salt in food - Page 1

is putting a little amount of salt in the food which i cook for my GSD puppy ok....?????

sea salt would be a good choice.  healthier for humans and animals.
pjp

I do from time to time put a dash of salt on kibble, anything more I would not recommend.

Re: Salt in food

I have two dogs, I live in India and any normal indoor work produces sweat (not on the dogs, on me) both the dogs will lick me all over given the chance after I sweat.

Do dogs actually need salt? Or is it just that they like the taste perhaps?

Incidentally, I have never given them salt with their food, should I do so?

Salt turns into what when digested? Sugar. Sugar feeds YEAST.... Dont do it. I have been fighting yeast for a year with my dog, and you dont want it, I promise.

Umm huh? Salt is completely chemically different to sugar there is no way it can turn into sugar when digested.

I am probably wrong, but my vet AND my nutritionist has told me the same things..... I don't know who to believe now.
Salt is made up of sodium and chlorine so when salt is broken down it will turn into the same components.

Yes salt is made up of sodium and chlorine and sugar is carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, so I can't see any way one could become the other. Salt may affect a yeast condition in its own right anyway though. I don't believe dogs require much salt in their diet but they do seem to be quite partial to it, I would guess that they would usually get all that they need from their food but like us a small amount extra would be ok?

Well either way, I avoid all salt if possible... and of course sugar.  Now I need to call my vet.... LOL

Ruger,

SALT DOES NOT METABOLIZE TO SUGAR. Thankfully, someone challenged you on this. Common table salt is made up of sodium and choride ions......not chlorine per say.

Secondly, there is no reason to add salt to a diet that is properly prepared. Just as in humans, all dogs need a certain amount of specific electrolytes, including sodium chloride, but a proper diet will provide what is needed. In hot climates, it is much more important to make certain the dog has access to plenty of clean water at all times, and that it is NOT exercised inappropriately or for too long a time when temperatures are high. Don't let a dog drink large amounts of water after exercise. Adding salt to a diet for some dogs can be very detrimental as well. Just like in humans, too much salt will lead to hypertension and can cause kidney damage.

If you have a yeast problem with your dog, you are somehow missing the boat in what you are doing. Or there is something goofed up in the dog that needs attention. Did you have a culture and sensitivity test done or did you just assume it is a yeast problem?