You love your dog, and it's important to you to feed them a healthy diet to keep them active, energetic and happy for years to come. Some ingredients, though, certainly might make you wonder if they are safe for your pup. There's a good chance that soy is one of those ingredients... can dogs eat soy? Are products like soy sauce safe for your dog? Some people think of it as a healthy addition to a diet while others say to avoid it. Let's explore whether soy is a healthy ingredient in dog food and if it can be eaten in various forms.
Can Dogs Eat Soy?
For the most part, yes, dogs can consume soy as long as they don't have a diagnosed soy allergy. However, it matters how much soy your dog is ingesting.
Always consult your veterinarian before feeding anything new to your dog. If you're introducing it to your pet's diet and don't know how they'll react, start slow. Only introduce one new type of food at a time so you can identify if there are any reactions to the new food. Also, if you do notice any type of reaction, contact your veterinarian right away to determine if your pet is having an allergic reaction.
Are Soy Ingredients Okay in Dog Food?
Currently, the general view is yes, at least in moderation. According to Australian online veterinary service Dial A Vet, soybeans are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation and are packed with protein, fibre and essential nutrients that can benefit your pet. For dogs that are allergic to traditional protein sources like chicken or beef, soy protein can serve as an alternative in some cases, though it should be introduced cautiously and under a vet's guidance. That said, Dial A Vet notes that veterinary opinions on soy are mixed: it can be a useful protein source for dogs with certain food allergies, but some dogs with sensitive stomachs may struggle to digest it, and it isn't considered a biologically appropriate protein for dogs in large quantities.
In fact, soy has many benefits. It's high in vitamins, folic acid and amino acids. It also contains a good concentration of fatty acids, and it's a good source of fibre and potassium.
Tasty Tips
So, What's the Problem with Soy (& Soy Products)?
Feeding your dog too much of some of the most common soy options may not be the healthiest choice. Not sure what food has soy in it? Tofu, edamame, miso, tempeh and tamari are some of the most common soy foods. And don't forget soy-based products, such as soy milk, soy cheese, soy yoghurt and more.
Sometimes soy is just one of many ingredients in a food. You'll often find soy in baked goods, cereals, peanut butter, vegetable oil, high-protein energy bars to name a few.
As mentioned before, soy has some inherently great benefits for your dog, but when mixed in with other ingredients in some common foods it can create problems for your dog.
Take soy sauce as an example. Can dogs eat soy sauce? The answer is no, but not because of the soy content. Soy sauce is loaded with sodium, and ingesting too much sodium could make your pet quite ill. If you ever find that your dog has licked up some soy sauce, make sure your pet drinks plenty of water.
Overall, it's best to limit your dog's food intake to healthy dog food and dog treats so you don't have to worry about your pet ingesting something unhealthy, or too much of something that is allowed. But if you've ever had concern on whether or not soy as an ingredient in your dog's food is bad for them, you can rest easy. A properly balanced meal containing soy can be ripe with benefits. When in doubt, your vet can help plan your dog's dietary options.
Related products
Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition shown to support joint health and improve mobility
Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level, joint health, and beautiful coat in large breed mature dogs
Perfect Weight Adult Wet Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Learn what you can feed your pregnant or nursing dog to keep her and her new pups healthy.
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Selecting the right food for your puppy is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life., Learn more about how to select the right puppy food.
Helpful Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Though it may seem like your four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do.
Things You Can Do to Help Your Dog's Sensitive Stomach
A dog with a sensitive stomach has special needs. Learn more about sensitive stomach symptoms in your dog, what you can do to help sooth your pet’s insides and get recommendations on sensitive stomach dog food.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.