Overview
Yes, ingesting small amounts of salt is beneficial to a dog's health. However, it is not advisable to add additional salt to the diets of dogs with kidney issues, as this can worsen their condition.
Can dogs eat Salt?
Benefits
- Salt is an essential nutrient for a dog's nerve and muscle function.
- Table salt and cooking salt are refined salt. The refining process has stripped off most of its minerals and nutrients. On the other hand, sea salt is made from the evaporation of seawater. It retains some essential minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.
Risks
- Dogs need salt to keep their cells functioning properly, but excessive consumption can damage their kidneys and cause sodium poisoning.
- Even small amounts of salt can worsen the condition of dogs with kidney problems.
Servings
- A healthy amount of salt for dogs without any health condition is between 0.25g and 1.5g per 100g of food; this includes the sodium content of the food itself.
- Dogs with kidney, liver, and heart conditions should be fed a low-sodium diet.
