For all the folks wondering “can dogs eat edamame?” and the folks wondering what edamame is, this is the perfect article for you. We have conducted thorough and in-detail research for you, so let’s get right into it.
Firstly, let’s begin by identifying what edamame really is, and to a lot of peoples’ surprise, edamame is a kind of bean, which is immature. It is basically a soybean which hasn’t yet matured fully.
This lentil is normally served while it is still in the pod, and they can even be shelled at times. This is particularly helpful when you are cooking dishes and cuisines, such as stir fry dishes.
Did you know that people even use edamame in desserts and on the sweeter side of the table? Well yes, they use it as a mouthwatering side, which is dripped in many different and delicious flavors such as sea salt or even soy sauce itself.
We know that this is a tasty vegetable, and everyone has tried it one way or another, but does the same go for dogs, when it comes to all the healthy and nutritious side, as it does for us?
Can dogs benefit from edamame the same way we do? What if edamame is added to a dog’s diet, is that beneficial? Well, stick around until the very end, as we find out more about edamame and answer the question “can dogs eat edamame?”. So, without further delay, let’s get right into it!
Can dogs eat edamame?
We all love and prefer having this irresistible vegetable on our plate, and we’re pretty sure dogs wouldn’t mind eating this either, because guess what, they don’t mind eating anything at all, even if it isn’t good for them!
The short answer is yes, you can definitely feed edamame to your dog. But wait, there’s a catch. You can only feed your dog edamame that is plain and natural, and there’s a reason for this as well.
While humans can enjoy foods and vegetables that aren’t cooked, they can eat them raw, but it isn’t exactly the same healthy and beneficial thing for dogs. The edamame beans are safe and not toxic for dogs, as long as you feed them in moderation and in small amounts.
They can safely ingest raw edamame, or even edamame that is cooked, frozen or even steamed! However, if you have a dog that has allergies, make sure your dog isn’t allergic to edamame, because that is a real possibility, and then they can’t have edamame at all. Otherwise it is totally fine in small amounts.
What is Edamame?
It goes without saying that soybeans are perhaps the most widely recognized and popular vegetable in the entire world. Mainly because this crop is not one dimensional when it comes to cooking, and this flexibility that edamame offers is what makes this versatile crop very unique.
This crop can be processed into a bunch of things which include food items such as soy protein, soybean, tofu, miso, natto, soy sauce and even tempeh! It is no secret that edamame is consumed all over the world, in the fully matured form of soybeans, and in the immature form of edamame.
This is mostly eaten in Asian countries, and edamame has started growing as a snack in the Western countries, the fan following has started picking up.
The color of edamame is quite different from normal soybeans, as the color of edamame is a very tan, beige or even light brown color.
Do dogs like Edamame?
There aren’t a lot of dogs who say no to you when you feed them, even if the food they are begging for is bad for them. Dogs have a pretty cool attitude when it comes to eating, and they don’t watch what they eat either.
So, if you happen to give your dog edamame, they are definitely going to gobble it up in a hurry, and decide after tasting, whether it is something that they like or not.
Yes, dogs can eat and they can even like edamame as an occasional treat, but beware, as it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet, or even a source of the dog’s daily primary source of nutrients.
The soy that can be found inside this vegetable can cause allergies to dogs, so it is probably best to start slow and observe your dog when you feed them edamame.
You should keep an eye on them and monitor whether they are facing the side effects that are common amongst dogs with allergies. The allergies may include side effects such as gassiness, weight gain and even diarrhea as well! So, better be careful when you feed your dog edamame!
Are Edamame toxic to dogs?
While this vegetable is perfectly safe for both humans and for dogs to consume, it is the latter that is exposed to the risk of facing side effects. There are a couple of things one should be vary about when it comes to feeding a dog some edamame.
The nutritional content inside these beans is very helpful, healthy and beneficial to the human body, but the same can’t be said for our furry best friend.
