TailVilleWhy
Doenjang and cheonggukjang are fermented soybean foods, but they contain a lot of salt, so larger amounts can cause extreme thirst, vomiting, diarrhea or salt poisoning. Doenjang stew and soup usually contain garlic, green onion, onion and chili, which add risk. Ssamjang is doenjang mixed with gochujang, garlic and sesame oil and should be avoided. Some pets love the smell and lick from an open container.
How to give it / if eaten
Don't give it. If your pet ate a piece or two of tofu or vegetable from stew, offer plenty of water and watch. If it licked several spoonfuls of paste or drank a lot of stew broth, call your vet right away.
Watch for these signs
Extreme thirst, frequent urination, vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause salt poisoning with wobbliness, tremors or seizures. After stew, also watch over the next days for weakness, pale gums or red urine (garlic/green onion poisoning).
FAQ
Can I share tofu from doenjang stew?
It soaks up salty broth and possibly garlic and green onion. If you want to share tofu, give plain blanched tofu instead.
Isn't fermented doenjang good for the gut?
Despite the fermentation, the salt makes it more harmful than helpful for pets. For gut health, ask your vet about a pet probiotic.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.