Low Sodium Diet for Dogs

A low-sodium diet for dogs prevents the potential for heart disease and kidney problems. Older dogs are more prone to these problems, more than puppies or young canines. Obese dogs are at risk for heart disease. Dogs on low-sodium diets need regular exercise, such as swimming.

  1. Homemade Dog Food

    • Cook and drain 1/4 lb. of lean ground beef or white poultry meat. Cook two cups of brown rice and drain. Do not add any salt. Combine cooked meat and rice with 1 tsp. flax seed oil, 2 tsp. canola cooking oil and 100 mg calcium carbonate. Store the homemade dog food in a plastic container in the refrigerator, up to five days. Serve your dog this food on his regular feeding schedule and portion sizes.

    People Food

    • Avoid giving a dog on a low-sodium diet any human food scraps, his own plate of human food or people food treats. Many processed foods are very high in sodium. Encourage your canine family member to eat low-sodium food recommended by the veterinarian or you prepare. Regular meal times are important for all dogs. Encouraging your dog to eat people food is not good for dogs, in general.

    Review Dog Treat Labels

    • Basting and flavoring on dog treats make them tasty and delicious for dogs. The meat flavorings are often very high in sodium, but there are many dog treats on the market low in sodium. Carefully read labels of your dog's favorite treats. Donate any that are high in sodium to an animal shelter to give to homeless puppies. Purchase only dog treats that are specifically low in sodium.

    Consider Organic Foods

    • Organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides. Processed non-organic dog food is often high in sodium content. Consider feeding your canine family member organic foods, as part of a low-sodium diet for dogs.

    Veterinarian Low-Sodium Food

    • Many veterinarian offices carry low-sodium dry dog food. Ask your local veterinarian office that provides your dog with his canine care about buying low-sodium dry dog food from them. You can combine the homemade dog food with the dry food.

    Fresh Drinking Water

    • Make certain to provide your dog with plenty of fresh water. Clean the water bowl daily. Leave fresh water out for your dog on a continuous basis. There is no need to restrict water for a low-sodium diet for dogs. Drinking plenty of water keeps the dog's system healthy and his bowels regular.