At first blush, cats and dogs appear to have a very similar diet. However, when you look more closely, there are some significant differences that make it unfeasible, and even harmful, to swap diets between our two favorite species.

For starters, cats and dogs have different vitamin and mineral requirements for proper body function and an imbalance in these nutrients can lead to a host of avoidable health issues.

While both animals eat a meat-based diet, the amount of protein needed by each varies, with cats requiring higher levels than dogs. Importantly, the amino acid profile of the protein is also tailored to each species. For instance, taurine is an amino acid that cats must have, yet cannot synthesize themselves. Not only are proteins selected for cats that have good amounts of taurine, the food will also include an added taurine supplement. If eating a diet made for dogs, the cat would not get adequate amounts of this vital nutrient.

Cats also have need for a higher fat content than dogs. And for a dog eating a cat’s food, this higher fat level could lead to painful pancreatitis and a trip to the veterinarian. Further, because this higher percentage of fat makes cat food extra tasty to dogs, a medium or large dog quickly gobbling tiny cat kibbles poses a choking hazard.

The takeaway is that there is no danger in your pet occasionally sneaking a bite of another’s food. But, it is critical to your pet’s long-term well being that the primary nutrition source be species-appropriate.