Can Dogs Eat Edamame?

If you’ve heard of — or have taken part in — any kind of plant-based protein movement, you’re likely familiar with edamame. These little beans can serve as a nutritious side dish, snack, or be incorporated into entrees. But can they safely be added to your dog’s food dish? Fortunately, edamame beans are safe for dogs to eat and can even be a good source of nutrition. Here’s what you need to know before feeding your dog edamame.

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What is edamame?

Edamame refers to immature soybeans that are harvested before they ripen, in order to preserve their tenderness. These young beans are often steamed or boiled and then served with various sauces or seasonings as a side dish or snack.

Edamame is very high in protein and fiber, and is a great option for people who wish to limit animal proteins in their diet. It also contains significant amounts of various vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, along with being low in calories.

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Is edamame safe for dogs?

Edamame isn’t toxic to dogs, and soy is actually a fairly common ingredient in some dog foods. It serves as a protein source, but might not be the best choice for all dogs.

Potential benefits

If edamame is regularly on your menu, then you likely already know about some of the nutritional benefits. First of all, it’s a great source of plant protein. It also contains quite a bit of fiber and vitamins, including C, K, and a few Bs, as well as calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.  Though edamame boasts a great nutritional resume, the amount that dogs can safely eat won’t really make much of a difference nutritionally.

Risks of edamame for dogs

By now, you’re probably thinking that edamame is pretty great, so why shouldn’t your dog get to enjoy large quantities of it? Well, the high fiber content can lead to digestive issues, especially if you’re feeding them the hard-to-digest husk. Also, dogs can develop allergies to soy products, which can mean their edamame snack leads to itchy skin and rashes.

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How to serve edamame to dogs

Edamame is fairly versatile: You can feed it to your dogs raw, steamed, boiled, or frozen. You should only feed the beans to your dog, not the husk. It can be hard to digest and may even be a choking or intestinal obstruction hazard.

Rinse the beans well to remove any contaminants and serve them to your dog plain. Although you may prefer a little salt or sauce, your dog doesn’t need the extra flavor, and some additions could even be dangerous.

Use the individual beans as training treats, or mix them in with your dog’s food. You can even stash a few beans in your dog’s puzzle toy to provide a little entertainment with their snack.

How much edamame can dogs eat?

Only feed about three to five edamame beans per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight, once or twice a week. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of digestive or skin issues after feeding them edamame for the first few times.

You’re better off offering a smaller amount first and then upping the amount after you’ve seen how well your dog handles it. Of course, stop feeding your dog edamame or other soy products if your pup reacts to them.

Alternative foods to edamame for dogs

Dogs who eat a good quality dog food don’t really require anything else. Their nutritional needs should be met, but it never hurts to have a few healthy treats or snack ideas in your back pocket, especially if you’re into spoiling your dog. Some healthy alternatives to edamame are:

• Apples

• Bananas

• Cucumbers

• Berries

• Carrots

• Peas

• Sweet potato

• Pumpkin, squash

Thoroughly wash and remove any seeds or pits. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any extras to your dog to make sure it’s a good choice.

Bottom line

• Edamame beans contain mounds of protein and fiber in a tiny little package. Along with that, there are also plenty of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s to go around.

• Edamame can make a great occasional treat for your dog. You just need to make sure to feed it in moderation, and monitor your dog for signs of digestive issues or allergies.

• If your pup isn’t into edamame or it doesn’t agree with them, there are many other healthy options to try. Just check in with your vet first.

References

Arnarson, Atlie BSc, PhD. “Health Benefits of Edamame.” Healthline. 7 Jun 24. www.healthline.com/nutrition/edamame-benefits.