Soy sauce is used in many dishes to enhance the flavor of food but it is a must in most Chinese dishes. It is enjoyed by us humans on a daily basis as it can be incorporated into the preparation of most meals, however, the question that we all would like the answer to is whether or not our dogs can eat this flavourful sauce.
We all know that Chinese food is cooked in an abundance of soy sauce and although we enjoy its delicious taste, is it ok to share it with our dogs? Considering the frenzy that is caused when our dogs get a hold of those little leftovers that we brought home, I think that it is relevant to know the answers to these questions.
Here are the answers that you have been looking for:
Can dogs eat soy sauce?
The safest answer to the above question and for your dog to maintain optimal health would be a definite NO! Your dog should not eat soy sauce. Although it is not the soy sauce on its own that is only bad for your dog, the excessive amounts of salt that it contains can be detrimental. Too much of salt in your dog’s diet can cause unnecessary health problems. Excessive salt intake can lead to an increase in your dog’s blood pressure levels that in turn can aggravate existing heart conditions. As little as a teaspoon of soy sauce can distress your dog causing heart palpitations and posing a risk for salt poisoning.
We all are aware of the curious reaction that we get from our dogs when we bring home those leftovers from our favorite Chinese restaurant. The delicious aromas of the soy sauce in those leftovers, make the tail of our fur babies wagging. Seems like it’s their favorite too, don’t you think? Although it is safe for us to eat in moderation, dogs should steer clear from soy sauce to avoid related health issues.
Is soy sauce toxic to dogs?
As dog owners, the health and safety of our dogs are of optimal importance. Making sure that they eat a healthy diet is a priority.
Soy sauce, with its high content of sodium, is toxic to dogs even in small doses. Kidney failure and salt poisoning are some of the damages that can be caused by an excessive amount of it, therefore soy sauce should be avoided at all costs because aside from kidney failure and salt poisoning, soy sauce can be lethal, causing eventual death. Toxicity to soy sauce is inevitable if ingested in excess, so to avoid any of the above-mentioned problems, it is best to completely eliminate soy sauce from your dog’s diet.
Can puppies eat soy sauce?
No, puppies cannot eat soy sauce because although they are still developing their bodies cannot tolerate high levels of sodium making them susceptible to disease at an early age. The high level of sodium in soy sauce affects puppies and bigger dogs in the same way, causing them to become very ill. Puppies experience the same symptoms as bigger dogs do when they ingest too much soy sauce, therefore it is advisable to keep them away from it. Vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors are a few of the symptoms that you should look out for if your puppy has ingested soy sauce. These are avoidable as we are responsible for controlling their diet, so it is best to completely eliminate soy sauce from their diet as to avoid future health problems.
Please consult your veterinarian immediately if your puppy shows any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
What is soy sauce made from?
Soy sauce is made through the fermentation process that uses soybean and wheat. The soybean and wheat are crushed together and left to ferment in salted water that has added yeast. The fermentation process can last for days and sometimes even weeks. Although fermented foods are generally healthy for dogs, soy sauce is not one of them. The high amounts of sodium in soy sauce puts it on the list of what not to eat when it comes to our dog’s diet.
Some soy sauce manufacturers use garlic and onion as ingredients in their sauce making. Garlic and onion are not good for dogs to eat as an excessive amount of it can cause an upset stomach.
Is soy sauce dangerous for my dog to eat?
The dangers that follow soy sauce are not only in the amount of salt that it contains but also in how the soybean is grown. The process of growing the soybean is very interesting, and although almost all the crops die due to the excessive amount of pesticides that are sprayed onto it, unbelievably the soybean survives the process, allowing it to absorb all the chemicals. So it is the soybean that takes the hit when it comes to pesticides, making it an unhealthy food for both humans and dogs as the effects of ingesting pesticides even through foods has detrimental health effects.
Dogs experience the same reactions to pesticides as do humans. When ingested through food it can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach, so it’s better to completely avoid it than to cause uninvited problems.
Soy sauce side effects in dogs
Soy sauce, with its high concentration of salt, has many side effects and if a dog ingests it then you should take caution. If a dog does accidentally ingest it, it will make your dog extremely thirsty. Make sure that if that does happen, your dog has plenty of fresh water available to drink. The water will help in flushing out the kidneys as to avoid kidney damage.
Here is a list of side effects to watch out for if your dog has ingested soy sauce:
- Excessive urination
- An increase in thirst
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Lethargy
- Heart palpitations
Please consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any of the above symptoms.
