Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Tofu? Yes, Plain and in Small Amounts
Yes, in small amounts. Plain, unseasoned tofu is not toxic to dogs, and the American Kennel Club says it can be an occasional snack. It is not a substitute for meat or dog food, though: the AKC's vet notes tofu does not carry enough protein to meet a dog's needs. Soy can cause a lot of gas, so it is a poor choice for dogs prone to bloat, and flavored, fried or marinated tofu often contains garlic, onion and salt.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why plain tofu is safe for dogs
Tofu is soybean curd pressed into blocks. It contains nothing toxic to dogs, and many dogs tolerate soy, which appears in some commercial dog foods. The AKC says tofu can be offered in small or moderate amounts as an occasional snack.
What tofu cannot do is replace a complete diet. The AKC's vet explains that it does not contain enough protein to fulfill a dog's nutritional requirements, so a vegetarian or vegan dog diet built on tofu is not something to put together at home. Treat it as an extra, not a meal.
The downsides: gas, bloat and soy sensitivity
The AKC notes that many dogs do not digest tofu well and may produce a lot of gas. For that reason it says dogs with a history of bloat, and breeds at higher risk, should avoid it; the AKC names deep, narrow-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Weimaraners and Standard Poodles as the most bloat-prone.
Some dogs are allergic or sensitive to soy, which usually shows as itching, ear problems or stomach upset. The AKC also mentions that soy contains phytoestrogens, that large amounts may affect hormone balance, and that tofu is high in silicate, which may make some dogs more prone to kidney stones. Small, occasional amounts keep those risks low.
How to serve tofu to a dog
Choose plain firm or extra-firm tofu with no flavoring. The AKC advises making sure it is fully cooked and cooled, so simmer or bake a few cubes with nothing added. Cut it into small pieces to reduce the choking risk: about the size of a pea for a dog under 20 lb.
Offer a piece or two on its own the first time, then wait a day to see how your dog's stomach handles it. Silken tofu is soft and can be mashed onto a lick mat. Keep opened tofu covered in the fridge and use it within a few days.
For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.
How much tofu by dog size
As a starting point for a healthy adult dog: under 20 lb, two or three pea-size cubes; 20 to 50 lb, about a tablespoon of small cubes; over 50 lb, up to two tablespoons. Offer it occasionally, not every day, and count it as part of the day's treats.
Ask your vet first if your dog has had bloat, bladder or kidney stones, a soy allergy, or digestive problems, as the AKC recommends for any dog with a sensitive gut. Those dogs are usually better off without tofu.
Puppies and tofu
Puppies do not need tofu. The AKC notes that large amounts of soy may affect a puppy's hormone levels, and a growing puppy needs a complete and balanced puppy food rather than plant protein that falls short of its needs.
If a weaned puppy eats a small piece of plain tofu, it is unlikely to cause more than some gas. Keep any taste to a single pea-size cube and do not make it a habit.
Signs tofu disagreed with your dog, and when to call a vet
Gas, a gurgling stomach and a soft stool within a day are the most common reactions. If your dog is otherwise bright, stop the tofu and things usually settle within a day or two. Itching or ear trouble that keeps coming back is worth raising with your vet as a possible soy sensitivity.
Go to a vet immediately if your dog has a swollen, tight belly, retches without bringing anything up, or is restless and drooling, which can be signs of bloat. Call the same day for repeated vomiting, blood in the stool or straining to urinate. For a safer treat, try plain cooked chicken, green beans or carrot coins.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat raw tofu?
Tofu is usually sold ready to eat, but the AKC advises serving it fully cooked and cooled. Simmer or bake a few plain cubes with nothing added before offering them.
Is tofu a good protein for dogs?
Not on its own. The AKC's vet says tofu does not carry enough protein to meet a dog's needs, so it should never replace meat or a complete dog food.
Can dogs eat silken tofu?
Yes, plain silken tofu is fine in small amounts. It is soft, so it works mashed onto a lick mat, but it can still cause gas in some dogs.
Can dogs eat fried tofu?
It is best avoided. Fried tofu is high in fat and usually comes with soy sauce, garlic or onion, which can upset a dog's stomach or harm red blood cells.
Can tofu cause bloat in dogs?
Tofu can cause a lot of gas, and the AKC says dogs with a history of bloat or at-risk breeds should avoid it. A swollen belly and unproductive retching need a vet immediately.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
