Can dogs have edamame? The answer is yes they can! Edamame is not toxic to dogs and can be offered to provide them with an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Let’s explore the wonders of edamame and discover what benefits it may offer for our furry friends.
Table of Contents
What is edamame?
Popular in Asian cuisines, edamame is a type of bean that can be enjoyed raw, steamed, or boiled. Edamame beans are immature soy beans that are harvested before they are ripe.
Edamame beans are available either shelled or within the pod and often come fresh or frozen.
Can dogs eat edamame beans?
Is edamame good for dogs?
Yes, edamame is good for dogs and contains high levels of vitamins and minerals which benefit their health in different ways.
Edamame beans support a variety of functions in a dog’s body and can make a great addition to their diet if it is required. A good quality dog food should contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, avoiding the need of supplementation.
- Good source of fiber
Fiber is required in a dogs diet and helps to support their digestive systems. Having plenty of fiber helps to ensure that they produce plenty of faeces, avoiding constipation. Lovely!
Fiber can also help to prevent different types of cancers, diabetes, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Supplies the body with Vitamin C
Dogs can produce their own source of Vitamin C, so additional supplementation is not usually essential.
Vitamin C plays an important role within a dog’s body by supporting the function of a healthy immune system, supporting the blood’s function of clotting, as well as stimulating white blood cells to fight infection.
- Plenty of Protein
Protein has a variety of roles within a dog’s body and is required for the body’s systems to function correctly.
Protein helps the body in hormone production which allows for communication between the different organs of the body and act as ‘chemical messengers’.
- High levels of Omega-3
With a variety of roles in a dog’s body, Omega-3 is one of the most important supplements that can be offered to your dog.
Omega-3 can act as an anti-inflammatory, helping with conditions such as arthritis. Your dog’s skin, coat, muscles, and brain can all benefit from the goodness of Omega-3!
- Natural source of calcium
Calcium helps with vital functions in a dog’s body such as blood clotting, essential bone growth, and muscle contractions.
The nervous system is also supported by calcium, allowing nerve impulses to travel throughout the body efficiently.
Can dogs eat soy?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pyoderma (skin infection)
- Obsessive licking of the skin
- Ear infections
- Blepharitis (swollen eyelids)
Can dogs have soy sauce?
No, dogs should eat soy sauce. However, this is not because of the soy content, as we have established that dogs can consume soy in moderation. The main risk of soy sauce is the high level of sodium that it contains.
If your dog consumes more than a teaspoon of soy sauce, then they are at risk of neurological issues, salt poisoning, or even kidney damage!
Symptoms that may follow soy sauce ingestion include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Polydypsia (increased thirst)
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Dehydration
- Seizures
If you think that your dog has ingested a small amount of soy sauce, offer them plenty of water and speak with your veterinary practice. If your dog has ingested a large volume of soy sauce then seek veterinary attention immediately.
Other foods that our canine companions should avoid due to their sodium content (among other things) include spam, pepperoni, and pretzels.
Hazards of edamame to dogs
Can dogs have edamame - final thoughts
Edamame contains high levels of omega-3, protein, and fiber, all of which can benefit our dog’s overall health.
However, it may not be essential to supplement our dog’s diet with edamame as there is a high level of essential vitamins and minerals found in good quality dog food.
If you are wanting to offer edamame beans to your canine friend, ensure you do so in small quantities. If you are at all concerned about your dog after they have ingested edamame, then speak with your veterinary practice for advice.