Can dogs eat edamame?

Updated 25/04/2024

An ingredient central to Japanese cuisine and (for good reason) exploding onto the health food scene, edamame sure are a burst of nutritional goodness as well as color on our plates. High in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin K (plus seriously yummy), we wouldn't be surprised if you've found yourself wondering - can dogs eat edamame? Or are the well-loved immature soybeans unsafe for our furry friends for some reason? Well lucky for your snack-curious canine pal, edamame beans are safe for dogs, as long as they're served fresh, without the pod or any seasonings. For more on treating your pooch to an edamame bean (or three), take a look below as we clear up common questions from pet parents on the topic.

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Is edamame poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat edamame without any risk of toxicity? And is edamame safe for dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds? Well we're happy to let you know that edamame beans don't contain any nasty compounds toxic to dogs, so generally, edamame are perfectly safe for our furry friends. With that said though, some pooches have food intolerances or sensitivities so if they've got an intolerance to soy products, you should avoid feeding your furry friend edamame beans. And just to be on the safe side, it's always a good idea to introduce new foods one at a time, and look out for signs of intolerance for a day or so thereafter. This will help you to get slightly clearer on any food intolerances, should a reaction occur.

Thankfully soy intolerances or allergies are very rare in dogs, so the likelihood of a reaction is low. 

Related article: Can dogs eat cheese?

Symptoms of soy intolerance in dogs

• Diarrhea or loose stool
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes or bumps on the skin

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Is edamame good for dogs?

Edamame has been in the Japanese diet for centuries, boosting the nutritional value of a meal with its array of micro and macronutrients. And with its impressive alphabet of vitamins and variety of minerals, there's no surprise that recent health food trends have cottoned on, too. We'll get into the specifics of edamame's range of nutrients below, but first, you might be wondering whether they even have any benefit for our furry friends. So is edamame good for dogs? Well if they're served plain, fresh and without the pods, then there's no mistaking that the nutrients in the snack will benefit your pup's health. But with that said, your doggo certainly doesn't need a daily sprinkling of edamame over their kibble to lead a healthy life. In fact, the dog food you choose for your pooch should generally contain all the nutrients they need, without any added extras. So, if you're worried about your pup's nutrient intake, have a chat with your vet first before you add in extra foods to their diet. Sometimes it can actually be detrimental to supplement too much of a particular vitamin or mineral, so making sure the balance is correct is key. This is where your vet can help.Related article: Can dogs eat salmon?

Health benefits of eating edamame for dogs

So now we’ve settled the question - can dogs eat edamame beans - you’re probably eager to find out about its benefits for dogs. Well firstly, edamame beans are packed with fiber, which is essential for good gastrointestinal health and motility. Next, you might already know that edamame beans are brimming with protein which helps to fuel your dog's body's function of growth and repair. Then there’s vitamin K - a nutrient found in abundance in edamame beans. It’s a super important vitamin for both pups and humans, as it’s involved in the coagulation process - otherwise known as blood clotting. 

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Feeding your dog edamame

When it comes to treating your pup to an edamame bean or two, one of the most important things you can do is to remove the beans from the pod. So, if you were wondering - can dogs eat edamame skin - we'd strongly advise against it. Why? Well the pods are pretty tough for our furry friends, and are rather hard to digest. Due to their tough exterior, these pods are a choking hazard, especially in smaller breed dogs, and all dogs are at risk of gastrointestinal obstruction if the pods become lodged in the intestines or stomach.    

And as for the beans themselves, make sure you serve them fresh (i.e. not processed), and without any seasonings. Feel free to serve them up raw or cooked, but just don't be tempted to add any fats or salt. And as we mentioned earlier, edamame beans are packed with fiber, so stay strict on portion sizes when feeding edamame beans. When looking at feeding snacks, stick to the 10% rule, making sure that only 10% of your pup's total calories are taken up by snacks. 

Other edamame products

Now that we've settled the question - can dogs have edamame - you might be wondering whether it's safe for you pup to tuck into your favorite meals that contain the beans. Well sadly, it's likely to be a no. Why? Well the chances are you're cooking with oils, butter, soy sauce and aromatics like garlic and green onion that can make your pet unwell. So, always keep the edamame beans you serve up to your pup completely plain. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that edamame beans and dogs can be the perfect match in the land of pup snacks, why not get clued-up on the other foods dogs can eat?

• Sunflower seeds
• Beets
• Seaweed