How Cats and Dogs Differ in How They Eat
Over the years, pet food for both cats and dogs in the UK has evolved tremendously, leading to a wider variety of nutritious, high-quality options tailored to each species. This progress is due to advances in our understanding of animal nutrition and stricter government regulation, ensuring safer and more beneficial diets for our furry companions.
However, it’s not only about what our pets eat but also how they eat. Dogs and cats may share a home, but their eating behaviours and physiological needs are quite different, influenced by their distinct evolutionary backgrounds.
In this comprehensive article, we explore the various ways cats and dogs differ in feeding habits and nutritional requirements to help you provide the best care for your pet.
1. Eating Mechanics and Jaw Anatomy
Dogs have 42 teeth, including 10 molars and 16 premolars, and primarily use vertical jaw movements. They often pick up several kibble pieces at once (from one to seven) and tend to swallow with little chewing.
Cats, with 30 teeth (including 4 molars and 10 premolars), use a more delicate method. They usually take one to two kibble pieces per bite, rolling food with their tongue towards their molars to break it into smaller pieces before swallowing. Cats also have vertical jaw movements only but chew more thoroughly than dogs.
2. Taste Buds and Sensory Preferences
Dogs have about 1,600 taste buds and can detect all five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. They rely heavily on smell, which complements their broader taste palette and contributes to their less selective eating habits.
Cats have fewer taste buds (around 473) and uniquely lack the ability to detect sweetness due to a genetic mutation. They are more sensitive to bitterness, often making them fussier eaters who prefer savoury (umami) flavours associated with meat.
3. Feeding Behaviour: Grazing vs. Scheduled Meals
Cats are natural grazers, preferring to eat small amounts several times a day at their own pace. This mimics their wild ancestors who hunted multiple small prey throughout the day.
Dogs benefit from more structured feeding routines, ideally receiving two or three set meals per day. They tend to eat larger portions less frequently, and free feeding can lead to overeating due to their less developed food intake self-control.
4. Food Intake Regulation and Appetite Control
Cats are excellent at self-regulating their food intake, eating only when hungry and stopping when satiated. This natural self-control helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating.
Dogs, however, often lack this control, showing a tendency to eat beyond fullness if food is accessible. Therefore, careful portion control is vital to avoid obesity and related health issues.
5. Water Consumption and Drinking Habits
Cats, descendants of desert-dwelling species, require less water relative to body size compared to dogs. They are particular about their water quality and typically avoid dirty or stagnant sources. This ancestral behaviour includes eating and drinking areas being separate to avoid contamination.
Dogs drink more water and are less discerning, sometimes drinking from puddles or other less suitable sources. They generally need more hydration, especially after exercise.
6. Food Preferences and Mixing Diets
Dogs generally do well with a mixture of wet and dry food, often tolerating the mixing of textures and flavours without fuss, which can ensure a nutritionally balanced diet.
Cats, in contrast, usually dislike mixing wet and dry foods. They enjoy different textures presented separately, such as crunchy dry biscuits alongside wet food. Excess wet food left out may spoil, and mixing can lead to cats neglecting parts of their diet.
7. Avoiding Toxic and Unsuitable Foods
Cats tend to be cautious eaters and rarely consume foods that are poisonous or toxic to them. They may enjoy certain non-toxic human treats in small amounts but generally avoid dangerous items.
Dogs are more prone to eating harmful substances like chocolate, grapes, or rotting food due to weaker self-preservation instincts. Certain breeds, like the Labrador retriever, are known for their indiscriminate eating habits, earning nicknames such as "walking dustbins." Owners must take care to secure harmful foods out of reach.
8. Environmental Factors Influencing Feeding
Cats may refuse to eat if uncomfortable, whether due to being watched, the presence of other animals, or the location of their food. Privacy and a calm environment encourage their appetite.
Dogs, although they prefer pleasant eating conditions, are less likely to skip meals due to discomfort. They may eat quickly and remain alert to guard their food bowl.
9. Nutritional Needs Reflecting Evolution
Cats are obligate carnivores requiring high levels of animal protein and specific nutrients like taurine, which they cannot synthesise. Their diets must be meat-based to support their health and energy needs.
Dogs are omnivores with flexible dietary requirements that include both animal and plant-based ingredients. Though they benefit from meat-rich diets, they tolerate carbohydrates and vegetables better than cats.
10. Responsible Feeding and Portion Control Tips
Feeding a pet according to its species-specific needs is essential for health and wellbeing. For dogs, use measured portions and scheduled meals to prevent overeating. For cats, provide smaller, frequent meals or allow grazing with fresh food and water, monitoring intake carefully.
Both cats and dogs benefit from consistent feeding environments, avoiding sudden changes in diet, and access to clean, fresh water. Consult your vet if your pet shows unusual appetite changes or eating habits.
Why Do Some Cats Refuse to Eat?
Quick Answer: Cats may refuse food due to stress, illness, environmental changes, or changes in food type or texture. Fussy eating is often linked to their sensitive nature.
Cats are sensitive creatures that rely heavily on routine and familiar environments when eating. Various factors can lead to a refusal to eat, including stress from new pets, moving to a new home, or changes in household routines. Dental issues or underlying health problems, such as kidney disease or infections, can also cause a reduction in appetite. Cats often dislike drastic changes in food taste or texture, so gradual diet transitions are recommended.
If your cat suddenly stops eating or shows persistent refusal, it's best to consult a vet promptly, as prolonged anorexia can lead to serious health complications.
Is it Safe to Mix Wet and Dry Food for Cats and Dogs?
Quick Answer: Mixing wet and dry food for dogs is generally safe and can help ensure balanced nutrition, but cats usually prefer these foods separate due to texture preferences and grazing habits.
Dogs usually enjoy a combination of wet and dry foods, which can provide various textures and flavours while helping them consume enough nutrients. Wet food adds moisture, beneficial to hydration. Cats, however, often prefer to eat wet and dry food separately. Mixing wet food with dry kibble may discourage cats from eating or cause spoilage due to leftover wet food during grazing. Feeding cats wet and dry food at different times or locations helps accommodate their natural eating patterns.
What Are Common Causes of Dogs Overeating?
Quick Answer: Dogs may overeat due to poor appetite regulation, free feeding, boredom, anxiety, or certain medical conditions.
Many dogs lack the self-control to stop eating when full and will continue if food remains accessible. Free feeding (leaving food out all day) encourages this behaviour. Dogs might also overeat when bored or anxious, using food as comfort. Medical issues such as hypothyroidism or diabetes can influence appetite. Providing routine, portion-controlled meals, physical exercise, and mental stimulation helps reduce overeating risks. Consulting a vet is advised if overeating is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms.
Do Cats Need More or Less Water Than Dogs?
Quick Answer: Cats typically need less water per body weight than dogs, due to their evolutionary adaptation to arid environments.
Cats evolved from desert animals and conserve water efficiently, often obtaining much of their hydration from moisture-rich prey or wet food. They drink less water relative to their size compared to dogs. Dogs typically require more water to stay hydrated, especially with more active lifestyles and less efficient water conservation. Providing fresh, clean water and wet food options for cats helps maintain a healthy balance.
