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Digital Editor: Melody McKinnon 6

Ionic solutions called electrolytes are essential for nerve and muscle function, and to maintain fluid and acid-base balance.  Electrolytes can conduct electrical impulses when dissolved in body fluids.  The electrolytes sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, and phosphates are at risk of depletion when animals and humans are dehydrated.

Electrolyte balance becomes especially important in the Summer for animals that sweat, like horses, or when they’re working.  Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans and horses, so they’ll only need extra electrolytes when they’ve been vomiting excessively, experiencing diarrhea (especially juveniles), or if they suffer from muscle and nerve conditions.  They still need minerals and trace elements for general health, but there is no need for sodium & chloride supplementation when they’re hot.

Top Natural Sources of Electrolytes

Seaweed is the most nutritionally complete vegetation on the planet.  It contains a full range of electrolytes and is suitable for virtually any animal with the exception of those suffering from some pre-existing conditions.

Calcium Montmorillonite Clay is an easy supplement that can be kept in a spice shaker.  Add a dash to wet food or water as an electrolyte mineral and trace element supplement.

Raw Sea Salt – It can be hard to find, but raw sea salt offers a complete source of minerals and trace elements.

Following are foods that provide some electrolytes:

Celery
Lemon
Lime
Banana
Apple
Avocado
Sweet potato
Squash
Kale and other leafy green vegetables
Tomato
Artichoke
Peas
Almonds and other nuts & seeds
Raw coconut or coconut water
Raw apple cider vinegar
Sardines

Not all of these items are suitable for all species, but there’s something for everyone.  It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

Electrolyte Bites Pet Treat Recipe

©Formulated by Melody McKinnon exclusively for AllNaturalPetCare.com

1 1/2 cups brown rice flour
1 1/2 cups of oat flour or other flour substitute (whole wheat flour is fine for horses)
1 TBSP Raw Sea Salt
1 tsp of mixed seaweed
1 tsp Calcium Montmorillonite Clay
1 egg
1 cup coconut water or real, unseasoned broth
1 1/2 cups of electrolyte foods that are suitable for your pet

Consistency will vary depending on what electrolyte ingredients you choose.  You can add more flour or liquid as necessary.

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Mix dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients and mix again.
  3. Roll into balls.
  4. Garnish with chopped, raw almonds if appropriate for your pet.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges turn golden.
  6. Cool & store in an airtight container or freeze.

Stay cool out there!

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6 thoughts on “Natural Sources of Electrolytes for Pets + Treat Recipe”

  3. Our horse is a senior so he’s not very active but we give him mineral salt in the summer.

  4. Seaweed gives everything we need to survive because it comes from the same environment as we do. That’s why we need electrrolytes to begin with.

  5. Our dogs & cat get seaweed in their canned food every other day so I guess we’re good. Coconut water would be great when they’re sick and can’t eat, good idea.

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