Can dogs eat edamame?

The fuzzy green pods are hard to digest and can cause choking or stomach upset, especially if a dog swallows several whole. Pop the beans out of the pods before sharing. Frozen shelled edamame is the easiest option: boil for three to four minutes, drain and cool.

Edamame has around 120 calories per 100 g, more than most green vegetables.

Five to ten beans suit a medium dog of 15 kg (33 lb). Small dogs need only two or three. Soybeans can cause gas, and larger amounts may upset digestion. Treat edamame as a snack, not a protein source to replace any part of your dog's food.

Some dogs are sensitive to soy; if your dog has known food allergies, check with your vet first.

Edamame served in restaurants is usually sprinkled with coarse salt, and some versions are tossed with garlic, chili or soy sauce. Roasted edamame snacks are salted and sometimes flavored with wasabi. These are best kept away from your dog.

Tofu, soy milk and soy sauce are processed soy products. Plain tofu is not toxic, but soy sauce is extremely salty. Soy is also a common ingredient in commercial dog foods, which is fine and not the same as adding extra soy at home.

Shelled edamame beans are about the size of a fingertip and hold together well, which makes them workable as training treats for calm dogs. Keep a small tub of cooked, cooled beans in the fridge for up to three days. Count them in your dog's daily treat allowance, as ten beans come to roughly 12 to 15 calories.