What is soy?
Soy is a legume that originally comes from East Asia and is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Soybeans contain a lot of high-quality protein, which is comparable to animal protein. Soy also provides important vitamins, minerals and trace elements for the dog's body.
Soy can be processed into various products, such as
- Soy milk
- soy yoghurt
- tofu
- Soy sprouts
- soy flour
- Soy bread
- Soy sauce
- Soybean oil
These products can have different properties and ingredients depending on their type and production. Some are more digestible than others, some contain more or less plant estrogens, which can have a hormonal effect.
What are the benefits of soy for dogs?
Soy for dogs can have several benefits, such as:
- Soy is an alternative protein source for dogs with meat allergies or intolerances. Many dogs are sensitive or allergic to certain meats or animal proteins. For them, soy can be a good way to meet their protein requirements without causing discomfort.
- Soy is a cheap source of protein compared to meat or eggs. The production of soy products is usually cheaper than that of animal products. This is also reflected in the price of soy-based dog food, which is often cheaper than other varieties.
- Soy may have some health benefits for dogs with certain medical conditions. The plant estrogens in soy products can have positive effects in some dogs, for example in bitches with incontinence after castration or in dogs with prostate disease. However, the research on this topic is not yet very extensive and there are also contrary opinions.
What are the disadvantages of soy for dogs?
Soy for dogs can also have some disadvantages, such as
- Soy can cause allergic reactions or intolerances. Although soy is often advertised as a hypoallergenic food, there are also dogs that are sensitive or allergic to it. Typical symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, skin rashes or itching.
- Soy can impair thyroid function. The plant estrogens in soy products can inhibit the absorption of iodine, which is important for the formation of thyroid hormones. This can lead to hypothyroidism, which can manifest itself in symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue or hair loss.
- Soy can impair fertility and growth. The hormonal effects of soy products can also have negative effects on the reproduction and development of dogs. There is evidence that high soy consumption can lead to infertility, cycle disorders, birth complications or growth retardation.
Which soy products are suitable for dogs?
Not all soy products are equally suitable for dogs. Some are more digestible and have less plant estrogens than others. Here are some tips on what to look out for:
- Avoid raw or uncooked soybeans. These contain phasin and phytic acid, which are toxic and indigestible for dogs. They can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems or even death.
- Prefer fermented soy products. Fermented soy products such as tempeh, miso or natto have a lower content of plant estrogens and are easier to digest than unfermented products. They also contain probiotic bacteria that can promote intestinal health.
- Use unsweetened soy products. Many soy products such as soy milk, soy yogurt or tofu contain sugar or other sweeteners that can be harmful to dogs. Make sure that you only buy unsweetened versions or make them yourself.
- Pay attention to the quality and origin of the soy products. Not all soy products are equal in terms of quality and origin. There are many soy products that are made from genetically modified soy or are contaminated with pesticides. It is therefore better to buy organic soy products from sustainable cultivation.
How much soy can my dog eat?
The optimal amount of soy for your dog depends on various factors, such as
- the size and weight of your dog
- the health and age of your dog
- the type and quality of the soy product
- the composition and quality of the rest of the food
There is no general recommendation on how much soy your dog can eat. If in doubt, you should always ask your vet for advice before feeding your dog soy.
However, as a rule of thumb, soy should only be a supplement and not a substitute for a balanced diet. Do not feed your dog more than 10% of its daily energy requirement in soy. This corresponds to about 1 to 2 tablespoons of tofu or 50 to 100 ml of soy milk per day for a medium-sized dog.