First, before we get into whether dogs can eat edamame, let’s talk about what it is. Edamame is an immature soybean and has been a staple food source in many cultures for generations. Asian cultures have enjoyed edamame in their meals as long as anyone can remember.
Edamame beans are steamed or boiled prior to eating as they are filled with serine protease inhibitors that are toxic when eaten by all animals that only have a single compartment stomach. This includes humans.
Ruminants — animals with multiple compartment stomachs such as horses, cows, and goats — can eat soybeans raw without any problems, however. So remember to cook your edamame first and then enjoy it or give it to your dog.
Edamame Calories
Being a vegetable, edamame is low in caloric content. There are fewer than 200 calories in one cup of edamame.
They don’t really change in size from raw to cooked, so measuring before or after cooking makes little difference.
Is Edamame Healthy?
This plant food source is very high in vitamin C, omega-3, and calcium, they pack in the nutrition. They’re also high in protein and fiber, rounding them out nicely as a nutritional snack or addition to any meal.
Is Edamame Soy?
It is made from the soybean, therefore a form of soy. Edamame is a green soybean, not dark like other types of soy.
Even the pods are green but they should not be eaten, though you can steam the beans inside of the pods and remove them easily.
Soy that is used for other food processing is not the same type of soy that is cultivated to serve edamame in restaurants or to be frozen and sold at the grocer.
If you find cooked and then frozen edamame, it can be eaten as a cold snack by your dog, as long as it’s cooked before freezing. Take the time to read the packaging and look for the words “pre-cooked” on the label.
Can A Dog Eat Cooked Edamame?
Absolutely! Make sure that you are using cooked edamame and your dog can enjoy them sprinkled on top of his food bowl or as a treat.
Don’t give them raw edamame (remember what we said about toxicity above) and don’t add salt or sauces that can dehydrate your dog. Salt can be toxic in large amounts and dogs are easily dehydrated.
If you add some steamed edamame to other healthy veggies and rice, you can add a spoonful to your dog’s kibble each day and provide him a world of benefits. Plus, he’ll love the additional taste in his meal.
Why Do Dogs Love Edamame?
For starters, it tastes delicious. It is also a nutritious form of fiber, protein, and calcium — all things that are critically important to a healthy dog’s body.
Edamame can help to break up the monotony of kibble each and every meal as well. No animal will love to eat the same thing over and over. Would you? Of course not! This is why they love the addition of new foods.
You can add some meat to cooked edamame for additional flavor and introduce your dog to it in this way if you like, or simply use some beef or chicken stock to cook the beans in, so they soak up that delicious flavor.
By itself, edamame isn’t an overwhelming taste. It’s a mild bean that absorbs the flavor of the things it is cooked in. Just be very careful what you season it with.
Dogs cannot tolerate high levels of sodium (salt) and some seasonings are harmful to them as well. Double-check the spices and foods that are harmful to dogs and make sure you adhere to this by never feeding them anything bad.
Can Dogs Eat Edamame Beans
Not only can they, but they also should. Edamame is filled with nutritional value and will add healthy fiber to your dog’s diet too.
Edamame can help to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol, improve overall weight, and provide a snack that is beneficial. It is heart-healthy for both of you. Enjoy some together.
Try using edamame for training treats, Your dog won’t gain weight as they might from traditional training treats, plus, you’ll feel better knowing that you are actually providing them with better nutrition.
Can Dogs Eat Edamame Pods?
As long as they are steamed with the beans, the pods are not toxic. They are tough and humans don’t like eating them but dogs seem to enjoy them and they will add additional fiber to their diet.
The pods waste products to humans that can be used by offering them to your dog in their dish. These high-fiber snacks help to keep your dog’s stomach feel more full, thereby decreasing weight and overeating issues.
Edamame pods are also filled with vitamin C and K, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. In fact, edamame has been known to help with hormonal issues for humans and there is a bit of anecdotal evidence that it may do the same for aging dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Edamame Shells?
The shells are simply the same thing as the pod. Cook them and feed them to your dog with confidence that you’re giving them a wonderfully healthy snack that is safe.
You’ll hear many things about edamame — some positive and some negative — but facts matter. The fact is that edamame is nutritious, healthy, can help reduce blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and increase heart health. It does all this safely and naturally.
When you introduce anything new to your dog, always keep in mind that allergies may be a factor for your pet, so start with a small serving and observe your dog for any signs of allergic reactions.
Odds are in your favor that your dog will tolerate edamame quite well and enjoy it as a new addition of flavor to their food dish. Give them a break from the same old-same old and introduce them to the food they’ve been dying for.
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