Can dogs or cats eat edamame?

31 August 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat edamame?

The good news for dog owners is that edamame beans are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation! However, dogs cannot eat the tough pod outside; only feed them the beans inside.

Edamame beans are a great protein, fibre, vitamin and mineral source. They also contain antioxidants that can help boost your dog's immune system.

Make sure you remove the pods first. They can pose a choking hazard or lead to digestive issues for your dog if swallowed whole. Avoid seasoned varieties, as those may have added salt or spices that could upset their stomach.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult your veterinarian first! If your dog eats edamame (or any food) and shows signs of lethargy, diarrhoea or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If your pet requires veterinary care due to something they ate, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat edamame?

Shelled edamame beans are safe for cats in moderation, but you do need to cook them.

Make sure you only serve the beans, not the pod - those tough pods aren't easy for cats to nosh on, and they can be choking hazards.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult your veterinarian first! If your cat eats edamame (or any food) and shows signs of lethargy, diarrhoea or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately.

If your pet requires veterinary care due to something they ate, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet