Excess potassium (K) can negatively impact animal health because:

The correct understanding of the impact of excess potassium (K) on animal health lies in its potential toxicity in large amounts. Potassium is an essential nutrient for both plants and animals; however, when present in excessive quantities, it can lead to health complications.

Excessive potassium can disrupt the balance of essential minerals such as sodium and calcium in the body, leading to issues such as muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythms, and even toxicity in severe cases. These effects arise because potassium competes with other essential nutrients for absorption and may interfere with their normal physiological functions.

While the choice about plants uptaking potassium regardless of their needs touches on the tendency for plants to absorb nutrients even when they are not needed, it does not directly address the health implications for animals from an excess of potassium. Thus, this reflects a misunderstanding of how potassium primarily affects animal health, which is mostly influenced by its toxicity and the imbalances it creates with other minerals.