Cat and dogs are different species and require food which is suited to their specific physiological and physical needs.
The composition of the diet is very similar, but it is the moisture, protein, fat, fibre and ash level which can vary significantly between them.
Cats are obligate carnivores; they cannot survive without a source of protein within their diet and have a higher requirement for:
- Protein
- Essential amino acids
- Fatty acids
- Certain vitamins.
For these reasons it is important not to feed dog food to cats, as dog food does not contain the levels of protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which cats require to support everyday health and well-being.
Physiology
Dogs and cats have evolved differently and have species-specific nutritional requirements. The Dog is an omnivore which can adapt to having both protein and plant sources of energy. Dogs possess molars for helping to crush plant matter. The cat does not possess these teeth so you will find little plant matter within a feline diet. Cats have prominent incisors designed to tear their food and have fewer taste buds than dogs. The cat has a smaller intestine with a shorter transit so the meat is very rapidly digested and utilised within the body. Cats are unable to cope with high levels of carbohydrates and will not survive without a supply of essential amino acids from the protein within their diet.
Your Cat vs Dog Nutrition
