Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Alessandro Animal Hospital

23932 Alessandro Blvd Suite B

Suite B

Moreno Valley, CA 92553 US

(951) 656-4455

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Boarding & Grooming
  • Special Offers
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Birds
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fun with Pets
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Nutrition & Food >
  • Foods to Avoid for Pets on Low Sodium Diets

Foods to Avoid for Pets on Low Sodium Diets

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Image of a sodium nutrition label.

Pets afflicted with heart failure or high blood pressure should not be fed salty foods, as they cause fluid to be retained in the body and make it harder for the heart to work. They also can lead to fluid developing in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Most commercial dog foods have a decent level of sodium, although some have high levels, such as Hill's S/D. Pets that have non-life-threatening heart problems don't necessarily need to be restricted on sodium, but you still should keep an eye on whether the food you're feeding your pet has overly-high sodium levels. Once a pet has had an episode of congestive heart failure or has hypertension, the diet should be restricted in sodium.

Most commercial dog foods have a sodium content of 1.0 gram per 1000 KCal. This description is just a way to measure the relative sodium content without having to calculate whether it is a canned or dry food. 1.0 gram is actually ten times the amount really needed by pets. As it turns out, dogs like salty foods just like we do!!

Often veterinarians will recommend a renal diet (one made for kidney problems) for heart patients as these diets are restricted in sodium (0.3 gram per KCal) and heart patients usually become kidney patients eventually. There is a diet made by Hill's specifically for heart patients (H/D) that has 0.23 gram of sodium per KCal, and in some cases veterinary cardiologists may recommend this.

You should review the label of the pet food you are feeding to see if the percentage of sodium is listed. Usually it is not on the label, as it is not required to be listed, but you can contact the manufacturer to ask for the sodium content. Remember, to compare, the sodium content should be given in grams per KCal.

In order to administer medications, many people use Pill PocketsTM made by GreeniesTM. These are tasty pillowcase-shaped products used to hide pills for dogs or cats. The Canine Pill PocketsTM are high in sodium, so it is better to use the Feline Pill PocketsTM for both dogs and cats.

With advances in veterinary medicine, many heart patients can live happily and without symptoms for years. It is up to you to make sure their diet is a good one!!

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

New patients receive $15 OFF first visit. Please print and present coupon at
time of first visit.

Print Coupon

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Special Offers

    Check out our special offers!

    View Offers

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Alessandro Animal Hospital is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home."
    John Doe / Moreno Valley, CA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Your New Year's Diet Could Be Deadly To Your Pet - Xylitol Toxicity In Dogs

    Could your new diet harm your pet's health? ...

    Read More
  • Preparing For Pet Dental Month

    Not sure if your pet needs a dental exam? These 10 reasons may help you make a decision. ...

    Read More
  • How To Care For Your New Pet

    Wondering how to care for your new pet? Check out our recommendations! ...

    Read More
  • Does My Cat Love Me?

    Not sure how your cat feels about you? Learn how your pet shows affection. ...

    Read More
  • Medication Tips For Your Pet

    Do you have trouble giving your pets their medications? These tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • What Vaccines Are Right For Your Pet?

    Wondering which vaccines your pet needs? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Is My Dog Fat Or Is It A Thyroid Problem?

    Wondering why your dog is packing on the pounds? A thyroid problem may be responsible for the weight gain. ...

    Read More
  • Hot Spots and Pets: What You Can Do to Help Your Furry Friend

    Does your pet frequently develop hot spots? Find out how to prevent and treat the painful spots. ...

    Read More
  • Managing Your Pet's Arthritis

    Painful arthritis makes walking and jumping difficult for pets. Luckily, you can do a few things to relieve your pet's pain. ...

    Read More
  • Best Pet Costumes

    Are you thinking about buying a Halloween costume for your pet? These guidelines will help you choose the ideal disguise for your furry friend. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map