Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Edamame?

If you don’t want your dog to miss out on stir-fry night, you’ll be glad to know that edamame is generally safe for dogs. But you should be aware of some caveats. 

Allergies to soy are common among dogs, so start with a small amount. Remove the soybeans from the pods, and avoid adding ingredients like oil and salt.

When feeding your furry friend edamame for the first time, watch for signs of an allergic reaction and contact your veterinarian with any concerns. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to choose another human food treat altogether.^[1]

Here’s what you need to know about feeding your dog edamame.

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Is edamame safe for dogs to eat?

Edamame, a type of green soybean, is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. But it’s best to check with your vet before introducing a new food to your pet’s diet. 

It’s unlikely a few soybeans will harm your dog, but some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to soy. Edamame is also high in fiber, and excess fiber can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

When feeding your dog edamame, follow these guidelines:^[2]

• If you cook the edamame, don’t add salt, spices, or cooking oils.

• Remove the beans from their pods, which can be tough to digest.

• Start with one or two soybeans and watch for signs of an allergic reaction.

• Contact your vet or visit the emergency clinic if you have concerns.

Can puppies eat edamame?

Edamame is typically safe for puppies. But you should be careful when feeding your puppy edamame since it may have allergies, including soy, that you’re unaware of. Keep in mind, your puppy may experience a delayed reaction to soy. Diarrhea and flatulence are also possible, even if your dog doesn’t have a soy allergy.

When feeding your puppy edamame, start with one or two soybeans and remove the edamame pods, which can be a choking hazard.

Nutritional benefits of edamame for dogs

Though feeding your dog edamame has some risks, it also has some nutritional benefits, including:

• Low in calories: Edamame is low in fat, calories, and sugar, making it a healthy alternative to high-calorie treats.

• High in fiber: Edamame is a high-fiber snack. Fiber can aid digestion, support weight management, and reduce the risk of colon cancer. But an excess of fiber can also cause digestive distress.

• High in protein and essential amino acids: Edamame is a high-protein snack and contains essential amino acids, which are necessary to synthesize protein and other important compounds.

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids: Edamame contains omega-3s, which help support a dog’s healthy coat and skin.

• Packed with vitamins and minerals: Edamame contains vitamin C, calcium, vitamin K, and folate.

How to safely feed your dog edamame

To avoid unpleasant side effects, stick with a small amount. Medium and large dogs shouldn’t have more than a dozen soybeans, while smaller dogs should eat even less. 

Start with one or two soybeans if it’s your dog’s first time enjoying edamame. Generally, no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake should come from human food or treats.

You can prepare edamame for your dog in any of the following ways:

• Raw edamame: Serve the soybeans raw. Be sure to remove them from the edamame pods, which can cause choking or problems with the digestive system.

• Cooked edamame: Cook the edamame without adding any oils or spices. Steaming or boiling the edamame will make it easier to digest.

• Frozen edamame: Put the raw or cooked beans in the freezer for a delicious treat on hot days.

Can dogs be allergic to edamame?

Yes, dogs can be allergic to edamame. In fact, allergies to soy are common in dogs. Signs of an allergic reaction to soy include:

• Itchy skin

• Excess shedding

• Ear infections

• Vomiting or diarrhea

An allergic reaction may not occur immediately after your dog eats edamame. Some dogs that aren’t allergic to edamame still have a soy intolerance and may experience digestive system problems. Soy can also cause gas if eaten in excess.

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Alternatives to edamame for your dog

Edamame might not be the ideal treat for your dog, given the risk of stomach upset or flatulence and the need for careful preparation. And some dogs are food snobs and may not like edamame. Either way, many other human food treats are nutritious and safe to feed your furry friend. Some alternatives include:^[3]

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are hydrating and can be frozen to keep your dog cool on a hot day. They also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, K, and B1, potassium, and magnesium.

• Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin with no additives is healthy for dogs. It regulates your pup’s digestive system and helps with constipation and diarrhea. Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants. Plus, you can serve pumpkin to your dog in a variety of ways, including many pumpkin treats available in pet stores.

• Carrots: Like edamame, carrots are a low-calorie, high-fiber snack. Your dog may enjoy the satisfying crunch, and chewing on a carrot is also good for your dog’s dental health.

• Celery: Celery is a crunchy treat that contains vitamins A and C. It promotes heart health and even freshens your dog’s breath so you can avoid unpleasantness when your pup goes in for a kiss.

• Peas: Several varieties of peas are safe for dogs, including green peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas. Like edamame, peas are full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can sprinkle fresh or frozen peas on your dog’s food to add a little flavor.

Dogs eating edamame FAQs