Watching your dog’s tail wag at treat time is one of life’s small joys—until you look at the sodium line on the label and wonder if that crunchy biscuit is quietly nudging your best friend toward heart trouble. Canine cardiac disease is on the rise, but the good news is that nutrition, especially mindful sodium restriction, can slow progression and even extend life expectancy. In 2025, there are more low-sodium treat options than ever, yet the market is also flooded with “healthy” claims that collapse under scrutiny. This guide distills the latest veterinary consensus into plain English so you can reward your dog without unknowingly sabotaging their heart.
Below you’ll learn how sodium affects the canine cardiovascular system, what “low-sodium” actually means (hint: it’s not just about salt), and which practical features—texture, calorie density, functional additives—matter most when your vet has whispered the words “early heart changes.” Consider this your crash course in label literacy, shopper strategy, and treat etiquette for dogs who deserve a long, vigorously wagging life.
Top 10 Low Sodium Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Mattie’s Treats: 10oz Box, Mini Treats; Low Protein, Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium Dog Treats
Overview:
Mattie’s 10-oz Mini Hearts are crunchy, kidney-friendly rewards created by owners who faced the same dietary dilemmas you’re facing now. Each heart is baked with only six whole-food ingredients and zero excess protein, phosphorus, or sodium.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The combination of veterinary-formulated nutrition, charitable give-back (part of every box funds canine kidney-disease research), and an adorable bite-size heart shape you won’t find in any prescription cookie.
Value for Money:
At $25.57/lb you’re paying boutique-bakery prices, but you’re also buying peace of mind for a medically fragile dog and supporting ongoing research—most owners feel the premium is justified.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ Vet-approved macro profile for renal support
+ Only six recognizable ingredients; no chicken, dairy, or soy
+ 10-oz box stays fresh, perfect for toy breeds or portion control
– Expensive versus supermarket biscuits
– Crunchy texture may be too hard for senior mouths; no soft option yet
Bottom Line:
If your dog needs kidney-conscious snacks, Mattie’s Mini Hearts are the tastiest medicine-money-can-buy. Budget-minded shoppers can ration portions, but skipping them altogether only saves dollars at the vet later.
2. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals, All Life Stages, Great Taste, Dog Treats, Beef & Sweet Potato, 8 oz Bag
Overview:
Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals deliver the brand’s trademark science-backed nutrition in a pliable, beef-and-sweet-potato strip that puppies, adults, and seniors can all enjoy.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The “vet #1 recommended” seal carries serious weight, and the soft texture means dogs with dental issues or picky palates actually chew instead of swallowing whole.
Value for Money:
Roughly $18/lb sits mid-range; you’re funding extensive feeding trials and U.S. quality-control teams, so the sticker is fair for a trustworthy daily reward.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ Real beef is the first ingredient; grain-free for allergy-prone pups
+ Resealable 8-oz bag keeps strips moist for months
+ No artificial colors, flavors, or BHA/BHT preservatives
– Contains potato and pea starch, so not keto or low-glycemic
– Strong smoky aroma may linger on fingers
Bottom Line:
A reliable, soft training titbit from a company most vets stock themselves. Owners watching carbs or searching for single-protein options may want to keep shopping; everyone else can buy with confidence.
3. Bocce’s Bakery Jerky Stick Dog Treats, Wheat-Free, Made with Limited-Ingredients, Baked in The USA with No Added Salt or Sugar, All-Naural & High-Protein, Turkey & Sweet Potato, 4 oz
Overview:
Bocce’s Turkey & Sweet Potato Jerky Sticks are wheat-free, four-ingredient batons baked in small USA batches for protein-focused, sugar-free snacking.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The ingredient list is almost comically short—turkey, sweet potato, vegetable glycerin, rosemary extract—yet the sticks snap like premium jerky, making high-value training a breeze.
Value for Money:
$43.96/lb is eye-watering versus grocery jerky, but comparable to artisanal meat treats; you pay for hormone-free turkey and small-batch oversight.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ 35% crude protein, zero added salt/sugar, great for athletic or diabetic dogs
+ Resealable pouch maintains chew without refrigeration
+ Score lines let you break pea-size pieces for calorie control
– Price prohibitive for liberal treating
– Glycerin keeps texture soft, so power chevers may gulp and go
Bottom Line:
Ideal for photo-worthy trick sessions, food-allergy pups, or dogs that turn up their noses at floury biscuits. Stock up when on sale and ration like the premium goods they are.
