Yes, dogs can eat edamame ịn moderation. Edamame is popularly known as a good source of omega-3 and protein, ensuring a healthy heart for your dog. As a responsible pet owner, you would need to check that your dog is not allergic to soy as edamame is nothing but young green soybeans.
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What is Edamame?
Edamame beans are immature soybeans in the pod and form an integral part of the staple diet in Korea, Japan, and China. Edamame is traditionally blanched in saltwater or steamed and may be served with salt or other condiments. Still, the safest way to share edamame with your dog is plain, without anything added.
Edamame is known to be first cultivated in China over 7,000 years ago. The earliest reference to this vegetable was made in the year 1275 when the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichiren thanked a parishioner for the gift of “edamame” in a note.
Is Edamame Safe for Dogs?
Edamame is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, yet a few things to watch out for when considering to feed your dog edamame are:
Avoid seasonings: Most edamame dishes require high amounts of salt in them, but this is not dog-friendly as salt is quite harmful to them. This could lead to salt poisoning in your dog. Hence, avoid salt or spices and oils while cooking up edamame.
Soy allergy: Soy is a common allergy in dogs – this is why the first time feeding your pet dog edamame, keep an eye on them for signs of an allergic reaction.
Remove edamame beans from the pod: The pods are not toxic or harmful to your dogs, but they are difficult to digest for your dog. It may also be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. So ensure to remove the beans from the pods before feeding your pet.
Why is Edamame Good for Dogs?
This healthy and nutritious vegetable contains omega-3 fatty Alpha-linolenic acid, which contributes to low cholesterol levels, shiny hair, and healthy skin. Edamame also has vitamins such as vitamin C and K and consists of about 13% iron. It’s a good source of protein which provides a good source of amino acids required for healthy muscles. The dietary fiber present in edamame will keep your dog’s tummy full for a longer duration and hence mitigates weight gain. Also, did we forget to mention that edamame is gluten-free! That’s a helpful factor for dogs particularly allergic to gluten.
Why is Edamame Bad for Dogs?
Soy is found in most dog foods out there, but there is a longstanding debate about its health benefits vs. risks. It is said that consuming soy can lead to various health issues like damaging your dog’s liver or thyroid and disrupting the reproductive health of female dogs. However, keep in mind that this is the case only when soy is consumed regularly. Other concerns includes:
The high fiber content present in this vegetable can cause diarrhea, constipation, or gas.
Serving edamame beans along with their pods can not only disrupt your dog’s digestive functions but can also be a choking hazard.
Soy allergy is also a concern to consider as it is quite commonly found in dogs.
How to Serve Edamame to Feed Your Dog?
Dogs can have edamame in the following ways
Raw and sprinkled on their dinner bowl
Steamed or cooked plain as part of a homemade meal.
As a frozen treat.
Steer clear of any fried edamame snacks you may find at the store as they contain sodium and other non-organic additives.
How much Edamame to Feed Your Dog?
While your dog may gladly eat all the edamame beans at once, they may have to pay for it later with a bloated stomach and vomiting. Most people feed about three or four beans per day to their dogs. However, this quantity can differ depending on the size of the dog and its usual tolerance for edamame beans.
What if my Dog Ate Edamame?
If your dog consumes a lot of edamame beans by accident, its digestive system is going to be affected. The high fiber content in edamame can result in excessive gas or uncomfortable abdominal bloating. If your dog is specifically allergic to soy and yet somehow they consumed edamame by accident, watch out for symptoms of soy allergy in them.
Symptoms of Soy Allergy
Excessive scratching
Licking
Hair loss
Chronic ear infections
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Ensure to keep an eye on your dog during this time and give them a bowl full of fresh water for their ailing stomach. Consult a vet whenever you deem necessary.
Conclusion
Yes, edamame is a safe and healthy treat for your dog to consume, but in small doses. Make sure to remove the pods, and don’t add any spices, oils, or seasonings to your pup’s edamame. If you do these few simple things, edamame can be a healthy treat for your canine buddy!
