Can cats eat dog food?
Also called: dog kibble, dog biscuits, dog treats
Caution
Not as a regular diet: it lacks nutrients such as taurine that cats need.
Not as their regular food. Cats need nutrients, such as the amino acid taurine, that aren't in dog food.
When it's a problem
- Feeding dog food as a regular diet leaves cats short of nutrients they need.
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
Never feed your cat dog food as a regular diet.
specific amino acids, like taurine, that aren’t found in dog food or human food.
Read "Proper Nutrition for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
Never feed your cat dog food as a regular diet.
specific amino acids, like taurine, that aren’t found in dog food or human food.
Read "Proper Nutrition for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
specific amino acids, like taurine, that aren’t found in dog food or human food.
Never feed your cat dog food as a regular diet.
Read "Proper Nutrition for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026