Can Cats Have Dog Treats? Is it Safe?

Many cats can have dog treats, but it can depend on the type of treatment. Cat’s can’t eat anything that could be dangerous for them to consume, and many types of dog treats can be harmful to a cat. However, it’s better for a cat to consume cat treats and for dogs to dog treats.

There are a few different reasons why someone might want to feed their cat some dog food. Some people may want to give their pet something new and exciting like a fresh, new flavor of kitty treats or they might just feel guilty for not being able to provide their furry friend with everything he needs so they supplement what he eats with some dog food here and there in the form of snacks (or as many cats call them: “yummy-nummies”).

It can also depend on the type of treatment that is being fed to your feline friend. There are some things that can be harmful to cats such as chocolate or coffee grounds because they can contain caffeine in high doses that can make them very sick with vomiting and diarrhea, but there can also be some dog treats that can be a little too tough for cats to chew and digest.

Some people debate whether a cat’s treat can be replaced by the same type of dog’s treat or not. Some say it is possible, but others disagree because they think that dogs can eat things like a chicken while cats can’t have any poultry at all.

Now We will look at some common cat treats and discuss whether or not they can be replaced by dog treats for your pet.

What’s the Difference Between a Cat Treat and Dog Treat

Cats are obligate carnivores whereas dogs are omnivores.

Obligate Carnivore means the major portion of their daily diet should consist of animal protein.

Cats have a shorter gastrointestinal tract which limits the amount of time food spends in their stomachs, this, therefore, means they need to consume more protein than an omnivore such as a dog.

They also lack sufficient amylase enzymes that break down starch into glucose and maltose, which is why cats should not be given grains or vegetables. There are many misconceptions about cats being vegan or vegetarian because of their dietary requirements; however, these beliefs lead to malnutrition for your furry friend.

Cat owners also tend to have an easier time finding high-quality kibble because there is a larger market demand for it than dog food (most likely because of the higher number of pets). One thing that all pets share though is their love when they get a new yummy treat! This article provides some suggestions on what you should look for when choosing healthy snacks for your furry companion! 

Related Post:  Can Cats Eat Parsley? Is it a Safe Herb for your Cat?

Nutritional Requirements of Cat

Cats are not only cute and cuddly, but they’re also very different from other pets. Whether you have one cat or a whole bunch of them, it’s important to know how much your fuzzy friend needs in order to stay healthy. Here are some tips on the nutritional requirements of cat treats:  

  • Keep an eye on your pet’s weight because cats can get overweight just like humans do! Be sure to measure out portions at mealtime and monitor what he eats throughout the day.
  • Watch out for foods that contain garlic, onion, or chives which could make him sick. Garlic contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds but can be toxic for cats in large quantities while onions contain sulfoxides that may cause stomach irritation.
  • If you can’t find a brand that contains the proper nutrients, it can be okay to substitute one for another. For example: pumpkin treats can act as an alternative to liver or fish!
  • Look out for treats with artificial flavors and colors because they can cause reactions in some animals. Some people may enjoy these types of things but in can be dangerous to an animal’s body.
  • Avoid treats that are high in fat, sodium and sugar since they can lead to obesity or other health issues for your pet.
  • Keep a close eye on its poop because if it is soft with no color, he may not have enough roughage. This can pose problems because dry food can’t be digested properly in the short digestive tract of a cat.
  • Keep an eye on your pet’s weight because cats can get overweight just like humans do! Be sure to measure out portions at mealtime and monitor what he eats throughout the day. 

Dog Treats that Can Be Consumed By your Cat

There are a lot of things that can help you take care of your cat. As it turns out, there are also some treats that both cats and dogs will love. We’ve rounded up five great options to share with your pet companions. Let’s get started! 

1) Milk-Bone MaroSnacks

These biscuits come in a variety of flavors like peanut butter, bacon, cheese and chicken noodle soup. They’re soft enough for older dogs but tough enough for younger ones as well. The best part is they’re safe to eat even if they get wet or dirty which means these snacks can be used outside the house too! 

2) Nutro Max Cat Treats

This treat comes in three different flavors- turkey & cheese, tuna, and chicken. They can be fed as a snack or as a meal with wet food since they’re also super soft!

3) Kibbles

Dry kibble is a great way to add variety and protein in between wet meals. Most main brands offer dry kibble made specifically for cats, with flavors such as tuna or salmon. The downside? It’s not very nutritional so you’ll need to supplement it with wet food too. 

4) Canned Wet Food

Keeps their teeth clean and gums healthy while providing them with all the nutrients they need- plus it has more flavor than dry kibble can provide!

5) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Adult Cat Food 

A grain-free formula made from real deboned chicken for a healthy meal; rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health; contains no artificial flavors or preservatives to keep them feeling their best!

6) Green lipped mussels, Sardines, Hoki, Calamari

These can be served raw or cooked, and are a great way to provide your cat with omega-rich fish.

Can Cats Eat Dog Jerky?

Many people feed their cats dog jerkies and other wild animal jerky. But, while it may be tasty for you or your cat to nibble on this treat, it can be dangerous.

Related Post:  Can Cats Get Sick from Eating Mice - Explained With Facts

Jerky is typically high in salt, which in large doses has been found to lead to the development of hypertension in cats. In addition, many jerkies also contain onion or garlic powder- both of which are toxic for some species of felines but not all.

