Can Dogs Eat Beyond Meat (Plant-Based)? Dangers + Tips

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Dogs are omnivores and can eat a variety of different foods. This includes both meat and plant-based proteins.

While there are some benefits to feeding your dog beyond meat, there are also some dangers that you should be aware of.

So, can dogs eat beyond meat? The short answer is no, they shouldn’t eat beyond meat. Beyond meat is made up of processed ingredients and is high in fat and sodium. Some beyond meat also contains cocoa butter which contains theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even death.

In this article you’ll discover:

Whether or not beyond meat is good or bad for dogs
The 4 dangers associated with dogs eating beyond meat
What to do if your dog eats too much beyond meat (vet advice)
If dogs can eat certain types of beyond meats (and what they are)

Let’s Dive In.

Table of Contents

Can Dogs Have Beyond Meat?

The quick answer is no, dogs should not have beyond meat.

Although there may be some small benefits to feeding your dog beyond meat, and one small taste may not harm them, the risks outweigh the benefits.

If you’re looking for a healthy protein source for your dog, there are better options.

Beyond meat contains too much fat, sodium, and processed ingredients for dogs. It also contains cocoa butter, which has theobromine in it.

Theobromine is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even death.

So, while a small taste of beyond meat may not kill your dog, it’s just not worth the risk.

The 4 Major Dangers Of Dogs Eating Beyond Meat?

There are a few things that put beyond meat on the foods to avoid feeding to your dog.

Here are 4 dangers when it comes to beyond meat:

1) Beyond Meat Is High in Fat & Sodium

Fat isn’t necessarily bad for dogs, but too much fat can lead to pancreatitis.

And since beyond meat is already processed, the fat content is likely to be higher than other meats.

Sodium is also something that you should limit in your dog’s diet. Too much sodium can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance.

2) Processed Ingredients

Beyond meat is also made up of mainly processed ingredients, which are not ideal for dogs.

Processed foods can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal problems.

3) Cocoa Butter & Theobromine

Cocoa butter is another ingredient that shows up in beyond meat that you should be aware of.

Cocoa butter contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in severe cases, death. So whenever you see cocoa butter within ingredients, keep your pup away!

4) Allergies

Just like with people, some dogs may be allergic to beyond meat.

The most common allergies in dogs are beef, chicken, lamb, and soy.

If your dog is allergic to any of these things, there’s a good chance they’ll also be allergic to beyond meat.

If your dog has an allergic reactions here are some signs to look for:

Itchy skin
Hives
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Trouble breathing

If your dogs shows any symptoms and you think they may be allergic to beyond meat, contact your vet immediately.

Can Dogs Die From Eating Beyond Meat?

Yes, dogs can die from eating beyond meat.

Theobromine is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even death.

So, if your dog eats a lot of beyond meat, or any product with cocoa butter in it, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Beyond Meat? (Vet Advice)

If your dog has eaten beyond meat, you first need to determine how much they ate and whether or not it’s enough to warrant concern.

Small dogs will have the greatest risk because they will be more affected by a smaller amount of food. As a result, they are more susceptible to toxicity and developing pancreatitis when overeating foods they are not supposed to be eating.

If your small dog ate a lot of beyond meat, or if you are unsure how much they ate, it’s best to take them to the vet.

For large dogs, most could get away with eating a large portion of beyond meat. However, a large dog’s risk is bloat. Bloat is when a dog’s stomach twists and gas accumulates. If not treated right away, bloat can be fatal.

If your dog consumed a bunch of beyond meat, monitor them closely for any signs of gastrointestinal distress and theobromine toxicity.

Signs of theobromine toxicity include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Panting
Restlessness
Increased thirst
Increased heart rate
Excessive urination
Tremors
Seizures
Heart failure

If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately.

Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Meatballs? (We Asked A Vet)

What Are Some Plant Based Foods Dogs Can Eat?

A dog’s diet requires certain nutrients like amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals typically found in meat.

So if you’re looking to add some plant-based food to your dog’s diet, it’s important to make sure it doesn’t take up a majority of their diet.

Usually, you want to use these plant-based foods as treats or additives to their meals.

10% of their daily intake should be treats, and 90% should be their main dietary food.

Here is some example of great plant-based foods you can use as treats or additives:

Cantaloupe
Apples
Bananas
Blueberries
Cucumbers
Mangoes
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon
Broccoli
Dark, leafy greens
Carrots
Lentils
Rice
Quinoa
Peanuts
Almonds
Barley

Just remember, moderation is key when giving anything to your dog.