AAFCO Ch6 sodium chloride

AAFCO Ch6 definition 57.31 Salt is an acceptable source of sodium chloride; it must be true to name and contain not less than 95% sodium chloride (Proposed 1973, Adopted 1975); a related definition, 57.13 Iodized Salt, requires not less than 0.007% uniformly distributed iodine. Salt supplies sodium (essential for fluid balance, nerve transmission and nutrient absorption) and chloride (a component of gastric hydrochloric acid), and it acts as a palatability enhancer — dogs and cats have sodium taste response. The AAFCO definition sets no inclusion-rate or tolerance limits; usage levels in complete pet food are formulation choices, bounded on the nutrient side by the AAFCO profile minimums for sodium and chloride (dogs: Na 0.3% DM growth / 0.08% DM adult; Cl 0.45% / 0.12% DM) and by platability and tolerance considerations at the high end. Excessive salt intake increases thirst and urination, and very high intakes can cause sodium toxicosis; reduced-sodium formulas often substitute part of the salt with potassium chloride to maintain electrolyte balance and palatability.