Have you heard of the controversies surrounding sodium selenite as an ingredient in dog food? There are documented evidence that the mineral is toxic to dogs but is also regarded as an essential mineral that dogs need to sustain their healthy growth.
What is sodium selenite?
Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is a white, odorless powder that is highly soluble in water. It is used as a source of selenium, an essential trace mineral needed by animals for reproduction, metabolism, and antioxidant function.
Unlike regular sodium in salt, selenite is an essential mineral. This means that your pet’s body cannot produce selenite, so it must be provided through the diet.
Vets also recommend that you feed your dog a low-sodium diet as they are more prone to developing health problems such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart failure.
Is Sodium Selenite the same as salt?
No. Although both have a similar appearance, they are different compounds. Sodium selenite is a sodium salt of selenous acid, whereas table salt is a sodium salt of chloride.
What are the benefits of sodium selenite to dogs?
Sodium selenite is added to dog food as a source of selenium. This essential trace mineral is important for animals for reproduction, metabolism, and antioxidant function.
Research indicates that selenium plays a role in cancer prevention, by helping to protect cells from damage. It is also thought to improve the immune system and help fight infection.
What are the risks of sodium selenite to dogs?
There is documented evidence that sodium selenite is toxic to dogs. Studies have shown that high levels of sodium selenite can cause liver damage, gastrointestinal upset, and respiratory problems.
In some cases, sodium selenite has also been linked to seizures and death.
The FDA has issued a warning about the use of sodium selenite in dog food. The agency recommends that pet food manufacturers limit the amount of sodium selenite in their products to no more than 0.5 parts per million.
Sodium selenite sources:
Sodium selenite can be found in both plant and animal tissues. It is naturally present in some foods like cereals, meat, fish, and poultry.
You can also give your dogs supplements that contain sodium selenite. However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian first before giving your dog any supplements.
Common grains in pet food have varying amounts of sodium selenite. Grains in the West of the US contain more sodium selenite compared to those grown in the East Coast.
Forms of selenite supplements;
- Inorganic (selenate and selenite): These are the most commonly used forms of selenium supplements.
- Organic (selenium-enriched yeast and amino acids): These are thought to be more easily absorbed by the body.
Sodium selenite vs selenium yeast
The main difference between sodium selenite and selenium yeast is that sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium while selenium yeast is an organic form of selenium.
Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed by the body for proper metabolism, reproduction, and antioxidant function. It can be found in both plant and animal tissues.
Sodium selenite is the most common form of selenium supplement given to animals. It is a white, odorless powder that is highly soluble in water. Selenium yeast is a type of organic selenium supplement that is thought to be more easily absorbed by the body.
The function of sodium selenite in dogs:
Sodium selenite is essential for dogs because it plays an important role in their metabolism. It is also needed for reproduction and antioxidant function.
The recommended daily amount of selenium for dogs is 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg of body weight. The amount of selenium in dog food can vary depending on the type of food and the manufacturer.
There are no known side effects of sodium selenite in dogs when used as directed. However, too much selenium can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms of selenium toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and seizures.
Dosage and administration:
The recommended dosage of sodium selenite for dogs is 5-10 mg/kg body weight daily. It can be given orally or by injection.
Side effects:
The most common side effect of sodium selenite is vomiting. Other side effects may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and seizures.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested too much sodium selenite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Controversies:
There are documented cases of dogs dying after eating food that contains sodium selenite. In some cases, the amount of selenium in the food was above the recommended level.
There is also evidence that long-term exposure to sodium selenite can cause health problems in dogs. Some of these health problems include anemia, liver damage, and kidney damage.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both warned dog owners about the potential risks of sodium selenite.
Sodium selenite toxicity
Sodium selenite is considered to be toxic in high amounts. A study done on rats found that rodents who were given a diet high in sodium selenite had an increased risk of developing liver and kidney damage.
Another study found that long-term exposure to sodium selenite could lead to anemia in dogs. The report states, ‘sodium selenite may be toxic to blood, kidneys, liver, skin, central nervous system’
There is also evidence that sodium selenite can cause birth defects in animals.
The FDA has not set a maximum level for sodium selenite in dog food. However, they have warned dog owners about the potential risks of feeding their dogs food that contains high levels of sodium selenite.
Conclusion:
Sodium selenite is an essential trace mineral needed by dogs for proper metabolism, reproduction, and antioxidant function. It can be found in both plant and animal tissues.
The AAFCO’s recommended daily amount of selenium for dogs is 0.35 to 2.0 mg/kg of body weight. The amount of selenium in dog food can vary depending on the type of food and the manufacturer.
There are no known side effects of sodium selenite in dogs when used as directed. However, too much selenium can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms of selenium toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and seizures.
FAQs
Q: what is sodium selenate used for
A: Sodium selenate is used as a supplement to provide Selenium which is an essential trace mineral. It can be found in both plant and animal tissues.
Q: What are the benefits of sodium selenite?
A: Sodium selenite is an essential trace mineral needed by dogs for proper metabolism, reproduction, and antioxidant function.
Q: What are the risks of sodium selenite?
A: The most common side effect of sodium selenite is vomiting. Other side effects may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and seizures. If you suspect that your dog has ingested too much sodium selenite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Q: How much sodium selenite is safe for dogs?
A: The recommended dosage of sodium selenite for dogs is .35-2.0 mg/kg body weight daily. It can be given orally or by injection.
Q: What are the signs of sodium selenite toxicity in dogs?
A: Symptoms of selenium toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and seizures.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
