Moms everywhere, at one time or another, advised, "Eat your veggies, they're good for you." As usual, mom was right. Vegetables contain high levels of many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more. The same holds true for soy products.
The Benevolent Bean
Soy products are one of the world's oldest and most widely used sources of high quality protein. Its complementary amino acid profile combines well with other proteins and grains.1 Unlike other common protein sources such as meat, fish, poultry or milk, soy products have all of these healthy characteristics.2,3
- High in vitamins and folic acid
- High in essential amino acids, especially lysine
- Concentrated source of fatty acids
- No cholesterol (soy has even been shown to lower cholesterol levels in humans and animals)
- Good source of fiber
- Good source of potassium
- Good digestibility
- Less allergenic for dogs than other protein sources such as meat and dairy products4
- Contains key antioxidants
Key points
- Soy products are a superb source of bodybuilding protein and essential amino acids.
- Soy provides coat-nourishing vegetable oil and healthful fiber.
Good for People
Soy products are used in a variety of human foods including baked goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, beverages, meat and dairy products. In people, diets high in ,soy are believed to reduce the risks of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Soy products also contain isoflavones (antioxidants), which researchers believe to be a potential weapon in the fight against cancer.2,3
Tasty Tips
Good for Cats
As is often the case in nutrition, what's good for people is also good for cats. Despite the attempts of researchers to prove a link between soy and bloat, no studies to date show this link. Rather, breed, body type, weight and stress level are significant risk factors.5,6 Our research, and the research of others, continues to show that soy products are a superb source of bodybuilding protein, coat-nourishing vegetable oil and healthful fiber for cats.
1 Hill D. Alternative Proteins in Companion Animal Nutrition. Pet Food Association of Canada Fall Conference. http://www.ddgs.umn.edu/sites/biodieselfeeds.cfans.umn.edu/files/cfans_asset_412249.pdf. Presented October 27, 2004. Accessed March 14, 2011.
2 United Soybean Board website. soyconnection.com. Accessed May 17, 2010.
3 National Soybean Research Laboratory website. Nutritional and Health Benefits of Soybeans. nsrl.illinois.edu/soy_benefits. html. Accessed May 17, 2010.
4 Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al. eds. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2010.
5 Raghavan M, Glickman NW, Glickman LT. The Effect of Ingredients in Dry Dog Foods on the Risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42:28-36.
6 Raghavan M, Glickman NW, McCabe G, et al. Diet-Related Risk Factors for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs of High-Risk Breeds. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc.2004;40:192-203.
Related products
Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Related articles
Pet Food Storage Tips
Where you store your cat and dog food can make a big difference in the quality and freshness once it is opened. Here are some common questions and recommendations for optimal storage for all of Hill’s dry and canned cat and dog food.
The Right Diet For Your Pet
Learn what to look for in healthy pet food & nutrition, including ingredients, quality of the manufacturer, your pet's age, and any special needs they have.
Hill's Australian Bushfire Efforts
Water
Water is the most important nutrient of all and essential for life. Animals can lose almost all their fat and half their protein and still survive, but if they lose 15% of their water, it will mean death.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.