Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats (and Vice Versa)?
If you're the lucky hooman to both a furry feline and hound, you've probably been in the situation where your little one looked up with those big, pleading eyes, and we wonder, “Can I share my dog’s treat with my cat?” Or vice versa. The short answer? Sadly it's not quite so simply as a yes or no, as it really depends on the specific treat. Due to this, whilst it may seem harmless to treat your pet to something that isn’t strictly made for them, it’s normally best to avoid sharing dog treats with cats and vice versa. Here’s why, plus what to do if it happens and some safer options for both species!
The Nutritional Needs of Cats vs Dogs
First things first: cats and dogs are very different when it comes to their dietary needs. While they both may enjoy a tasty treat, their bodies process food quite differently, and this is where things can go wrong if they share snacks.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need animal-based proteins to thrive. Their diet relies heavily on nutrients like taurine (an essential amino acid), which dogs don’t require in the same amount. Cats also need higher levels of fat and protein to stay healthy.
On the flip side, dogs are omnivores and can digest both animal and plant-based foods. Their treats often contain ingredients that support their broader dietary needs, such as grains and vegetables, which aren't as beneficial for cats in high quantities. So, while a dog might love a snack designed for their species, a cat eating it could end up with digestive issues.
That’s why it’s important to stick to treats that are formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of either cats or dogs.
Treats Are Only Supplementary
Whilst cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs, it’s important to remember that treats are, well, just treats! Unlike regular meals, they’re not meant to provide a complete and balanced diet. This means that while it’s always best to feed your pet species-specific treats, giving them the wrong species’ treat isn’t as harmful as feeding them the wrong food. After all, treats are intended as occasional snacks, not a main source of nutrition—provided they don’t contain any harmful ingredients, of course.
Treats should only make up about 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake. If you go overboard, your pet could miss out on the essential nutrients they need from their regular food, and overfeeding treats can lead to obesity, a concern for both cats and dogs. Keep treats as a fun addition to their diet, but always in moderation, so they don't interfere with their overall health.
Why You Shouldn't Serve Your Cat Dog Treats (and Vice Versa)
So, now we can get to the crux of the matter "can cats eat dog treats?" or "can dogs eat cat treats?" As a general rule of thumb, it's best not to, as that way you can guarantee the treat has been specifically formulated to not just be "okay" but healthy for either cats or dogs, and won't upset their tums. Treats are also designed to be easy-to-eat for their prospective munchers, so the texture and size of treats designed for dogs could pose a choking hazard for cats, and vice versa.
Safe Options
If you’re looking for treats that are safe for both cats and dogs, the key is to choose options that are nutritionally appropriate and free from harmful ingredients. While most treats are formulated for one species or the other, some can be shared safely—especially those made with simple, high-quality ingredients like these:
- Single-ingredient treats – Freeze-dried meat or fish (like chicken, turkey, or salmon) can be a fantastic choice for both cats and dogs, offering a natural, protein-rich snack.
- High-meat treats – Treats with a high percentage of animal protein and minimal other ingredients are generally a safe bet.
Options To Avoid
Whilst there aren't many ingredients that are specifically toxic to cats, and not to dogs, will lie in the make-up of the treat. For example treats with very high levels of taurine that are great for cats, might be a struggle for your pooch. Equally dog treats high in plant proteins, won't be beneficial for your cat as they can't digest plant proteins. There are however toxic ingredients that must be avoided for both cats and dogs:
- Onions & Garlic
- Propylene Glycol
- Certain Essential Oils
- Xylitol
- Theobromine (found in chocolate)
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Cat Treats
Oops! So, your dog decided to sneak a cat treat—what should you do? The good news is that most of the time, a little mishap like this isn’t cause for panic. However, you’ll want to keep an eye on your dog for any signs of digestive upset.
Monitor for symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy or unusual behaviour
If your dog only ate a small amount of cat treats, chances are, they’ll be fine. But if they’ve eaten a large quantity or show any signs of distress, contact your vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don't forget, we offer all our customer free 24/7 veterinary advice via your customer portal.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats Dog Treats
Now, let’s say your curious kitty decided to try out your dog’s snack. Again, don’t panic. While dog treats may not harm your cat in small quantities, they’re not ideal. The main concern here is that dog treats often contain too many carbs and too little protein or fat for a cat, which can lead to digestive discomfort or nutritional imbalances.
Keep an eye out for:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
If your cat seems to have any of these symptoms, or if they’ve eaten a significant amount, contact your vet right away. It’s always best to check in if you’re unsure.
Serve Them Scrumbles Cat or Dog Treats Instead
For a stress-free life, serve your kitty Scrumbles Cat Treats and your dog our Dog Treats! Our treats are formulated with your pet’s unique nutritional needs in mind, so you can feel confident it's not only safe for them, but doing them good to.
Our treats are all gluten-free, made with natural ingredients, and designed to be a fun, safe, and tasty addition to your pet’s diet. Plus, we enrich all our recipes with gut-friendly ingredients like Slippery Elm (a prebiotic).
For kitties we offer:
- Krunchies Dental Treats - a crispy-soft pillow treat, with an active dental ingredient
- Krunchies Calming Treats - a crispy-soft pillow treat, with added valerian and chamomile
- Krunchies Chicken Rewards - a crispy-soft pillow treat, packed with tasty chicken
- Niblets Chicken - a gently air-dried high meat treat in a mini-stick shape
- Niblets Salmon - a gently air-dried high meat treat in a mini-stick shape
And for pooches:
- Gnashers Dental Sticks - a grain free and plant-powered crunchy biscuit with an active dental ingredient and breath-freshening peppermint oil
- Nibbles Calming Treats - crunchy turkey-based biscuits with added chamomile and lemon balm
- Softies Training Treats - soft-baked biscuits perfect for use during training, available in Chicken & Duck, Veggie and Salmon
- Chonks - gently air-dried high meat treats in a tasty chunk-shape, in chicken and salmon
- Postbiotic Nibbles - a soft-baked biscuit with postbiotics, aka gut-friendly microbes
Next time you're tempted to share your pet’s treats, remember: it’s always best to give them the snacks that are designed just for them. And with Scrumbles, you can rest easy knowing you’re giving them a treat that’s both delicious and nutritious.
