Originating around 2,000 years ago, tempeh is a famous dish amongst the Indonesians but can dogs eat tempeh as well? It is a traditional Indonesian food that is made using fermented soybeans. As a dog parent, it is important for you to be aware of the ingredients that may be toxic to your dog.
With that said, tempeh is generally considered safe for dogs. However, depending on the ingredients used, there is a high chance of allergies taking place. Plus, it is not a complete protein for dogs. Therefore, your dog should be fine as long as it is offered tempeh only in moderation.
So, let’s take a detailed look into why tempeh can be harmful and what alternatives you should consider.
Is tempeh safe for dogs?
Tempeh in itself is safe for dogs to eat. But you will have to watch out for the additives that might cause problems. For instance, some tempeh makers use adzuki and flax seeds along with brown rice or chickpeas which can be potentially harmful if offered on a regular basis. In addition to that, tempeh also contains ingredients like garlic and onion that should not be consumed by dogs in any case.
However, if you have accidentally offered some tempeh to your dog without being aware of its side effects, you should not panic. At most, your dog will experience stomach upset and should be fine after a few spells of diarrhea or vomiting. Keep in mind that tempeh is human food. Since dogs do not have enzymes that digest human food items, you should think twice before offering adding something new to your dog’s diet.
What are the health benefits of tempeh?
Tempeh is prepared in several different varieties in different parts of the world. This means the ingredients used vary as well. That said, tempeh can pack some essential vitamins and nutrients that will help with the growth and development of your dog. It is a good source of phosphorus, manganese, protein, iron, etc.
At the same time, it is also low in fat and is plant-based food. Therefore, it is cholesterol-free. If you plan on offering tempeh to your dog, you should prepare a homemade meal. The reason is that you will have control over the ingredients that you should use that will prevent your dog from experiencing serious health concerns.
On the other hand, if you are planning to buy pre-packed meals, you should go through the ingredient list to ensure it is free of any harmful additives.
What is the best way of feeding tempeh to dogs?
The best way to feed tempeh to dogs is in moderation and on an occasional basis. Even though tempeh tends to be highly nutritious, and low in fat and carbs, it is a soy product at the end of the day, which could potentially pose a health risk for some vulnerable dogs.
Plant-based diets have close to zero ill effects in both humans and dogs. However, in the case of dogs, it primarily depends on the breed and age of the dog. Some might walk away without any symptoms, while others will have adverse effects.
Are there any concerns associated with feeding tempeh to dogs?
Since tempeh is mainly composed of soy, many dog owners wonder if feeding tempeh carries any health concerns. The good news is that soy has been proven to be an affordable vegetable-source protein that is safe for dogs to eat. It is not known to cause any negative effects in dogs. Some dogs with dietary sensitivities and allergies have shown to do good with soy-made foods.
However, the bad news is that soy or tempeh could cause loose stools in dogs upon excessive consumption as it contains enough estrogen to disturb your dog’s health.
Can dogs eat soy?
Yes, dogs can eat soy as long as they don’t have soy allergy. At the same time, it also depends on how much your dog is eating. That said, you should keep an eye on your dog for any unusual symptoms.
Are dogs allergic to soy?
Yes, some dogs could be allergic to soy. Allergies could cause stress and discomfort to your pet, which is easily identifiable if your dog is behaving in an unusual manner. In such a case, you should take your dog to a vet to get it checked as soon as possible.
Can dogs eat food cooked with soy sauce?
Soy sauce should be kept away from your dog. Dogs are not able to digest soy sauce properly. If it does indigest some, you should immediately provide your dog with water as it could lead to salt poisoning or kidney damage.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that tempeh is tasty and nutritious. However, since it is a food designed for humans and unless your dog is eating a plant-based diet, you should avoid offering tempeh to your dog as it can compromise your dog’s health. Therefore, always be wary of the ingredients and consult with your vet before offering food items that carry more risks than benefits.
