Can Dogs Eat Cat Treats? Unpacking the Facts

August 25, 2025

Sometimes, owning a dog feels like sharing your home with a cuddly vacuum. When food drops below table level, it gets siphoned up post haste. And if your house is home to both dogs and cats, your pup may occasionally swipe a feline treat or two.

As you watch your pooch munch away at a goodie meant for your cat, a thought may cross your mind: Can dogs eat cat treats? After all, they come separately and feature different ingredients. You may worry: Even if they can eat them, are cat treats bad for dogs?

Fortunately, dogs can safely consume the occasional cat treat. But their distinct nutritional needs, and the content of cat treats, make this a habit best kept in moderation.

Can Dogs Safely Eat Cat Treats?

Let’s get one thing clear right away: Your dog won’t fall seriously ill from housing some cat treats. No need for constant vigilance at treat time.

But dogs do best when sticking to treats that align with their body’s needs and feature appropriate nutrition. Over time, a steady diet of cat treats leads to deficiencies and nagging issues. That’s why it’s essential to know how to use dog treats for training instead of relying on whatever is available, especially if it’s not species-specific.

While it’s not ideal for dogs to regularly eat cat treats, treats that are specifically formulated for both dogs and cats, like those offered by Darwin’s, are perfectly safe for your pup. These treats are designed to meet the nutritional needs of both species, so there's no need to worry when your dog enjoys them.

Nutritional Differences Between Dog and Cat Treats

Both cats and dogs make for ideal pets. But each species evolved differently. They require unique fuel to thrive.

Nutrients come in several forms. With pet treats, we’re concerned about differences in:

Carb count – As omnivores, dogs stand to benefit from the energy boost carbs offer. Dog food incorporates grains and root vegetables to provide them. Cats, as obligate carnivores, don’t need carbs, and so their food features less of them.
Vitamin content – Cats don’t naturally generate adequate levels of Vitamin A or Vitamin B (important for strong vision and healthy skin). So cat food comes fortified with these ingredients. Dogs, on the other hand, need heavy Vitamin D.
Fat levels – While both species require healthy fats to thrive, cats (as strict carnivores) tend to need more fat. AAFCO recommends a minimum of 9% crude fat content for cats, while endorsing 5% levels for dog chow.

Both dogs and cats require plenty of protein, so an imbalance in that department is unlikely, especially if you nourish your pup with fresh dog food. But cat treats and dog treats usually feature different protein sources tailored to the species. For instance, cat treat protein relies on sources like:

Salmon
Tuna
Shrimp

Dog treats, on the other hand, usually draw on:

Chicken
Beef
Pork

Some of this boils down to preference. But cats require little beyond meat, while dogs need additional nutrients.

Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Cat Treats

So, are cat treats okay for dogs? While it’s safe for dogs to occasionally enjoy a cat treat, it’s best to stick to treats that align with their specific nutritional needs. Treats formulated for both dogs and cats, like those from Darwin’s, eliminate most of the typical risks associated with feeding dogs cat treats:

Nutritional deficiencies – Dogs may benefit from the potent protein found in cat food, but without the carbs and other dog-friendly ingredients, they may lose energy and vigor.
Weight gain – The elevated fat content found in cat food may, over time, cause your dog to start packing on the pounds, especially if their daily routine lacks sufficient exercise and outside time. The same can happen if you overtreat your dog or cat.
Upset stomach – A blast of protein and fat can sometimes throw off a dog’s digestive system. They may experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or bloating, but usually only when consumed in hefty amounts.
Pancreatitis – In very rare cases, excessive cat food consumption can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Allergies – Also rare, but still a concern, are allergies. Since dogs rarely eat cat food, they may stumble upon ingredients that don’t agree with them. Watch for signs like: skin irritation or ear infections.

While this list may look long, remember that these issues mostly stem from chronic rather than occasional consumption. It’s also worth asking: Can cats eat dog treats? Occasionally, yes—but just like with dogs eating cat treats, moderation and supervision are key.

