What happens if a dog doesn’t eat salt?

If a dog goes without salt for a long time it will develop an electrolyte imbalance, showing symptoms such as muscle weakness, stunted growth, weight loss, and poor appetite; in severe cases it may develop pica, chewing on wall plaster, grass, or dirt.

Salt is an essential nutrient for dogs, which is why it is added to commercial dog food in the daily required amount. However, too much salt easily causes hair loss, severe tear stains, high blood pressure, and even salt poisoning.

Therefore, if the dog normally eats commercial food, there is no need to add other salty foods; if the owner feeds a homemade diet, a moderate amount of salt should be added.