Can I give my dog tofu?

Vegetarians swear by tofu, but is it a food that can also be given to dogs? This question is highly debatable, even for a human diet, as health experts make conflicting recommendations for and against soy consumption.

Video: My dog Tofu just recently discovered Beggin Strips

Obviously eating tofu, coagulated soy milk, is unnatural for your dog since canines are primarily carnivorous. Just because you may enjoy eating bean curb does not mean your pet pooch should be partaking as well.

What may be considered a healthy diet, including soy-based foods, isn’t necessarily appropriate for animals. So while a serving of tofu is not exactly toxic for most dogs, it’s generally not well-suited for them either. Keep reading for more details.

Can I Give My Dog Tofu? Answer: Not Recommended

It may fill the stomach but anything soy isn’t a great choice, especially on a regular basis.

Video: Vegan Guide - Tofu the vegan dog and her diet

Commercial dog food companies are increasingly adding soy to their recipes which is a step in the wrong direction. While you may disagree, dog food with meat-based protein listed as the first ingredient is far superior to canine chow that basically incorporates a form of tofu. It’s well-proven that animal-based nutrients are what dogs require to thrive. In regards to tofu specifically, your pet could actually be allergic to it.

With all that said, a small amount of tofu is unlikely to harm your dog.

Trouble Trusting Tofu

Most experts agree that tofu, and soy in general, is an incomplete kind of protein for dogs. Pet food manufacturers favor adding soy because it’s cheaper than meat protein. This type of food will tend to make your dog gassy.

Bloat, or gastric dilatation volvulus, is also possible which is the second leading cause of dead for domesticated canines. The phytoestrogens found in tofu are probably a net negative for most dogs. Also consider that soy usually contains high levels of pesticides.

Your Pet Pooch is a Beast!

It may seem unpleasant but dogs evolved over many thousands of years by preying on other animals. Today, your pet isn’t a predator and they enjoy lots of comforts. But you cannot ignore their evolutionary carnivorous instinct. It is much more beneficial to provide food which takes into account your dog’s DNA profile. Wild cousins such as wolves, coyotes and dingoes would not be eating a smidgen of tofu.

Video: My dog Tofu flips out over a piece of Tofurky.....in slow motion.

Instead, get a high-quality dog food designed to meet your dog’s nutritional requirements. Unfortunately, soft white blocks pressed from coagulated soy milk just isn’t going to cut it!

Dogs Definitely Not Vegetarian

While the benefits of tofu for people continues to be hotly debated, consider that anything derived from soybeans carries allergic risk. Lots of people as well as dogs are allergic to tofu. If you stick to basics then food allergies are very unlikely to occur. Besides, dogs inherently prefer meat over tofu even though they are opportunistic eaters.

Video: Drawing of My Dog: Tofu

Just because your four-legged friend will eat some tofu, does not mean they are getting what they need for optimum health.

Try to Think Like a Canine

Some vegetarian dog owners don’t like the thought of giving their pets any meat. But the case cannot be credibly made that dogs are vegetarian, either genetically or historically speaking. On the other hand, people were likely vegetarians for most of human history but this isn’t at all relevant to dogs and their dietary requirements.

Translation: More tofu for you and less for Fido!

Conclusion on Tofu & Soy

Tofu isn’t the worst thing you could give to a pet dog but we recommend that you avoid regularly doing so. It’s very likely not a suitable protein source for canines and allergies to soy are common. This is despite the fact that commercial dog foods contain tofu-like ingredients more than ever. Don’t misunderstand us, you can share some with your best buddy but don’t make it a habit. Dogs require meat-based proteins, and not tofu, to really thrive.

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