Can Yorkies eat edamame?

Edamame are young green soybeans, and plain shelled ones aren't toxic to dogs. A few cooked, unsalted beans can be a fine occasional treat for a Yorkie. There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. The pods are tough and hard to digest, so only the shelled beans should be served. And the way edamame is usually served to people — boiled in salt — makes it unsuitable for a tiny 5-lb dog. Some dogs with soy sensitivities may get an upset tummy, too. Serve just a few plain, shelled, unsalted beans occasionally, and watch how your dog does.

What Yorkie owners need to know

• Serve only plain, shelled beans — never the salty pods, which are tough and hard to digest.
• Skip salted or seasoned edamame; that much salt is a lot for a tiny 5-lb dog.
• Keep it an occasional treat, and watch for tummy upset in soy-sensitive dogs.

How preparation changes the answer

Safe preparation

• Steam or boil the beans plain with no salt or seasoning, and let them cool.
• Pop the beans out of the pods and discard the pods entirely.
• Offer just a few shelled beans as an occasional treat.

Nutrition at a glance

Possible benefits

• Provides plant protein and fibre in a small package.
• Contains vitamins and minerals like folate and vitamin K.
• Soft cooked beans are easy for a tiny dog to chew.

Risks & things to watch

• Salted edamame is far too salty for a tiny 5-lb dog.
• The pods are tough and hard to digest and can cause an upset stomach.
• Soy-sensitive dogs may get gas, itching, or loose stools.

If your Yorkie ate too much

A little extra plain edamame may just cause gas or soft stools. If your dog ate the salty pods or a large amount and seems bloated, itchy, or unwell, contact your vet.

Frequently asked questions