Owning a dog can be very interesting, but it is not so easy. A dog owner has to take care of his dog’s diet and many other things. Can dogs eat sesame seeds? How about fruits and vegetables? In this article we will deal with tofu, as one of the most popular soy products all around the world. It is known that commercial dog food companies are adding more and more soy to their recipes.
But, is that good for dogs? Are tofu and other soy products safe for dogs or they are on the list of toxic foods? Read this article carefully before you feed your dog tofu. In this article you will get the answers, but first we will tell you something more about tofu. You can also read about dogs and dates while you’re at it.
More about Tofu
Tofu is a food that is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into soft white blocks. Tofu is also called bean curd and it is a common ingredient in East and Southeast Asian cuisines. It is a food that you probably like to eat in Chinese restaurants. There are fresh tofu and tofu that has been processed. Tofu can be soft, firm or extra firm and it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Tofu is low in calories and high in vegetable protein.
Also, tofu is a great source of vitamins and it has a lot of health benefits for people. Studies have shown that tofu can reduce the risk of cancer and many other diseases. But, can we feed our dogs tofu? Is tofu good for your dog’s health? Just continue reading and you will find out.
Is Tofu Safe For Dogs?
Well, we have bad news for you. You should not feed your dog tofu because there are a lot of health risks, which you will see below. You may be worried if your dog has eaten a certain amount of tofu, but nothing bad will happen if your dog eats a small amount of this food. Tofu is not found on the list of foods that are toxic for dogs.
But, tofu is generally not well-suited for your dog. It may fill the stomach of your dog but it will not provide him with any nutrients. You should have in mind that a dog’s diet should be based primarily on meat-based protein. Tofu should be used only as an occasional treat for your dog. It should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet.
A small amount of tofu once in a while won’t do any harm to your dog, but large amounts of tofu can be very dangerous. Too much tofu can cause bloating, diarrhea, vomiting or some other gastrointestinal problems in your dog.
Also, soy may contain high levels of pesticides, which is not good for your dog. It is also possible that your dog is allergic to tofu. Actually, all foods derived from soybeans carries allergic risk and it is known that a lot of people as well as dogs are allergic to tofu. If you notice any allergic reactions after feeding your dog tofu, you should take your dog to the vet.
When you are introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, it is necessary to start with very small amounts. You should watch carefully the reaction of your dog after feeding him tofu. If you notice any symptoms, stop feeding your dog tofu and find some other delicious treat for your dog. If there are no symptoms, you should not attempt to feed your dog more tofu because the symptoms may appear later.
Have in mind that soy milk in tofu is a big health risk for your dog and most of dogs are allergic to it.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, tofu is not the best choice for your dog. Your dog needs meat protein, so tofu won’t provide him any necessary nutrients.
Because of that, you should find some other healthier treat for your dog. But, if you decide to feed your dog tofu, you should use very small amounts. Remember that tofu should be served only as an occasional treat for your dog. Large amounts of tofu will cause many gastrointestinal and other health problems to your dog. You should have in mind that you are responsible for your dog’s health, so you need to provide him a balanced and healthy diet. Tofu definitely is not the best thing that you can give to your dog.
As we have already said, dogs need meat-based proteins, so it is best to save the tofu for your own enjoyment. If you want to feed your dog a food that contains protein, it is best to choose lean meat that is cooked thoroughly. This way you will avoid bacterial infections and keep your dog healthy and active.
