Has your kitten eaten some dog food? Are you worried the dog food will make your kitten sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! It can be scary when your kitten eats something they maybe shouldn’t have!
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In this article, we’ve put together some information on whether or not dog food can make your kitten sick. Let’s get started!
Can Dog Food Make a Kitten Sick?
Believe it or not, this is a very common problem for pet parents if they have a dog and kitten at the same time. It’s not uncommon for some pet parents to leave their dog’s food out all day. The dog can then eat when he wants! This can be nice for the dog; however, a curious kitten may decide if the dog’s eating this stuff, then it must be pretty good!
But can your dog’s food make the kitten sick?
Dog Food & Kittens
The good news is that dog food is not toxic to your kitten or cats. However, dogs and cats have very different nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores who require amino acids, taurine and arginine. These substances are not found in dog food. And if it is, then the amounts are not high enough for a kitten’s nutritional needs.
What’s more, kittens that have sensitive digestive systems may develop diarrhea after eating dog food. This may not last long; however, it’s possible the diarrhea could last longer than 6-12 hours. If so, there’s a danger the kitten could become seriously dehydrated. Dehydration can cause death if left untreated.
So, if your kitten has had one bite of dog food, she may be OK. Just monitor her litter box to see if she’s developed diarrhea.
If your kitten develops diarrhea that lasts longer than 6 hours, then be sure to call the vet. She will need to have the diarrhea treated and may require IV fluids to get her rehydrated again. And if your kitten is very sick, then she may need to stay hospitalized until the diarrhea stops, and she’s hydrated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowPrevent Your Kitten from Eating Dog Food
If your kitten likes to chow down on dog food, then it’s a good idea to prevent this from happening. You may try to feed your dog and kitten at the same time and not leaving the dog food available all day.
Another option is to feed your kitten in a separate room, just in case he gets an idea to snitch some of your dog’s food when they’re both eating. Here, again, don’t leave the dog’s food out all day long.
Kittens will be kittens, and we want to keep them happy and healthy! So, be sure to keep your little fur baby from eating your dog fur baby’s food in the future!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. No waiting for appointments or office hours. No high fees. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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