It’s a staple of many vegetarian diets for humans, but can dogs eat tofu? Dig into the nutrition of this soy-based food and learn why it’s safe but you should still be careful.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about your dog eating tofu or anything else listed in this article.
Can dogs eat tofu?
You’ve probably heard about the many health benefits of tofu for humans. It’s a good source of protein and has all nine essential amino acids. If something is this good for humans, it must be healthy for dogs too, right?
But if you have ever paused and wondered, “is tofu good for dogs?” You aren’t alone. Not all human foods are good for dogs too. We can eat soy sauce but it has way too much salt for dogs.
So you are right to be cautious and question it.
The good news is tofu is not toxic to dogs. But you should still be cautious when letting your dog eat it.
What is Tofu?
Tofu is basically made coagulating soy milk and pressing it into blocks. It’s made the same way cheese is made, but it’s made from soybeans not dairy.
Dogs and Tofu: What to Watch Out For
A lot of people that are against feeding tofu to dogs point out that the majority of soybeans in the USA are made from GMO seeds. And they want to protect themselves and dogs from GMOs.
The danger of GMOs is still a hot debate and there isn’t enough science to prove the safety or danger of them. But if you want, there is organic tofu made from Non-GMO seeds.
Tofu is Not a Complete Protein Replacement For Dogs
Another thing you should be careful with is using tofu as a full-time protein replacement. Tofu doesn’t have the complete protein structure that dogs need to grow healthy strong bodies. You need to feed your dogs more than just tofu as a protein.
Tofu Could Lead to Kidney Stones in Dogs
Tofu has high levels of silicate. If you feed your dog too much tofu, it could lead to an increased risk of kidney stones developing from the silica it’s processing.
Some Dogs Are Allergic to Tofu
Recent studies show that some dogs are allergic to the protein sources in their foods, many of which come from soy milk.
If you want to give your dog tofu, watch for common signs of allergic reactions to soy, which include:
- Itchiness
- Gastrointestinal Disorder
- Chewing at Feet
- Scratching or Rubbing Face
- Red, Itchy Ears
It Could Cause Canine Bloat
Finally, tofu could give some dogs tummy issues, called canine bloat. This is because soybeans cause gas in their gut.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, stop feeding them tofu immediately.
- Bloated abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Pale Nose or Mouth
- Excessive Drooling
Can Dogs Eat Tofu? Yes, But Be Careful
Tofu is not toxic for dogs, so it is safe to feed it within moderation. It’s a really great source of protein and nutrients. But if you feed it to your dog, be careful and watch out for a possible allergic reaction or canine bloat. Both of those are possible side effects.
Yes, dogs can eat tofu. Just be careful.
Additional Soy Foods and Dogs Information
More Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
- Vegetables Dogs Can Eat and Vegetables Harmful to Dogs
- Fruits Dogs Can Eat and Fruit Harmful to Dogs
- Fish Dogs Can Eat and Fish Harmful to Dogs
- Nuts Dogs Can Eat and Nuts Harmful to Dogs
- Healthy Fall Foods for Dogs
- Can Dogs Eat Bugs? Insects Your Dog Can and Can’t Eat
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