Can Dogs Eat Tofu?

By: Dr. Juli, DVM

Tofu is a popular, nutrient-rich, plant-based protein food many people enjoy. Because of its high protein content, tofu is often used as a protein replacement in many vegetarian and vegan diets. Dog owners may be tempted to share a tofu treat with their furry best friend. However, feeding your dog tofu can sometimes be dangerous and lead to illnesses or hormonal imbalances.

Understanding what foods are safe for dogs is essential for their well-being and health. However, always consult your veterinarian before offering your pup any human foods or new treats to ensure they are safe and will not adversely affect their health.  

What is tofu? 

Tofu, also known as bean curd or soybean curd, is a high-protein, low-fat food made from coagulated soy milk, often pressed into blocks. Many enjoy its versatility and ability to absorb various flavors, including spices, sauces, and seasonings, essentially taking on any desired taste. Tofu is nutrient-dense, low-calorie, high in fiber, and offers numerous health benefits, making it an ideal food to support a healthy weight. It is also considered part of a heart-healthy diet for people because it contains essential amino acids, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Copper
• Phosphorus

Is tofu good for dogs?

Tofu is not considered dog-toxic when properly prepared and fed in moderation. However, always consult your veterinarian before offering your dog tofu or other new foods or treats to ensure it will not adversely affect their health. While tofu is a good source of protein for humans, it does not contain enough protein to support your dog's overall health. Dogs are natural omnivores, so tofu should never be used as a protein meal replacement in pets.

A dog's nutritional requirements differ from people's, so always feed your pup an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced diet for their age, breed, and lifestyle. For dog owners who prefer a whole-food-based diet, discuss consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist with your family DVM to determine how to best meet your dog’s needs and support their overall wellness.

What are the risks of feeding your dog tofu?

Although plain, cooked tofu is not considered a dog-toxic food, it can adversely affect your dog's health when fed in excess or with unsafe ingredients. Tofu is commonly prepared with a variety of toxic ingredients, including soy sauce, which is high in salt, putting your pup at risk for potentially deadly salt toxicity. Garlic, onions, leeks, and other Allium family members may also be cooked with tofu, which should never be fed to your dog. Immediately contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if your dog has accidentally ingested any amount of tofu containing dog-toxic ingredients. Other risks of feeding your dog tofu include:

• Hormonal imbalances — Tofu contains phytoestrogens, a plant-based compound that acts similarly to the animal hormone estrogen. Studies have shown that tofu can alter the hormone balance when large amounts are ingested. Plain tofu should only be fed in small amounts as the occasional dog treat. Male dogs are especially at risk for hormone imbalances from tofu, so avoid feeding tofu to puppies, pregnant dogs, or nursing dogs.  
• Gastrointestinal problems –– Some dogs may have difficulty digesting tofu, leading to gassiness, gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort or upset, and digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. Excess gas can also put your dog at risk for potentially life-threatening bloat. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has bloat. 
• Allergies or food intolerance –– Like people, your dog can have an allergy or sensitivity to any food. Closely monitor for any potential allergies after feeding your dog tofu, including itchy, red, or inflamed skin, ear infections, hives, skin rashes, lethargy, GI problems, excess gas, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Contact your DVM immediately if your dog has a severe reaction after ingesting tofu. 

How to safely feed your dog tofu?

Tofu must be plain, cooked, and free of any seasonings or additional ingredients before offering it to your dog. Additionally, always consult your family veterinarian before incorporating tofu into your dog's treat rotation because it may be unsafe if they suffer underlying health issues, like food allergies. Tofu should only be fed in moderation as an occasional treat. Generally, a 1-inch cube of tofu per 10 pounds of body weight is considered safe. For example, a 30-pound healthy dog could consume three (1-inch) cubes of plain, cooked tofu. Monitor your dog closely for an allergic reaction when introducing a new food or treat like tofu. Tofu can be fed alone or placed on your dog's food as a food topper. It can also be mashed in a puzzle toy to stimulate your pup's brain health. 

Healthy dog treat alternatives to tofu

Tofu can serve as a low-calorie, nutrient-rich treat option for your dog, but it should only be fed in moderation as the occasional treat. As a rule, your treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s diet to prevent weight gain. Although tofu is nutrient-rich, feeding excess amounts can adversely affect your dog's health.

A safe alternative to boost your dog's nutrients while supporting their overall health is a veterinary-approved supplement like Native Pet The Daily. Plain, cooked tofu may not be considered tasty to some dogs, so consider these equally healthy and nutritious treat alternatives:

• Dog-safe veggies, like carrots, cucumber, or plain green beans
• Frozen dog treats that contain Native Pet Probiotic Powder to support their digestive health
• A long-lasting chew, like Native Pet Yak Chews

The occasional tofu cube can be safely fed to most dogs, but always consult your veterinarian before offering any new foods to your pup. Tofu must be cooked without any added seasonings, flavorings, or ingredients and only offered in small amounts as an occasional treat to prevent GI upset or other more severe problems, like hormone imbalances. For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.