Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Low Sodium Food Overall: Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
“Keep your dog’s heart strong and healthy while making sure he gets all the other nutrients he needs with this dog food that’s made with all-natural and wholesome ingredients and has one of the lowest sodium content on the market.”
Best Low Sodium Food For Puppies: Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
“If your puppy needs a low sodium diet, get him one that supports growth and development at the same time. This one contains superfoods and digestible grains that will nourish and strengthen your puppy while keeping his heart healthy.”
Best Low Sodium Food for Seniors: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
“Your senior pooch is more susceptible to heart issues and a low sodium diet like this dog food will help protect him. It is soft, easy to eat, and ideal for senior dogs who have trouble chewing dry kibble.”
Salt is an essential part of a dog’s diet but it can be harmful in excessive amounts. Unfortunately, sodium content isn’t usually declared in dog food products. So, to help you identify the ones that have just the right amount of sodium for your dog, we’ve taken the liberty of doing the research for you.
We’ve rounded up dog food products with salt levels within AAFCO standards and here are our top recommendations.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Low-Sodium Dog Food Products
- 1. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
- 2. Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
- 3. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- 4. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- 5. Hill’s Soft-Baked Dog Treats
- 6. Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 7. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Dry Dog Food
- 8. Earthborn Holistic Dry Dog Food
- 9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 10. Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Dry Dog Food
- 1. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
- How to Choose the Best Low-Sodium Dog Food
- Questions & Answers
- When does a dog need a low-sodium diet?
- What are the recommended sodium levels for canines?
- Why is too much sodium dangerous for dogs?
- What characteristics should I look for in the best low-sodium dog food?
- How can I identify low-sodium kibble?
- How would you recommend I start my dog on a low-sodium dog food diet?
- Can I make low-sodium dog food at home?
- When does a dog need a low-sodium diet?
Best Low-Sodium Dog Food Products
Here are our top picks for the best low sodium dog food products:
- Best Low Sodium Food Overall: Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best Low Sodium for Puppies: Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Best Low Sodium for Seniors: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- Best Low Sodium Wet Dog Food: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- Best Low Sodium Treat: Hill’s Soft-Baked Dog Treats
- Best for Digestion: Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Value for Money: Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Dry Dog Food
- Best Without Real Meat: Earthborn Holistic Dry Dog Food
- Best Limited Ingredient: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best For Dogs With Heart Problem: Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Dry Dog Food
1. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Low Sodium Food Overall: Lowest sodium content in this list, ideal for dogs in all life stages
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PROS
- All-natural and wholesome ingredients with low sodium content
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Has added vitamins and minerals to boost immune system
CONS
- A little high calorie (might not be suitable for less active dogs)
The Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food contains 60mg sodium per 100 calories, which is one of the lowest sodium counts in a dog food on the market. There are no sneaky salty ingredients in it, so you can rest assured this dog food will keep your dog’s salt intake at a manageable level.
This is an excellent low sodium dog food that contains healthy, whole-food ingredients. Its main protein source is lamb and it uses fresh fruits and vegetables to provide the carbohydrate requirements of your adult dog.
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Additional Benefits
Dogs who have been prescribed a low sodium diet usually have health conditions that require a regulated sodium intake. But this shouldn’t compromise the amount of nutrients and minerals that goes into your dog’s meal which support other functions. This dog food has great Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that keeps the skin and coat healthy. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to keep joints strong and stable. All of these go a long way towards keeping your dog as healthy as possible while making sure his sodium levels are in check.
2. Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
Best Low Sodium for Puppies: A low sodium meal formulated to support puppy growth
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PROS
- Premium quality, natural ingredients
- Superfoods such as blueberries and spinach with antioxidants
- Good protein and fat levels for muscle development
- Slightly more moisture content than others
CONS
- A little pricey
- Has salt on the ingredient list
If your vet has recommended a low sodium dog food for your puppy, Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice. It is loaded with wholesome ingredients that are necessary for a growing puppy – all while keeping their sodium level low.
