Soy is one of those ingredients that’s in countless foods we eat every day–and we don’t even know it! Beyond tofu and soy sauce, you can also find soy as a common ingredient in commercial dog food. But is soy dog food the best thing for your pup?

Can dogs eat soy? The answer is technically yes, but it’s not the healthiest option for your furry friend. Let’s dive into the facts about soy, risks versus benefits, and why our pups deserve better. 

Can dogs eat soy? 

If you’re a newbie dog parent, there’s a lot to learn about which foods are good and bad for our pups. So, can dogs have soy? Yes, dogs can eat soy without a bad reaction. Soy itself isn’t poisonous to dogs, but it also doesn’t have much to offer. 

The main reason that soy is in nearly everything we eat is because it’s a triple-threat food: cheap, widely available, and protein-rich. Vegetarians often rely on a soy-heavy diet to replace the protein they miss out on from animal meat. The catch for both dogs and humans is that this type of protein isn’t nearly as digestible or nutritious as animal meat protein.

Dogs are first and foremost carnivores, which means their bodies thrive on animal-based proteins. Plant-based substitutes like soy can fill your pup’s belly, but leave a gap in their nutrient requirements. 

Is soy bad for dogs? 

You might be thinking, “Soy can’t be that bad if it’s in commercial dog food.” But this ingredient can leave more sensitive pups with health issues. A few reasons why vets recommend feeding dog food without soy: 

• Food allergies: Soy is one of the most common food allergens for dogs. It can cause your furry friend to experience itchy skin, ear infections, excessive paw licking, and digestive upset. 

• Low-quality protein: Even though soy contains protein, it’s not as nutritious as animal protein. This means your dog’s body can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals as efficiently. A soy-based diet means your dog will miss out on essential amino acids that they’d normally get from meat. 

• Hormone-distrupting effects: This food contains a plant-based compound that mimics the effects of estrogen. Phytoestrogens are known to disrupt hormone balance if a pup is fed soy dog food long enough. 

• Highly-processed ingredients: Most of the soy found in dog food recipes isn’t even true soy like you’d buy from the grocery store. The ingredient is often a by-product, like soybean meal. that provides even less nutritional value than the real thing. 

Can dogs have soy sauce? 

Soy is one thing, but never feed your dog soy sauce. This condiment has extremely high levels of sodium that can negatively impact your dog’s health. Overexposure to salt can cause symptoms like: 

• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Kidney strain
• Sodium poisoning 

So, can dogs have soy sauce? Absolutely not. Just a few licks of spilled soy sauce is enough to cause digestive upset for your pup. If your dog accidentally consumes this condiment, call your vet as soon as possible. 

Soy in Dog Food Recipes

If you feed your pup store-bought kibble or wet food, check the ingredient list on the back of the packaging. Many dog food brands use soybean meal, soy flour, soy protein concentrate, or other forms of soy in their recipes. 

But if soy is so bad for dogs, why is it included in the recipe? Remember: soy by-products are cheap and protein-rich. If pet food brands are looking to save money on a recipe without sacrificing protein, adding soy is the best option. But here’s the problem: 

• Soy is usually added as a filler ingredient, not a true source of nutrition. 
• Dogs don’t digest soy protein as well as animal protein. 
• Sensitive pups are more likely to experience allergy symptoms and skin irritation when exposed to soy. 

Though soy dog food brands may be more affordable, the cost could take a toll on your pup’s health. There’s plenty of affordable pet food recipes that don’t use soy, at all. 

Selecting Soy-Free Dog Food

If you’re concerned about soy in dog food, look for recipes that feature real meat as the first ingredient. Most animal proteins are safe (and super nutritious) for your pup. Whether it’s chicken, beef, turkey, or fish, you can feel good about your dog getting the best protein available. 

Sundays for Dogs is an excellent choice for truly soy-free dog food. Sundays never uses soy, corn, fillers, or artificial ingredients. Instead, every Sundays’ recipe is:

• 100% human-grade dog food
• Made with real meat as the #1 ingredient
• Packed with all-natural fruits, veggies, and whole grains
• Freshly made and gently air-dried to preserve natural nutrition
• Free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
• Vet-formulated for AAFCO-approved complete and balanced nutrition

Conculsion: Should Dogs Eat Soy?

So, can dogs eat soy? Technically yes—but it doesn’t mean they should.

• Can dogs have soy? Yes, in small amounts, but it may cause an allergic reaction or digestive upset.
• Is soy bad for dogs? It’s not toxic, but it’s low-quality compared to real meat and can cause health issues over time.
• Can dogs have soy sauce? Absolutely not—the salt content is too dangerous.
• Soy dog food? Best avoided in favor of meat-based, nutrient-rich options like Sundays for Dogs. 

At the end of the day, your dog thrives on high-quality, animal-based proteins. While soy might be okay for commercial dog food brands, it’s not the best choice for your pup’s long-term health.