Can Cats Eat Dog Treats? Safety & Frequency Explained

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When Dog Treats Are Safe for Cats

The good news? If your cat occasionally sneaks a dog treat, there's usually no need to panic. Most commercially available dog treats are made from non-toxic ingredients that won't cause immediate harm to a cat who consumes them once in a while.

Many dog treats are protein-based, which naturally appeals to your carnivorous cat. If your cat steals a bite of your dog's jerky treat or crunches on a biscuit that rolled under the couch, a single incident typically won't cause problems for a healthy cat.

However, "occasionally safe" doesn't mean "nutritionally appropriate." Just because your cat can eat something without immediate consequences doesn't mean it's supporting their health.

Potential Risks & Health Concerns

Regular consumption of dog treats can lead to serious health issues in cats, including nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems.

While an isolated incident rarely causes issues, regular consumption presents several concerns for your cat's health.

Nutritional Deficiencies

The most significant long-term risk is nutritional deficiency. Taurine, an amino acid critical for cat health, supports heart function, vision, digestion, and reproductive health. Cats cannot synthesize enough taurine on their own and must obtain it through their diet. Dog treats contain little to no taurine because dogs produce their own.

Over time, a cat regularly eating dog treats could develop deficiencies. Other essential nutrients cats need, like arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A, are similarly lacking in products formulated for dogs.

Digestive Upset

Cats have sensitive digestive systems that may not tolerate ingredients commonly found in dog treats. Preservatives, artificial colors, fillers, and flavor enhancers can trigger digestive upset in cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort.

The higher carbohydrate content in many dog treats can also be problematic. While dogs handle carbohydrates well, cats have a limited ability to digest them efficiently.

Weight Management & Physical Safety

Dog treats often contain higher levels of fats and carbohydrates than what's ideal for cats, potentially contributing to weight gain. Many dog treats are also designed for larger mouths and stronger jaws, posing choking hazards or causing dental damage to cats' smaller, more delicate teeth.

Toxic Ingredients

Some dog treats contain ingredients harmful or toxic to cats. Propylene glycol, a preservative used in some soft dog treats, can be dangerous to cats. Other ingredients to watch for include:

• Onions and garlic (toxic to cats even in small amounts)
• Excessive salt or sodium
• Certain artificial additives and preservatives

Always check ingredient lists carefully, and when in doubt, stick with treats specifically formulated for cats.

How Often Can Cats Have Dog Treats?

Keep dog treats and cat treats completely separate to ensure each pet receives only species-appropriate nutrition.

Given the nutritional imbalances and potential risks, the safest approach is simple: dog treats should not be a regular part of your cat's diet. If your cat accidentally gets into the dog's treat stash once in a great while, it's generally not a cause for concern. However, this should be the exception, not the rule.

The best practice is to keep dog treats and cat treats completely separate. Store them in different locations, and make sure everyone in your household understands that each pet should receive only treats formulated for their species.

Choosing the Right Treats for Your Cat

Cat-specific treats are formulated with feline nutritional needs in mind. They provide appropriate protein levels, include essential nutrients like taurine, and avoid ingredients that may be problematic for cats. When selecting treats for your cat, look for:

• High-quality animal protein as the primary ingredient
• Treats specifically labeled for cats
• Limited, recognizable ingredients without excessive fillers
• Appropriate size and texture for your cat's age and dental health
• Products from reputable manufacturers with transparent ingredient sourcing

Remember that treats should comprise no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new treats or supplements to your cat's diet, especially if your cat has pre-existing health conditions or special dietary needs.

Seek veterinary advice immediately if your cat consumes dog treats and shows any of these signs:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or unusual behavior
• Signs of distress or discomfort
• Any allergic reactions, like itching or swelling

Why Bailey's CBD Is the Safe Choice for Your Cat's Wellness

Bailey's CBD products are specifically formulated for cats with veterinary expertise, using USDA organic hemp and rigorous third-party testing.

We understand that cats aren't small dogs—they're unique creatures with specific nutritional and wellness needs. That's why at Bailey’s CBD, our products are carefully formulated with feline health in mind, using only the highest quality ingredients that support your cat's natural balance and well-being.

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Our commitment to excellence starts at the source. We use single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado, processed using subcritical CO₂ extraction—the gold standard for purity and quality. This careful extraction method preserves valuable cannabinoids while avoiding harsh solvents.

Every product undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants. We make those results accessible to you via QR codes on each package, because transparency matters when it comes to your pet's wellness.

Our formulas are developed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM, ensuring they're designed with veterinary expertise and your cat's specific needs in mind. We're also licensed by the Department of Health, providing additional regulatory oversight that most CBD companies lack.

Products That Support Feline Wellness

Our CBD Oil for Cats provides easy dosing with 100mg of CBD per 15ml bottle, making it simple to adjust the amount based on your cat’s size and needs. Made with organic coconut oil and full-spectrum hemp extract, it's easy to add to food or administer directly.

We also offer CBD treats specifically formulated for cats, providing a convenient way to support your feline's wellness as part of their daily routine. All our products are non-psychoactive, containing less than 0.3% THC, and are made with organic, vegan ingredients.

When you choose Bailey's CBD, you're choosing products that respect the unique biology of cats, avoid potentially harmful ingredients, and deliver the quality your cat deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a small amount of dog treats harm my cat?

A single dog treat or an occasional small amount typically won't harm a healthy cat. However, it doesn't provide the nutrition your cat needs and may contain ingredients that aren't ideal for feline digestion. It's best to avoid making this a habit and stick with cat-specific treats that support your cat's unique nutritional requirements.

What should I do if my cat ate several dog treats?

Monitor your cat for any signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Most cats will be fine, but watch for unusual behavior. If your cat shows concerning symptoms or if the treats contain ingredients harmful to cats (like onions, garlic, or xylitol), contact your veterinarian right away.

Are there any dog treats that are safe for cats?

While some simple, meat-based dog treats without harmful additives might not immediately harm cats, no dog treat is formulated to meet feline nutritional needs. Cat-specific treats are always the safer choice because they're designed with the proper nutrient balance, appropriate ingredients, and correct portion sizes for cats.

How can I stop my cat from eating the dog's treats?

Store dog treats in a secure location that your cat cannot access, such as a high cabinet or sealed container. Feed your pets in separate areas and supervise treat time to prevent sharing. You can also redirect your cat's attention by offering them their own cat-appropriate treats when the dog is getting theirs.

How do Bailey's CBD products support my cat's overall wellness?

Bailey's CBD has products specifically formulated for cats, working with your feline's endocannabinoid system to support overall balance and well-being. Our single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, CO, is processed using subcritical CO₂ extraction and undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing for purity and safety. 

Backed by veterinary expertise from Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM, and licensed by the Department of Health, our products provide natural support with complete transparency. Every package also includes a QR code linking to lab results.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.