The staple food of the American Navy since the 1800s because of its highly nutritious content and economic production and actually getting its name from there, Navy beans have come a long way. ‘The Yankee Bean’ or the ‘Pea Beans’ are small oval shaped and quick cooking beans. Rich in nutrients and minerals, they are a great food for us humans. But when it comes to dogs, does it go the same way?The answer is Yes!
Do Dogs like Navy Beans?
With its smooth creamy texture, Navy beans can become a tasty treat for the dogs. So when given as a reward for good behavior or training session, be ensured that the dog will keep the performance up to the mark again as your dog is going to crave these beans
Are Navy Beans good for your dog?
Navy beans are power packed. Nutrients like high fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and proteins are what navy beans are made up of. Apart from these key nutrients, they also contain folic acid and iron.
Dietary Fiber – Fiber keeps the digestion system healthy and the bowel movements regular. Especially for older dogs who cannot digest their food properly, fiber rish foods like Navy beans work as a catalyst.
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. Navy 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. Vets recommend folic acid for all pregnant dogs, anemic dogs and lactating dogs.
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 Navy 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 Navy Beans for them to stay healthy? The answer is – No.
How much Navy Beans is good Navy Beans for your Dog?
Navy beans are like a treat for your dog, not something which can be a part of a dog’s regular diet. 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 Navy Beans
For e.g.: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 small pieces of Navy Beans
For e.g.: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 5-6 small pieces of Navy Beans
For e.g.: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies
Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = handful of small Navy Beans pieces
For e.g.: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = Yet a handful of small Navy Beans pieces
For e.g.: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
How can you feed Navy Beans to your Dog?
Most of these legumes contain a compound called phytohemagglutinin, which is toxic to dogs. So, any kind of bean is not safe when eaten raw. Now this is not just for dogs but even humans. So, there are some pointers which are like a checklist to be ticked before feeding navy beans to your dog. Below are the cautions to be taken before serving Navy 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 Navy Beans – Raw Navy 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 Navy Beans, make sure they are plain without the use of any Navy, salt or any other spices
Occasional Treat – A Navy 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 Navy 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
You should be proud of yourself that you’ve treated the dog and also made him/her a bit healthier. 2 for 1.
But make sure you don’t get too greedy for love from your doggo and end up feeding a lot of Navy Beans to him / her. More Navy Beans ≠ More Love
What can happen if your dog eats an unusual amount of or uncooked Navy Beans?
Navy beans could be hazardous to your furry friend if you feed them too much. These beans contain high amounts of potassium, which harms the kidney and heart. If your dog ate some
raw Navy Beans or although cooked but a lot of them while you were watching an old Friends episode 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
Navy 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 navy 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.
Navy Beans can be one of the best treats for your dog. So, use them as an occasional treat for a good training session or good behavior for your dog and take care of all the instructions before feeding and you’re good to go. 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!
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
