Sodium plays an important role in nerve and muscle function in both humans and dogs since it is a very significant mineral. In addition, it can make the taste of the food much better, too. But there is a worrying point about it which can be problematic. Many dog food producers tend to make their foods full of sodium to encourage dogs to eat it, but too much sodium can result in lots of health problems. By lowering the amount of salt in your pet’s diet, you can provide him with a healthier diet. But there is a very annoying challenge which is finding low-salt dog foods, as producers are not obliged to write sodium information on the label.

Factors to think about when selecting low-sodium dog food 

Some people may prefer to do some research, read other customers’ suggestions, study all the ingredients on the label, product analysis, and maybe even be in contact with the brand itself to make sure their food is low in sodium. Certainly, all people do not have enough time, and they are not also willing to do all that, and that’s comprehensible. There are some factors that everyone can take into consideration in order to choose the best low-sodium dog foods since dogs are different from each other.

Type of food

This is one of the most important points that you must take into consideration when deciding to choose the best low-sodium food for your dog. You must exactly know the needs of your dog in order to meet them precisely. Low-sodium dry dog food and low-sodium wet dog food have some differences which make them distinct from each other and cause them to be suitable for different kinds of dogs. 

Low-sodium dry dog food

Most experts in this field believe that the least sodium needed for an adult dog is 0.08%and 0.3% for a canine which is necessary for him to grow and reproduce. Kibbles that include sodium a little bit below this amount are regarded as low sodium. It is better to check the sodium level on the dry dog food label to see if it meets the low-sodium dog food criteria. It is a very important point which you should carefully pay attention to.   

Low-sodium wet dog food

Wet dog food benefits from low sodium because of its wetness content. It is very helpful since it can dissolve the salt in the food. It is also very helpful for dogs who suffer from teeth or mouth diseases in order to chew the food easily. Still, it is richer in fat and protein than dry dog food. In general, this is one of the best dog foods since it can meet the needs of a wide range of dogs that have many different needs.

Flavor and nutritional value

Although most dogs do not care about the appearance or taste of food with low sodium, it is important to test a few types if you have a picky dog. A balanced diet is essential for a dog to keep him healthy. Make sure that the low sodium food consists of high-quality protein, fatty acids, carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals which are necessary for him. You should select a dog food collection that can meet your dog’s need for a nourishing and balanced diet. 

Age and size

Older dogs may need low-sodium diets since they tend to suffer from muscle or nerve problems. Immoderate sodium can bring about movement disorders and pain in dogs. Decreasing their sodium intake can be helpful to prevent the aggravating of these conditions and deal with the current signs. Fat dogs may have problems absorbing the salt. Consequently, a low-sodium diet is essential. Healthy puppies and dogs with normal weight can keep up with their typical diet.  

a low sodium diet for dogs should be free from the following ingredients

If your dog requires a low-sodium diet, there are some foods and ingredients that he should not eat. Artificial additives like monosodium glutamate, artificial colorings, color, and flavorings may not be included in a dog diet since they may have high levels of sodium. This may have harmful effects on the health of a dog and they usually do not have any nutritional value. Sodium nitrate which can be found in processed foods such as ham, jerky, and bacon is a preservative. It has a high level of salt that can increase your dog’s sodium level.

The majority of foods that human beings consume such as bacon, pizza and potato chips contain high processed sugar and salt that are very harmful and unhealthy for canines. Many dog foods that are available on the market possess high levels of sodium. Make sure that the foods you give your dog do not include high levels of salt by examining nutrition and ingredient labels before buying them.

Low-sodium dog foods for high blood pressure

When a dog suffers from high blood pressure called hypertension, its blood vessels become narrower so they cannot handle the high blood flow pressure and may thus explode. The most suitable dog food for having a healthy heart must include low-sodium which can assist in keeping its blood pressure and inhibit such problems. Low-sodium diets can help defend against heart issues like congestive heart failure and strokes.

Low-sodium dog foods for weight loss  

The most suitable low-sodium foods for weight loss should contain low levels of sodium. It is also important to be low in fat and calories and include high-quality protein. This guarantees that your dog does not gain weight because of excessive calories while making sure it still has enough protein to make and retain its muscle mass. Highly processed foods usually contain a higher sodium level in comparison with raw, natural foods. To prevent unneeded excessive sodium intake from processed food, ensure that you carefully examine the nutritional information on the label before giving it to your dog.

Conclusion

Very much similar to many other ingredients of a dog’s diet, sodium is necessary for life, yet dangerous in immoderate quantities. But luckily, sodium is not typically a substance to worry most pet owners. Domestic dogs usually absorb excessive sodium to fulfill their biological needs. Pet owners should carefully check all the foods that they want to buy for dogs in order to be low in sodium and prevent health problems.  If you liked this post, you will also like our post on allergy-free foods for dogs. It will certainly give you some idea.