Dogs and cats are often lumped together in regards to their dietary requirements, at least to the extent of labeling them both as carnivores. In reality, however, their dietary requirements are quite different. We’ve outlined those differences for you here.
The primary reason for the dietary differences between dogs and cats is that they are not, in fact, both strict carnivores. Cats are obligate carnivores designed to eat a diet consisting primarily of protein. Dogs, on the other hand, are carno-omnivorous and are able to digest carbohydrates (although they don’t have an established requirement for them).
A study published by the American Journal of Physiology states, “Dogs and cats are from separate branches within the order Carnivora. This order contains more than 260 species, most of which are omnivores, despite their name. Dogs are carno-omnivorous animals, adapted to eat a varied diet, whereas cats are carnivorous and naturally eat a diet of principally protein and fat, with very little carbohydrate.”
These basic differences in digestive capabilities have resulted in evolutionary differences in their requirements. For example:
- Dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, making it unnecessary in their diet. Cats are unable to synthesize amino acids taurine or arginine, resulting in both amino acids being dietary requirements.
- Dogs can make their own Vitamin A from beta-carotene synthesized by plants, whereas cats cannot.
It’s important to understand these differences if you are to formulate a complete diet for your dog or cat. Manufactured dog and cat food already takes these differences into account, which is why a cat should not be fed dog food.
??? Do you make your own pet food? What is the most important thing you’ve learned about their dietary requirements?
Sources:
Batchelor, D. J. Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter-1, Sweet Receptor, and Disaccharidase Expression in the Intestine of the Domestic Dog and Cat: Two Species of Different Dietary Habit. 2010.
Dzanis, David A. The Association of American Feed Control Officials Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles: Substantiation of Nutritional Adequacy of Complete and Balanced Pet Foods in the United States. 1994.
Strieker, M. J. The effects of dietary protein on essential amino acid requirements in kittens. Doctoral thesis, UC. 1991.
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
———————————————————-
© All Natural Pet Care Blog – Content on this website may not be used elsewhere without expressed permission. You are welcome to link to this post for reference, discussion, etc. Content theft will result in legal action. Thank you for respecting the effort that we have put into our original content. If you would like to have quality content created for you, please contact our writer directly.
DISCLOSURE: We may receive compensation for some links to products on this website.
DISCLAIMER: Statements on this website may not have been evaluated by the FDA, Health Canada nor any other government regulator. The information and products provided by AllNaturalPetCare.com are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease and are intended for educational purposes only. READ MORE…
COMMENTS ARE MODERATED – Legitimate comments will be published after a short delay. Spam will not be published.
They’re related to wolves and some people think dogs should eat like them. It demonstrates their ignorance more than anything. Dogs need a balanced diet for domestic canines not wild wolves.
I give raw meat to our show dogs but I include raw vegetables and some fruit too. Raw doesn’t have to be just meat and it shouldn’t be for dogs.
I never did buy into this whole wolf thing. Just because they’re related doesn’t mean they should eat like a wolf, that’s just common sense.
Excellent information and thanks for sources.
I agree! I can’t imagine raising my dog on meat alone. He gets meat, veggies and natural supplements!
Thanks for this! It’s tough to find a point of view that is based on science and not someone’s self serving interpretation or what they only want to believe.
I guess it’s how you look at it. Dogs are classed as carnivora so I call them carnivores.
The people who say dogs are carnivores are usually into raw diets but that has oly discouraged me from feeding raw. They’re so fanatical they don’t see the truth in front of their eyes and that’s dangerous.
Great presentation with your straightforward style and easily understood writing. Articles about pet food are usually too complicated, lacking in research or biased but yours are always worth the read.
Thanks for the info. I didn’t know cats shouldn’t eat dog food and I’ve bought puppy food for the feral cats around here before.
I was referred to this article in a forum. I still say dogs are carnivores but I guess you could split them off somewhat.
Wow! Finally someone admits dogs aren’t strict carnivores! I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to forums or facebook and people argue that dogs are carnivores and that’s that. It’s nice to have a post from someone who knows what they’re talking about!