Can Dogs Eat Natto

Natto is a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans, known for its strong flavour and unique texture. While natto offers several health benefits for humans, including being a good source of protein and probiotics, its suitability for dogs is a topic of debate among pet owners and veterinarians.

In this article, we’ll explore whether dogs can safely consume natto and consider factors such as nutritional value, potential risks, and alternative dietary options for our canine companions.

Potential Health Benefits of Natto for Dogs

Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, offers potential health benefits for dogs due to its rich nutritional profile. First, natto is a good source of protein. It contains essential amino acids that dogs need to build muscle and stay healthy.

Natto also has vitamin K2, which helps bones stay healthy and can help avoid conditions like osteoporosis. The dietary fiber in natto is suitable for dogs’ digestive health because it helps them have regular bowel movements and avoids constipation. 

Also, the fermentation process of natto makes the nutrients more bioavailable, meaning the dog’s body can absorb and use them better. Incorporating natto into a dog’s diet in moderation can provide various health benefits, contributing to their overall well-being and vitality. But because different dogs may be sensitive, it’s essential to introduce natto slowly and watch for harmful effects or digestive problems.

Negative Outcomes With Feeding Dogs Natto

Even though feeding dogs natto might be good for their health in some ways, owners should be aware of the risks and bad things that can happen. First, natto has purines, which can cause uric acid to build up in the dog’s body.

This can cause kidney stones or worsen kidney problems in dogs that are already sensitive. Also, some dogs may have stomach problems after eating natto, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or gas.

 Some dogs may also not like the strong smell and sticky texture of natto, which makes them unwilling to eat it. Additionally, natto has a lot of vitamin K2, which can combine badly with some medicines like blood thinners or anticoagulants if consumed in large amounts, creating a risk of harmful drug interactions.

Overall, natto can benefit your dog’s health if fed in moderation. However, owners should carefully watch how their dog reacts to it and talk to their vet before adding it to their dog’s diet, especially if it already has health problems or food allergies.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Natto?

You need to think about a few things before you can safely feed natto to your dog. Firstly, it’s crucial to introduce natto gradually into your dog’s diet, starting with small amounts to assess their tolerance and prevent gastrointestinal upset.

After giving your dog natto, keep a close eye on it for any bad reactions or signs of pain, like vomiting, diarrhoea, or changes in behaviour. When serving natto to your dog, opt for plain, unflavored varieties without added seasonings or ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, such as onions or garlic.

You could also mix natto with your dog’s standard food to make it taste better and be easier for them to digest. Watch your portions and don’t overeat natto to avoid getting too many purines or vitamin K2, which can cause health problems or make medications less effective.

Finally, consult with your veterinarian before introducing natto into your dog’s diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions or dietary restrictions. By following these rules and watching how your dog reacts, you can easily add natto to your dog’s diet as a treat or to add to their regular food.

What happens if a dog eats too much Natto?

Several things could go wrong if a dog overeats natto. Different parts of this fermented soybean dish cause these problems. Excessive consumption of natto can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs, including symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Also, natto has chemicals called purines that can be broken down into uric acid. In dogs predisposed to specific health conditions like kidney disease or bladder stones, excessive purine intake may exacerbate these issues or lead to the formation of urinary stones.

Besides that, natto has a lot of vitamin K2, which helps blood clot. Vitamin K is essential for dogs’ health, but overeating natto can make it harder for blood-thinning medicines or conditions that need to keep blood from clotting to work properly.

To mitigate these potential risks, monitoring your dog’s natto intake and avoiding overfeeding is crucial. If your dog has any harmful effects after overeating natto, you should take them to the vet right away so they can be adequately checked out and treated.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction in Dogs to Natto

It is essential to know how to quickly treat and help dogs that are having an allergic reaction to natto. Dogs allergic to natto may have stomach problems like vomiting and diarrhoea, itching, redness, or rashes on the skin, facial swelling (especially around the eyes or snout), hives, and scratching, biting, or licking themselves too much.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction in dogs that can cause them to have trouble breathing, wheezing, or even pass out. These symptoms mean that they need quick veterinary care.

After adding natto to your dog’s food, you should keep a close eye on them and take them to the vet immediately if they show any signs of an allergic response.

Furthermore, if your dog has a known history of food allergies or sensitivities, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian before offering natto or any new food to your pet. Finding and treating natto allergies in your dog as soon as possible can help keep problems from worsening and protect his health.

Treatment and Management of Natto Ingestion

How dogs who eat natto are treated and cared for depends on how bad their symptoms are and their general health. In mild cases, where the dog only has mild stomach problems or allergic reactions, treatment may include symptomatic relief, such as giving the dog lots of fresh water to keep it from getting dehydrated and not giving it food for a short time to let its stomach settle.

Also, bland foods that are easy to stomach, like boiled chicken and rice, may be given once the vomiting or diarrhoea stops. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary for more severe symptoms or allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or anaphylaxis.

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine may be given to the dog as part of its treatment to help with its allergic reactions and keep its health stable. In anaphylaxis, intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy may also be required to support cardiovascular function and respiratory efforts.

After treatment, it’s essential to monitor the dog closely for any recurrence of symptoms and follow any additional recommendations the veterinarian provides. 

Alternatives to Natto for Dogs

Lean Protein Sources: Choose lean protein sources like fish, boiled chicken, or turkey. They are easy to digest and contain essential nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Cooked Vegetables: Instead of natto, serve veggies like sweet potatoes, green beans, or carrots. These vegetables help your digestive system and general health by giving you vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Plain Yoghourt: Plain yoghourt can serve as a probiotic-rich alternative to natto. It has good bugs that help keep your gut healthy and your digestion. Ensure that the yoghurt is free from added sugars and artificial flavours.

Eggs: Dogs can get a lot of high-quality protein and essential amino acids from eggs. Cook them and then serve them plain, boiled, or stirred.

Fruits: Apples, bananas, and blueberries are all fruits that can be given to dogs as treats sometimes. These fruits are naturally sweet and full of vitamins and antioxidants. They won’t give you stomach problems, either.

Commercial Dog Foods: High-quality commercial dog foods explicitly formulated for canine nutritional needs are another alternative to natto. Pick names with a good reputation, use healthy ingredients, and follow AAFCO rules.

Consult with a Veterinarian: Before introducing any new food or treat to your dog’s diet, consult with a veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific dietary requirements or health concerns. An animal hospital can give you specific advice based on your dog’s age, type, size, and general health.

Final Points

While natto offers various health benefits for humans due to its rich nutrient profile and probiotic content, it’s not ideal for dogs. Even though natto has healthy nutrients like protein and vitamins, dogs are not recommended to eat because it has a strong taste and sticky texture and may cause allergies.

Additionally, some dogs may experience digestive upset or allergic reactions after consuming natto. So, it’s best not to give natto to dogs. Instead, choose dog-friendly foods that meet their nutritional needs without risking their health.