Can Dogs Eat Soy? What to Know About Dogs and Soy Foods

It is known for being high in protein and fiber, but can dogs eat soy? Yes, they can. In fact, it’s found in lots of popular pet foods and can actually be really good for them.

You already know to keep dogs away from soy sauce. But that is because of the extra-high level of salt in it, not because of the soy itself.

So is soy ok for dogs? Read on, because even though it is really safe, there are still some concerns you should be aware of.

Can Dogs Eat Soy?

There are lots of things about soybeans and soy products that are really good for dogs. This guide will look closely at the different types of soy products and explain whether they are good for dogs and when to be careful.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating soy.

Is Soy Bad or Good For Dogs?

Maybe you’ve come across scary articles warning you against the dangers of feeding your dog any food with soy as an ingredient. There is so much mixed information out there it’s easy to get confused and pretty worried.

The biggest reason that people say soy is bad for dogs is that most of the soybeans grown in the USA are grown from genetically modified seeds (GMOs). There are fears of pesticide residue on the plants that might possibly affect humans and animals alike.

You can read about the fears and dangers on Dogs Naturally Magazine.

The really confusing part is that veterinarians are reassuring people that soy – even GMOs – are safe for dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Do the research and choose for yourself. Talk to your vet and monitor the health of your dog. If you switch them to an organic, Non-GMO diet and they thrive, keep this up.

If you feed your dog conventional dog food with soy in it and they grow and thrive, then keep on what you’re doing.

Can Dogs Eat Soybeans?

Yes, dogs can eat soybeans, but be careful with how many they eat.

Soybeans are digestible and safe for your dog to eat. But they are really high in fiber. This could lead to a dog farting or having diarrhea. Both of which are relatively harmless and your dog will bounce back from pretty quickly.

Another concern with soybeans is the possibility of a soy allergy. Check with your veterinarian if you think your pup might be allergic.

Nutritionally, soybeans have lots of vitamins and are pretty good for dogs. In 1 cup of cooked soybeans, there are:

• 33 mcg of folate
• 28.6 g of protein
• 175 mg of calcium
• 8.8 mg of iron
• 148 mg of magnesium
• 8.7 g of polyunsaturated fats

Dogs can eat soybeans. They are safe and even have important nutrients their bodies need.

Can Dogs Eat Edamame (Baby Soybeans)?

Edamame is another name for young soybeans. Some people love eating them as a snack, roasted and salted. Is it ok for dogs to eat edamame?

Yes, edamame is safe for dogs. In fact, it’s an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3s. These healthy fats are linked to a lower risk of obesity and diabetes. It’s also shown to benefit healthy skin and fur in dogs.

Edamame beans are better dog treats than others that are mostly sugars and unhealthy fats.

However, it does have lots of fiber in it. This means that if your dog eats too many of them really quick, it might upset their stomach.

Watch for signs of indigestion such as:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Gas

Just like with humans, indigestion should pass naturally.

Can Dogs Drink Soy Milk?

Yes, soy milk is safe for dogs. The only things you need to watch out for when letting your dog have soy milk are the extra calories and possible allergies to soy.

If you are trying to watch your dog’s weight, don’t give them anything beyond their regular meals. And this includes soy milk (some of which are sweetened with extra sugars).

Speaking of these added sugars, some kinds of “sugar-free” soy milk are sweetened with xylitol. If you see xylitol on the ingredients, do not give it to your dog.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs. It can lead to hypoglycemia, liver failure, even death.

Is Soybean Oil Safe For Dogs?

Do you make your dog’s food fresh? Or maybe you cook your own food in soybean oil. If there is a chance that your dog’s food was fried in soybean oil, you can rest assured that this is very safe for them to eat.

Be careful feeding your dog fried foods. The AKC urges against letting dogs eat fried foods. They can increase weight gain, so avoid letting them eat anything fried, even if it is fried in healthier fats like olive oil or soybean oil.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Allergic To Soy

The biggest thing to worry about when you let your dog eat soy is whether they are allergic to it. Are dogs allergic to soy? Soy allergies are actually pretty common in dogs.

The most accurate way to tell if your dog is allergic to soy is to have them tested by your veterinarian.

If you feed your dog a soy product, these are the signs of an allergic reaction to watch out for.

• Ear infections
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive Licking

If you notice these symptoms and they aren’t improving, talk to your vet about having your dog tested for allergies.

Be Careful with Soy But Generally, It Is Safe For Dogs

All in all, soy is safe for dogs to eat. It has lots of important vitamins and nutrients that they need. It’s high in healthy fats that help lower obesity risks.

The most common fears with dogs eating soy foods are allergies to soy or GMO seeds. Do your research and determine how you feel about feeding your dog GMOs. It’s a personal choice since GMOs are a relatively new invention and there hasn’t been enough research to conclude a real danger.

Always talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have about your dog’s health.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are more resources about what dogs can and cannot eat.

• Can Dogs Eat Bugs?
• The List of Harmful and Safe Fish For Dogs
• Nuts Dogs Can Eat and The Ones To Avoid
• Vegetables Dogs Can Eat And Which Ones Are Unsafe

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