Can dogs eat soy beans? Maybe you’ve found yourself if you could share a snack with your dog while using one of the many soy bean-based products available as a meat substitute in a healthy meal. If humans can eat soy beans, can dogs safely eat them too?
There is no short yes or no answer to whether dogs can eat soy beans safely. Soy beans are not considered to technically be toxic for dogs. However, they’re also commonly used in many products that can be harmful for dogs, such as soy sauce and tofu.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your beloved canine pal. Here’s what you need to know about soy beans and dogs.
When Are Soy Beans Okay For Dogs To Eat?
Soy beans themselves are not toxic for dogs. Some of the soy-based products and foods that are okay for dogs to eat include cooked edamame and some forms of plain tempeh.
When it comes to the nutritional benefits of serving soy beans to your dog, some of the positives include the amount of vitamins, amino acid, and folic acid that are contained in soy beans.
When Are Soy Beans Bad For Dogs?
First, if your dog has a soy allergy or intolerance, avoid serving them any soy beans or soy-based products.
Secondly, it’s best to keep the amount of any soy beans you serve to your dog to a small amount. This is because certain soy-based products, such as tofu, can bring on a bout of bloat for your dog.
Thirdly, make sure that any soy beans you serve to your dog have not had any extra ingredients or seasonings added to them. So if you’re considering feeding your dog tempeh, make sure it is not also packed with spices.
Finally, keep an eye on the sodium content of any soy beans that you are serving to your dog. The high sodium content in soy sauce, for example, rules it out as a food that is safe to serve to your dog.
Does your dog enjoy soy beans? Are there any safe soy-based products you share with your pooch? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