Puppies generally need a good amount of protein, higher than average fat levels, and higher calorie count to support development and provide the energy it needs all day. And this food has 29% protein and 18% fat content, good calcium and phosphorus numbers for strong bones, and a nice dash of DHA, which contributes towards brain and eye development in puppies. It also has 450 calories per cup, which your playful pup should burn off nicely.
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Contains Healthy, Digestible Grains
It’s always a good idea to start your pup off with healthy grains from an early age. And while it’s better to steer clear of corn, wheat, and soy, low sodium foods containing gluten-free options like oatmeal, rice, barley, millet, and sorghum are A-okay for digestion.
3. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
Best Low Sodium for Seniors: Optimum sodium levels with higher calorie count
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PROS
- Optimum sodium content in dog foods for senior dogs
- No hidden sodium ingredients
- Adds moisture to your pup’s diet
- Contain DHA and EPA for improved eye and brain health
CONS
- Slightly high calorie count (not the most suitable for less active seniors, unless in moderation)
- A little pricey
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food is a limited ingredient, low sodium dog food formulated for aging dogs. Its decreased sodium levels are intended to keep your dog’s heart stay healthy as he grows older. It’s soft and easy on your pet’s stomach and ideal for older dogs who have trouble chewing dry kibble.
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Seniors’ Dietary Requirements
Honest Kitchen dog food contains DHA and EPA, which are Omega fatty acids that help keep your senior’s brain active and their skin and coat healthy as they age. It’s a little high calorie than other senior-specific dog foods which is great if you love taking your dog out for a walk regularly.
4. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Best Wet Dog Food: Great moisture content to avoid dehydration
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PROS
- High-quality, all-natural ingredients
- Premium quality single source protein (turkey)
- Good sodium level and good moisture content
CONS
- Contains carrageenan
- Slightly high calorie
For dogs with health issues, a low sodium diet is crucial. The amount of sodium in Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food is just 59mg per 100 calories, making it a great option for your aging dog who struggles with dry kibble.
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Chelated Minerals
This dog food has chelated minerals which are substances that have been bonded to an amino acid in a process called chelation during digestion. These minerals make the process easier which is excellent for dogs who have sensitive stomachs.
5. Hill’s Soft-Baked Dog Treats
Best Low Sodium Treat: Healthy dog treat option for your little pooch
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PROS
- Low sodium, grain free dog food
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Come in a variety of flavors to choose from
CONS
- “Soft-baked” can be deceiving, as these treats are quite hard
Dogs on a low-sodium diet will love this healthy and tasty treat! Hill's Soft-Baked Dog Treats is the perfect low sodium, low-calorie snack, witht 12 calories per biscuit, and 35mg sodium per 100 calories.
These treats are made with real, whole-food ingredients, which are soft-baked to preserve nutrients during the cooking process. They contain no artificial ingredients, which makes it safer for your dogs . You can be confident feeding these to your pup as a healthy, yummy snack.
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Soft-Baked Treats
“Soft-baked” refers to the method of manufacturing, and not necessarily the texture or consistency of the treats. They could be a little crunchy or chewy, so it may be wise to give them a good feel before you buy. They’re also naturally preserved, giving them an extra thumbs up.
Often, treats are where pet owners go wrong when trying to keep their pooch on a healthy diet. These soft-baked treats, however, are a great, healthy option for your dog.
6. Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Digestion: Contains probiotics formulated for dogs
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PROS
- Good protein and fat counts in a grain free food
- Contains probiotics specially formulated for dogs with digestive problems
- Vegetables and fruits provide antioxidants
CONS
- Slightly pricey
- Contains salt on the ingredient list
The nutritional value of Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food is great for dogs who require a low sodium food who also has trouble digesting food. It has specially-formulated probiotic strain, designed to strengthen and support the immune system as well as the digestive system. They’re added to the food after cooking, so they retain all their value. It also has added vitamins, probiotics, minerals, and antioxidants.
