Can Dogs Eat Garbanzo Beans?

If you are wondering if your dog can have a bite of garbanzo beans, you have come to the right place. Garbanzo beans, otherwise known as chickpeas, are a popular snack for humans in salads, soups, wraps, and more. So, if you have some extra garbanzo beans on hand, it only makes sense to wonder if they can be fed to your pup as a healthy snack.

It’s important to verify human food is safe and non-toxic to canines before feeding it to them. Dogs’ digestive systems and body chemistry are much different from that of humans, which makes verifying what foods are dog-friendly so important.

The good news? Garbanzo beans are generally safe and non-toxic to our canine companions.¹

Benefits of Feeding a Dog Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans are typically safe for dogs when they are cooked plainly. Garbanzo beans are a non-toxic and nutritious treat. Garbanzo beans are naturally packed with a healthy mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential to a healthy life for dogs.

Garbanzo beans offer lots of protein, folate, potassium, fiber, Vitamin A, magnesium, and Vitamin B. Garbanzo beans are so nutritious for dogs, they are often found in the ingredient list in naturally made dog kibble.¹

Protein is a super important nutrient for canines. Being that canines are naturally carnivorous; protein is meant to make up a large portion of their diet. Garbanzo beans are a high protein alternative to meat or fish. These beans can also help regulate blood sugar, improve eye health (with the help of Vitamin A), and boost the immune system.

The folate found in garbanzo beans is used in the body to create folic acid. Folic acid is vital to the function of metabolic processes such as synthesizing DNA and the production of healthy red blood cells.

The B vitamins found in garbanzo beans are effective in boosting the immune system as well as supporting skin and fur health. The high fiber content found in these beans is great for aiding digestion and healthy bowel movements in dogs, too.²

Overall, garbanzo beans can be a great treat for your dog. They are nutritious, relatively low-calorie food many of us likely have on hand.

Risks of Feeding a Dog Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans are relatively low risk to feed your canine companion. Given that they are found in many dog foods, garbanzo beans have a low rate of allergic reactions and adverse reactions in dogs.

However, feeding garbanzo beans can become risky if mixed with other ingredients. For example, a lot of folks may have canned garbanzo beans they want to feed their pup. You should proceed with caution when it comes to giving your dog garbanzo beans that have been canned.

When garbanzo beans are canned, often large amounts of sodium are added for preservation. So, it’s best to feed your dog fresh garbanzo beans or get a canned garbanzo bean brand that offers a low sodium option.

As you may know, garbanzo beans are one of the main ingredients of hummus, a delicious and popular dip. However, oftentimes garbanzo beans are mixed with certain ingredients such as red peppers, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, or other seasonings when hummus is made.

These seasonings can prove dangerous for dogs. For example, lemon juice is highly acidic and has a high chance of causing stomach upset in dogs.² The same goes for hot peppers. So, it’s never advised to share your store-bought, flavorful hummus with your pet.

So, in short, garbanzo beans can be a safe snack for your dog. Garbanzo beans prepared for human consumption, such as ready-to-eat canned beans or hummus, are not advisable to feed to your dog.

Feeding too large a portion of garbanzo beans to your dog can also have adverse effects. The high fiber content found in these beans can lead to loose stool and stomach upset if your dog has too many. Balance is key when it comes to your four-legged friend’s diet, and too many human snacks can quickly throw your dog’s diet out of whack.

How to Prepare Garbanzo Beans for a Dog

There are many delicious and easy ways to prepare garbanzo beans for your dog. Due to the bean’s small size, they can easily be thrown in a climate-controlled bag or cooler and used as a training treat. Or you may choose to get a small portion of garbanzo beans and lay them atop your dog’s normal kibble.

Another fun option for preparing garbanzo beans for a dog is to make “doggy hummus”. Essentially, you do this by taking a small portion of the beans and mashing them up in a bowl. No need to add any extra seasonings or ingredients – just plain garbanzo beans and a fork is all you should need.

Mash up the beans until they have reached a creamy consistency. Then, you can mix it into your dog’s kibble. Or you may choose to use this as a toy filler as an alternative to peanut butter or a pre-packaged toy filler whip. This is often a healthier and low-calorie choice that will surely keep your pup engaged and coming back for more!

If you are in a baking mood, you can use garbanzo beans to bake dog-friendly treats. This bean is used as a key component in many kibbles found on the market today, due to its ability to be cooked into a solid form.

What Other Beans Can a Dog Eat?

Though garbanzo beans are a great choice for your dog, there are actually several types of beans and legumes a dog can safely consume.

If you are looking to add more variety to your dog’s diet, you have plenty of options. Beans that are safe and non-toxic for dogs to eat include green beans, black beans, lima beans, and pinto beans. Beyond beans, there are tons of dog-safe veggies and healthy fruits for your dog, too.

Some dog-friendly options for vegetables and fruits include:³

And more!

Expert Insights From Spot

While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's crucial to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Spot's internal data reveals that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, underscoring the need for careful consideration and research before offering snacks to your pet.

Conclusion

Looking to treat your pup? Look no further than the nutritious garbanzo bean. Garbanzo beans are considered safe and healthy for your pup to eat.

They can provide an array of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that your dog needs to help them lead a happy and healthy life. These beans are high in fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, folate, and many other nutrients essential to aiding normal processes in the body.

Garbanzo beans should never be fed with added salt, seasonings, or veggies. Some pre-mixed garbanzo-based dips, like hummus, feature added spices not considered safe for dogs. So, you should avoid feeding your dog store-bought hummus at all costs. In addition, canned garbanzo beans often feature a high sodium content and are not recommended for your pup.

As long as you are feeding garbanzo beans that have been prepared plainly for your dog, it can a great snack in moderation. These beans can be mashed up or fed whole. Either way, your dog is sure to love them!