Salt is sodium chloride used to season food and preserve products such as pickles, cured meats, broths, snack foods, and sauces. Sodium is required in small amounts, and most complete pet diets already supply enough. Extra salt from human foods is usually unnecessary for pets.
Table salt, kosher salt, sea salt, and flavored finishing salts all add sodium even when texture differs. Common high-sodium foods include ramen seasoning packets, bouillon cubes, deli meat, gravy mixes, chips, and soy sauce. Restaurant leftovers and takeout condiments are frequent exposure points because the salt load is concentrated in small servings.
Salt exposure is not limited to table seasoning. Brines, electrolyte drink powders, and preserved snack foods can add large sodium amounts quickly. Salt lamps and homemade salt dough ornaments are additional non-food items worth keeping away from curious pets.
Too much sodium may cause thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, or neurologic signs in severe cases. Pets with heart disease, kidney disease, or hypertension may tolerate excess sodium poorly. Avoid adding salt to pet meals and keep salty snacks and condiments out of reach.
