Can Dogs Eat Salt?

Most of us love a good salty snack, like pretzels or potato chips. You might even be tempted to share some with your pup, but have you considered if dogs can eat salt? Although your dog needs some salt (sodium chloride) in their diet for proper hydration and body function, too much can lead to potentially life-threatening salt poisoning. 

Let’s learn more about how much salt is safe for your dog, what happens if they get too much, and how to protect them from salt toxicity. 

Do Dogs Need Salt?

The short answer is yes, dogs need salt. Sodium plays an important role in regulating body fluids and supporting nerve and muscle function. Without an adequate amount of salt, dogs can experience dehydration, muscle weakness, and even more serious health issues. However, just like with anything, moderation is key.

Where Do Dogs Get Their Salt?

Dogs typically get the salt they require from their regular food. At the time of publishing, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that dry dog food contains at least 0.3% sodium for growth and development and 0.08% for adult maintenance. If your dog is eating a balanced commercial food, there should be no need to add extra salt to their meals. 

While homemade meals might need added salt, we strongly recommend consulting your vet before feeding them to your dog. Consider using Balance It for home-cooked meals for your dog. This free service provides personalized, balanced recipes backed by veterinary nutrition experts.

How Much Salt is Safe for Dogs?

How much salt is safe for your dog depends on their weight. Salt poisoning is a very real and dangerous problem that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death. According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, ingestion of just 2–3g of sodium per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight can result in toxicity, while 4g or more per 2.2 lbs can be fatal.

Here’s a quick reference guide on the amount of salt that can lead to toxicity in dogs:

Dog Weight	Toxic Salt Consumption Threshold
1–10 lbs	> ¼ tsp or 1.42g
11–25 lbs	> ½ tsp or 2.85g
26–40 lbs	> 1 tsp or 5.69g
41–70 lbs	> 2 tsp or 11.38g
71–90 lbs	> 3.5 tsp or 19.93g
91–110 lbs	> 4.5 tsp or 25.81g

Note: 1g = 1000 mg. 

What Are the Signs of Salt Poisoning in Dogs?

If your dog eats too much salt, symptoms of salt poisoning can appear as soon as 3 hours after ingestion. Signs of salt toxicity include:

• Excessive thirst and/or urination
• Vomiting and diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors or muscle weakness
• Seizures or incoordination (drunk-walking)

If you notice any of these signs, especially after your dog has eaten a salty snack or consumed human food they shouldn’t have, it’s important to act quickly. Salt poisoning can escalate rapidly, so contact your vet immediately to ensure your dog gets the care they need. For more information, consider reading our article about dog poisoning signs every pet owner should know. 

Common Human Foods That Can Cause Salt Poisoning in Dogs

Be mindful of the sodium content in foods you give your dog. Many everyday human foods contain high levels of salt that can be harmful, especially in large amounts. Beef jerky may seem like a great treat for your dog, but it contains a lot of salt and other potentially toxic ingredients.

Here are some other examples of common salty foods that pose a risk to dogs:

• A standard 8-oz bag of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips contains around 1,140 mg of sodium. 
• One slice of bacon can contain 200–300 mg of sodium.
• A hot dog typically contains 400–500 mg of sodium per serving.
• A single slice of cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) can have 150–200 mg of sodium.
• Processed deli meats (such as salami or ham) can contain up to 600–800 mg of sodium per serving.
• A McDonald’s Cheeseburger has around 680 mg of sodium.
  

As you can see, even foods that may seem like a tasty treat could be harmful—or even toxic—to your dog. You should also be cautious when feeding table scraps. If you’re keen to share a snack with your dog, consider unsalted, fully-cooked eggs, plain oatmeal, or other healthy human food for dogs.

Common Products That Can Cause Salt Poisoning in Dogs

While salty foods are an obvious risk, other products also contain high levels of sodium chloride, which can lead to salt toxicity in dogs. Here are some unexpected culprits:

• Play Dough: Both commercial and homemade recipes often contain large amounts of salt. 
• Paintballs: While playing paintball may be fun, paintballs contain high amounts of sodium. It’s worth noting that paintballs can also give a false positive on a blood test for antifreeze, so always inform your vet of the potential exposure.
• Rock salt: Often used as a de-icer in winter, rock salt is a danger if a dog eats it. Accidental ingestion usually happens when rock salt gets stuck to their paws and they lick it off. Also, rock salt hasn’t been purified for consumption and may contain other harmful substances. 
• At-home enemas: Some at-home enemas for humans contain sodium phosphate, which is toxic to dogs. They can also cause significant harm to the colon, so they should never be used on pets.

If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these items, seek veterinary care right away. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the outcome for your pet.

How is Salt Toxicity Treated in Dogs?

If you suspect your dog has salt toxicity, it’s crucial to get them to the vet as quickly as possible. Treatment will depend on the severity of the poisoning, but it generally involves the following steps:

• Vomiting Induction: If salt was ingested within the past few hours, the vet may induce vomiting to remove the toxin.
• Blood Work: Typically performed upon arrival and monitored regularly to ensure sodium levels are safely decreasing.
• Intravenous (IV) Fluids: To lower sodium levels in the bloodstream and rehydrate your dog.
• Medications: To manage symptoms like seizures, muscle tremors, or vomiting in severe cases.
• Electrolyte Management: The vet will monitor and correct any imbalances in sodium and other electrolytes.
• Hospitalization: For severe cases, your dog may need to stay in the hospital for observation and intensive care.
• Pet Poison Control: Your vet will likely contact a pet poison control center, such as the Pet Poison Helpline. This service requires an additional fee but is essential for helping your vet choose the right medications. Pet poison specialists are trained to handle toxicities and are an important part of your dog’s recovery.

Treatment may take several hours or even days, depending on how your dog responds. If caught early and treated properly, most dogs recover fully. However, delays in care can lead to complications, so timely action is critical for the best chance of recovery. Always follow your vet’s instructions carefully to manage sodium levels and avoid further health issues.

Salty Dogs: Too Much Sodium Can Harm Your Pup

While dogs need some salt in their diet to help their bodies function properly, too much sodium can lead to serious health risks, including salt poisoning. Always be cautious about the foods and products you expose your dog to and avoid giving them salty human snacks.

If you suspect your dog has eaten too much salt, contact your vet right away. Quick action is key to making a full recovery. By being aware of the risks and monitoring your dog’s salt intake, you can help your pup stay safe and healthy.