Can dogs eat salt? You may be asking this because you want to flavor your furry friend’s special dinner with this cooking staple. Humans can eat salt, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, salt is safe for dogs to eat, but in moderation. Too much salt intake can cause health problems for dogs, but not enough salt can cause health problems, too.
As with all human foods, you should ask your vet before feeding your dog any new dietary additions. Here’s what you should know about feeding salt to your dog.
How Is Salt Good For Dogs?
Salt is an incredibly common addition to both human foods and dog foods and treats.
If you’re looking for sodium as a listed ingredient on your dog’s food, you probably won’t find it. That’s because the salt content in your pup’s food occurs naturally in the meats used to make their kibble or wet food.
This naturally occurring salt is an electrolyte that keeps your pup’s energy up and their bodies running. Your dogs need this salt to survive.
However, dogs can suffer from salt poisoning if they consume too much of it in a short period of time. If your dog had several licks of soy sauce or got to an entire bag of chips, you should keep an eye on them to ensure that they don’t suffer from salt poisoning.
Signs of salt poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, excess thirst, and seizures. If your dog displays any of these signs after eating excess salt, you should immediately contact your vet.
How Can I Safely Give Salt To My Dog?
The salt content in your pup’s dog food — as long as the food is safely formulated and you give them proper portions for their weight — is enough for their canine bodies. Your dog doesn’t need any additional salt from foods like hamburgers and burritos.
Some additional salt every now and again shouldn’t be a problem, but continued excess salt intake can cause problems for your doggo. If your dog is continuously eating excess salt in their diet, they can develop health issues like obesity, diabetes, and kidney trouble.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten excess salt? Did they feel sick after? Let us know in the comments.