4. Mattie’s Treats: 1 Pound Box; Low Protein, Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium Dog Treats
Overview:
This is the original one-pound box of Mattie’s low-protein, low-phosphorus hearts—same beloved recipe as the 10-oz version but 60% more cookies for multi-dog homes.
What Makes It Stand Out:
You still get six clean ingredients plus kidney-saving micronutrient caps, plus charitable research funding, only now the bigger box drops the per-ounce price below its mini sibling.
Value for Money:
$19.98/lb undercuts the 10-oz box by 22%, landing in the mid-premium tier. Owners feeding renal dogs daily will notice the savings add up quickly.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ Heart shapes double as pill pockets for crafty medicators
+ Pumpkin-cinnamon aroma appeals to picky seniors
+ One-pound bulk reduces packaging waste
– Bag is not resealable; you’ll need a jar to keep crunch
– Still costs double standard biscuits; portion control is key
Bottom Line:
If you’ve already tested and approved Mattie’s on your kidney-sensitive hound, the 1-lb box is the smarter refill. First-time buyers may want the 10-oz size to confirm palatability before committing.
5. Fruitables Baked Dog Treats, Healthy Pumpkin Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy, Made in the USA, Apple and Crispy Bacon Flavor, 12oz
Overview:
Fruitables’ Apple & Crispy Bacon biscuits bake real pumpkin, apple, and bacon into an 8-calorie flower that smells so good humans sniff twice.
What Makes It Stand Out:
CalorieSmart formula lets big and small dogs earn frequent rewards without expanding waistlines, while the floral shape and natural scent make typical biscuits feel boring.
Value for Money:
Under $8/lb makes this the bargain of the roundup; you’re getting functional superfoods at grocery-store pricing.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ Only 8 kcal per treat—perfect for training or diet plans
+ Wheat/corn/soy-free recipe suits many allergy sufferers
+ Crunch helps scrub teeth and keeps dogs occupied
+ Smells like breakfast—not great for scent-sensitive owners
– Bacon bits can settle; bottom cookies may be greasier
Bottom Line:
A low-cost, low-calorie crowd-pleaser that belongs in every pantry. Stock a bag for daily rewards and save the pricier jerkies or medicated cookies for special needs; Fruitables covers the rest.
6. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Puppy Training Treats – Made in The USA – 5 oz
Overview: Portland Pet Food Company’s pumpkin biscuits target health-minded owners who want bakery-style cookies that read like a human pantry list. Each 5 oz bag contains grain-free, vegan “cookies” double-baked with organic pumpkin, garbanzo bean flour, peanut butter, molasses and cinnamon.
What Makes It Stand Out: The treats are hand-crafted in small batches from USA-grown ingredients you can pronounce, clock in at only seven components, and omit every major allergen (no wheat, corn, soy, dairy, chicken, BHA/BHT or artificial anything). The light crunch snaps cleanly for training, yet appeals to seniors with delicate teeth.
Value for Money: At roughly $32 per pound, these are boutique-priced; you’re paying for certified-organic pumpkin, human-grade sourcing and artisan labor. Comparable gluten-free human cookies cost the same, so the sticker shock is real, but justifiable if your dog has severe food sensitivities.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: ultra-clean label, pumpkin aids digestion, attractive smell, easy to break, USA-made in BPA-free bags. Cons: premium price, only 5 oz per pouch (about 30 medium biscuits), bags aren’t resealable, and proud pups may finish them in two days.
Bottom Line: For owners who bake from scratch but lack time, Portland’s pumpkin biscuits are the next-best thing—provided your wallet approves. Picky or allergy-prone dogs earn a safe, tasty reward; budget-minded households should reserve them for special occasions.
7. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked With Natural Ingredients, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo’s 16-oz Pumpkin & Cinnamon Health Bars deliver crunchy, oat-based biscuits fortified with vitamins and minerals. The recipe leans on oatmeal, pumpkin, cinnamon and flaxseed to create an oven-baked, shelf-stable snack.
What Makes It Stand Out: Big-brand consistency meets grocery-store price. The biscuits are sizeable, star-shaped cookies that encourage crunching (and incidental dental cleaning) yet can be halved for smaller mouths. Blue’s “no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, BHA or artificial colors” pledge appears on every bag.
Value for Money: At $4.98 for a full pound, you’re paying entry-level biscuit money for mid-tier ingredients—essentially Blue’s reputation in economical form. Cost per treat is among the lowest in the natural category.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: inexpensive, widely available, 16 oz lasts multi-dog households, crunchy texture dogs love, added vitamins. Cons: contains barley and oats—not grain-free; some batches arrive overly hard or broken; molasses makes them slightly high in calories for strict diets; smell is mild.
Bottom Line: Blue Buffalo Health Bars are the Honda Civic of dog biscuits: reliable, affordable and easy to find. They suit most healthy, non-allergic dogs and owners who want “better than grocery” without boutique prices. Sensitive-stomach pups should look elsewhere.
8. JustFoodForDogs Healthy Dog Treats, Single-Ingredient, Chicken Breast, 5 oz
Overview: JustFoodForDogs freezes then slow-dehydrates strips of USDA chicken breast into chewy, semi-crisp medallions. The result is a single-ingredient, 5-oz chicken “jerky” targeting training, allergy management or high-value rewards.
What Makes It Stand Out: Only one entry on the ingredient list: chicken breast. No salt, sugar, glycerin, preservatives or fillers—rare even among premium jerkies. Medallions are thin enough to tear by hand, yet tough enough to keep a dog engaged, making them ideal for obedience or scent work.
Value for Money: Brace yourself: $19 for 5 oz equals about $61 per pound—steak-house money. You’re funding human-grade poultry, small-batch dehydration and BPA-free packaging. For targeted training or elimination diets, the cost is acceptable; for daily snacking, it drains the bank.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: single protein perfect for elimination trials, high palatability, low odor, easy portion control, no crumbs on couch. Cons: astronomical price, can become leathery in humid climates, bag rattles loudly (stealth trainers beware), not suitable for chicken-allergic dogs.
Bottom Line: If you need a “show me the meat” treat for finicky or allergic dogs, this is gold. Budget-conscious owners should reserve medallions for recall practice or vet-visit bribes; everyday indulgence demands deeper pockets.
9. Dog Treats Sweet Potato Wrapped with Chicken 11 oz & Pet Natural Chew – Grain Free Dried Snacks in Bulk – Best Twists for Training Small & Large Dogs – Made for USA
Overview: These twists marry dehydrated sweet-potato “twizzle” sticks around a ribbon of chicken for an 11-oz, grain-free chew that doubles as dental entertainment. The chewy exterior scrapes plaque while the inner meat layer boosts protein.
What Makes It Stand Out: The two-in-one composition keeps dogs busy longer than simple biscuits, yet the strips remain bendable enough for medium chewers. No grains, artificial colors or fillers are used, and the bright orange sweet potato is visually appealing to humans.
Value for Money: $15 for 11 oz lands near $23 per pound—mid-range between budget biscuits and gourmet jerkies. Given dual-texture entertainment and dental benefits, the price feels fair, especially for heavy chewers who reduce rawhide use.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: occupies 5–15 minutes per stick, naturally grain-free, moderate calories, USA-sourced, resealable bag. Cons: variability—some batches are rock-hard, others crumbly; greasy residue can stain light carpets; chicken layer sometimes falls out uneaten; odor is noticeable.
Bottom Line: These twists work well as “Netflix chews” or post-walk rewards. They won’t survive power-chewers like a bully stick, but they bridge the gap between crunchy biscuit and long-lasting chew without emptying your wallet.
10. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview: Vital Essentials freeze-dries raw beef liver within 45 minutes of harvest, locking in 45% crude protein in a 2.1-oz, shelf-stable nibble. The nuggets crumble into high-value training “dust” or serve whole as a nutrient topper.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-ingredient, raw nutrition in pocket form. Freeze-drying preserves heat-sensitive vitamins (A, B, iron) that baked treats lose, while staying safe at room temperature. The company’s “better protein = better benefits” ethos avoids fillers, dyes, grains and by-products entirely.
Value for Money: $6 for 2.1 oz equals roughly $46 per pound—pricey compared to kibble, yet cheaper than fresh raw liver you’d cook yourself. A little goes a long way; one bag seasons an entire week of training sessions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: irresistible to 99% of dogs, ultra-high protein, crumbles stretch quantity, supports shiny coat, small business with USA sourcing, resealable foil bag. Cons: smells like blood to humans, greasy fingers, shatters into powder if crushed in pocket, may loosen stool if overfed.
Bottom Line: If you compete in agility or struggle with distraction outdoors, these liver “rocket boosters” are worth every cent. Use sparingly, seal tightly, and keep a napkin handy. Peak motivation now fits in your hoodie.
Why Sodium Matters for Canine Cardiovascular Health
How the Healthy Heart Handles Sodium
In a normal dog, sodium helps transmit nerve impulses and maintain cellular hydration. The kidneys filter excess sodium into urine, keeping blood volume—and therefore blood pressure—in a tight, safe range. It’s a microscopic balancing act that works beautifully until cardiac output declines.
When the Pump Weakens: Sodium & Heart Disease
If the heart muscle thickens or stretches (as in dilated cardiomyopathy or chronic valve disease), cardiac output drops. The body activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, telling the kidneys to reclaim sodium and water. Blood volume rises, preload increases, and suddenly the failing heart is forced to move even more fluid with every contraction—classic congestive heart failure (CHF). Reducing dietary sodium eases that workload, buying precious time before medications alone can’t compensate.
Sodium’s Role in Hypertension & Kidney Strain
Dogs rarely have primary hypertension, but heart disease frequently creates secondary high blood pressure that scars delicate kidney filters. Lower sodium helps blunt this spiral, preserving both organs simultaneously.
Decoding “Low-Sodium” Claims: Veterinary Benchmarks
AAFCO vs. Veterinary Nutritionists: Different Numbers?
AAFCO has yet to publish a dog treat sodium minimum or maximum, only complete-and-balanced diets. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists therefore borrow the canine cardiac diet target: ≤ 0.25 % Na on a dry-matter basis (roughly 80 mg per 100 kcal) for early heart disease, falling to ≤ 0.15 % (≈ 50 mg/100 kcal) once CHF develops.
Translating Dry-Matter to “As-Fed” Labels
A chewy treat at 25 % moisture that reads 0.19 % sodium as-fed actually contains 0.25 % on a dry-matter basis—right at the cutoff. Learning this math prevents accidental over-feeding, especially with soft, moist treats that look benign but can harbor hidden salt.
Key Nutrients That Support the Heart Beyond Sodium
Omega-3 Fatts (EPA/DHA): Anti-Inflammatory Power
Fish-derived omega-3s reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and may curb cachexia—the heartbreaking muscle wasting seen in end-stage heart disease. Aim for 70–100 mg combined EPA & DHA per kg body weight daily, subtracting whatever is already in the treat from the total.
Taurine & Carnitine: Amino Acids for Myocardial Energy
Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels have documented taurine-responsive cardiomyopathy. While grains like brown rice supply taurine precursors, many cardiac-friendly treats now list supplemental taurine or L-carnitine to ensure that mitochondrial energy cycle hums.
Potassium & Magnesium: Electrolyte Orchestration
Cardiac medications (especially loop diuretics) leach potassium and magnesium, predisposing dogs to arrhythmias. Treats that incorporate low-oxalate greens, banana chips, or kelp can safely top up these minerals.
B-Vitamin Complex: Combating Diuretic Losses
Water-soluble B-vitamins follow the water loss pathway; thiamine deficiency can worsen lethargy. Nutritional yeast or liver-based treats naturally supply B-complex without significant sodium.
Ingredient Red Flags: What to Avoid in Cardiac-Safe Treats
Generic “Meat By-Products” Without Species Detail
Unspecified meal can contain processed organ blends washed in salt brine before drying, adding hidden sodium you’ll never see on the label.
Hydrolyzed Soy or Yeast Extract as “Flavor”
These umami bombs boost palatability with glutamates plus residual sodium from neutralizing acids during production; choose treats flavored with actual freeze-dried meat instead.
Salt, Baking Soda & Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) raises dough pH for better browning but bumps sodium by 150 mg per ¼ teaspoon. Sodium tripolyphosphate keeps semi-moist treats pliable—convenience cloaked as a silent sodium bomb.
Reading Labels Like a Vet Tech: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Locate the Sodium or “Na” Line
Not every company lists sodium; if it’s missing, email customer service. Legally they must supply a typical analysis upon request.
Convert to Energy Basis
Divide sodium milligrams per serving by kilocalories per serving. Under 80 mg/100 kcal is generally safe for stage B1 heart disease; under 50 mg/100 kcal for B2/CHF.
Check Feeding Directions
A treat might squeak under the sodium target but suggest ten biscuits a day. Multiply the dose to see the real sodium load.
Spot Split Salt
Ingredients are listed by weight pre-processing, so “salt” might appear fifth. But if a second sodium source (bacon flavor, broth powder) arrives at position twelve, total sodium could still exceed the limit.
Texture & Calorie Density: Balancing Dental Health & Weight Control
Crunchy Biscuits for Dental Abrasion
Low-sodium doesn’t have to equal soft. Baked treats with coarse fiber (chickpea, sweet-potato flakes) scrape plaque without salt-laden coatings. Ensure kcal per biscuit < 10 % of resting energy requirement.
Soft Chews for Senior Jaws
Older cardiac dogs may also have dental disease. Soft, low-sodium chews using tapioca starch and gelatin protect extraction sites while still allowing pill delivery.
Freeze-Dried Raw Chunks: Palatability vs. Caloric Efficiency
A quarter-cup of freeze-dried chicken can equal 80 kcal—easy to overfeed. Break bites into training “dust” to stretch rewards without sodium creep.
Functional Additives: CoQ10, Hawthorn & Vitamin E Evidence
Coenzyme Q10: Electron Transport Chain Igniter
Peer-reviewed studies show improved cardiac contractility in dogs at 1 mg/kg twice daily. Choosing treats already fortified with ubiquinol means one less capsule to hide.
Hawthorn Berry: Vasodilation Gentle-izer
Herbal evidence is mixed, but WS1442 standardized extract (50–100 mg/10 kg) appears safe alongside pimobendan. Verify the treat provides therapeutic mg, not dust-on-top marketing.
Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols: Free-Radical Sponge
Cardiac disease increases oxidative stress. Mixed tocopherols (not just d-alpha) offer broader antioxidant protection and extend shelf life naturally.
Treat vs. Meal: Daily Sodium Budget Math
Think 90/10 Rule in Sodium Terms
If a 20 kg dog’s cardiac diet allows 1 g sodium per day and a treat hides 100 mg, two treats wipe out 20 % of the entire allowance before “real food” enters the bowl.
Create a Running Tally App
Free spreadsheets or smartphone notes let you subtract treat sodium from meal allowance; many owners discover cardiac kibble already contains 0.2 % sodium—no room for extras without innovation.
Portion Control Strategies for Enthusiastic Eaters
Pre-Break Baggies
Break daily treats into ¼-inch bits, place in mini zip-bags, and freeze. The freezer slows you down (and scent-concentrates meat for finicky dogs).
Use Low-Sodium Kibble as Treats
Measure 10 % of daily kibble, set aside in a treat pouch, and feed during walks. Zero extra sodium, built-in portion control.
Employ Slow-Feed Puzzle Toys
Smearing a low-sodium pâtée inside a rubber toy prevents gulping, satisfies foraging drives, and makes two tablespoons feel like a feast.
Special Considerations for Small & Large Breeds
Toy Breeds: Hypoglycemia vs. Sodium
Tiny dogs risk dangerous hypoglycemia if calories drop too low. Opt for energy-dense yet low-sodium single-ingredient meats, e.g., air-dried turkey breast chips.