These beans are highly rich in fiber, which is encapsulated strongly by pods that are made to resist extreme changes in weather and protect the precious beans inside.
It is a very popular and common practice to cook edamame while it is still inside the pod, and they are cooked in a lot of seasoning and spices which include salt and sauces as well. While we might like this idea, and might even get hungry for some edamame while reading about it, the same can’t be said for dogs.
All this flavoring and seasoning is very delicious and safe for humans to eat, but in fact, it is very dangerous and unhealthy for dogs.
Alongside the dangerous seasoning and flavoring, the soybean is a very common allergen in dogs, and it is only wise to feed your dog a little of it, as the poor thing might be allergic to it, and it won’t be pretty for either of you.
This allergy can cause coat loss, itching and even ear infections. Soy also may cause flatulence in dogs, and even diarrhea as well, sometimes.
Is Edamame bad for dogs?
Like we have already mentioned, edamame is a very nutritious and delicious veggie for humans, and it is very healthy as well. But the problem with edamame is that is is fine to feed your dog in small and moderate amounts.
That’s totally safe and what is recommended by veterinarians as well. The problem only arises once this amount exceeds the recommended small amounts. Then, the dog can be exposed to a number of unsafe things which aren’t good for them.
They can suffer allergies due to the soy, which can lead to coat loss of the dog, the dog can even get a bad stomach and start diarrhea, and they are exposed to itching and ear infections as well. It was found out that dogs can even develop flatulence because of the allergy of soy.
So, it is best to tread clear of these dangerous waters, and check to see whether your dog is allergic to edamame or not, because as they say, a stitch in time can save nine.
Is Edamame good for dogs?
If you keep the quantity of edamame small when you feed it to your dog, it is completely safe, and not just safe. As it can even be good for your dog, which has many health benefits which we will talk about in detail later on.
The beans are surprisingly very low in calories, and they are even gluten-free. There are a lot of good things for dogs when it comes to eating edamame, and they are as follows:
- There is Vitamin C in edamame which is a natural antioxidant which helps in the combat and control against inflammation, as it reduces inflammation and neutralizes any free radicals which can damage the cells of the body and increase aging and illness. While dogs can normally produce Vitamin C inside their liver, the additional consumption of Vitamin C can be very beneficial for them.
- There is Calcium inside edamame which is the building block of the human skeleton. It also helps and assists the nervous system and is particularly useful in muscle relaxation and contraction. It further assists the body in the mechanism of blood clotting. It regulates enzyme activity and hormonal release as well.
- There is Fiber in these beans and this is particularly helpful as it aids and regulates the digestive system of the dog, and it even helps the dog to keep a healthy weight. Fiber is also known to reduce the chances of the dog developing colon cancer and it eases and lightens the symptoms that problems such as diarrhea and constipation can cause.
- There is Omega-3 in these beans which are essentially a polyunsaturated fatty acid which helps the dog maintain healthy skin and its beautiful fur coat as well. If you combine Omega-3 with other nutrients, then that reduces the chances of the dog developing diabetes.
- There is Vitamin K in the beans which aids and promotes blood clotting.
- There is Folate in these beans which is a type of Vitamin B and which works in such a way that it helps the dog maintain a healthy metabolic rate.
The Nutritional Profile: Edamame
We have mentioned time and again, about how nutritious and healthy edamame is, but it is time to take a deeper look into how much and what type of nutrients is found inside edamame. They are as follows:
A serving of one cup of cooked Edamame (which is about 160 grams) has the following nutritional information:
| The Nutrient | The Amount |
| Water (grams) | 113 grams |
| Calories | 224 calories |
| Protein | 37% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Carbohydrates (grams) | 13.8 grams |
| Total lipid (grams) | 12.1 grams |
| Fiber (grams) | 8 grams |
| Sugars (grams) | 3.38 grams |
| Iron | 20% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Calcium | 10% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Magnesium | 25% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Potassium | 19% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Phosphorous | 26% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Folate | 115% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Vitamin K1 | 56% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Riboflavin | 14% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Thiamine | 20% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Copper | 27% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Edamame has a higher concentration of Folate and Vitamin K than mature soybeans. Consuming a whole cup (160 grams) of edamame will fetch you 56% of the daily value of Vitamin K and above 100% daily requirement of Folate for the day.
