Can Dogs Eat Edamame? What Are the Health Benefits of Edamame for Dogs?

While meat provides dogs with the nutrients that they need, it doesn’t mean that they could not enjoy fruits and vegetables as occasional dog treats.

Nevertheless, as dog owners, we can’t just give our dogs any human food that we can pick out of our pantry.

If we are going to add a new food to their diet, it won’t hurt to seek a factual answer, just like what we’re doing now as we ask, “Can dogs eat edamame?”

What Are Edamame Beans?

For some, edamame might not ring a bell, but in Korea, Japan, and China, edamame dishes are a very popular part of their delicacy.

These beans are young soybeans that are served in their pods. Most people who eat these veggies don’t eat the pods; instead, they would simply pop the beans directly into their mouths.

Edamame beans are great sources of plant proteins and fiber. They are usually served in human dishes either steamed or boiled, though they can also be fried, baked, and flavored.

Edamame beans are also often included in frozen vegetable mixes and are considered a healthy and tasty addition to salads.

Can Dogs Eat Edamame Beans?

Just like other human foods, dogs can eat edamame in moderation. While you can’t expect to add edamame into your dog’s daily meals, your pooch can enjoy edamame snacks or treats. In fact, of all the vegetables that you can give your dog, edamame beans are without a doubt one of the best.

However, when giving them to your pups, don’t give them a handful, especially if it’s their first time. And as always, don’t add salt, seasoning, soy sauce, and other ingredients that are known to be toxic for dogs such as garlic and onion.

You may also skip frying the beans with oil, as this can just add unhealthy and unnecessary fats that can be harmful to your dogs.

How Much Edamame Can You Give Your Dog?

If you are looking for a healthy protein snack for your dog, you can make use of edamame beans. However, like what was mentioned earlier, it’s best to only give a small amount, especially if it’s his first time to eat edamame.

These beans are safe for dogs to eat, and they will most likely eat them all at once enthusiastically. However, by doing so, they may pay the consequences later with an upset stomach and vomiting. Your dog would be delighted to have edamame beans daily but just stick to just a few beans per day.

The number of beans that your dog can eat daily may vary depending on his size, and tolerance, but most dog owners only give their pooch about two to three edamame beans per day.

Whether you give the beans to them as a treat or add them to their favorite dog food, edamame would make a great addition to your dog’s menu.

How to Serve Edamame Beans to Your Dog

Knowing that dogs can eat edamame beans is not enough information for you to just go on and feed them to your canine buddies. It’s also important for you to know how to properly and safely serve these beans to your dogs.

Giving your dog raw or steamed edamame beans are your best option. Raw edamame beans are fresh, crunchy, and they don’t have salt, as well as additives that may not be good for your pup.

The same rule applies if you are going to steam the beans, and that’s to keep them as they are – free of added flavorings and ingredients.

Frying edamame beans either alone, with meat, or other ingredients may also predispose your dog to pancreatic inflammation, as well as other weight-related issues.

Similarly, baked edamame beans may also contain a lot of salt, spices, oil, and other harmful concoctions for your dog. As always, fatty foods can put your dog at risk for clogged arteries, and other complications.

Also, dogs love edamame bean pods, but there is always the risk of choking associated with them. Hence, it would be safer to just stick with the beans, and throw the pods or edamame shells away. Or maybe you can set aside the pod for yourself.

Health Benefits of Edamame for Dogs

Edamame beans are filled with nutrients that are useful for your dog’s overall health, growth, and development. They might be small, but they are loaded with protein, calcium, omega 3 acids, fiber, vitamin C, and healthy polyunsaturated fats.

The high dietary fiber in edamame beans helps with the regulation of the digestive system and weight management. Omega-3 acids and polyunsaturated fats help promote healthy skin and coats.

Overall, edamame beans could help promote a healthier diet for dogs and can help avoid diabetes, obesity, and other complications which are common as a dog gets older.

Potential Side Effects of Edamame for Dogs

Unpleasant side effects are common when dogs consume too many edamame beans at once. The most common side effect is bloating, which can also lead to stomach gas. Eating too much of these beans in one go can also cause vomiting and diarrhea due to excess fiber.

Health Risks of Edamame for Dogs

While edamame is safe for dogs, it’s not recommended to feed your pooch with these beans regularly since they still belong in the soy family. And one of the most common allergens in dogs happens to be soy.

So, if you are planning to give your dog edamame beans anytime soon, remember to give a small amount first and observe his reactions.

Signs of soy allergy that you should watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive scratching or licking, hair loss, and ear infections. Beyond allergic reactions, other health issues associated with edamame beans and soy products include reproductive health problems, and damage to the thyroid, and liver.

Also, as mentioned earlier, the pods could be choking hazards, especially for smaller dogs, and they may also be difficult to digest. So, if you are going to give your dog edamame beans, stick to the plain, and fresh ones, whether cooked, raw, or frozen.