority.
Q: Can puppies eat cat treats?
A: Puppies have even more sensitive tummies and specific nutritional needs (like extra calcium for growing bones). Cat treats are too rich and can cause diarrhea or stunt growth over time. It’s best to avoid them entirely—opt for puppy-specific treats instead.
Q: My cat and dog share everything! Is it okay to let them swap treats?
A: While it’s cute, it’s not ideal. Cats can also get sick from dog treats (they’re too low in protein and taurine). Keep their treats separate to ensure both get the nutrients they need.
Conclusion: Moderation is Key (And When to Call the Vet)
So, can dogs eat cat treats? Technically, yes—but they’re far from ideal. A stolen bite here and there is unlikely to harm your pup, but making cat treats a regular part of their diet can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, or nutritional imbalances.
As a pet parent, your best bet is to stick to dog-specific treats formulated for their size, age, and health needs. And if you’re ever unsure whether a food is safe (cat treats or otherwise), err on the side of caution and ask your vet.
After all, our dogs (and cats!) rely on us to keep them healthy—and a little extra care goes a long way toward keeping those tails wagging for years to come.
References
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Pancreatitis in Dogs.” akc.org
- ASPCA. “Pet Nutrition: What Should I Feed My Pet?” aspca.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals. “Nutritional Requirements for Dogs.” vcahospitals.com
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs.” tufts.edu