We’ve all been there. You’re making a snack in the kitchen, and your pup is giving you that look. It’s the heart-melting puppy eyes screaming, “I’m starving–why don’t you share?”. 

Sometimes, human food is perfectly safe to share with your dog. Most cooked fruits and veggies, for instance, are safe snacks for dogs. However, the human taste profile is different from that of our furry friends. We crave salty foods–but can dogs eat salt, too? 

The short answer: Dogs can handle a little salt in their diet. But too much salt can quickly become a health problem for your pup. Here’s everything you need to know about sodium in your dog’s diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Salt? 

The question isn’t can dogs have salt–it’s how much salt they consume that really matters. Salt (AKA sodium chloride) is actually something your dog needs to stay healthy. Sodium supports our pets’ nerve function, muscle health, and hydration levels. 

As long as your dog eats complete and balanced daily meals, they are likely already getting the right amount of sodium their bodies can handle. Can dogs have salt in large servings? Absolutely not. 

Dogs don’t need additional salt because that nutrient is already present in their diet. If you have concerns about your pup’s sodium levels, try a low-salt dog food like Sundays. Adding more sodium to your dog’s diet can tip the scales into dangerous territory. 

Is Salt Bad for Dogs? 

Like humans, dogs can experience health issues if they have too much salt. So, is salt bad for dogs? If they are getting too much outside their daily meals, the answer is yes. 

Too much salt, salty food, or even salt water can cause a serious condition called hypernatremia (AKA salt poisoning). Here are the symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Loss of coordination
• Tremors or shaking
• Seizures

If your pup gets into heavily salted human foods, call your vet right away. Salt toxicity can progress quickly, especially in smaller breeds. 

How Much Salt Do Dogs Need?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that all adult dog food brands have at least .3% sodium. Most complete and balanced diets have a range of about .25-1.5 grams of salt per 100 grams of food. 

So, can dogs eat salt? Technically, yes, but they don’t need more than what’s already in their food. Feed your pup salty foods sparingly, including cheese, bread, and deli meats. Stick to nutritious and healthy dog treats if you’re looking to spice up their diet. 

Moderation is Key

Salt isn’t necessarily bad for your dog–it’s all about balance. A little sodium keeps their body in peak function. Too much can lead to dehydration or worse. Keep the table salt away from your pup. 

If salt is a concern for your pup, switch to low-salt dog food brands. At the end of the day, you don’t need to panic about every salt crumb that hits the floor. Just try to keep it out of reach. 

Benefits of Low-Salt Dog Food

If your pup has specific health issues, monitor their sodium intake. Too much salt can negatively impact dogs with heart disease, liver issues, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. 

Your vet may suggest switching to low-salt dog food recipes. Diets with low sodium can help reduce fluid buildup and regulate blood pressure. Avoid recipes with salt additives like broth or cheese. 

Brands like Sundays for Dogs offer low-salt dog food that’s complete and balanced by AAFCO standards. Instead of hard-to-digest synthetic supplements, our air-dried dog food has low, balanced levels of real sea salt to nourish your pup. 

Subscribe to Sundays’ low-salt dog food today and join our pack! All subscribers save 20% on every automatic reorder, 24/7 customer service, and free shipping forever. Switch to Sundays for Dogs to see the difference!