Low Sodium Food for Cats: A Pet Parent’s Guide
What to Know About Sodium in Your Cat’s Diet
Should you worry about your cat’s salt intake? It depends. For cats with kidney and heart conditions, a low-sodium diet can help manage symptoms and may even slow the progression of their disease. Learn what role sodium plays in your cat’s diet, how low-sodium cat food helps cats with chronic diseases, and how to find out if a reduced salt diet is right for your cat.
Is Salt Bad for Cats?
While salt often gets a bad reputation in human nutrition, it’s not necessarily harmful for cats. Sodium—the mineral found in salt—is essential for many bodily functions. However, both too much and too little can harm your cat’s health.
Sodium helps absorb and transport water throughout the body, maintains blood volume and pressure, and functions as an electrolyte to support nerve and muscle function. Without proper sodium balance, a cat’s cells and organs cannot perform effectively.
For more guidance on feline nutrition, explore cat food and nutrition products available at PetMeds.
Does My Cat Need a Low-Sodium Diet?
A low-sodium diet is typically recommended for cats with heart disease or kidney disease. Most healthy cats do not require sodium restriction if they are eating a complete and balanced diet that meets or exceeds AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.
However, certain human foods and treats can have dangerously high salt levels for cats. Foods such as salami, pepperoni, canned tuna, and jerky may contain excessive sodium and should be avoided.
As cats age, many eventually need a lower-sodium diet due to chronic heart or kidney disease. Early diagnosis through regular vet visits—especially for senior cats—is key. Your veterinarian can assess bloodwork every six months to track kidney and heart function.
How Low-Sodium Cat Food Supports Kidney Health
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around one in ten cats over age ten. The kidneys filter excess minerals, proteins, and wastes from the blood. When kidneys weaken, a diet with controlled levels of protein, sodium, and phosphorus helps reduce the strain.
While CKD is not curable, diet and medication can slow progression. Symptoms often appear only after 75% kidney function loss, including increased thirst, urination, appetite loss, and weight loss. Routine veterinary checkups and early bloodwork are vital to managing CKD before symptoms appear.
Benefits of a Low-Sodium Diet for Cats with Heart Disease
Cats with certain forms of cardiomyopathy (heart disease) benefit from reduced sodium intake. Sodium causes the body to retain fluids, increasing blood volume and pressure. In heart disease, this can lead to fluid buildup around the heart, lungs, or abdomen. A low-sodium diet helps manage fluid retention and supports healthy blood pressure.
Safe Food Options for Cats on a Low-Sodium Diet
If your cat has heart or kidney disease, your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate low-sodium food. Cats with kidney disease need diets that also control protein and phosphorus, while cats with heart disease may not need as much protein restriction.
Too little sodium too soon can be harmful, so any changes should be gradual. Your vet may prescribe therapeutic foods or suggest non-prescription senior cat foods with reduced sodium.
Treats, toppers, and supplements can also contain hidden salt. For cats with poor appetite, low-sodium toppers or no-salt broths can make meals more appealing. According to Tufts University, food and treats should have less than 80 mg of sodium per 100 calories.
Supporting Your Cat’s Long-Term Health
Homemade or pet-safe broths, cooked chicken or fish, and low-sodium canned cat foods are excellent options to support appetite and hydration. Regular monitoring and open communication with your vet will ensure your cat’s diet supports long-term heart and kidney health.
Need help finding the right diet? Talk with your veterinarian or explore our cat food category on PetMeds for options that align with your cat’s health needs.
