Sodium is an essential nutrient for dogs, but some dogs with heart, kidney or blood pressure problems may be put on a lower-sodium diet by their vet. Because a low-sodium diet is a medical decision, this page is a guide to the types of foods to discuss with your vet, not a shopping list to start on your own.
Dogs need some sodium
Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function. Healthy dogs need a certain amount, and complete and balanced commercial foods include it. Cutting sodium too far in a healthy dog is not helpful and could be harmful.
For this reason, do not put a dog on a low-sodium diet unless your vet has recommended it.
When a vet may recommend low sodium
Vets may recommend reduced sodium for dogs with certain conditions, including:
- Heart disease or heart failure, where excess sodium can contribute to fluid retention.
- Some cases of kidney disease or high blood pressure.
- Certain liver or fluid-retention problems.
A heart murmur alone does not always mean a dog needs a low-sodium diet. A murmur is a sound heard by the vet, and the cause and seriousness vary. Whether to change diet depends on the diagnosis, which may involve imaging and other tests. Ask your vet what is right for your dog.
Low blood sodium can also occur in dogs, but it is a medical problem related to illnesses or medications, not a result of normal low-salt feeding. It needs veterinary diagnosis.
Low sodium food list: types to ask your vet about
Rather than a brand ranking, here are categories your vet may discuss.
- Veterinary cardiac or heart-support diets. Brands such as Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d are designed for dogs with heart disease and have controlled sodium along with other adjustments.
- Veterinary renal diets. These typically include lower sodium among other changes. See kidney food for dogs.
- Restricted-sodium canned foods. Some companies make canned foods with no added salt, for example Dave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Low Sodium, which is marketed with sodium naturally present in the ingredients only. Check that any such food is complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage and approved by your vet, since some restricted diets are meant for short-term or supervised use.
- Vet-formulated fresh or cooked diets. Some companies offer recipes designed with a veterinary nutritionist.
- Homemade low-sodium diets. These must be balanced by a veterinary nutritionist. Simply leaving out salt does not make a diet complete.
Product formulas change, so check the current label and ask your vet rather than relying on any list, including this one.
Low sodium treats and toppers
Treats can contribute a surprising amount of sodium. Ask your vet which ones fit your dog’s diet. Options often discussed include:
- Small pieces of plain vegetables that your vet approves, such as green beans or carrots. Make sure the produce is safe for dogs.
- Plain, unsalted, unseasoned cooked foods in small amounts if your vet agrees.
- Low-sodium commercial treats sold for dogs on restricted diets.
For example, questions about low-sodium hot dogs appear online, but processed meats like hot dogs are generally salty and are not a good choice for a dog on a sodium-restricted diet. Look for plain alternatives instead.
High sodium foods to limit
For dogs advised to limit sodium, the following are commonly flagged:
- Processed meats such as sausages, bacon, ham and deli meats.
- Cheese and many dairy snacks.
- Chips, crackers, pretzels and other salty human snacks.
- Canned soups, broths and gravies made for people, which also often contain onion or garlic that are unsafe for dogs.
- Pizza, fast food and leftovers with seasoning.
- Some commercial treats and rawhide-type chews.
- Salt-based homemade dough or play clay, which can be dangerous if eaten.
If a dog eats a large amount of salt, including salty dough, seawater or salt-heavy products, this can be an emergency. If your pet may have eaten something toxic, call your vet or a poison helpline straight away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours a day and may charge a fee.
How to check a food’s sodium
Checking sodium can be tricky.
- Pet food labels in many places are not required to list sodium in the guaranteed analysis, so it may not appear on the bag.
- If it is listed, it may be shown as a percentage on a dry matter or as-fed basis, which makes comparing foods difficult.
- Manufacturers can often provide the sodium content if you contact them. Ask your vet to help interpret it.
- Ingredient names that signal added salt include salt and sodium compounds, though not every sodium source is bad.
Is your dog’s regular food high in sodium? Most complete and balanced foods contain moderate amounts, and levels vary between products. It is only a problem if your dog has a condition where sodium needs restriction.
Common questions
What is the best low sodium food for a dog with a heart murmur? It depends on the cause and whether the dog has heart disease. Your vet may recommend a cardiac diet, a regular diet or none, depending on tests.
Is a low-sodium diet enough on its own? No. It is usually part of a plan that may include medication and regular rechecks.
Can I make my own? Only with a veterinary nutritionist’s recipe.
For wider feeding principles, see dog food for a long life. The page on food for dogs with liver issues covers another condition where sodium is sometimes a consideration.
When to see a vet
Book a vet visit if your dog has:
- A cough, fast or labored breathing (see old dog breathing problems), or tiredness on walks, which can be signs of heart problems.
- A swollen belly, fainting or collapse. These need urgent care.
- Increased thirst and urination, vomiting or weight loss.
- Questions about whether a diet change is needed.
Never start or stop a restricted diet on your own for a dog with a diagnosed condition.