| The main adverse effect of excessive sodium intake is an '''increased potassium excretion resulting in a negative potassium balance'''. A sodium content of 2.9% DM fed to adult dogs caused [[vomiting]] and food aversion<ref>Zentek, J, Meyer, H (1995). “Normal handling of diets – Are all dogs created equal?”. J. Sm. Anim. Pract. 36:354-359. </ref>. However, given an adequate supply of water, dogs can cope with a wide range of sodium intakes and dietary levels up to 1.5% DM are deemed acceptable<ref>Boemke, W, Palm, U, Kaczmarczyk, G, Reinhardt, H (1990). “Effect of high sodium and high water intake on 24-h potassium balance in dogs”. J. Exper. Anim. Sci. 33:179-185.</ref>. | | The main adverse effect of excessive sodium intake is an '''increased potassium excretion resulting in a negative potassium balance'''. A sodium content of 2.9% DM fed to adult dogs caused [[vomiting]] and food aversion<ref>Zentek, J, Meyer, H (1995). “Normal handling of diets – Are all dogs created equal?”. J. Sm. Anim. Pract. 36:354-359. </ref>. However, given an adequate supply of water, dogs can cope with a wide range of sodium intakes and dietary levels up to 1.5% DM are deemed acceptable<ref>Boemke, W, Palm, U, Kaczmarczyk, G, Reinhardt, H (1990). “Effect of high sodium and high water intake on 24-h potassium balance in dogs”. J. Exper. Anim. Sci. 33:179-185.</ref>. |
− | There is little if any information on the adverse effects of high sodium intakes in cats. Yu et al.<ref>Yu, S, Rogers, Q, Morris, J (1997). “Absence of salt (NaCl) preference or appetite in sodium-replete or depleted kittens”. Appetite 29:1-10.</ref> reported that, although kittens showed an aversion to a diet containing sodium at 1% DM when given a choice, they consumed it in normal amounts with no adverse effects when it was the only diet available. Burger<ref>Burger, I (1979). “Water balance in the dog and cat”. Pedigree Digest 6:10-11.</ref> reported that adult cats receiving dietary sodium up to 1.5% DM showed no abnormalities. These values are similar to those reported for dogs and, as with dogs, assume adequate amounts of water are available. | + | There is little if any information on the adverse effects of high sodium intakes in cats. Yu ''et al''.<ref>Yu, S, Rogers, Q, Morris, J (1997). “Absence of salt (NaCl) preference or appetite in sodium-replete or depleted kittens”. Appetite 29:1-10.</ref> reported that, although kittens showed an aversion to a diet containing sodium at 1% DM when given a choice, they consumed it in normal amounts with no adverse effects when it was the only diet available. Burger<ref>Burger, I (1979). “Water balance in the dog and cat”. Pedigree Digest 6:10-11.</ref> reported that adult cats receiving dietary sodium up to 1.5% DM showed no abnormalities. These values are similar to those reported for dogs and, as with dogs, assume adequate amounts of water are available. |