Finally, propylene glycol seems like a healthy alternative ingredient when discussing human food products but not so much when discussing those used for pet food. So paws up for paw healthy pets? Think again! 

To ensure that your kitty gets the best pet treat experience, try one of these alternatives instead:

  • Pumpkin can be used as a substitute for liver and fish treats. It can also help your pet’s digestion if they’re feeling constipated!
  • Treats should not contain artificial flavors or colors because many animals can have a negative reaction to them. 
  • Avoid any treats that can make your pet sick, like garlic or onion powder.
  • If you can’t find a substitute for the jerky flavor that they love, try mixing it with some wet food to dilute the salt content and cut down on fat! 
  • And last but not least, look out for treats that are high in sugar because these can cause teeth decay and can lead to diabetes.

Can Cats Eat Homemade Dog Treats?

It’s time to get creative in the kitchen and create some fun new recipes for your furry friends! There are so many great options out there, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with ideas. To help you out, we’ve rounded up 5 homemade cat treat recipes that will leave your kitty purring and begging for more! 

cats with pumpkin

1) Pumpkin Cat Treats 

Combine pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, eggs, water and spices (cinnamon is especially good) into a bowl until the dough is thick enough to roll into balls. Roll them in sugar or coconut flakes before baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. Let cool before serving as they tend to crumble easily when warm.

2) Cucumber with Tuna Mayo (for cats)   

Slice a cucumber into small pieces and place them in the fridge for about an hour until they are nice and cool. Meanwhile, combine one can of tuna with mayonnaise (or plain yogurt) to form a paste. Cut up some fresh parsley or other herbs for decoration if you like, then mix it all together with the cucumbers. Place the cucumbers in a dish and add some of the tuna mixtures on top to cover them completely. Let your cat enjoy this tasty snack!

3) Apple slices with Peanut Butter (for both cats and dogs)  

Slice an apple into small pieces and place them in the fridge for about an hour until they are nice and cool. Meanwhile, combine peanut butter with tepid water to form a paste. Cut up some fresh parsley or other herbs if you like then mix it all together with the apples. Place the slices in a dish and add some of the peanut butter mixtures on top to cover them completely. Let your dog and cat enjoy this tasty snack!

4) Banana chips with yogurt dip (for both cats and dogs) 

Slice bananas into thin, round slices and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle some brown sugar or cinnamon over the top of each slice before putting it in the oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes to an hour until they are nice and crispy! Take out of the oven and let cool completely before serving as they can get quite warm.

5) Carrots dipped in low sodium chicken broth or water (both cats and dogs)

Peel and cut a carrot into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in the fridge for about an hour until they are nice and cool. Meanwhile, bring low sodium chicken broth or water to a boil on your stovetop then let it simmer for 15 minutes before straining out the solids with a colander. Pour the broth over the carrots in a bowl and refrigerate to let them cool completely before serving.

Related Post:  Can cats eat pizza? Everything You Need to Know

6) Liver Chunks soaked in Milk (only for cats!)

Slice a slice of liver into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in the fridge for about an hour until they are nice and cool.  Meanwhile, bring milk to a boil on your stovetop then let it simmer for 15 minutes before straining out the solids with a colander. Pour over the liver in a bowl and refrigerate to let them cool completely before serving.

Note: If your cat is lactose intolerant, then don’t offer this type of treatment which contains dairy products. 

Substitues for Liver and Fish Treats

Want to give your cat liver or fish treats? Well, try these substitutes instead!

  • Bologna can be used as a substitute for liver and fish treats. 
  • Sweet potato can be used as a substitution for liver and fish treats.
  • You can also use shredded cheese or crumbled blueberries as a substitute for liver.
  • Mixed nuts can be used as a substitution for liver and fish treats.

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter Dog Treats?

Yes. Plain peanut butter is okay, but be careful because many dog treats are unsafe for cats.

The ingredients in these cat-unsafe treats are usually things like sweeteners, preservatives, and other chemicals that can cause serious health problems or death for our feline friends. 

Some of the side effects of ingesting these poisonous foods include rapid heartbeat, respiratory difficulties (e.g., shortness of breath), seizures, liver failure and cardiac arrest in severe cases; plain old peanut butter does not have any such threat with most dogs.

dog cookies
Dog cookies

Can Cats Eat Dog Cookies?

Cats are carnivores, which means they should eat meat. Dogs on the other hand are omnivores, meaning they can eat both plants and meat. 

The types of nutrients cats need to thrive are different from what dogs need to thrive. If you want your cat to remain healthy, it’s best not to offer them dog cookies.

Cats can turn their noses up at the idea of eating food that they are not used to, but there are ways to make them more receptive. 

They might be more willing to try something new if they get hungry enough or if you offer them the same type of food in small bites like with training.

You should also keep in mind how much your cat eats and what kind of kibble he/she likes before adding any other foods into his/her diet as this could cause gastrointestinal issues. If all else fails, talk with your vet about whether or not giving him some dog cookies can be a good idea.

Similar cats eat questions

Photo of author

Immad Amir

Immad has a black Labrador who is his first child. With no prior experience of how to take care of his pooch, Immad started researching about what dogs love to eat. This blog is a journal of all the research Immad has done regarding a pet's diet.
We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept