Dog’s digestive system is different from ours, so they should not eat certain foods that we eat. They simply can’t process well some foods and it is better to avoid giving these foods to dogs. Dog food contains all the nutrients that dogs need. We might enjoy Cheerios every now and then, but are they good for dogs?
In this text we will talk about soy sauce. It is known that many dogs enjoy soy sauce, but that doesn’t mean that they should get it. Dog owners should be very careful with the food that they give to their dogs. There’s no doubt that soy sauce can have health benefits for people, but what about dogs? Can they also benefit from eating this delicious sauce? You will find the answers bellow, but first we will tell you something more about soy sauce.
More About Soy Sauce
Soy sauce, which is also called soya sauce, is made from a paste of boiled soybeans, roasted grain and brine. This sauce comes from China and it is mainly used in cooking and as a condiment. Soy sauce is rich in protein, antioxidants and isoflavones, so it can be very healthy for people. Sometimes soy sauce can have positive effects on digestive tract, but you should be careful when you are consuming such food.
Soy sauce is commonly regarded as a very salty food, because it contains high amounts of sodium. Some researches have shown that just one tablespoon of soy sauce contains 1000 miligrams of sodium and it is a very large amount. You should know that recommended daily dosis of salt is 500 miligrams. Soy sauce is high-sodium food that can increase the risk of many cardiovascular diseases. But, can you give soy sauce to your dog or it can also be dangerous for him?
Is Soy Sauce Safe for Dogs?
Maybe some dog owners will be disappointed, but the answer is no. Soy sauce is not good for dogs, because it is full of sodium. We can not say that soy sauce is toxic to dogs, but it is neither good for them. However, you should avoid feeding your dog with meals which contain soy sauce. When we talk about soy sauce, the biggest problem is the salt content. Dogs are very sensitive to salt and it is best to avoid salty meals. The researches have shown that the toxic dose of salt for dogs is about 4g/kg, but the side effects appear even with lower doses. You should know that one tablespoon of soy sauce has 2.3 g of salt and this amount of salt is enough to sicken a small dog. Apart from salt which can cause side effects, you should know that soy can trigger many allergies in dogs. It is known that high quality dog food is always soy free.
Small portion of soy sauce will not be a big problem for your dog’s health. You can put it on vegetables or meat, but in a very small amount and just occasionally.
However, you should avoid giving your dog meals in which soy sauce is the main ingredient. This sauce should not be a part of a regular dog’s diet. It is better to give your dog his normal food without any seasonings.
Side Effects of Eating Soy Sauce
Side effects which your dog can have from eating soy sauce are related to the salt content of the sauce. It is proved that large quantities of salt can lead to thirst, sodium ion poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors and depression.
If soy sauce contains onion or garlic, the symptoms can be even worse, because these vegetables are very toxic to dogs and can even lead to death. Other fruits and vegetables are better. For example, blueberries are good for dogs in moderation.
