Soy sauce is an important and tasty ingredient in many Asian cultural cuisines. But while soy sauce can add a delicious spark of umami to your stir fry or chicken teriyaki, can dogs have soy sauce, too?
No. Dogs should not eat soy sauce due to the high salt content, says Kathryn Dench, holistic veterinarian and chief scientific officer at Paw Origins.
Learn more about why dogs should avoid soy sauce below and get vet-approved alternatives to add variety to your dog’s dinner.
Is Soy Sauce Bad for Dogs?
Yes, but not because of the soy. Instead, it’s because of soy sauce’s high sodium content. “Dogs are more sensitive to salt than humans,” says Patrick Wilson, a veterinarian with Well Pet Coach.
A medium-sized dog weighing 15 kg (33 pounds) should only have 200 milligrams (mg) of sodium daily. However, one tablespoon of soy sauce contains 879 mg of sodium. That’s more than four times the safe amount for dogs. If your pup eats too much salt, it could have long-term consequences on their health.
What Happens When Dogs Have Too Much Sodium?
Dr Wilson explains that dogs who eat too much salt are at risk of sodium ion poisoning (salt poisoning.)
Severe cases of salt poisoning can cause potentially fatal high blood pressure, kidney failure and brain swelling if left untreated. So, if you suspect your pup has consumed too much soy sauce or any other sodium sources, watch them closely for symptoms and call your vet or the UK’s paid-for Animal PoisonLine ASAP.
A dog experiencing sodium poisoning may display the following symptoms.
- excessive thirst
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- change in toileting frequency
- bloating
- tremors
- seizures
- weakness
- lack of coordination
While there isn’t a single treatment for sodium poisoning, your vet will likely try to slowly lower your dog’s sodium levels through methods like IV fluids.
Rehydrating too quickly after severe cases of salt poisoning can actually cause a dog’s brain to swell more due to excessive fluid buildup. So, it’s crucial to consult a vet for guidance before rehydrating your dog at home.
How Much Soy Sauce Is Dangerous for Dogs?
While salt poisoning is serious and scary, not every dog may experience it after consuming small amounts of soy sauce.
“The toxicity threshold for sodium in dogs can vary significantly based on the dog’s size, breed, and overall health,” Dr Dench explains.
For example, if a medium or large-sized dog snatches a bite-sized piece of chicken teriyaki off the floor, this small amount likely won’t cause them serious harm. But Dr Dench says that for toy breeds or dogs with pre-existing conditions, like kidney disease or heart problems, even small amounts of soy sauce can pose a concern.
It’s better to err on the side of caution and contact your vet.
What Sauces or Food Toppers Are Safe For Dogs to Eat?
“If you’re looking to add flavour or variety to your dog’s meals, it’s safer and more beneficial to use dog-friendly alternatives,” Dr Wilson says.
So, while soy sauce shouldn’t be in your pup-friendly pantry, the following options could add a healthy dash of flavour to your dog’s dinner.
- Pumpkin puree. Pumpkin contains a high fibre content, which could support your dog’s digestive system and combat issues like diarrhoea and constipation. You can add one tablespoon to their dinner with your vet’s permission.
- Unsweetened apple sauce. Apples are safe for dogs in small quantities and contain vitamins like A and C, and nutrients like fibre. You can make a dog-safe apple sauce at home by stewing and mashing cored apples. Make sure it has no apple seeds or stems, and don’t add any sweeteners or seasonings.
- Low-sodium broth. Bone broth contains several beneficial nutrients, like collagen, minerals, proteins, amino acids, and more. You can make it at home with animal bones of your choice or buy a ready-made version. But if you’re going the store-bought route, choose a broth that doesn’t contain added salt or other seasonings.
- Gravy toppers. You can buy dog-friendly food toppers from the pet store or make your own dog-safe gravy by adding corn starch to an unsalted bone broth. For an extra hearty version, you can add pureed meats, like plain chicken or beef.
