Choose a low-sodium treat by the numbers, not the front-label claim. Ask for milligrams of sodium per 100 kilocalories and confirm the target with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has heart or kidney disease. “Senior,” “natural,” and “limited ingredient” do not automatically mean low sodium. Recheck the figures if the recipe or package changes.
Why the target is individual
Sodium restriction is not identical for every dog. Tufts University’s veterinary cardiology guidance explains that the appropriate restriction depends on the disease and its severity, and that sodium also comes from treats, chews, table food, supplements, and foods used for medication. Review its heart-disease nutrition guidance with your veterinarian.
Label checklist
- Get the current sodium value in milligrams per 100 kilocalories from the manufacturer.
- Check calories per piece so the daily sodium contribution can be calculated.
- Avoid salted meats, deli meat, cheese, jerky made for people, and seasoned table food.
- Include dental chews, pill pockets, and training rewards in the total.
- Recheck the data periodically because formulations can change.
How much to give
Treats should remain a small part of the complete diet. The WSAVA treat guide recommends no more than 10% of daily calories from treats, but a dog on a therapeutic diet may need a stricter plan. Ask whether pieces of the prescribed food are the simplest reward.
Compare sodium using the same unit
| Manufacturer value | Useful for | What else you need |
|---|---|---|
| Milligrams per piece | Counting a known number of treats | Calories per piece and the daily limit |
| Milligrams per 100 kilocalories | Comparing products with different piece sizes | The veterinarian's target |
| Percentage by weight | Basic formulation information | Moisture and calorie density before comparing products |
For example, if one treat contains 8 milligrams of sodium and you give three, the treats contribute 24 milligrams. If the same treat contains 5 kilocalories, it supplies 160 milligrams per 100 kilocalories because 8 divided by 5, multiplied by 100, equals 160. Use the actual manufacturer numbers and ask the veterinarian whether either result fits the dog's complete plan.
Questions before buying
- What is the current sodium value in milligrams per piece and per 100 kilocalories?
- Does the figure include the finished product as sold?
- Has the recipe or serving size changed?
- How many treat calories and milligrams of sodium may this dog receive daily?
Compare simple options in the dog-treat collection and use the selection hub for other label questions. Verify sodium before purchase; this page does not certify a product for a medical diet.
