Can Dogs Eat Salt? The Truth Unveiled!
Why do pet doctors often advise pet owners to avoid giving their dogs too much salt? The primary reason is that dogs have limited kidney function, and they cannot handle salt intake as efficiently as humans can. After all, excessive salt consumption is also detrimental to human kidney health.
Therefore, it's best not to feed your dog our leftover meals when preparing food. Those rich, greasy soup stocks may be nutritious, but they are also high in salt, which can be too much for a dog's kidneys to bear.
Longterm excessive salt intake can severely impact a dog's coat, causing the color to fade and leading to shedding and other undesirable symptoms. In severe cases, it can even result in kidney failure and, ultimately, death.
The above points highlight that dogs should not consume excessive amounts of salt. Salt promotes metabolic processes in living organisms, and even wild animals obtain salt by hunting and consuming the blood of their prey, or by licking soil for its salt content.
Did you know that dogs can also experience hair loss if they are deficient in salt?
If you're purchasing commercial pet food, you don't need to worry about salt content. However, if you're preparing homemade dog food, it's crucial to monitor the salt levels to maintain your dog's health.
By paying attention to your dog's diet, you can keep an eye on their salt intake. If your dog consistently has excessive tear stains or severe eye discharge, it could be due to an overly salty diet. In such cases, consider switching to a different food or treats.
Pet owners must remember that just because a dog enjoys salty food, it doesn't mean they should be given an unlimited amount. It's essential to prioritize your dog's health and wellbeing over their taste preferences.