Potential Health Benefits of Edamame For Dogs
Safely feeding your dog edamame has a lot of health benefits, and they are as follows:
The amount of healthy Fats:
Edamame is rich in polyunsaturated fats that are good and healthy for the body, and these contain the likes of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your dog, as it makes the dog’s skin healthy, and it even reduces and diminishes the risk of the dog developing heart related diseases and problems.
The high content of Fiber in edamame:
Dietary fiber is very important to function normally throughout the day, and the good thing is that edamame is packed with it! This fiber content is what helps to smoothen and regulate the digestive system of the dog, and it even relieves the harsh symptoms of diarrhea and constipation for the dog.
The high Protein profile of edamame:
Just like humans, dogs need protein for their normal and healthy daily functioning. Dogs need the animal protein as it compliments and completes their diet.
Did you know that even a half cup serving of edamame that is shelled, is packed with nine grams of protein? This helps younger pups and is a delicious and healthy treat for them!
The richness of Vitamin C in Edamame:
Edamame is a storehouse of Vitamin C and this is necessary for the dog as it improves the dog’s overall well-being and general health as well. It even aids in the proper and normal development of the bones and is particularly useful when it comes to the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Now that we have discussed all the health benefits of feeding your dog edamame, let’s look at the cons of doing so, and the potential health risks your dog is exposed to when it eats edamame.
The Potential Health Risks of Feeding Edamame to Dogs
There are quite a few worrying and stressful things to keep an eye out for, and the following are the potential health risks of feeding your dog edamame, and they are as follows:
An Allergic Reaction:
Much like other soy products, edamame beans can cause allergic reactions to dogs. It begins by the dog consuming the edamame beans, and at this point you should start monitoring your dog for signs of an allergic reaction.
The allergic reactions are plenty and can include things like hair loss, rashes, excessive scratching, ear infections, diarrhea, eyelid inflammation and even vomiting as well!
A possible Choking Hazard:
The pods that these beans are packed in are an extreme choking hazard for small dogs, and it is essential to always remove the beans from the pods, and then to feed the dog these beans.
These shells can become a choking hazard for the little dogs, and can cause indigestion and stomach pain for the big dogs. So, these shells should be removed before feeding, at all costs.
There can be Dehydration:
If you are feeding your dog plain and raw edamame beans, then everything is okay. The real problem arises when you feed your dog edamame beans that are flavored with different spices and condiments, and these have an adverse effect on your dog.
The spices can cause the dog to become dehydrated and it can even cause the poor thing to suffer from salt poisoning. It is best advised to stay clear of edamame that has been processed or it has additives inside it.
It can cause bloating and gassiness:
If you have developed the habit of feeding your dog edamame beans regularly, then the chances are that your dog has bloated a lot and this can be very dangerous. It is advised to rush to your vet if you notice that your dog has bloated.
There can be a lack of complete protein:
Dogs are omnivores just like humans, and that means that they should have a complete and balanced diet which consists of plant-based food as well as meat. Edamame is a vegetable that is very healthy, but it is not a complete source of protein on its own.
If you are only using edamame for the protein content, then that is insufficient to meet the dog’s daily protein intake and needs.
How to Prepare Edamame for your dog?
The following are very simple and easy ways you can prepare edamame for your dog, which is completely safe and beneficial for the dog. Just remember to always take the beans out of the pod before you feed them to your dog, to prevent choking and saving yourself from the stress of having to deal with your dog who is suffering from digestive pain and distress.