360 calories a cup is a good amount for moderately active dogs, and a sodium content of 70mg per 100 calories is more than suitable for a dog on a low-sodium diet.
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Single Source Protein
The protein count is at 25%, which is enough to support muscle development and maintain muscle mass. While there’s nothing wrong with low sodium diet that contains more than one protein source (eg. chicken and beef), foods such as this one with a single source tend to be seen as better quality due to having fewer ingredients that could cause allergies or any digestive issues.
It also comes in salmon, salmon meal, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal which are all excellent protein sources.
7. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Well-rounded dog food that’s very affordable
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PROS
- Salmon as the main protein source
- Contains healthy grains
- Has great sources of Omegas
- Contains glucosamine for joint support
CONS
- “Animal fat” is very vague
- “Fish meal” is also not specific enough
- Salt is on the ingredient list
- Slightly high in calories
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Dry Dog Food is one of the most affordable low sodium foods out there. It has 50mg sodium per 100 calories, has a great protein source, and contains nothing artificial.
The protein sources are good and it contains nothing artificial. With 26% protein, 16% fat, and 429 calories per cup, the added Omega-3 and -6’s that nourish skin and fur, antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system, and glucosamine to keep joints supple and strong, this food would make a well-rounded meal for your dog.
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Decent Nutrition at a Decent Price
This particular dog food recipe is formulated for pups with sensitive skin and stomachs. It has the major nutrients that your dog needs while maintaining a low sodium content. Plus, it all comes in an incredibly affordable pack.
8. Earthborn Holistic Dry Dog Food
Best Without Real Meat: For dogs with digestive issues
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PROS
- Dehydrated ingredients for extra freshness
- Contains great vitamins and supplements for improved immune function
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
CONS
- Does not contain real meat (chicken meal & whitefish meal)
For dogs with more sensitive stomachs, eating a dog food that’s made with meat meal instead of real meat could help the digestion process. If your pup needs a low-sodium food but has a slightly sensitive tummy, Earthborn Holistic Dry Dog Food would be the best low-sodium kibble for them.
The calorie count is good for most dogs, from mildly to highly active, and the ingredients are easily digestible. Each cup also contains a good dose of healthy vitamins, minerals, and supplements not often seen in dog food, so you can be sure your pup will be getting a great, healthy meal.
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Meat Meal As Protein
Although real meat is always a winner, it happens that some dogs don’t tolerate it well. This can be for many reasons, but meat meals are a great alternative. They are generally almost 4 times higher in protein than real meat, and easy to break down and absorb in the body. As long as the meat is identified (in this case, it’s chicken meal and whitefish meal) then there’s nothing wrong with choosing a food that contains meat meal. The protein content is still pretty great, at 26%.
Vitamins & Minerals
This food has DHA, which is great for both puppies and seniors (helping puppies to grow and develop healthily, and keeping seniors’ brains sharp). The added ascorbic acid acts as a natural preservative and is far healthier than any artificial alternative.
9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Limited Ingredient: Avoids possible food allergies
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PROS
- Limited ingredient to avoid possible food allergies
- Natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Available in various flavors, ideal for fussy eaters
CONS
- May be too low in protein for some
Limited ingredient diets are fantastic for pets who have health concerns, especially if those concerns have to do with metabolism or digestion.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great limited ingredient option and, in addition to being a low sodium dog food, contains plenty of vitamins, minerals, and Omega fatty acids. For pets with sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin, this would be a great low sodium choice.
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Low Protein
The main protein source is venison, which is the second ingredient on the list (after sweet potatoes, which are a great carb course). The other proteins included are pea and potato protein, which are plant-based sources.
10. Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Dry Dog Food
Best For Dogs With Heart Problems: Formulated for heart health
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PROS
- Vet-prescribed low sodium dog food
- Formulated for improved heart health
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
CONS
- No real meat
- Contains grains with gluten
- Contains chicken by-product meal
The sodium content in Hill's Prescription Diet Heart Care Dry Dog Food is at 0.12% maximum, making it one of the lowest sodium content in a dog food on the market.
It is formulated to reduce high blood pressure and the chances of heart failure, it’s recommended to only use it at your vet’s suggestion and if your pup can tolerate the corn.
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This dry dog food is highly prescribed by vets to address any heart issues in dogs and it does the job quite well. It may not have the best ingredient list on the market and a tad bit pricey compared to other foods but if your little pooch needs the support in keeping his heart healthy, there is no better option than this.
How to Choose the Best Low-Sodium Dog Food
1) Ingredient Quality
No matter what health concerns your pet may have (even if they have none), the first way of combating them is to ensure you are feeding your dog a diet that consists of great quality ingredients to promote balanced nutrition.
There is no substitute for whole, natural ingredients, and they’re essential in the best low sodium dog food. They provide nutrients that artificial ingredients simply can’t, and you want to get the most bang for your buck when buying dog food. This extends to vitamins and minerals as well as preservatives – some great natural preservatives include tocopherols, citric acid, and ascorbic acid.
A great mix of meat (or meat meal), vegetables, fruit, and vitamins and minerals are the best basis for healthy, immune-boosting, wellness-promoting, low-sodium dog food products.
2) Sodium Content
Of course, next to quality ingredients, the next most important thing in choosing the best low sodium dog foods is the actual sodium content. While the optimal level will vary by individual, there are certain guidelines that need to be followed in order to classify a food as being low sodium.
The food needs to fall within the required sodium levels, and the average is 0.3% (around 100mg per 100 calories). Some may have slightly more, some may have slightly less, but nothing over 100mg per 100 calories should be fed to a pup needing a low sodium diet. Anything higher could result in heart problems and high blood pressure.
3) No Hidden Salt
Sodium is often added to give the dog food a better taste. Manufacturers are sneaky and hide it in there in many different forms, and sometimes we don’t even realize it’s there.
While you may occasionally see “salt” on a dog food label, other times it hides in plain sight in the form of MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates (these are artificial preservatives).
4) Calorie Count
If your pooch has health concerns, it’s important to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight and a balanced nutrition. Carrying too much weight puts an extra strain on the body, and can worsen existing medical conditions.
5) Affordability
Having a healthy pup can be hard on the pocket sometimes, but it can become quite stressful when your dog’s health deteriorates and you suddenly need to shell out for checkups, blood tests, medication, and change their food on top of that.
Low sodium dog foods may be a little more specialized, but there are plenty of options out there that won’t cost a fortune. There will always be those that are more expensive (usually with good reason, though, as they are very high quality), but there are some foods that are of great quality and won’t put you out of pocket too much.
Questions & Answers
When does a dog need a low-sodium diet?
A vet may suggest low-sodium dog foods for pets who are suffering from high blood pressure or health issues that affect their kidneys, liver, heart, or gastrointestinal tract. Many of these conditions are worsened by excessive sodium levels. If a vet finds that your dog has abnormally high levels of sodium in their body, they may recommend a low-sodium diet in order to bring the levels down to normal.
It is imperative not to self-diagnose your pup or choose to put them on a low-sodium diet for no reason. Salt is an important nutrient that performs various functions in the body and is necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system. As there is no way for you to know how much is too much for your pup (and exactly how much they’re getting in), it’s best not to mess with your pup’s sodium levels unless it is recommended by a vet.
If you’re worried that your dog may suffer from high-sodium related problems or if he shows signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure, a trip to the vet for a test is a good idea before deciding to put them onto specific low-sodium dog foods.
What are the recommended sodium levels for canines?
