Plant-based diets are all the rage right now, with more people getting behind the environmentally friendly message. More people than ever are trying tofu and incorporating it into their diet. Have you ever wondered if dogs can eat tofu?
In this article, we will learn about the soy product called tofu and if it is safe for your dog to consume, tofu benefits, and side effects.
Can Dogs Eat Tofu?
This is a very controversial topic because dogs can consume tofu, but it does contain higher estrogen levels, which shouldn’t be fed to your dog every day.
Thankfully tofu is non-toxic and not harmful for your dog, so your dog can enjoy some tofu along with its dinner. It does contain some health benefits, which we will talk about below.
It is very important to only feed your dog tofu in small amounts and in moderation, especially if this is your first time letting your dog try tofu. Watch your dog closely to make sure that no allergic reactions are happening.
Remember not to replace your dogs entire dog food with tofu. Dogs can digest animal proteins better than plants. So, it is important to feed your dog a variety of other food along with the tofu, such as vegetables and fruits.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Tofu?
Yes, dogs can enjoy small pieces of raw tofu. You may think tofu is very bland with no smell, but the nose of a dog is quite incredible as it can smell the proteins inside the tofu.
You can add cubes of tofu onto your dogs existing dry food or wet food. If you make your dog homemade dog food, you can also add some tofu into that.
Can Dogs Have Soy?
Yes, you can feed your dog soy products such as tofu or tempeh but in moderation. It is important to know that soy products should not be exclusively given to your dog. Your dog needs a healthy balance of proteins, carbs, fats, fruits, and vegetables.
Soy has both positive and negative effects on the body. Keep reading on in this article to learn about the health benefits and side effects.
Benefits of Tofu for Dogs
There are a lot of nutritional benefits that your dog can get from tofu. Tofu is a pressed soy curd product, and that is why it is in the form of a cube or rectangle.
This soy curd gets a lot of added vitamins and minerals into it that are great for your body and your dogs. Here are some more benefits to feeding your dog tofu.
Full of Vitamins and Minerals
Tofu has a lot of natural vitamins and minerals as well as some added ones. Here is a quick list of what your dog can gain by eating tofu.
- Iron
- Copper
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- High Fiber
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
All of these vitamins and minerals work together to give you a healthy dog. They can increase the hair growth on your dog as well as keep your dog’s bones healthy and strong.
Some of these minerals also work to keep your dog’s immune system healthy by creating red blood formation.
Good Source of Protein
Another exceptional benefit is the amount of protein your dog will receive, even from just eating a little bit of tofu.
As you may already know, protein is very important to a dog’s diet as it helps to build and repair muscles.
In just three ounces or 85 grams of tofu, your dog will get 8 grams of protein. This is perfect for dogs who may need some extra protein in their diet.
Liver Health
If your dog has issues with its liver, then giving your dog some tofu may help. Your veterinarian may have already told you that when your dog has liver issues, they need to eat fewer animal proteins. Working tofu into your dogs’ diet can be an easy fix.
Side Effects of Tofu for Dogs
Like with anything, there are pros and cons. Feeding your dog tofu can give it a few side effects such as:
GMO Crop
Almost all of the soybean crops grown in the world are a GMO crop. GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. These modified GMO seeds have been sprayed with many pesticides that kill insects while the crop is growing.
It is very important for you and your dog to purchase organic tofu as it will not contain the GMO seed. Non-GMO foods are better for you because then you won’t be ingesting all of those harmful pesticides.
Bloat
Many dogs can develop bloat as it is a very serious health condition. Bloat can occur when a dog eats too fast or eats food high in gas. This gas can cause the stomach to expand and essentially flips or twists.
Tofu is made from soybeans. Soybeans can cause you to have extra gas, which can increase your dogs chance of developing bloat.
If you suspect that your dog has bloat, you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian to get checked out immediately. Dogs have died from bloat, so it is a very serious condition.
Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
Some scientists say that tofu can help with kidney health, and others say too much soy from tofu can cause your dog to develop kidney stones.
Tofu contains high amounts of silicate. Too much silicate can cause your dog to develop kidney stones and sometimes even get blood in the urine.
If your dog has already been diagnosed with kidney stones or any other kidney issues, then it would be wise to avoid tofu altogether.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Tofu?
No, fried foods are never a good option to feed your dog. While the fried flavor might taste very good to you, it can harm your dog.
Fried food can cause inflammation inside the pancreas, which can harm the intestines. You don’t want your dog to have stomach issues or even diarrhea, do you? No, I didn’t think so; it’s better to save the fried tofu for yourself.
Can Dogs Eat Baked Tofu?
Yes, dogs can eat tofu as long as the tofu is plain and does not contain any marinades or spices on it. However, you can coat your tofu with a little bit of olive oil, which is dog safe to ensure the tofu does not stick while cooking.
Remember to let the tofu fully cool down before serving it to your dog. Also, even if you cook the entire block, your dog cannot eat more than a couple of pieces.
Conclusion
The good news is your dog can eat tofu, and it isn’t toxic. Tofu has a lot of nutritional value with added minerals, vitamins, and an excellent plant-based protein source.
The bad news is that you shouldn’t give your dog too much tofu as it could give your dog some negative side effects. You also don’t want to replace your dog’s food with tofu. Tofu is great to give your dog on occasions as a special treat.
Did you know that dogs can eat tofu? Let us know if you have ever given your dog tofu raw or cooked.