Indeed! Dogs can eat beans as these make a healthy diet but if added in an adequate amount only. These are enriched with fiber, protein, vitamins, and some essential minerals, which are essential for a dog’s overall health. But feeding dog with raw beans is not an option as this may cause choking hazards. According to research, adding only 10% of their regular calorie intake is sufficient, but beyond that, these can cause indigestion and other problems due to high calories in them. However, it depends on the type of bean too you are feeding them with.
Everyone loves beans. If we consider the human diet, the major portion is comprised of them as these are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, along with some essential minerals like iron and zinc. But when we wish to feed our dog with beans, we need to understand whether these are safe or not.
If you have a dog and are curious to know whether beans are safe for dogs or not, just explore this read as here, we discuss some known and unknown facts about beans and conclude whether these are safe for dogs or not.
How Beneficial Are Beans For Your Pet Dog?
Beans are a good source of protein and fiber and have some essential vitamins and minerals available in them. Likewise humans, dogs also require these nutrients for a healthy and better lifestyle. In addition, all the vital nutrients in beans help prevent them from developing multiple diseases. But not to forget, as these have high-calorie content available so only adding 10% of daily calorie intake is recommended.
However, saying all the beans are safe for a dog is not correct because some beans can cause ill-effect on their health too. Thus, be sure whether the specific bean you are thinking of feeding them is safe or not.
How To Prepare Beans For Dogs?
Preparing beans for dogs is simple. There is no need to add any additional veggies or seasonings to it. But soaking the beans overnight or prior 4-6 hours is important. After it, boil them properly and feed your pup with them. The cooked ones are known to reduce gas issues and flatulence. The raw form is indigestible, so yes, feeding raw beans are not recommended.
Beans That Are Safe For Pet Dogs To Eat
As multiple varieties of beans are there, so yes, understand which beans are safe or not. The safe beans are:-
- Black beans
- Lima beans
- Navy beans
- Edamame
- Kidney beans
- Butte Beans (Lima Beans)
- Soybeans
- Pinto beans (Haricot)
- Garbanzo beans (Chickpeas)
- Cannellini beans
- Green beans (do not perfectly fit into this category)
- Lentils
Note: While choosing beans for dogs, cook the beans properly (do not add any seasonings or additional salt as this can be dangerous) and, if possible, soak them overnight. In raw forms, some beans have toxins that can cause ill effects, and also, the raw beans are hard to digest. Therefore, raw bean consumption can lead to choking, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea.
Beans Not Safe For Dogs
Some beans are there that can cause an ill effect if fed to your dog. These are:-
Red Raw kidney beans
These beans have toxins that are dangerous for dogs. The toxins are saponins and phytohaemagglutinin, which are not safe for them.
Coffee beans
Coffee beans are known to suppress neurological conditions in human beings, but these can cause neurological damage in dogs and lead to death.
Chilli beans
Chilli beans have garlic, onion, and other seasonings available, which are not safe for the digestive system of dogs. Thus, adding chili beans is like inviting problems for them.
Canned beans
Always look out for fresh beans because canned beans have some chemical preservatives and sodium content that are harmful and cause allergies and some gastrointestinal issues.
Refried beans
Refried beans are not safe at all. Some preservatives and seasonings are added, which cause allergies and can be harmful to dog overall health. In most cases, it leads to constipation and diarrhea.
Baked beans
Baked beans have high sugar content and some additional vegetables and seasonings, which are dangerous for dogs.
Fava beans
Fava beans or broad beans are responsible for causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Therefore including them can lead to different gastrointestinal issues.
Health Benefits Of Adding Beans
Beans are safe for dogs and promote some health benefits as well. These are:-
Contributes To A Healthy Diet
Majorly beans have a good amount of protein integral for maintaining a healthy diet. Therefore, adding a minimum quantity of beans is recommended.
Presence Of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is known for preventing cardiovascular diseases and promoting a healthy heart and eyes.
Presence Of Vitamin C
Some beans have vitamin C, and these are responsible for supporting a better immunity system. For example, when dogs have vitamin C added to their diet, the immunity system gets build-up and fight most diseases.
Presence Of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important because it helps them to recover from internal and external injuries.
Potassium
Potassium is also present in beans, and it is responsible for supporting bone health and muscles.
Iron
Iron sufficiently creates the red blood cells, which are essential for maintaining the lifestyle.
Omega 3 acids
Omega 3 acids in beans effectively maintain healthy skin and coat.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps the body in absorbing all the nutrients efficiently and also promotes good health.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants in beans lower down the cholesterol level and fight cancer in return. These also minimize the chances of arthritis.
Adverse Effects Of Feeding Dogs With Beans
Some negative effects are also there of feeding beans to dogs. These are:
- If beans are fed in more than the required quantity, these can lead to digestive issues.
- Some beans have pods and shells like edamame beans which are difficult to digest.
- Adding additional seasoning to beans can cause allergies and some behavioral changes.
- Some beans have an ill effect on health if fed to dogs regularly. The major issues that take place include liver damage and thyroid.
Is It Safe To Replace Meat With Beans?
Beans have plant-based protein, so this cannot fulfill the adequate quantity of protein required by your dog. If your dog is an omnivore, then don’t think of replacing it with beans. But if he is a herbivore, make sure to add specific dog foods available on the market to fulfill their body’s protein requirement. Again, beans are not enough for them.
Is It Safe To Feed Dogs With Canned Beans?
Canned beans are not safe for dogs because some preservatives are added along with high sodium content, responsible for causing different diseases. In most cases, gastrointestinal issues take place along with some allergy and behavioral changes.
Tips To Add Beans To Dog Diet
When you are all set to add beans to your dog diet, just follow the below-mentioned tips:-
- Soak the beans overnight, almost 3 to 6 hours before feeding your dog with it.
- Wash the beans properly and cook them.
- Before feeding beans, match them properly as it provides greater nutritional value and can be easily digested.
- Do not add any seasoning to beans while preparing.
- Do not feed your dog with a handful of beans.
- Always ask the veteran doctor whether the breed of dog you have can digest it or not.
- Always look out for healthy recipes for preparing beans to add to their diet.
Final Verdict
Beans are safe for dogs. A dog can consume them easily and daily in specific amounts only. Some specific beans varieties are there are safe, and some are not. Being high in protein and fiber promotes additional health benefits, helping dogs live a healthy life. Also, some beans are not recommended because this can cause some effects as well. Have a word with the veterinary doctor, too, to better understand adding beans to the dog diet.
You can also take a look at our post veggies for dogs for more food options.