labs nutrition

Question
hey! my lab is now 3 months old,male he eats almost everything he gets including mud,i got worried and asked the vet, he said sugar stuff is not bad for him but he necessarily need salt in his food, in any form.. i just want to confirm if salt and other stuff other than dog food is really a necessity for his good health?? and IS SALT GOOD,BAD,NECESSARY,AVOIDABLE FOR LABS?? AND IN WHICH FORM?..

THANX

Answer
I think Pedigree and some other common brands of dog food are available in India.  If you are feeding it, or one of the other common brands of dog food, your Lab doesn't need sugar, salt, or anything else added.  Neither sugar or salt is good for dogs at all.  We have a problem here with salt being thrown on the side walk to melt the ice.  Oh, it is common for a young Lab to eat anything it finds.  

You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx