Can dogs or cats eat salt?

9 October 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat salt?

So you're sprinkling some salt on your chips, and your dog is eyeing you like they've just discovered gold. Hold on, dog parents—while a pinch of salt isn't a deal-breaker for your pup, it's definitely not a free-for-all.

Sure, salt isn't the villain of the doggy diet world. A little sodium helps keep their body fluids balanced and their nerves firing correctly. But let's be clear: too much salt is a one-way ticket to Health Problem City, with stops at Dehydration Station and Kidney Trouble Town.

So, if you're tempted to share a salty snack like cheese or pretzels, keep it to a minimum!

If your dog consumes too much salt and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, excessive thirst, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat salt?

Salt: it's in almost everything we eat, but what about our cats? Is a sprinkle of sodium chloride in their diet a good idea or a no-go? Turns out, a tiny bit is okay, but the emphasis should be on "tiny".

Salt isn't the enemy; it helps regulate things like blood pressure and fluid balance in your cat's body. But here's the kicker: Too much salt can be a problem. We're talking dehydration and kidney stress, which are definitely not on the "good times" list for your cat.

Let's remember, cats are meat lovers at heart. They get most of what they need from their protein-packed meals, so there's no need to jazz it up with extra salt or salty treats like crisps.

So, the bottom line? A little salt won't hurt, but keep it minimal and always check with your vet first. Your cat's diet should be balanced and meat-centric, not a salt fest.

If your cat consumes too much salt and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, excessive thirst, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet