In a message dated 2/11/2002 12:46:52 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> I would like to add that most other mammals seem to crave salt as
> well. I know farmers give salt to animals to improve their health in
> situations where natural salt is limited. Cattle eating a salt poor
> diet have bad skin, weak, thin and dry. They are very susceptible to
> parasites, ticks and such. Even wild animals will visit the cow's salt
> block. This is not some special human trait, and added salt is
> necessary under some conditions.

I think you see mostly grazing animals at salt licks.  There isn't a lot of
salt in grass.  Meat, on the other hand, has plenty of salt.  I don't think
I've ever seen a cat at a salt lick.  Or a dog.