Giant Breeds: Calcium-to-Phosphorus Balance
Additives like fish bone broth powder boost flavor but skew Ca:P ratios above 3:1, risking developmental orthopedic disease in growing mastiffs. Stick to balanced supplements.
Homemade Alternatives: Safety, Recipes & Storage
Dehydrated Sweet-Potato Coins
Slice 3 mm thick, bake at 95 °C for 3 h; sprinkle turmeric for anti-inflammatory flair. 1 mg sodium per chip—negligible even for CHF dogs.
Egg White & Oat Mini-Muffins
Whites provide high biologic-value protein, while oats contribute beta-glucans for lipid metabolism. Freeze in silicone trays; 18 kcal per mini-muffin.
Safe Storage to Prevent Rancidity
Without salt as a preservative, homemade goodies last one week refrigerated or three months frozen. Vacuum-seal to keep omega-3s stable.
Transitioning Treats Without Tummy Turmoil
The 7-Day Blend Down
Mix 75 % old treats with 25 % new low-sodium version, shifting proportions every 48 h. Monitor stool quality; loose stools suggest the new fiber source is fermenting too quickly.
Probiotic Support
Introduce a canine-specific probiotic 48 h before transition; strains like B. animalis AHC7 shorten diarrhea duration by 24 h on average.
Vet Collaboration: When to Refine the Diet Plan
Request a Serum Chemistry Panel Post-Transition
Recheck sodium, potassium, and renal values two weeks after dietary overhaul to confirm no sub-clinical imbalance was unmasked.
Adjust Diuretic Dose Based on Sodium Intake
Veterinary cardiologists may reduce furosemide slightly when sodium intake consistently drops below 50 mg/100 kcal—potentially sparing kidney function.
Sustainability & Sourcing: Ethical Treat Buying
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fish
Omega-3–rich treats sourced from MSC-certified fisheries ensure oceanic biodiversity while also supplying cardiac-friendly fats.
Up-cycled Ingredients
Apple pulp leftover from cider presses or spent brewer’s grains offers fiber without extra sodium, making every calorie part of a circular economy dogs can wag about.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How quickly can I expect to see improvements in my dog’s cough or energy after switching to low-sodium treats?
Visible changes depend on disease stage; many owners note less nighttime coughing within 10–14 days when total sodium is curtailed alongside prescribed medications. -
Are grain-free, low-sodium treats automatically better for heart health?
Not necessarily. Some grain-free formulations substitute legumes that can reduce taurine absorption; prioritize taurine-tested recipes over “grain-free” marketing. -
Can I use fresh carrots or cucumbers as zero-sodium treats every day?
Yes, but keep total produce under 10 % of daily calories to prevent vitamin/mineral dilution from an otherwise balanced diet. -
Is sea salt or Himalayan salt safer than table salt for dogs with heart issues?
All sodium chloride sources deliver identical sodium milligrams; gourmet salts remain off-limits for cardiac patients. -
Do low-sodium treats taste bland to dogs?
Palatability hinges on aroma and umami amino acids; many low-sodium options use hydrolyzed meat broths free of added salt, keeping tails wagging. -
How do I balance a low-sodium treat plan with a high-protein requirement for athletic breeds?
Choose dehydrated single-ingredient meats naturally low in sodium and feed in small volumes to reach target grams of protein without exceeding sodium cap. -
Are there any low-sodium dental chews that actually remove tartar?
Look for vegetable-based chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal; some meet the ≤ 80 mg/100 kcal guideline while providing mechanical abrasion. -
Should I adjust my dog’s water intake when lowering sodium?
Healthy dogs self-regulate; only restrict water if explicitly instructed by your veterinarian, as cardiac medications often increase urination and dehydration risk. -
Can homemade low-sodium treats be baked with coconut or peanut butter?
Both are safe if free of xylitol and added salt; account for the high calorie density of fats to avoid weight gain that stresses the heart. -
If my dog refuses new low-sodium treats, what’s the first step?
Warm the treat slightly to release scent molecules, then smear a pea-sized amount of canned prescription cardiac diet on the surface as a flavor bridge; gradually taper once acceptance improves.