What Beans Can My Dog Eat?

What Beans Can My Dog Eat?

Do you want to know if dogs can eat beans? The answer is yes, they can! Most beans are safe for dogs to consume. With more protein than grains, these legumes are high in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to a dog's diet.

But not all beans are the same. While green beans are an excellent treat for your dog, baked beans and refried beans should be avoided since they include additives that might make your pet sick.

Are Beans Good for Your Dog?

Most beans are healthy for dogs in moderation, and as long as they don't have additives that could be toxic to your pet (such as garlic, onions, or salt). Beans, when cooked, are a good source of protein and fiber and are also low in fat. Beans are also high in vitamins like iron, potassium, and magnesium, as well as amino acids, which are required to keep your dog healthy.

However, there are certain restrictions on the types and amount of beans your dog can eat. Canned beans, for example, are high in salt, and can be harmful to your dog.

Which Beans Can Dogs Consume?

The following are some of the most common varieties of beans you may encounter in your kitchen. Check with your veterinarian before making any big changes to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has any health concerns or allergies.

Green Beans

Often known as string beans, green beans are low in calories, high in fiber, and make great treats for dogs. This being said green beans can be a choking hazard, so make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before feeding any to your pet.

Black Beans

Black beans are high in antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and magnesium, making them a great addition to your pet's diet. Just make sure to boil or steam the beans without the addition of oil salt, or spices.

Lima Beans

Being high in fiber and protein, Lima beans can assist your dog stay at a healthy weight. They also help with digestion, keeping the dog's gut clean and healthy. They are also very nutritious for dogs as they contain calcium, zinc iron, and magnesium.

Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are great treats for dogs! Pinto beans are high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, and help support a healthy immune system.

Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans, often known as chickpeas, are another high-protein, high-fiber food. If you decide to offer garbanzo beans to your dog, make sure they are completely cooked to make them easier for your pet to digest.

Which Beans Should Dogs Avoid?

Kidney Beans

Raw kidney beans can be toxic to dogs. However, if prepared and given in tiny doses, they can be safe.

Kidney beans, like the other beans on this list, are high in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins. However, keep kidney beans to a minimum since they contain greater quantities of phytohemagglutinin (a lectin) that can make dogs sick if consumed in excess.

If your dog accidentally consumes raw kidney beans, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Refried Beans

Refried beans should not be fed to your dog. They contain a lot of fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Refried beans also include garlic and other spices that are toxic to puppies, such as cumin, chili powder, and salt.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a summertime favorite at barbecues and picnics when dogs are more likely to eat spilled food. However, because baked beans include molasses, brown sugar, and other spices, they should not be fed to your dog.

Chilli Beans

Chili beans are another type of bean to avoid. Chili beans like baked beans, have additional sugar and spices that can irritate your dog's stomach.

Canned Beans

While canned beans are less messy than dried beans, they are not the ideal choice for dogs. Because canned beans are heavy in salt, dogs with heart issues or high blood pressure should avoid them. Instead, use dry beans that have been soaked overnight and cooked.

Offering your dog a little mouthful of safe canned beans on occasion will most likely not hurt them. However, canned beans should not be a regular part of their diet. Canned beans have a lot of salt, which can build up and create major long-term health difficulties, even if you rinse them before adding them to your dog's bowl. Dried beans (or beans fresh from a garden) are a much better choice.

Soybeans

Soybeans, often known as edamame, are a popular food. However, they are frequently served with spices, salt, or soy sauce—all of which are toxic to dogs. However, soybeans on their own are safe for your dog to consume when cooked and offer the same potential health advantages as the other dog-friendly beans on our list.

How to Safely Prepare Beans for Dogs

Make certain that any beans you feed your dog are unseasoned and cooked until they are soft. Dried beans purchased in bulk are preferable to canned beans (but keep an eye on the salt content!). Just be sure you soak them overnight and cook them properly. Raw or undercooked beans can induce stomach distress or diarrhea.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Gas

Call your vet if your dog begins to fart excessively after eating beans. They will almost certainly tell you not to give your dog beans again. If the farting continues, they may offer a prescription medicine or an antacid. Always get your vet's approval before giving your dog any medication.

How Many Beans Can I Feed My Dog?

Dogs should only be fed beans in moderation. Although beans offer many nutritional advantages, they should never constitute the majority of your dog's diet. The general guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's diet. Other healthy snack options for your dog include other vegetables like arugula, celery, and sweet potatoes.

Recipe of Black Bean & Blueberry Dog Treats

Ingredients

Instructions

Conclusion

There are a variety of beans that can be fed to dogs, but it is recommended to check in with a veterinarian first before making any major diet changes to help keep them happy and healthy.