Let’s take a look at the health benefits and the risks.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Drink Soy Milk?
Yes, it is safe for a dog to drink soy milk in moderation unless they have a soy intolerance. That said, large amounts are not good and soy milk should never replace water. Every once in a while, if your dog is eyeing up your soy milk drink, they can have some but it shouldn’t be a regular event.
And Almond Milk?
It’s the same advice! It’s safe for dogs to drink almond milk. It isn’t toxic and small amounts are harmless unless they have an intolerance, but its not a water substitute or a drink that should be given frequently. It is important to remember that while a dog can eat or drink something, it doesn’t mean it’s good for them.
What Are Soy and Almond Milk?
Soy and almond milk are vegan drinks made from soyabeans or almonds.
Soy
Originally from China where it’s better known as ‘bean broth’ soy milk is made by soaking and grinding up soybeans, boiling them, and then sieving out any particles. It’s the closest plant milk to dairy milk in terms of taste and consistency.
Almond Milk
Almond milk was recorded as an alternative to meat and dairy fasting European medieval nobles in the 12th century. It’s made by soaking almonds and then grinding them in water. When this pulp is drained, the milk is collected. In the European Union, soy and almond milk are not labelled as milk. The term milk is used legally only to describe mammary secretions.
The Health Benefits of Soy and Almond Milk
Soy and almond milk are healthy because they contain no cholesterol and they are very low in saturated fats. Here are the health benefits of soy and almond milk!
Protein for strong muscles and quick muscle repairAmino acids benefit skin, coat, organs, and bloodAntioxidants to repair cell damage and protect against diseases such as cancerFolic acid for metabolic health and red blood cell productionVitamin K important for blood clotting and overall healthy bloodPotassium is an excellent mineral for electrical heart, nerves, and muscles healthVitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth.
The Risks of Soy and Almond Milk
Whilst they are not toxic for dogs and even have some health benefits, there are risks if your dog drinks soy or almond milk. Intolerances are the main issue. Although intolerance to almonds is rare it can happen, but soy intolerance is a little more common. This may be because soy is used as a filler in dog food and they are therefore exposed to it more frequently. Intolerance includes the following symptoms:
Frequent scratchingEar infectionsChewing and nibbling their skinUpset stomach and/or bloatingLethargyBlepharitis (eyelid inflammation where the eyes looks red, bloodshot or swollen
Because soybeans and almonds are the base ingredient for soy and almond milk, these drinks can cause the same reactions as the whole food. Another issue is flavoring. Almond and soy milk often have added ingredients to improve the flavor. These can include sugars, fruit extracts, or xylitol, which are not good for dogs, in fact, xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and collapse. Sugar contributes to weight gain and eventually obesity which considerably reduces a dog’s lifespan. It can also lead to diabetes, which needs daily medical attention, and it can rot their teeth. We all know how expensive dental work is at the vet clinic, and it’s something the insurance companies often steer clear of covering.
What About Cow’s Milk?
Dogs cannot digest cow’s milk, so it tends to give them gastric upsets. In contrast, dogs can break down the plant enzymes in almond and soy milk.
Almond vs. Soy Milk: Which is Best for my Dog?
Plant milks don’t form part of a healthy dog’s regular diet, they are both best given as occasional treats. There is little to choose between them in terms of nutrients, but if your dog is sensitive to soy choose almond milk instead.
My Dog Drank Soy Milk What Do I Do?
Unless your dog has an intolerance, little harm is likely to result from pilfered soy milk or almond milk. If it was their first experience with plant milk, monitor them for a few days. A gastric upset should be treated with plenty of available fresh water and a bland diet to firm up their stools. Good bland foods for a dog with diarrhea include chicken with rice or turkey with sweet potato. If the upset lasts more than a few days, consult a vet because it can lead to dehydration.
What Should My Dog Drink?
Water! Dogs should drink plain water because it’s the best liquid for their health and it prevents dehydration. Dogs should always be able to access a bowl of clean, fresh water no matter the time of day. Never substitute water for soy or almond milk
Can Dogs Eat Soy and Almonds?
So we know that dogs can safely drink soy and almond milk if they’re plain and given infrequently in small amounts, but how about the whole food? Can dogs eat soy for example?
Soy
Yes, dogs can eat soybeans and in moderation, they are a healthy fibrous addition to their diet. Soybeans are full of protein for healthy muscles, fiber for regular bowel movements, and they’re packed with vitamins and minerals your dog can benefit from. A great soybean for your dog is plain unflavored edamame which can be eaten raw or cooked and mashed.
Almonds
Whole almonds are not recommended by the ASPCA. Whilst they are not toxic, they’re difficult for dogs to digest and pose a choking hazard. Small amounts of unsweetened almond butter are fine though.
Food and Drink Should Dogs Avoid
Soy and almond milks are safe for dogs, but there are some food and drinks dogs must avoid. If your dog consumes any of the following, call a vet immediately.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a big no when it comes to doggy drinks. It can cause a number of symptoms including hyperglycemia and gastrointestinal upset in dogs as well as drunkenness which is distressing for them. Avoid all forms of alcohol and alcohol-infused sweets.
Grapes
Just a few grapes are capable of causing organ failure in dogs. They are sweet and tasty so dogs like them but they are highly toxic.
Garlic/Onions
Members of the allium family are toxic to dogs because they aren’t able to digest the compounds which stick to their red blood cells and cause anemia. Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and attractive purple allium flower bulbs are all bad news.
Xylitol
An artificial sweetener that causes a blood sugar drop and hypoglycemia in dogs within an hour or two. It’s highly toxic and unfortunately used in a vast array of human foods including Jell-o, cakes, biscuits and Haribo, all sweet treats dogs like to snaffle.
Chocolate
Chocolate poisoning can lead to organ failure due to the levels of caffeine, theobromine, and xylitol.
Macadamia nuts
These tasty nuts are also used in lots of sweet treats, but they are very toxic to dogs causing weak back legs, vomiting, and collapse in a few hours.
Avocado
The skin, stone and leaves of avocados contain more pectin than dogs can handle. Although there is less in the avocado flesh, it best to keep them well away from Rover.
Black walnuts
Dogs can’t digest their compounds and they frequently grow a type of mold that’s toxic to dogs.
Soy Milk and Almond Milk are Safe Drinks for Dogs
These two low-fat protein-rich vegan plant drinks won’t harm dogs unless they have an intolerance, but it’s best to treat them occasionally. A dog’s main drink should always be water, and their main food a well balanced complete dog food.
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