Originated in South America, butter beans are large and creamy beans which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Humans have benefited largely by these beans, both taste wise and health wise. Curries, kurma, butter bean masala, and hundreds os other dished have been made with these beans, which are also known as ‘lima beans’. Now given their good taste and great health benefits, are they the same for dogs? The answer is Yes!
Do Dogs like Butter Beans?
With its smooth creamy texture, mild buttery flavor, butter beans can become a tasty treat for the dogs. So when given as a reward for good behavior or training session, be ensured that it will repeat as your dog is going to crave it again.
Are Butter Beans good for your dog?
The best property of butter beans which makes them a healthy food is it being fat-free. Something which is fat free and has nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals is nothing but a super food for dogs given that a lot of breeds are susceptible to obesity and diabetes. Apart from that, lima beans are high in fiber and an excellent source of carbohydrates for dogs to keep up with their energy requirements. Low in calories again and high in folate, starch and iron, they are one of the best treats for your dog.
Vitamins – are good for their eyesight, especially for the matured ones, as they help prevent cataracts and helps avoiding night blindness and even dry eyes. They are essential fat-soluble vitamin that has functions supporting bone growth, reproduction, cellular differentiation and immune response in dogs. They also boost energy metabolism and assists skin tissue maintenance. For the young puppies, they support their overall growth.
Proteins – It is important for dogs to repair their muscles as well in case of any injury or for gaining strength. Butter Beans contain proteins which can help repairing muscles and other body tissues. In addition to proteins, they are also rich in potassium which can help improve your dog’s nerves and muscles.
Folate – Folic acid is necessary for normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production
Starch – To keep the energy requirements up to the mark so that it doesn’t get tired during a training session is the main job of starch (carbohydrates) in a dog’s body
Iron – Iron is a mineral that is required by your dog’s body to perform important functions like carrying oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body so her cells can produce energy. Iron is also necessary for certain enzymes in the body to function normally.
They are other nutrients as well in Butter Beans. So all in all, it becomes a super food for your doggy. But does that mean they should be fed lots and lots of Butter Beans for them to stay healthy? The answer is – No.
How much Butter Beans is good Butter Beans for your Dog?
Butter beans are like a treat for your dog. So ideally, it shouldn’t form more than 10% of your dog’s diet in a day. Let’s break this down according to the breeds and sizes of the dogs.
Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 1-2 small pieces of Butter Beans
For e.g.: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 small pieces of Butter Beans
For e.g.: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 5-6 small pieces of Butter Beans
For e.g.: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies
Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = handful of small Butter Beans pieces
For e.g.: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = Yet a handful of small Butter Beans pieces
For e.g.: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
How can you feed Butter Beans to your Dog?
We have established that Butter Beans are good for your dog, But there is a method in which they should be served otherwise it can lead to some unfavorable outcomes. Below are the cautions to be taken before serving Butter Beans to your dog
Soak it up – Make sure you soak the beans in clean water overnight and then cook them the next day
Thoroughly Cooked Butter Beans – Raw butter beans contain hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous. Cooking the beans thoroughly will destroy the toxin.
Plain is the only way – Dog’s stomachs are not made for anything spicy or salty or even very sweet for that matter. So, while serving Butter Beans, make sure they are plain without the use of any butter, salt or any other spices
Occasional Treat – A Butter Beans, despite its nutritional properties should be offered as an occasional treat for good behavior or probably just because you love him/her but not to be included as an integral part of the diet
Can-cel it – Canned butter beans may contain a high amount of sodium and preservatives that are harmful to dogs
Small is big – Small pieces would do a big help to them to avoid choking hazards
Be ready to enjoy a ton of love in the form of licks after your dog licks off the bowl!
But make sure you don’t get too greedy for love from your doggo and end up feeding a lot of Butter Beans to him / her. More Butter Beans ≠ More Love
What can happen if your dog eats an unusual amount of or uncooked Butter Beans?
If your dog ate some raw Butter Beans while you were dressing up for that first date or were busy making a presentation for your boss or you were feeling a lot of love towards your doggo and ended up feeding more than recommended amount, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach. You should contact your vet right away if you see –
Conclusion
Butter beans can make for a great addition to your dog’s diet, so long as it is in moderation. If anything, it makes for a delicious snack that packs a nutritional punch for your pooch. Which beans can your dog eat? In addition to butter beans, they can also eat garbanzo beans, pinto beans, black beans, black-eyed beans, green beans, and more. They offer a plethora of health benefits that can be beneficial to your dog’s diet.
Keep it plain and simple when it comes to Butter Beans and use them as an occasional treat for a good training session or good behavior for your dog and you’re good to go. You can blend and mix it with rice and a meat protein for a homemade meal. Your dog will definitely enjoy it and you in return will enjoy its good health.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
