Vegan4Dogs Nutrition Science

Sodium and Chlorid

Here we take a closer look at the two bulk elements sodium and chloride. In this article I have already explained a lot about minerals. Among other things, that they can be divided into bulk and trace elements. Similar to calcium and phosphorus, I also like to call sodium and chloride “good buddies”. The two pairs belong together like pitch and sulphur. 

Sodium and chloride are located outside of cells and can therefore be found in the blood. Chloride is a component of stomach acid, while sodium, for example, is also found in the lymph. Similar to calcium, sodium is stored in the bones and can be released into the blood. Together, sodium and chloride regulate the fluid balance, which is also often referred to as water balance. 

What I would like to point out here in particular is the involvement of sodium in the excitability of nerve and muscle cells, including the heart. It also plays a role in the absorption of simple sugars and amino acids. In addition, sodium activates enzymes and is crucial for a balanced acid/alkaline balance.

In the gastrointestinal tract chloride is absorbed (taken up) 100% which is linked to the absorption of sodium (as I say: buddies). The balance is maintained via the kidneys. So in my opinion, sodium is absolutely essential for the body and its functions!

Chloride is found like and together with sodium in salted, processed or preserved products. You may also know chloride as “magnesium chloride” (or “nigari”) as an ingredient in tofu. Maybe you did not have 4.5 in chemistry (unlike me) and still remember “sodium chloride”? 🙂 This is the combination of the two minerals and in plain English – common salt! 

Here we are then also with the characteristic because of which the sodium again and again is in discredit. Because an excess of sodium can increase blood pressure. That goes like this: If sodium is too highly concentrated in the blood vessels, water is drawn in, which leads to an increased volume of blood – and can thus lead to increased pressure on the vessel walls. In other words: Moderate instead of massive is the order of the day.


Here I find the comparison with sugar very interesting and appropriate.

Everybody knows by now that there is a huge difference if you don’t pay attention to sugar consumption (in the morning sugared muesli with sugared juice, at noon a dish whose ingredients you don’t understand, sweeten every tea or coffee during the day, in the afternoon a chocolate bar, in the evening the ready-made soup with sugar in it, …), or you can definitely keep an eye on it (oatmeal with banana for breakfast, consume unsweetened drinks, cook a lot yourself and now and then a piece of cake, …).


It is similar with salt!

If we humans eat finished products, preserved products or heavily salted from early in the morning until late in the evening, never turn the package over, constantly eat “To Go” and in the end have no idea which salt and how much of it is used… Oh my goodness! But there is nothing wrong with a well planned and sensible salt consumption, neither for humans nor for dogs. The DGE (German Association for Nutrition) recommends 6g (=1 teaspoon) of table salt daily as a guide.


Note Leni Lecker

For adult dogs the recommended amount is 50mg/kg body mass per day and for chloride about 75mg/kg body mass per day (see Nutrition of the Dog, Zentek, 2016). That is approx. 125mg salt per kg body mass and day. By the way: Healthy dogs are relatively tolerant of high levels of sodium, as long as sufficient water is available (Cf. Nutrition of the Dog, Zentek, 2016).
It is just a huge difference whether I supply my dog with a healthy amount of salt or not at all. What should be paid attention to in any case, is the water supply.


That means

Eyes open but please do not miss sodium chloride! As so often the quantity is decisive. In addition, always provide sufficient water. We have already examined the many advantages of sodium and chloride in the upper part of this article. By the waySweating, vomiting or diarrhea can cause a lack of sodium in the blood. This lowers the blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, headaches or weakness. Now I understand (as a yogini but not an endurance athlete) why the runners and co. always pay so much attention to their salt balance. And I do not mean the salt at home in the household 😉 Since dogs get rid of heat by panting (they only have a few sweat glands on their paws), it is important to pay attention to the sodium supply, especially in case of diseases like vomiting or diarrhea. Speaking of salt – I just had a little fun and looked at what kinds of salt there are now. Have you ever heard of Hawaiian salt, Persian blue salt or bamboo salt? They are all new to me.


