Beyond differences in look and behavior, cats and dogs have many physiological differences that are important to take into consideration especially when it comes to raising the two different types of pets.

Cats are carnivores; while dogs are omnivores. This means that cats must eat meat in order to survive. Dogs, on the other hand, are able to sustain themselves from plant material alone, though they tend to fare better with meat than without it.

The main difference is that an omnivore can properly digest and absorb nutrients from both plant and animal sources. Cats do not have this luxury and their health can be severely affected if they are fed only grains and other plant based food.

Grandview Animal Hospital can provide you with information about which pet food and which supplements are nutritionally balanced for your cat's or dog's health needs in order to maintain or to help improve the quality of your pet's health.

PET OBESITY is a growing problem and our veterinarians are here to help guide you through the proper steps to take to help reduce the risk of your pet developing diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and respiratory disease and many forms of cancer.

NUTRIENTS THAT CATS AND DOGS REQUIRE

Arachidonic Acid - is an essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in the conversion of fat to usable energy. Cats are unable to produce Arachidonic Acid. Linoleic Acid, the inactive version of Arachidonic Acid, requires certain enzymes in the body to convert from one to the other. Thus, like most other nutrients, cats must absorb it in the active form through other sources, mainly animal meat. Dogs are able to produce Archidonic Acid if they consume enough Linoelic Acid, which can be found in either plant or animal fat.

Arginine - is an amino acid that is vital to many internal functions for both cats and dogs. Cats are unable to produce their own Arginine and thus require Arginine in every meal and can become very sensitive to even the slightest deficit. Arginine helps in the elimination of protein waste. Since healthy cats require a large amount of protein in their diet, Arginine plays a vital role in processing metabolic wastes. Dogs, on the other hand, possess enzymes in their body that are able to produce Arginine; they are less sensitive than cats to an Arginine deficit.

Felinine - is a cat compound found in cat urine that is made from Cysteine, a sulfur based amino acid. Cats manufacture Felinine internally as they have a higher requirement for the chemical than other animals. The exact purpose of Felinine is unknown. Dogs do not require Felinine in their body.

Niacin - this essential B vitamin must be absorbed in its active form from a food source for cats. Like Vitamin A, cats do not have the ability to convert Tryptophan to Niacin. Dogs, on the other hand, have the ability, but they can also absorb Niacin that has been preformed in other animals.

Taurine - is an amino acid that is important for proper heart, retina and reproductive functions in the cat or dog. Cats cannot produce their own Taurine internally and must absorb the nutrient from animal meat. Taurine is not produced by plants which makes the need for meat even more crucial for cats. Dogs, on the other hand, are able to produce Taurine internally.

Vitamin A - is required by both cats and dogs at the cellular level. Cats do not possess the ability to break down carotenoids, which is the inactive form of Vitamin A produced by plants. They must acquire Vitamin A that has already been converted by another animal. Dogs, being omnivores, have the ability to break down plant cartenoids through enzymes that can be found in the lining of their intestines.

Vitamin C - for both dogs and cats, Vitamin C is produced internally and does not need to be absorbed from other food sources.

When it comes to food, cats are naturally the pickier eater as their bodies are designed to absorb nutrients mainly from animal meat. Cats are also very susceptible to changes in diet such as a lower intake of calories or nutrients over a prolonged period of time. Cats are unable to utilize fat reserves efficiently and will break down non-fatty body tissues (proteins) for energy. If prolonged, this can result in death.

Dogs, on the other hand, are much more flexible as omnivores; they can absorb nutrients from both plants and animal food sources and are able to properly utilize fat reserves for energy. Cats have different nutritional needs than dogs; this is important to remember especially if you have both as pets.

FOODS THAT YOU SHOULD NOT FEED YOUR PET

Chocolate - Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. In large quantities they can induce coma or, in some cases, death. Usually, chocolate leaves your beloved, furry animal with diarrahea or a host of other gastrointestinal problems. Theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate, is toxic to both cats and dogs. Although your pet may love the taste of chocolate, don't let that fool you as it could lead to serious consequences.

Grapes and Raisins - Another example of how humans are different from cats and dogs. Both grapes and raisins are toxic to cats and dogs and even in small amounts, can cause kidney damage. Avoid foods that contain even trace amounts of grapes or raisins, such as desert foods or baked goods.

Avocados - these can cause diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains in dogs.

Garlic and Onions - both, in any form, are toxic to cats and dogs because of the sulfoxides and disulfides found in them. These chemicals can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Foods that have been cooked with garlic or onions should not be fed to your cat or dog.

Macadamia Nuts - can cause diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness in dogs.

Mushrooms - there are a number of mushroom species that are toxic to dogs, which if ingested, could lead to death. Even mushrooms that grow in the backyard may be lethal to your dog.

Tomatoes - cats are particularly sensitive to tomatoes. Eating just a little could cause all sorts of gastrointestinal problems. Avoid feeding them, or any foods that contain them, to your cat.

Chicken Bones - are technically not toxic to either cats or dogs, but should be avoided nonetheless as they can get stuck in the roof of the mouth, throat and intestines.

Milk and Dairy - according to studies, approximately 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant. Avoid feeding your dog milk products as it could lead to severe diarrhea.

Xylitol - a sugar substitute, found in candy, chewable vitamins, sugarless baked goods, and sugarless gum can be lethal for a dog. Within 30 minutes of consuming a small amount of product containing xylitol, dogs may experience a drastic drop in blood sugar, followed by vomiting and lethargy. Some have seizures or experience internal hemorrhaging, lesions and liver failure. As few as two or three sticks of xylitol gum could kill a 20-pound dog.

Other foods to avoid include raw potatoes, especially those containing green spots; turkey skin; nutmeg; and anything with caffeine, including tea. Alcohol should also be avoided as alcohol poisoning can lead to coma and death in both cats and dogs.

If your dog or cat shows signs of sickness with symptoms such as bloody stools or vomiting, take them to a veterinarian right away. Most forms of food poisoning can be safely cured if addressed early enough.