Can dogs eat edamame? When you’re having some vegetables for yourself, it’s often tempting to slip your dog some — especially as they seem to enjoy human food so much more than their regular kibble and treats! With giving your dog human food, however, there are certain things you must consider.
Just because it’s harmless to humans, doesn’t mean it’s the same way for a different species.
So, can dogs eat edamame? Is it safe to give them some from your plate?
Can Dogs Eat Edamame?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat edamame. However, there are a few things to consider.
Is It Safe?
If given unseasoned and with no other ingredients, edamame is a relatively harmless snack for most dogs. It shouldn’t be given often though.
Is It Healthy?
Edamame does have some health benefits for dogs, but these must be weighed with the risks.
The Benefits
Starting with the health benefits, there are a number of things in edamame that can be beneficial for dogs. These include:
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Fiber
- Protein
- Omega-3
These things are all just as beneficial to dogs as they are humans, so it’s good for your dog to get some. Omega-3 can really help the health of your dog’s skin and coat. That doesn’t mean, however, that edamame is the best source for them.
Be careful of fiber too. Although fiber is good for dogs in moderation, when given a lot, it can wreak havoc on their digestive system and cause stomach upset.
The Risks
The first main risk of edamame is that soy is a common allergy in dogs. Because edamame is essentially soybeans in a pod that haven’t quite matured yet, this can provoke any soy allergy in a dog. You should be very careful when giving your dog some, as if they have an allergy, they will have a reaction.
Signs can include:
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Irritated skin
- Itching
You can check for an allergy by giving them a very small piece and checking there are no adverse effects. This likely won’t harm a dog with an allergy, but will let you know not to give them any more if you notice any of the signs.
Soy, in general, is also not healthy for a dog in large quantities. It can cause damage to various organs, so it should always be fed in moderation over the span of their life — if given at all.
Lastly, the pod can be tough to digest, especially raw. Large breeds have an easier time with things like this as even swallowed whole, it can pass through their system easily. Puppies under six months and smaller breeders, however, are likely to have a much tougher time. It could cause a problem in their digestive system or even a blockage.
If you ever feed your dog — especially a small one — edamame and soon notice they can’t keep food or water down, get them to your veterinarian immediately, as this could be what’s happened.
How Much Can They Eat?
Although edamame might seem like a healthy vegetable, it’s not part of a dog’s balanced diet and therefore counts as a treat, so the 10% rule should be followed. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and should be accounted for when distributing their meals.
Because soy can be dangerous to dogs, even if they don’t have any allergies, edamame shouldn’t come anywhere close to making up 10% on its own! Stick to a small piece, especially at first when you have no idea how your dog will react to this new food.
How To Prepare It
The other thing you should consider is how the edamame is prepared. Raw or cooked is okay, but you should make sure it hasn’t been seasoned with salt or soy sauce, as the high sodium can be bad for your dog.
When giving your dog any vegetable, it’s always a good idea to check how it’s been prepared. Many people don’t consider the other ingredients that can be unhealthy or even toxic to dogs (such as onion and garlic powder). While a vegetable itself may be safe, it’s important to think about everything that’s gone into it.
So, can dogs eat edamame? Technically, they can, but it might be better to find an alternative vegetable they can eat such as:
- Sweet potato
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
The main reason for this is that they pose less risk to dogs, and have many of the same benefits.
If you do choose to give your dog edamame, make sure it’s unseasoned. You should also remove the pod to be extra safe. Start with a little bit and work your way up, but never give them too much because even if your dog isn’t allergic, you could cause some problems.
