How many grams of salt can a dog eat to cause poisoning?

 8:22am, 28 October 2025

There are many friends who like to raise dogs, but they don’t know much about dog care. Many netizens will ask whether there will be any problems if dogs eat salt, and whether dogs will die if they eat a lot of salt. Let the editor take you to look at this question. How much salt will a dog be poisoned if it eats!

For every 1kg of body weight of an average dog, 2 to 3g of salt may cause poisoning, and it is said that 4g is a lethal dose. However, there are big differences depending on the breed of dog, weight, and individual body constitution, so don’t judge yourself by thinking, “Although I licked it, it was only about 2 grams, so it’s okay.” Salt poisoning is caused by excessive salt intake, which stresses the kidneys and heart and makes dogs more susceptible to heart failure.

It is generally believed that too much salt in our lives is bad for our health, and the same is true for dogs. Since dogs require less salt than humans, even a small amount may lead to excessive salt intake for humans. Due to excessive intake, persistently high plasma potassium concentration may lead to heart disease and heart failure.

The main component of salt is sodium chloride. Dogs do not sweat like humans. The only sweat glands that regulate body temperature are the soles of their feet. It is therefore easily misunderstood that salt is not required. However, salt is also a necessary ingredient for dogs. It just requires much less than humans. Allowing it to lick off spilled salt or feeding it human condiments can lead to excess salt in the body. But when there is too much salt in the body, various symptoms will appear.

Insufficient salt is more easily overlooked than too much salt, because salt is also necessary for dogs. When the necessary amount in the body is insufficient, the reabsorption of urine by the kidney's urinary capillaries increases, resulting in a decrease in urinary excretion. Insufficient salt can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Comprehensive nutritional food dog food contains necessary salt, so you don’t have to worry if you let your dog eat this type of dog food.

Another thing to pay attention to is the dog’s mood. If the dog is hungry, be sure to give him the food he likes.