Have you been wondering if your dog can eat edamame? Like most things related to canine nutrition, the answer is a little complicated. Keep reading to learn more!
Can Dogs Really Eat Edamame?
In short, yes, dogs can eat edamame—but there are a few things you need to know before doing so. We’ll cover everything you need to know about giving your pup this healthy snack in this post.
Let’s Talk Calories
First things first: the calorie count is exceptionally high when it comes to edamame. This might not seem like a lot, but this snack could put them over their limit for small dogs whose caloric needs are only around 100 per day. Keep in mind that different varieties of edamame will have slightly different calorie counts—so be sure to read the food label before feeding them this snack!
What’s the Deal with Protein?
Like most other beans, edamame is an excellent source of protein. One cup contains about 16 grams—almost a third of the daily protein needed for an average-sized dog. This snack will provide your pup with the protein they need to grow strong and healthy. However, you should be aware that too much can be harmful when it comes to protein in dogs.
If your pup gobbles up more than their fair share of edamame, it could cause them to gain weight or even experience liver damage. Also, keep in mind that while soybeans contain all nine essential amino acids, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog can use them well.
The truth is that we don’t know how much edamame your pup needs to consume before they get the benefits. So if you’re looking to give your dog a nutritional boost, try supplementing their diet with something that’s specifically made for them. For example, check out our line of hemp oil supplements or these fish oil capsules.
Don’t Forget About Fat & Fiber
While it may be tempting to give your dog this high-protein snack, keep in mind that it also contains an extremely high amount of fat and fiber. This is because soybeans are many legumes, which are plant seeds typically eaten whole. As legumes go, soybeans take up the top three spots when it comes to protein, but they’re also incredibly high in fat and fiber. And this can be potentially harmful to your pup’s digestive system.
One cup of soybeans contains 20 grams of protein, but it also carries 16 grams of fat and 11 grams of fiber. That’s almost twice as much protein as there is in a typical beef patty! To give you a better idea, one patty contains an average of 9 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber.
This means that edamame has almost double the amount—making it a potential health hazard for your puppy. Just keep in mind that different varieties will have slightly different contents. For example, split red gram edamame only contains around 13 grams of each nutrient per cup.
The Takeaway on Edamame
In general, if you’re looking for a healthy snack option, edamame is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide your pup with plenty of high-quality protein, but it’s also low in fat and carbs. This makes it the perfect snack for dogs on low-carb diets or those trying to lose weight. However, remember that this legume contains around 110 calories per cup, so don’t overdo it! As long as your puppy gets their fair share (and not more), they’ll be perfectly happy with this nutritious treat.
Is Edamame Safe For Dogs?
Yes! Provided you give them the right amount, edamame is safe for dogs to eat. Always be sure to read your pup’s food label to make sure they can tolerate it. For example, dogs with kidney disease should avoid high-protein snacks, including edamame. This is because protein can build up in their kidneys and become toxic.
Then again, if your dog doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions or food sensitivities, then there’s no reason not to feed them edamame! Keep in mind that soy is considered a common allergen when it comes to dogs and most other animals (including humans). While this does extend to edamame, the same can’t necessarily be said for all dog breeds. There are plenty of pups who live happily on a soy-based diet—so don’t panic if your dog enjoys some edamame now and then.
It’s important to note that soy is responsible for many food allergies dogs can develop. This can include beef, pork, sheep, or chicken—all animal proteins that normally come packed with nutrients. So if food allergies are becoming an issue for your pup, try switching up their pet food brand.
Or, even better, why not switch to an all-natural treat like edamame? It might take some time (and perhaps even an extra supplement), but many pups who are allergic to soy will eventually be able to eat it without any issues whatsoever.
Size Matters (When It Comes to Edamame)
If you’ve ever cooked with soy, then you know just how big these legumes can be! And while this can cause some problems—especially if you’re adding it to your favorite pasta dish—it’s not an issue for dogs.
For instance, the size difference isn’t that significant when comparing split red gram edamame against regular red gram edamame. Don’t get us wrong; split red gram has slightly larger beans because it’s been split and dried naturally. But there’s not nearly large enough of a difference to cause any problems when it comes to feeding it to your pup.
As for size differences between edamame and common dog food ingredients, such as peas or sweet potatoes, the non-edible legumes win out on this one. So yes, you can add some flavorful (and equally nutritious) edamame to your puppy’s kibble—but make sure you give them equal parts. They can eat twice as much food simply by switching up their main ingredient!
What To Look For When Buying Edamame
Speaking of supplementing your pup’s diet, you can get supremely high-quality edamame here. These are dry soybeans that can be fed to your dog raw or cooked. They’re also fresh and packaged in the USA, so you know they haven’t traveled any further than necessary.
If you enjoy spending time in your kitchen, why not cook up some edamame with loads of tasty spices? From turmeric to curry powder, there’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to cooking with this amazing legume. Just remember that edamame contains around 110 calories per cup—so don’t overdo it if your pup is trying to lose weight!
Alternatives to Edamame
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all this information, don’t worry! Edamame is the only soy-based snack on our list. But if you still want to include plenty of plant-based proteins in your dog’s diet, there are plenty of awesome options out there:
- Green beans (over 100 calories)
- Celery (around 40 calories total)
- Carrots (around 32 calories per cup )
- Sweet potatoes (120 calories for half a potato!)
Conclusion
Edamame is a safe and delicious snack for dogs of all ages! Just be careful not to feed too much, as it’s easy to go overboard. On the other hand, if your puppy has an allergy or intolerance to soy, then try another type of plant-based treat instead. Not only will this help ward off any potential food allergies, but it’ll also keep your pup happy and healthy forever!
As always, please reach out to a vet for more information or if you believe something is wrong with your animal.