Balancing electrolytes in your dog’s diet

Written by Zoe Russell, BSc (Hons)  

Nutrition Officer, Skinner’s

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are ionized salts which circulate in the body and are critical for every-day functioning. Electrolytes which are of great importance include sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and chloride. In particular, phosphorus is a highly important electrolyte which can be found mostly in the bones (approximately 85%) while the rest circulates in the blood as phosphate ions.

Why are electrolytes important?

Electrolytes are involved in lots of the body’s day-to-day functions including nerve conduction, heart and skeletal muscle contraction, maintaining fluid balance, and maintaining blood pH. Electrolytes therefore have a range of functions and play supportive, yet crucial roles in the body. Without the presence of electrolytes, some biological processes cannot function. For example, phosphorus is responsible for energy metabolism and plays an important role in the functioning of nerves and muscle contraction.

You often see electrolytes in human sports drinks as electrolyte losses can be significant through sweating during exercise. The loss of electrolytes in dogs is less severe than in humans, although dogs can become dehydrated which can then unbalance their electrolyte levels. This can lead to problems such as rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and for dogs to collapse.

How can they be balanced in a diet?

The level of electrolytes in the body should naturally be maintained in healthy dogs. Exercise can affect the electrolyte balance in the body, although this does not necessarily indicate a need for routine supplementation in healthy dogs. However, dogs exercising in hot conditions, travelling, recovering after strenuous activity, or those that are reluctant to drink may benefit from additional hydration support.

On the other hand, if a dog becomes dehydrated, then this can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. To minimise the risk of your dog becoming dehydrated, it’s important dogs always have access to fresh, clean water. Some dogs may also benefit from moisture-rich foods or hydration products that can encourage fluid intake, particularly during hot weather, travel or periods of increased activity. However, if you are concerned your dog is dehydrated, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary intervention.

Electrolyte disturbance can also be caused by certain health conditions which may disrupt the absorption, excretion and uptake of certain electrolytes. For example, vomiting and diarrhoea may decrease the intestinal absorption of electrolytes and increase fluid losses. While veterinary advice should always be sought if signs are severe or persistent, maintaining hydration is an important consideration during recovery.

Do I need to supplement my dog’s diet?

When it comes to supplementing electrolytes there is a big difference between humans and dogs. Human sweat contains a lot of sodium, but due to the limited sweating in dogs, losses are far smaller. Furthermore, supplementing dogs with electrolytes like sodium can actually cause a drop in potassium levels, meaning adding supplements like salt can be counterproductive. For this reason, dogs should never be given homemade electrolyte mixtures or human sports drinks, and any electrolyte supplementation should come from a product specifically designed for dogs.

Overall, a complete diet with balanced levels of electrolytes provides the nutrients most healthy dogs need to establish and maintain electrolyte balance. For example, diets such as our puppy range, sensitive range and Working 30 have all been specifically formulated to contain some chelated electrolytes which support absorption where the dog needs it most. However, in some situations, such as hot weather, travel, strenuous activity or periods when dogs are drinking less than normal, hydration-support products may be a useful way to encourage fluid intake alongside a balanced diet.