Can dogs eat Beans?

can dogs eat beansCaution

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Can dogs eat beans? Yes, beans can be a part of a dog's healthy diet. These legumes are high in protein and fiber. However, choose bean varieties meticulously. Some have high phytohemagglutinin concentrations, which can cause severe digestive problems in dogs.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Beans are rich in fiber and contain protein, which can be a good alternative but not a replacement for meat-based protein.
  • Beans also offer dogs B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, and a good amount of antioxidants.
  • Beans also help regulate blood sugar in dogs.

Risks

health-risks
  • Beans are generally safe for dogs to eat, but some varieties contain high concentrations of the toxin phytohemagglutinin (PHA). It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues when ingested. Some beans with high PHA include, but are not limited to, fava beans, raw red kidney beans, raw white kidney beans, and lima beans.
  • Raw or undercooked beans can cause foodborne illness.
  • Beans should be fed to dogs in moderation to prevent gas and constipation.
  • Baked beans should not be given to dogs as they have high sugar content and contain garlic and onions, which are toxic to dogs.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Some beans that are safe for dogs include lentils, black beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, green beans, and edamame.
  • Make sure to wash and cook beans thoroughly before feeding them to dogs.
  • Beans must be soaked and boiled to remove toxins and impurities. Dried beans must be cooked for 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the variety, so that they become digestible for dogs.
  • Cook the beans without seasoning or ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
  • Avoid canned beans as they have high salt content.

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