Sodium and Chlorid

Vegan4Dogs Nutrition Science

Sodium and Chlorid

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.

It is similar with salt!

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).

That means

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.