Dogs love weird things. They want to eat everything from your slippers to harmful treats. Today, we are talking about “can dogs eat edamame?”.
To answer this question briefly- Yes. But with utmost attention to risks. Edamame beans can be your dog’s next nightmare. Even though it has its benefits, please only feed them these treats if you are prepared for the risks.
So, dog parents- Get ready to wear your cape!
What Are The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Edamame?
Edamame is not an ideal treat for dogs. But if fed in moderation, it can benefit your dog in some ways. Even though you can get similar benefits from other human foods, edamame deserves a spot on the list.
So here are the health benefits of feeding your dog yummy edamame beans:
1. Constipation
If you feed your dog edamame in moderation, it can do wonders for you. These young soya beans can help to ease constipation. You can cook them properly before feeding them. You can give your dog some edamame for relief if your dog suffers from severe constipation.
2. Vitamins and minerals
Edamame is rich in Vitamin K. This particular vitamin can help to build solid gums for your dog. Besides this, edamame beans also contain Vitamin C, making your dog’s bones healthy and strong.
With the goodness of Omega-3 fatty acids, your dog can have the best-looking fur in the town!
3. Fibrous
Edamame is also famous for its fiber content. It makes digestion very easy for dogs. If you feed them in moderation, they can give health benefits.
If your dog struggles with an upset stomach or difficulty digesting, the fiber content of edamame beans can be beneficial.
4. Protein
Dogs thrive on protein! From their training to playtime, every dog needs protein for muscles. Being low on carbs makes edamame a healthy treat to keep your pup’s tummy full. It is essential to add protein to your dog’s diet.
If this food item is insufficient, you should look for other human foods and supplements to give your dog a proper diet.
4. Tasty snack!
As you can tell by the drools of your dog, they LOVE Edamames. A few bites will only harm your dog if they are allergic to it. If your veterinarian approves, you can give them edamame as a training treat.
Cooked edamame is chewy and fun to eat for dogs.
Health Risks of Giving Edamame to Dogs?
Sometimes, the pros should be ignored, considering how harmful the cons can be. In this case, edamame also gives minimal benefits but tragic cons. Dogs and edamame do not share a good friendship as it is a part of the soya family.
Here is the list of cons that can happen if you feed your dog edamame:
1. Allergies
Every dog has different allergic triggers. Edamame beans, a type of soya, can be allergic to some dogs. You can start by giving your dog small amounts of edamame to confirm that. It is an allergic reaction if they show signs of diarrhea, itching, discomfort, or fever. If not, then you can gradually increase the dosage.
Note: If your dog shows any signs of allergic reaction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your veterinarian. They might not be deadly, but they can cause pain to dogs.
2. Choking hazards
There are also chances of choking hazards from eating edamame. You must be very careful, especially if you own a puppy or a small-sized dog. If your dog is an eager eater, they might gobble 8-10 edamame together.
This can be very dangerous as they can block the food or windpipe. A lot of them can also block their intestines if not chewed well.
3. Diarrhea
Due to choking hazards or intestinal blockage, they might face diarrhea. This can include symptoms like fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Such situations can lead to discomfort for your dog.
It should be treated with the care and utmost attention of a veterinarian.
4. Runny stool
As we mentioned, edamame beans can cure constipation. But it should be fed in moderation for it to show the benefits. If you overfeed your dog’s edamame, they can instead get loose stools, which is a nightmare!
It should only be then relieved by prescribed medicines and medical help. Please do not give other human food to compensate for or stop the runny stool.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Dog Edamame
Now that you know the pros and cons, here is another heads-up! It has both benefits and risks. But we want to make sure you understand.
So, if you still want to serve your dog chewy edamame, remember these things. Below is the list of things that you should consider while serving your dog edamame:
1. Allergies
As mentioned above, Allergies are one of the most common problems in dogs. If your dog is sensitive to dairy products or other food, you must ensure they are not allergic to edamame beans.
Allergies are not fun to have and should be treated simultaneously. Prepare yourself for potential allergic reactions like itching, diarrhea, or fever.
2. No seasonings
Another essential thing to remember is NOT TO add any spices or salts to enhance their flavor. If you cook a bowl of edamame, make plain ones for your pooch.
Seasonings often include garlic powder, onion powder, and other harmful salts. These can cause severe allergic reactions and illness. To serve them cooked and plain is the best option you have.
3. Small amounts
We cannot give a universal amount when we say serve in small amounts. Every dog is different and has different bodily requirements. The amount to be served depends on the size and age of the dog as well.
If you have a toy-sized dog, you should not toss them over 3-4 edamame beans. While for medium to large dogs, you can go up to 6-8 pieces.
Remember to feed them one by one as an occasional treat.
4. Cook them
It would help to always cook edamame beans before serving them to your dog. Make it as chewy as you can so they can easily digest it. If you serve them plain, they will be more prone to hazards. Hence, you can cook them by boiling them.
Final Thoughts
Any guesses now on ‘can dogs eat edamame?’ Well, safe to say that edamame should not be a part of your dog’s diet. It lacks the nutritional value that your dog demands.
Even though your dog might love the taste, as a responsible parent, you should always consider health over taste. Edamame should not be a regular treat. If your dog loves them, you can occasionally toss them in small quantities.
Rest, you must cook edamame before serving them to your dog. If you do not take proper precautions, you can end up in a nightmare.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is hazardous to serve your dog Edamame skin or shells. They are hard to chew on and even harder to digest. Especially if you have a sized dog, they can easily choke on the shell. It can cause blockage in the food pipe or intestinal tract. If there is such a situation, immediately contact your veterinarian.
The amount depends on the age and size of the dog. If your dog is small-sized, you can feed them 3-4 edamame occasionally. If your dog is medium to large, they can have up to 6-8 edamame beans. Dogs should only eat edamame beans enough to get the taste of it. Even though edamame is tasty and has health benefits, they are insufficient. They should never be a part of a dog’s regular diet or used as a substitute for primary meals.
Absolutely Yes. If your dog loves pasta or noodles, they will love edamame pasta. The only catch is that you should not add any seasonings or spices. Edamame to pasta does not give many health benefits, but it can be a tasty occasional treat for them. You must ensure that you consult your veterinarian before giving any such pleasure to your dog. Also, if your dog is allergic to edamame beans, please keep these treats away from your dog.
