Can Pet Dogs Consume Salt?

During the quarantine period, many pet owners who were once inexperienced in the kitchen have gradually become skilled chefs, and even handy around the house. Their dogs and cats have occasionally joined in on eating human food, especially in rural areas. However, human food often contains salt, and there have been many claims online warning that dogs should not consume salt. So, is this true or false? First, Salt is Essential for Animal Metabolism. Salt is an important component for animals, playing a crucial role in metabolism. Adding a certain amount of salt to dog food can enhance its palatability, making it taste better. Salt also helps stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and aids in digestion. On the other hand, if a dog lacks sufficient salt, it can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and even impaired nerve function. Therefore, salt is indeed essential for dogs as well.

Second, It's Important to Control the Amount of Salt. Just like humans, if a person consumes too much salt, they often feel uncomfortable—not only because of the taste but also because of the body’s natural rejection. If a dog consumes excessive salt, it can harm its kidney health. Long-term excessive salt intake can lead to kidney disease and, in severe cases, kidney failure, which may be fatal. Sometimes, pet owners may notice their dogs developing tear stains or losing fur excessively during grooming, which could be a sign of too much salt intake, as the dog’s body cannot metabolize it properly. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and regulate the amount of salt a dog consumes for its health. Different Dog Breeds Have Different Needs. In rural areas, it's common to see dogs, especially native breeds like rural dogs (also known as "country dogs"), eating human food with high salt content without apparent issues. These dogs are often more active outdoors, and their immunity and resistance are stronger than that of house dogs, meaning they can metabolize salt more efficiently. However, when the salt content in their body reaches a certain threshold, they too may experience negative effects, such as rough fur. It is generally recommended that a dog should consume between 0.4 to 0.7 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight per day. If a dog’s regular diet consists mainly of commercial dog food with some freeze-dried elements, additional salt supplementation is unnecessary. However, during special periods, such as quarantine when dog food may be scarce, it is important to be mindful of the salt content in human food given to dogs. In Conclusion, Balance Is Key. In addition to regulating the dog’s salt intake, pet owners should not forget the importance of regular play and exercise. Engaging in activities with your dog will help enhance its overall vitality and immune system, contributing to better health and resistance to illness. By balancing both the nutritional aspects and the physical activity, owners can ensure their pets lead a healthy and happy life.