Can Dogs Eat Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce contains large amounts of salt, making it toxic to dogs. While dogs need salt in their diet, high amounts of sodium can cause salt poisoning.

Of course, other factors go into how much soy sauce a dog can eat without developing symptoms, including its size, how hydrated it is, access to water, and health. 

Dogs with kidney disease are particularly at risk after eating soy sauce, as the salt content can cause kidney damage.

This article will discuss why dogs shouldn’t eat soy sauce, the risks, and what to do if your dog eats soy sauce.

Is Soy Sauce Safe for Dogs?

Soy sauce isn’t safe for dogs because it contains too much salt. While dogs need sodium in their diet, they don’t need more than they already get in their food.

Too much sodium can lead to dehydration, salt poisoning, and kidney damage. In addition, some dogs are allergic to soy and, therefore, shouldn’t eat soy sauce!

Risks of Soy Sauce for Dogs

Salt Poisoning

Too much sodium can even lead to salt poisoning, which can cause the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma

Salt poisoning can kill a dog if left untreated. If your dog eats soy sauce and you notice these symptoms, call your nearest emergency vet clinic for help.

Kidney Damage

The dehydration caused by excess salt can also lead to kidney damage. If you notice the following symptoms, see a veterinarian right away:

• Lethargy
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased urination
• Complete lack of urination

Keep in mind that kidney damage is very progressed by the time symptoms are noticed. Like humans, dogs can live normally with just one kidney; by the time kidney damage affects them, they’ve already lost a lot of kidney function.

Kidney damage cannot be reversed, which is one reason it’s so important to get to the vet the moment you notice your dog has eaten soy sauce. Catching kidney damage early or treating your dog before it begins can save your dog’s life.

Allergic Reaction

Another risk of soy sauce is that some dogs are allergic to soy. Allergy symptoms can vary from mild reactions that cause itching or sneezing to severe, life-threatening reactions like anaphylactic shock.

If you notice the following symptoms of anaphylaxis, call an emergency veterinarian right away:

• Hives
• Swelling in the face or snout
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Blue gums or tongue

How Much Soy Sauce Is Toxic to Dogs?

If your dog eats more than a teaspoon of soy sauce, it’s at risk of salt poisoning. Essentially, this means your dog should see a veterinarian unless it only had a minimal lick.

Just a tablespoon (or 16 grams) of soy sauce contains almost 900 mg of salt. This is simply way too much for a dog to handle!

Of course, the smaller your dog is, the less salt it can have before it has consumed toxic levels. Other risk factors include chronic illnesses like kidney disease, dehydration, and not having access to water.

What To Do if Your Dog Eats Soy Sauce

First, give your dog water! This can help combat salt poisoning, as dehydration is a major symptom.

Next, call a pet poison hotline or vet clinic. Call an emergency vet clinic for advice if your primary veterinarian is closed.

Depending on your dog’s size, health, and how much soy sauce it ate, the person you call might recommend that your dog be seen by a vet. 

The vet might also recommend you watch for symptoms at home instead. If this is the case, call again if you notice new or worsened symptoms, as your dog may need vet care.

Keep in mind that eating soy sauce can result in death for your dog, so it’s important to get a professional opinion immediately.

Are Other Sauces Safe for Dogs?

Generally, sauces will contain too much salt and sugar for dogs. Many sauces, such as tomato sauce and barbecue sauce, also contain toxic spices like garlic or onion powder.

If you’d like a fun, safe way to spice up your dog’s food, try using a purée instead of a sauce. Things like plain tomato paste, pumpkin purée, or sweet potato are great kibble toppers! Ensure they don’t include added salt, sugar, or seasoning.

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