Can Dogs Eat Soy Sauce? What Is Salt Poisoning?

Soy sauce is a salty, brownish liquid that is made from fermented soybeans and wheat. The two ingredients are mixed with water and salt, then left to ferment for several months. The mixture is then strained, and the liquid is bottled as soy sauce. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is used as a condiment in many Asian dishes, such as sushi and stir-fry. But, can dogs eat soy sauce?

The Risks of Feeding Dogs Soy Sauce

There are many risks associated with feeding soy sauce to dogs. Let’s overview the potential health issues that may arise from this.

Salt Poisoning

The main problem with soy sauce is that it is high in salt and therefore sodium, which is toxic to dogs in large quantities. Sodium can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in dogs. It can also lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as swelling of the organs, including the brain.

In severe cases, salt poisoning (also known as sodium ion poisoning) can occur. Symptoms of salt poisoning include seizures, coma, and even death.

Dehydration

Dogs can become dehydrated very quickly, especially if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. If your dog has eaten soy sauce, make sure to provide them with plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You can also give them a dog electrolyte solution to help replace the lost fluids and minerals.

Kidney Failure

Another serious complication that may occur when your dog ingests soy sauce is kidney failure. Soy sauce is high in sodium and can cause damage to the kidneys if consumed in large amounts. If your dog has eaten soy sauce, watch for signs of kidney failure, such as increased thirst, urination, and appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy.

Wheat and Soy Allergies

If your dog is allergic to wheat or soy, they may experience digestive problems, skin irritation, and respiratory issues after eating soy sauce. If your dog has any food allergies, it is best to avoid giving them soy sauce.

Histamine Intolerance

Some dogs may be allergic to the histamines in soy sauce. Histamine intolerance can cause digestive problems, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. If your dog is sensitive to histamines, keep them away from soy sauce altogether.

Editor’s Note

I remember one time my family and I decided to have a picnic in the park, and it was a beautiful sunny day. We brought all the food and drinks along, including soy sauce for our sushi rolls.
We were all having a great time until one of my dogs, who was running around the park, decided to try to eat some of the soy sauce we had left out. Luckily we caught her in time, but it was a scary experience that showed us how easy it can be for a dog to get a hold of something that could potentially be harmful.

What to Do in Case of Salt Poisoning in Dogs

If you think your dog has consumed soy sauce, he may experience vomiting or diarrhea. He may also be lethargic, unresponsive, and have seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to do so. Take a sample of the soy sauce with you to the vet, so they can determine how much salt was in it.

Your vet will likely treat your dog with IV fluids to help him recover from the dehydration caused by the soy sauce. Your dog may also need medication to protect his liver and kidneys. With treatment, most dogs will make a full recovery.

How Much Soy Sauce Is Too Much?

You now know that the answer to the question “can dogs eat soy sauce” is a firm ‘no’. But does that mean any amount of soy sauce can kill your dog? Let’s put it this way: a bit of soy sauce is unlikely to cause any problems for dogs, but it is best to avoid giving them too much.

In general, a teaspoon of soy sauce per 20 pounds of body weight is safe for dogs. Be very careful not to cross that limit! For example, as little as one tablespoon of soy sauce is enough to put your pup in ER. If your dog has eaten more than this, or if they are showing any symptoms of salt poisoning, see the previous section.

Can Dogs Eat Soy Sauce? Final Verdict

So, can dogs eat soy sauce? In short, no. Soy sauce is high in salt, wheat, and soy, all of which can cause health problems in dogs. It is also a fermented food and may contain high levels of histamines, which can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. Besides, there is nothing that soy sauce can offer that isn’t already provided by your pup’s dog food, so why take the risk? If your dog has soy sauce, or any other food that is high in salt, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Soy Sauce?

If your dog has eaten soy sauce, contact your veterinarian immediately. If he is showing any signs of salt poisoning, such as vomiting or seizures, your vet may suggest taking him in for treatment.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Rice with Soy Sauce?

No, dogs should not eat fried rice with soy sauce. Fried rice is high in sodium and carbohydrates, which can be harmful for your pup’s health. Furthermore, the soy sauce used to make the dish will add too much salt, potentially leading to salt poisoning.

Will a Little Soy Sauce Hurt My Dog?

No, a little soy sauce is unlikely to cause any harm for your pup. However, it is best to avoid giving them too much of this condiment since it contains high levels of sodium which can lead to salt poisoning in dogs if ingested in large amounts. Additionally, some dogs may be allergic to the wheat or soy in soy sauce.

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