- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you eat a vegan or mostly vegetarian diet, tofu may be a regular staple on your menu. Tofu is a vegan protein made from soybeans, water, and a coagulant or curdling agent. It’s nutritious for people, and dogs can eat tofu, too!
You can safely share tofu with your pup, as long as you cook the tofu first and serve it plain, says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM and veterinary advisor to Figo Pet Insurance. Tofu may even have some health benefits for dogs, and you’ll even find tofu in some commercial dog foods.
When feeding your dog tofu, however, it’s important to give it only in moderation. Dogs who eat too much tofu may have gas or experience other digestive discomfort.
Read on to learn more about the nutritional benefits of tofu for dogs, how to serve it safely, and a few health risks to keep in mind.
Is Tofu Nutritious For Dogs?
A small amount of tofu is safe and nutritious for dogs—but don’t rely on this soy protein to satisfy your pup’s dietary requirements. “Tofu does not contain enough quality protein to be the sole source for your dog,” Dr. Ostermeier says.
However, tofu can act as a nice whole food meal topper or treat for vegan and vegetarian pet parents who prefer not to work with meat, she says.
Tofu doesn’t have much flavor on its own, but it takes on the flavors of whatever spices, sauces, and marinades you cook it with. When giving tofu to your dog, however, you’ll want to make sure you only share plain tofu.
“Plain tofu is best because any added sauces and seasonings may upset your dog’s stomach or even be toxic,” Dr. Ostermeier says. Tofu marinated with garlic or onions, for instance, can be harmful to dogs.
You’ll also want to avoid fermented and smoked tofu, since these varieties can contain too much sodium.
Health benefits of tofu
Tofu contains essential nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, folate, and protein. It’s also low in fat and high in fiber, so it may have benefit for dogs on a vet-recommended weight-loss plan.
Tofu may also have benefits for dogs with the following health conditions:
- Allergies: Dog foods containing tofu may be good options for dogs with allergies who need a novel protein.
- Liver disease: Soy is easier on the liver than many animal-based proteins, so a soy-based diet may benefit dogs with liver disease.
- Bladder or kidney stones: Tofu is lower in purines than animal tissue, and a low-purine diet can help prevent the recurrence of bladder stones in dogs who have had them before.
Just make sure to talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet or adding in a new food, like tofu.
How Much Tofu Can I Give My Dog?
It’s always best to start by checking with your vet before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet. They can offer feeding guidance specifically tailored to your dog’s health needs.
When giving your dog tofu, it’s best to offer it as a treat or a meal topper, not an entire meal. Tofu doesn’t contain all of the nutrients a dog needs, so it’s important to feed your dog a commercially available dog food that’s nutritionally balanced to meet your dog’s dietary needs.
Experts recommend that treats like tofu make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake.
You’ll want to consider your dog’s size and weight when determining the right portion of tofu. You can use these general guidelines:
- Small dogs (under about 20 pounds): 1-2 small (1-inch) cubes per day.
- Medium dogs (about 20 to 50 pounds): 2-4 small cubes per day.
- Large dogs (over 50 pounds): 4-6 small cubes per day.
Important: Dr. Ostermeier says growing puppies shouldn’t eat tofu because it may have some effects on hormone development.
Does Tofu Have Any Health Risks For Dogs?
When given as a treat in small amounts, tofu can be a nutritious snack for dogs. However, it’s important to keep a few possible risks in mind.
- Hormonal changes: Dr. Ostermeier explains that soy contains phytoestrogens, which are similar to estrogen. Large amounts of tofu could imbalance your dog’s hormones. Pregnant or nursing dogs, in particular, shouldn’t eat tofu or other soy products.
- Digestive upset: Some dogs may have trouble digesting tofu and other soy products. They may experience gas and other indigestion.
- Allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to soy or develop an allergy over time. Monitor your dog for any signs of a reaction when adding tofu into their diet. Signs of a reaction might include itchy skin and upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Other Soy Products?
Dogs can also eat some other types of soy. Ask your vet about serving these foods as an occasional snack:
- Soybeans: Edamame (immature soybeans) are digestible and safe for dogs. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin C. Serve them raw, steamed, or as a frozen treat.
- Soy milk: Small amounts of soy milk are OK for dogs, but too much can add excess calories and sugar to their diet. Always check the package to make sure the soy milk doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Soy yogurt: Plain soy yogurt is safe in moderation. It provides gut-supporting probiotics, calcium, and protein. However, the lactose in yogurt can cause digestive issues, so dogs should only eat it in small amounts.
- Tempeh: This protein-rich soy product is firmer and chewier than tofu. Dogs may also like its earthy, nutty flavor. Make sure to serve it plain without extras like onions, garlic, salt, or other seasonings.
Important: Not all soy-based products are safe for dogs. The danger lies not in the soy itself but the accompanying ingredients. For example, soy sauce isn’t good for dogs because of its high sodium content.
If you have any questions about feeding your dog a specific food, your vet can always offer more guidance.
