Sodium chloride

The function of sodium chloride in the dog's body

Sodium chloride fulfills several important functions in the dog's body. Firstly, it is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is necessary for digestion. Secondly, it regulates the entire water balance and tissue tension and forms the basis for the excitability of nerves and muscles. It also plays a key role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body.

The body of an adult dog contains about 0.2 to 0.4 percent sodium chloride and loses about 0.1 to 0.2 percent of it daily, which must be replaced. The amount required depends on various factors such as the dog's age, size, activity and state of health. A balanced diet should therefore contain enough sodium chloride to avoid a deficiency.

Benefits of sodium chloride in dog food

Sodium chloride has several benefits when it is included in dog food in appropriate amounts. Firstly, it improves the taste of the food and stimulates the dog's appetite. Secondly, it promotes fluid absorption and thus prevents dehydration. It can also act as a preservative and extend the shelf life of the food.

Sodium chloride can also be used as a volume substitute in the event of severe blood loss, e.g. in the event of accidents or operations. In this case, a sodium chloride solution (saline solution) is administered intravenously to stabilize blood pressure and support circulation.

Disadvantages of sodium chloride in dog food

However, sodium chloride can also have disadvantages if it is contained in dog food in excessive quantities or if the dog ingests too much of it. On the one hand, it can overload the kidneys, which have to excrete the excess sodium. On the other hand, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart problems, as sodium binds water in the body and increases blood volume.

Excessive intake of sodium chloride can also lead to intoxication, which can manifest itself through symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever, blindness and even coma. Such poisoning can be triggered, for example, by the consumption of salty foods such as potato chips, salt sticks or salty crackers. In this case, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary to save the dog.

The optimum amount of sodium chloride in dog food

The optimal amount of sodium chloride in dog food depends on various factors such as the dog's age, size, activity and health. A general recommendation is that dog food should not contain more than 0.5 percent sodium chloride. This corresponds to about 1.25 grams per kilogram of food. This amount is considered safe for healthy dogs that have sufficient water available.

For dogs with health problems, especially dogs with heart and kidney disease, the amount of sodium chloride in the dog food should be reduced to avoid additional stress on the organs. In this case, a special diet food with a low sodium content should be used. The exact amount should be agreed with the vet.