Toxic Ingredients in Cat Treats That Can Harm Dogs

Cat treats contain some feline-specific ingredients that can, with repeated exposure, cause issues for dogs. If your pup regularly dines on treats meant for cats, they may experience side effects related to the following:

Taurine – A key amino acid for cat health, dogs naturally produce sufficient taurine. So extra taurine absorbed through cat treats can overload their system and lead to an upset stomach.
Propylene glycol – Also found in some dog treats, propylene glycol helps keep food moist. Unfortunately, it can also damage red blood cells and cause a host of neurological symptoms.
Fat – As we’ve mentioned, cat treats (with their heavy meat content) contain far more fat than dog treats. Beyond weight gain and pancreatitis, excessive fat intake can lead to problems like arthritis, diabetes, and breathing issues.

While none of these ingredients pose the risk of acute toxicity, you aren’t doing your pup any favors by allowing them to steadily chow down on traditional cat treats. However, treats that are specifically formulated for both dogs and cats, like those from Darwin’s, are crafted with ingredients that are safe for both species, preventing these potential risks.

When is it Safe to Let Your Dog Try Cat Treats?

Sure, it’s safe to allow your dog to enjoy cat treats now and then. But you’ll need to monitor their intake and ensure they don’t develop an excessive taste for treats meant for cats. If you're curious about the appropriate number of treats your dog should consume daily to maintain a balanced diet, check out How Many Treats Per Day for Your Dog? for guidance on treating in moderation.

If your family includes multiple dogs and cats, however, it’s taxing to keep them focused on their own treats. It would be so much easier, you think, if I could find interchangeable rewards and not have to worry!

Fortunately, you have options—even if you prefer nutrient-rich raw dog food for your canine companions. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products offers a lineup of pet treats geared toward dogs and cats, but safe for either. Crafted with all-natural ingredients, they come free of harmful chemicals and fillers.

For the canines in your life, consider:

Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Hearts – Fashioned with human-grade chicken heart, these scrumptious treats make perfect travel companions and training prizes.
Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Liver Treats – A mouthwatering favorite, these beef liver treats pack loads of raw protein for dogs (and cats). Plus, they’re great for dog training!

And for your feline friends:

Freeze-Dried Raw Salmon Bites – An all-time cat favorite, salmon bites deliver potent protein in a shelf-stable package.
Freeze-Dried Raw Minnows – The ultimate cat munchie, keep a handful of these bite-sized flavor bursts on hand for quick rewards.

Each treat type comes tailored to the specific tastes of dogs (beef, chicken) and cats (fish), but serves as a safe, delectable reward for either.

What Food Should Dogs (and Cats) Never Have

So far, we’ve covered how to manage treat-swiping. But dogs and cats may also pine for human fare, and pounce on any stray leavings.

Let’s face it: Treating your pets to leftovers can be gratifying. And when done in moderation, it’s no big deal. But there are a number of “people foods” that pose a threat to pets’ health. Watch out for:

Chocolate and caffeine – Dogs and cats can’t break down theobromine and caffeine as efficiently as humans can. When ingested by pets, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactive behavior.
Grapes and raisins – Their sweet flavor makes them a prime target for food snatchers. But grapes and raisins contain compounds known to trigger kidney damage.
Onions and garlic – Onions and garlic are members of the allium family. Allium vegetables damage red blood cells and inflame the digestive tract. Cats face an elevated risk, but allium toxicity also poses a threat to dogs.
Milk/Dairy – While movies portray cats as relishing the occasional saucer of milk, many cats and dogs can have allergic reactions to proteins found in dairy products.

Smatterings of people food won’t usually lead to problems, but pets evolved with specific nutritional needs, and human cooking can’t meet them. Our food contains far too much fat. Regularly dining on human chow can make dogs lose their appetite for pet food.

For healthy, thriving pets, aim for a raw diet, rich in the type of proteins their ancestors hunted in the wild. The rewards of such nourishment? Healthy skin, sleek coats, and elevated energy.

After making the switch, many pet parents feel they’ve unlocked a “new level” in their pet: a vibrant, joyful side they’ve never seen before.

Darwin’s: Your Dog’s Ancestral Connection

The journey to excellent pet nutrition often begins with questions like, “Are cat treats ok for dogs?” When crafted with natural diets in mind, cat treats are perfectly safe for dogs, and vice versa. With Darwin’s raw, natural treats on hand, you can rest easy.

Switching to a raw diet may seem a little daunting at first. But Darwin’s makes it simple. Our Natural Selections and Biologics meals offer all the nutrition pups need, while using human-grade ingredients and pristine processing.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Our pet food consultants stand ready to guide you throughout your journey. Discover how Darwin’s can make a difference in your pet’s life. Sign up for pet food delivery now!

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