The ones I know would be

 

Table salt / cooking salt – May or may not be iodized. Caution: Often contains trickling agents. I read somewhere once that they are not vegan? But I can’t find anything more. We are looking forward to your comment, if you have an idea for this.

 

Sea salt, my favourite. Iodized to stimulate the thyroid gland and stuff. To prevent clumping, I simply put a few grains of rice in my shaker. To prevent an iodine oversupply for your dog rather use uniodized salt, because V-Complete, Greta and Pauline contain enough iodine.

 

Fleur de Sel – A special kind of sea salt.

 

Rock salt – Located under the surface of the earth, but originally (a long time ago, …) also comes from the sea.

 

Himalayan salt – A kind of rock salt.

 

Kala Namak – Likewise rock salt with “stonewort”, which leads to an “egg-like” smell. Perfect for Stir Tofu!

 

Herbal/spice salt – If you want to save yourself the trouble of adding herbs separately? Or so?

 

 So, enough excursion into the science of salt. Let’s get back to sodium and chloride.


A summary in headwords

  • Sodium and chloride are found relatively rarely in unprocessed foods.
  • They are mainly found in processed products (salted, smoked).
  • Together they regulate the water balance and blood pressure.


Sodium

  • Activates enzymes.
  • Is involved in the excitability of nerve and muscle cells.
  • Plays a role in the absorption of simple sugars and amino acids.
  • Maintains electrolyte balance.


Chlorid

  • Has a meaning for the digestion because it is a component of the stomach acid.

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GretaLet your dog decide!Greta is our complete food for adult dogs by Vegan4Dogs.Developed in collaboration with experts from the field of animal companion nutrition it meets the nutritional requirements for a balanced diet for (vegan) dogs.To provide your dog with energy, Greta comes with easily digestible rice combined with potatoes. Canola oil complements the energy of the carbohydrates and provides strength.The best of pea protein along with lentils, sunflower seeds and flax seeds provide your dog with protein for its maintenance metabolism. Carrots and beet root refine Greta's taste. Lovage adds its aromatic flavour.Savory, papaya leaves and fructooligosaccharides support the digestion along with chestnut.Cranberries encourage urine acidification.The algae Schizochytrium limacinum provides omega 3 fatty acids (DHA).Sea salt and seaweed meal provide essential minerals and are optimally complemented by carefully chosen additives.With L-carnitine and taurine as well as essential vitamins like B12 and minerals Greta is a complete and balanced food.Feeding RecommendationEach dog is different; you know your dog the best. Adjust the amount of food according to the vitality, age and health of your dog. Take care to always provide sufficient amounts of fresh water.Animals Say Yeah!
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V-CompleteSupplement for homemade vegan dog food 'Made in Germany'.Complementary Food for DogsDeveloped by Leni Lecker in cooperation with experts from the field of veterinary medicine. V-Complete rounds up your homemade dog meal with vitamins, minerals and trace elements as well as methionine and tryptophan which are essential for the health of your dog.V-Complete offers you the opportunity to be your own chef and to satisfy your dog's preferences. That enables you to show consideration for allergies and to create a menu according to your dog's needs. What is more satisfying than cooking for the whole family and eating together.With V-Complete you supplement everything that is necessary such as vitamin B12 and calcium and you can prepare a complete and delicious meal. Here you find our recipe recommendations.Feeding recommenation is 2g per 5kg body weight added to your homemade meals following our general feeding recommendation for V-Complete.V-Complete contains L-carnitine and taurine.V-Complete is suitable for adult, non-pregnant, non-lactating dogs.V-Complete is also suitable for dogs with an allergy to animal protein.All ingredients are carefully selected and of course vegan.We wish you pleasant meal preparations
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Olaf 250 g
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