Most vegans include tofu in their diet. It is a superb alternative to animal protein. Alongside, it offers calcium, iron, and vitamins. Some of our dogs find difficulty absorbing animal protein. That’s why we may think, Can dogs have tofu?
Luckily, tofu is a safe choice for mammals. It has no toxic elements that can hurt dogs. However, the preparation of the tofu is a deciding factor in whether it can be harmful to dogs or not. For this reason, we always recommend cooking tofu in its plain form with no flavours. Besides, you must consider the right amount to feed your dog in the right way.
This article has so much to tell you about how tofu can be your pet’s best friend or enemy.
What Is Tofu?
Tofu is the result of the coagulation of soy milk. Soy milk is the white liquid that comes from soybeans. After coagulating the soy milk, we get a curd-like substance called bean curd. Then we give it the shape of shite solid blocks by cutting the curd.
The softness of tofu can vary. This can be soft, extra soft, firm, or extra firm. Most vegans include tofu in their diet. Thanks to its protein, calcium, iron, amino acids, and other nutrients that we all need in our regular diets.
Can Dogs Have Tofu?
Tofu is not a toxic food for pets, so yeah, dogs can have it easily. Just make sure not to add any extra ingredients like salt, sugar, spices, and seasonings. Besides, keep the slices of tofu small so that dogs find no choking hazard while gulping them.
Tofu has many essential compounds, like isoflavones, hypoallergenic hydrolyzed proteins, low purine levels, amino acids, etc. Also, it has many essential nutrients, like protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, fibre, etc.
What Are The Benefits Of Having Tofu For Dogs?
You may expect good health for your dog by offering him tofu in the right way and the right quantity. It has good amounts of iron, calcium, and protein, but little amounts of magnesium, potassium, and saturated fats.
With iron, tofu can promote stronger bones, teeth, muscle movement, heart health, etc. Iron will improve the haemoglobin level and body growth. Protein will take care of muscle, weight, and hunger.
The small amounts of magnesium present in tofu will maintain your dog’s nerve health and blood sugar levels. The potassium will improve his muscle health, heart health, and nerve health.
Tofu is also a good source of fibre. It means your dog can have a good bowel movement from eating it.
Most vets don’t recommend adding more calories to dogs’ diets. Meanwhile, tofu has few calories, which can help maintain a healthy weight.
This bean curd has soy protein with a low purine level. Hence, dogs with urinary issues can eat tofu safely.
Vets don’t recommend offering animal protein to dogs when they are suffering from liver issues. Surprisingly, they can digest soy protein better. Hence, tofu can be a good alternative for dogs with liver issues.
Tofu has isoflavones that reduce the cholesterol level. Feeding it to a dog with heart issues can do good for him.
Dogs who have allergies most often need hypoallergenic hydrolyzed protein that is present in soy. This means that for allergic dogs, tofu can be a safe substitute to some degree.
What Are The Risks Of Having Tofu For Dogs?
Unfortunately, tofu is not going to be your dog’s best friend all the time. For example, tofu has silicate. If your dog eats too much tofu, he is indirectly taking in too much silicate. We know that excess amounts of silicate can lead to kidney stones and other bladder issues.
All dogs may not be comfortable processing tofu. In that case, they will suffer from gas and bloating. The reactions can be more severe if the quantity of consumption is high.
Some canines can be hypersensitive to soy-based products. Eating tofu will cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
Tofu contains phytoestrogens, which are present in almost all soy-based products. These compounds can cause hormonal imbalances in dogs, resulting in behavioural changes, thyroid issues, and so on.
As said earlier, this bean curd can be a good alternative for dogs who are allergic. Some allergies are more severe, and they can restrict dogs from having tofu too. The result of eating tofu can be rashes, inflammation, and itchiness on the skin and gut.
How To Offer Tofu To Dogs?
Usually, we marinate and season tofu to get the best flavour out of it. You can’t do it for your paw friend. While preparing tofu for him, make sure the dish is completely plain without any ingredients. Don’t add any sugar, salt, onion, garlic, spices, or seasonings. These ingredients will upset dogs’ stomachs and result in body organ issues.
Anyway, after making the delicious bean curd for your dog, cut it into small pieces. If your dog is a small breed, keep the pieces bite-sized.
You may add those white, spongy cubes over the dog food or with fruits and vegetables for your dog’s meal.
When Can Dogs Have Tofu?
Although tofu poses many health benefits, not all dogs may benefit from it. For instance, soy has plant oestrogens, and some dogs are allergic to plant estrogens. If your canine friend falls into the same category, tofu is not for him.
Since this bean curd has a low purine level, dogs with urinary issues can have it. However, dogs with kidney stones may develop severe issues because of the silicate in tofu.
If your dog is on a low-calorie diet, tofu can be his best friend. Besides, it can be helpful for dogs who are good with plant protein rather than animal protein.
To keep your pet on the safe side, always ask for his vet’s approval before inducing him to eat any food.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Tofu?
Is soy good for dogs?
As long as the dog is not allergic to plant-based foods, he can have soy. This can even provide them with nutrients like iron, vitamin B6, calcium, protein, magnesium, potassium, and many more.
Can all pets have tofu?
Almost all mammals can eat tofu in small quantities if they are not allergic to soy. Besides, the bean curd should be free from flavours and spices, and it should be an occasional treat.
How much tofu is safe for dogs?
The quantity of tofu will depend on what breed your dog is. For instance, a small dog can have one inch of a tofu cube in a day. A medium breed can have two small cubes of it. While the large dogs can have two large cubes of tofu.
Can dogs eat tofu every day?
Since tofu is a human food, dogs should have it occasionally, not frequently. Eating it every day can disrupt their liver and kidney function with gas, bloating, and vomiting.
Final Thoughts
After learning some potential downsides of eating tofu, we may wonder, Can dogs have tofu? The answer is yes if you maintain some precautions. For instance, you have to prepare it in plain form, the amount should be less, and the treat should be occasional.
Don’t forget to check your dog’s allergies. If his allergy says he needs plant oestrogen, only then should you offer him tofu.
This bean curd can be a crucial reason for bloating in dogs. If your dog is already suffering from gas and bloating, keep tofu away from him. By chance, if he eats it in high quantities, inform his doctor and tell him about the symptoms, if there are any.
