Soybeans are protein-rich legumes eaten whole as edamame or processed into tofu, tempeh, soy milk, miso, soy flour, and soybean meal. They are common in human foods and commercial pet foods as a plant protein ingredient. Whole beans are firm and require cooking before eating.
Fresh edamame is usually steamed or boiled in pods, then salted before serving. Dry soybeans are soaked and cooked for soups, stews, and purees. Fermented forms such as miso and soy sauce are much higher in sodium than plain cooked beans. Sweetened soy drinks and flavored tofu may include sugar, salt, or seasoning blends.
Plain cooked soybeans may be tolerated in small amounts, but they may cause gas or loose stool in some pets. Soy is also a recognized food allergen in some dogs and cats. For pets, offer only tiny portions of plain fully cooked soy and avoid salted or heavily seasoned soy products.
