Vegetable
Can dogs eat tofu?
Plain tofu is safe for most dogs in small amounts, but it isn’t a substitute for meat-based protein. Avoid marinated tofu with garlic, onion or soy sauce.
Why Salt and alliums in marinades
By Maya HartIf your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Wind and bloating
- Loose stools
How much, how often
A few small cubes, occasionally.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, firm tofu
- No soy sauce, garlic or onion
- Treat it as a treat, not a meal
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Plain tofu is safe for most dogs in small amounts, but it isn’t a substitute for meat-based protein. Avoid marinated tofu with garlic, onion or soy sauce.
How much: A few small cubes, occasionally.
Cats In moderation
A small piece of plain tofu won’t harm a cat, but cats need animal protein and nutrients such as taurine that tofu doesn’t provide.
How much: A tiny piece, if at all.
Can cats eat tofu?The details
Soy is a common ingredient in commercial pet foods, and plain tofu is not toxic. Owners interested in vegetarian diets for their pets should talk to a veterinary nutritionist: dogs can be fed carefully formulated plant-based diets, but home-made versions are very easy to get wrong. Cats are obligate carnivores and should not be fed vegetarian diets.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat tofu?
Plain tofu is safe for most dogs in small amounts, but it isn’t a substitute for meat-based protein. Avoid marinated tofu with garlic, onion or soy sauce.
How much tofu can a dog have?
A few small cubes, occasionally.
What makes tofu risky for dogs?
Salt and alliums in marinades.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
wind and bloating, loose stools.
What should I do if my dog ate tofu?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is tofu safe for cats too?
A small piece of plain tofu won’t harm a cat, but cats need animal protein and nutrients such as taurine that tofu doesn’t provide.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
