Soy Beans – the protein rich substitute for chicken for the vegetarians is considered very healthy for humans, given that its consumed in limited quantities. Dogs also need a daily dose of proteins. So some might assume that Soy Beans are in general good for a dog. So the answer is Yes and no! Your dog can very well have Soy Beans but there are some cautions.
Are Soy Beans good for your dog?
Soy Beans are nutrient rich and contain manganese, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, iron, phosphorous, copper, potassium and magnesium. All in all, they are as good for dogs as they are for humans given their such high and diverse nutritional content. If we have a close look on what each of these nutrients can do to your dog, you’ll be more convinced.
Proteins – It is important for dogs to repair their muscles as well in case of any injury or for gaining strength. Soy Beans contain proteins which can help repairing muscles and other body tissues. In addition to proteins, they are also rich in potassium which can help improve your dog’s nerves and muscles.
Omega 3 and 6 Fatty acids – Just like for humans, they help in the brain development of young puppies. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help cure arthritis which in return helps a dog’s ability to fight cancer. Not to forget, the good things it can do for the dog’s heart and kidney.
Potassium – It aids in the functioning of electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles. It also helps to revive the dogs energy if it is feeling tired all the time
Phosphorous – It is a mineral which helps a dog keep its teeth and bone healthy and also keep the metabolism on track
Manganese – It activates the enzymes which the dog needs for many of its metabolic functions. It also helps in building the joints.
Copper – It helps in making the red blood cells and also absorb iron from the food. It is good for their skin and hair pigmentation.
They are other nutrients as well in Soy Beans. So all in all, it becomes a super food for your doggy. But does that mean they should be fed lots and lots of Soy Beans for them to stay healthy? The answer is – No.
How much Soy Beans is good Soy Beans for your Dog?
Soy is actually a part of a lot of commercial dog products so it is very much possible that is already eating Soy and you are not aware about it. Studies say that an approximate of 50 grams of Soy is good for your dog but also depends on the age, size and weight of your dog. Let’s break this down according to the breeds and sizes of the dogs.
Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 5-10 grams of Soy Beans (1 tablespoons)
For e.g.: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 10-15 grams of Soy Beans (2 tablespoons)
For e.g.: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 15-20 grams Soy Beans (3 tablespoons)
For e.g.: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies
Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = 30-25 grams of Soy Beans (4-5 tablespoons)
For e.g.: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = 45-50 grams of Soy Beans (6-7 tablespoons)
For e.g.: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
How can you feed Soy Beans to your Dog?
There are many dogs which are allergic to it. In general, dog allergies are found in protein rich foods, especially dairy like chicken, beef, soy, eggs or gluten. There are other cautions to note before going all-in and serving a nice Soy Beans to your dog.
Cooked Soy Beans – Never ever feed your dog a raw Soy Beans. It is not toxic per se but anything raw can be susceptible to a lot of bacteria and diseases which can upset your dog’s stomach.
Plain = No pain – Dog’s stomachs are not made for anything spicy or salty or even very sweet for that matter. So, while serving Soy Beans, make sure they are plain without the use of any butter, salt or any other spices
Mix it up – Just for the taste as soy beans are not the best on the taste scale and the dog would probably avoid it. So its better to slide it in the dog’s meal and mix it up with other foods to make it eat soy
Test and then taste – Always check if your dog is allergic to soy or no before feeding it. In case of not knowing it, start with a very small quantity and then gradually increase if no threats are seen
But make sure you fall for the nutritional thing and end up feeding it more of it. Stick to the recommended quantities. More Soy Beans ≠ More Love but = Bad gut health
What can happen if your dog eats an unusual amount of Soy Beans?
If your dog ate some more Soy Beans, which he probably wouldn’t because of the bad taste but yet if it does while you were getting ready for a date or enjoying a Netflix session, look out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach. You should contact your vet right away if you see –
In some cases, it has also been seen to cause seizures in dogs because of the allergic reactions
Conclusion
While studies are yet going on whether Soy Beans are completely safe and healthy for dogs or no, the nutritional list shows that they can be very healthy and even safe for most dogs except for those with allergies. So go ahead and slide a couple pieces in the dog bowl and it will reward the dog with better health and immunity.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