According to AAFCO, the minimum accepted level of sodium in a dog food is 0.3% of the dry matter weight. They have not specified a maximum number, but it’s often suggested by veterinarians that dogs with a high tolerance and no sodium problems can use a food that contains up to 0.5% sodium, while dogs who are restricted or recommended to avoid sodium should stick to low-sodium dog foods between 0.1 and 0.35%.
This can be hard to figure out unless you’re a mathematics whiz, so it’s generally accepted that less than 100mg per 100 calories is acceptable for a low-sodium food. Anything higher puts your dog at risk for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
As this info isn’t readily available on most dog food, whether they’re low-sodium or not, it’s best to ask your vet about numbers.
Why is too much sodium dangerous for dogs?
A high sodium diet can lead to a variety of health issues. One of the more serious conditions that can be a result of excessive sodium intake is called hypernatremia. This is basically an imbalance of water and sodium in the body, which can be life-threatening. If your pup is eating too much salt, it can be almost impossible for them to drink enough water to keep that balanced.
Congestive heart failure can also be brought on by too much salt in the diet, as it can cause a build-up of fluid which puts pressure on the heart, and increase the chances of high blood pressure.
If your pup has a diet that is decent in sodium, but gets hold of something extremely salty, they can suffer from acute salt poisoning, which has similar symptoms to hypernatremia – unusual thirst and water intake, lethargy and confusion, vomiting or diarrhea, and in the later stages, seizures and congestive heart failure.
If your dog is predisposed to any of these conditions or shows signs and symptoms of having too much salt in their body, it’s worth checking with your vet if they might benefit from a low-sodium dog food to help them keep their balanced nutrition.
What characteristics should I look for in the best low-sodium dog food?
A good low-sodium dog food is one that comprises of all-natural ingredients with no artificial flavors or other additives. MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrates, and salt should be avoided, so if you see any of these on the ingredient list, steer clear. These are more often found in dog treats but can sneak into dog food as well.
Other than that, make sure it contains quality protein sources (identified meat or meat meal), complex carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables), and vitamins and minerals. Of course, the food you choose should cater for your pup in whatever other ways he or she needs. For example, if your pooch is sensitive to grains, you should make sure the low-sodium dog food you choose doesn’t contain them.
How can I identify low-sodium kibble?
A few foods may specify on their packaging that they are low in sodium, but it can be hard to find specific info on dog food labels. This can be super frustrating for pet owners trying to find the best low-sodium dog food.
If a Google search doesn’t help, ask your dog’s vet for some information. If that proves fruitless too, then you generally identify the best low-sodium dog food by the quality of their ingredients. Limited ingredient foods often have a lower salt content, as well as foods that tend to stick to just one protein source.
The absence of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives makes a big difference too, so you can safely assume that a dog food without these is a much more low-sodium dog food than one that contains these ingredients.
How would you recommend I start my dog on a low-sodium dog food diet?
Generally, a low-sodium diet shouldn’t be all that much different from what your pup is eating already. It may taste a little more bland, but as long as there are great ingredients in it (especially fruits and veg), those should add to the flavor.
If your pup already has a favorite flavor, for example, chicken or fish, choose a low-sodium food the same flavor to make the change less drastic. It may be a good idea to go half-half with the regular food and the low-sodium dog kibble, and gradually increase the low-sodium kibble until that’s all your pup is eating.
Can I make low-sodium dog food at home?
You can! The best low-sodium foods don’t have to be kibble. Feeding pets fresh or raw food has become more popular of late, and many dog owners are choosing to prepare their pets’ food at home instead of feeding them regular kibble. This allows you quite a bit of control over what goes into your pup’s food, so you can make sure that there are no hidden ingredients that are bad for your dog.
As long as you choose a quality meat source, add some vegetables, and cook it without adding any salt to it, you should be able to create a variety of low-sodium recipes for your pup. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Feeding your pup a low-sodium dog food isn’t a big deal and is a lot easier than one may think. Choose one of the low-sodium dog food options on this list, or make your own. Either way, your pup’s heart will thank you for it!