They are as follows:
Cooked Edamame:
You can bake or even steam the edamame before you feed it to your dog, and you need to know that this edamame is being made for your dog, and it doesn’t require the exquisite seasoning. Having said that, it is probably a good idea to steer clear of ingredients such as oil, spices and seasonings.
You have to cook the edamame until it is tender and can be pierced by a fork, and then remove the pod and serve it to your four-legged best friend.
Mashed Edamame:
You can feed your dog mashed edamame by putting some bulk that is easy to chew in the dry food of the dog, and then mashing it up with edamame beans and a little water added into this mixture.
Raw Edamame:
The best and easiest way which requires almost no hassle is to feed your dog raw edamame, with the seed pods removed, you can even feed the dog raw edamame as a treat. You can even mix this raw edamame into their dog food for added benefits and nutrients.
What happens if a dog eats edamame?
Normally if you feed your dog edamame that is in a moderate quantity, and isn’t cooked using exotic spices and flavoring, then your dog should be just fine eating edamame.
There are a few things you should be careful of, the first being, that if you are feeding the dog edamame for the first time, then make sure you give a small amount at first and that you monitor the dog for signs of symptoms related to allergy.
Once that stage is clear, you can safely feed your dog raw or even cooked (using no additives or flavorings), and remember to feed your dog the edamame beans without the shell or pod.
As this could serve as a choking hazard in little dogs, and can cause stomach upset and distress in bigger dogs). Keeping these points in mind, nothing will happen to your dog if you feed them edamame the right way.
What is Edamame Poisoning? What are the symptoms?
Edamame poisoning is when your dog suffers health issues due to an increased or a large amount of edamame that are cooked using oils, spices and additives. This causes a distress in the normal digestive system of the dog and can cause edamame poisoning.
The dog can suffer a lot of distress which includes symptoms such as stomach upset, diarrhea, bloating and gassiness and even vomiting. There are more symptoms which include blepharitis, ear infections, itching and excessive scratching etc.
It is best advised to rush your dog to the vet to follow up after an episode of edamame poisoning, as the dehydration and vomiting can lead to a serious loss of nutrients and water.
What are the treatments for your dog with Edamame poisoning?
The treatment for an upset stomach due to edamame is very unappealing, but the general way to go about it is to offer your dog some clean and fresh water, and a meal that is not too heavy or extravagant, and this can either be a turkey or chicken meal with some rice.
If the stomach upset lasts more than it normally should, then the best bet would be to talk to your vet about what happened. You should keep an eye out for itchy skin, and chewing, nibbling and even excessive grooming.
How to feed edamame to your dog?
If this is the first time that you are feeding your dog edamame, then it is best to test the beans first. Give a little amount of the beans and monitor your dog for the next couple of days and observe the dog for any signs of distress, allergy or even intolerance.
If the dog is fine then you can go on ahead and feed your dog edamame. Feed it to them either raw, steamed or even baked, with the shell removed.
The correct way to introduce a new food to a dog is the same method, a little amount followed up by a monitoring test.
Healthy Alternatives of Edamame
Feeding your dog raw edamame is okay and so is feeding them edamame that is cooked without spices and flavorings and oil. If you are looking for edamame alternatives, then there are a lot of things you can consider.
You can buy dog food that is packed with nutrition and helps the dog achieve proper growth and development of bones and muscles.
Just bear in mind that you can’t feed your dog excessively cooked and flavored things, and this applies to all types and kinds of food. That kind of food is made according to the taste palates of humans, not dogs, so it is best to keep it away from them, because it will cause more harm than good.
Conclusion | Can Dogs Eat Edamame?
Feeding your dog edamame is completely safe, as long as you remember to feed your dog edamame in small quantities and you feed them edamame that is safe for them to consume. This does not include edamame that is cooked with spices or oils and flavorings. Make sure that you throw away the shell as it could pose a choking hazard and cause stomach upsets. Hence, it is very easy and simple to feed your dog edamame, so go on, try it!
