By: The Critter Corner Team | 6-Minute Read
If you live in a multi-pet household, you have likely witnessed the "stare down."
Your dog—who just ignored their own biscuit—is staring intensely at the cat. Or more specifically, at the tiny, smelly treat you just gave the cat. If you drop one, it’s gone in a millisecond.
This leads to the inevitable question: Can dogs eat cat treats? And if they do, should you panic?
Based on veterinary nutritional science, the short answer is yes, they can—but they shouldn't. While a stolen cat treat isn't toxic, treating them like a canine snack can lead to serious health issues, from obesity to pancreatitis.
Here is the science behind why dogs love cat food, the risks of the "forbidden snack," and safe alternatives that satisfy that craving.
The Short Answer
Technically, cat treats are not toxic to dogs. If your Golden Retriever snags a single piece of freeze-dried salmon meant for the cat, they will be fine. However, cat treats are not healthy for dogs.
They are formulated for a completely different species with different nutritional requirements. Feeding them regularly can lead to nutrient imbalances and digestive emergencies.
The Biology: Carnivores vs. Omnivores
To understand why cat treats are risky, you have to look at evolutionary biology.
1. Cats are "Obligate Carnivores" Cats require a diet that is almost exclusively meat. They cannot survive on plants. Because of this, cat treats are designed to be "flavor bombs"—packed with intense meat smells (liver, fish) and sprayed with animal fats to entice a picky predator.
2. Dogs are Omnivores Your dog’s system is designed to handle a mix of meat, scavenged plants, and grains. To a dog, a cat treat smells like the most concentrated, high-value piece of jerky on earth. It is richer, smellier, and greasier than the standard starchy dog biscuit.
The Risks of the "Forbidden Snack"
According to veterinary data, while a single cat treat won't hurt, using them regularly creates three specific risks.
1. Pancreatitis (The Fat Trigger)
This is the most serious risk. Cat treats are significantly denser in calories and fat than dog treats.
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The Science: The pancreas helps digest fat. If a dog eats a large amount of high-fat cat treats in one sitting, the pancreas can become inflamed and start digesting itself.
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The Signs: Hunching over in pain, vomiting, or diarrhea after a binge. Breeds like Schnauzers and Yorkies are especially prone to this.
2. Vitamin Imbalance
Dogs and cats synthesize vitamins differently.
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Vitamin A: Cats cannot make their own Vitamin A; they must eat it. Therefore, cat treats are loaded with it. Dogs can make their own, so too much external Vitamin A can technically lead to toxicity over long periods.
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Taurine: Cats need massive amounts of taurine in their diet to survive. Dogs generally make their own.
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The Result: A dog eating a cat-based diet will eventually suffer from nutritional deficiencies (improper calcium/phosphorus balance).
3. Obesity
Cat treats are calorie-dense because cats have high energy needs in small bodies. For a dog, popping cat treats is like a human eating spoonfuls of butter. It tastes great, but the weight gain is rapid and hard to reverse.
Safe vs. Unsafe Ingredients
If your dog just raided the cat’s pantry, check the label immediately.
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Generally Safe (In moderation): Freeze-dried meats (chicken, liver, salmon). These are often "single ingredient" and sold for both species.
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Avoid: Treats containing Propylene Glycol. While safe for dogs in small amounts, it is a chemical additive often found in soft cat chews that offers zero nutritional value.
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Avoid: Massive amounts of Fish. While fish is healthy, feeding only tuna-based cat treats can sometimes lead to thiamine deficiency in dogs.
Better Alternatives (The "Cat-Style" Dog Treat)
If your dog is begging for the cat’s treats, they are telling you they are bored of their dry biscuits. They want high-value rewards.
You can "trick" them by buying dog treats that mimic the texture and smell of cat treats, without the dangerous fat levels.
1. The Stinky Switch: Freeze-Dried Liver
Liver is the #1 flavor dogs steal from cats.
The Fix: [Just Try Beef Liver]
Why it works: It’s 100% organ meat, so it has that strong, musky aroma dogs go crazy for, but it is free of the additives found in processed cat treats.
2. The Fish Fix: Whole Dried Seafood
If your dog loves the smell of cat tuna, give them whole dried fish.
The Fix: [Wellix Antarctic Krill Topper]
Why it works: You get the Omega-3s for a shiny coat and heart health, without the fillers or propylene glycol.
3. The Training Hack: Small Bites
Cat treats are often small, which makes them easy to eat fast.
The Fix: [Just Try Freeze-Dried Chicken Cubes]
Why it works: These cubes can be crushed or broken into tiny "cat-sized" morsels, perfect for training sessions where you need to give 20+ treats without overfeeding.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat cat treats? Yes. Should you use them for training? No.
Cat treats are too high in fat and calories to be a daily staple for dogs. Instead, upgrade your dog’s treat jar with single-ingredient freeze-dried meats. You’ll get the same "tail-wagging" enthusiasm without the risk of a 3 AM upset stomach.
Want a treat both pets can share safely? [Shop Our "All-Species" Freeze-Dried Collection Here]
