Beans are a nutritious food for humans, full of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. As dog owners, it’s natural to wonder if beans are also safe and healthy for our canine companions to eat. This article will explore the benefits and risks of feeding beans to dogs and provide guidelines on how to incorporate beans into your dog’s diet safely.
The Nutritional Benefits of Beans
Beans are rich in many nutrients that are great for dogs, including:
- Protein – Beans provide plant-based protein, which contains essential amino acids dogs need.
- Fiber – The fiber in beans promotes digestive health in dogs.
- Vitamins and minerals – Beans contain iron, magnesium, potassium, folate and more.
- Antioxidants – Compounds in beans have antioxidant properties to support immunity.
The high fiber and protein content of beans make them a particularly good complement to grain-based dog foods. The folate, iron, potassium and magnesium in beans are nutrients dogs need for metabolism, oxygen transport, electrolyte balance and enzyme production.
Potential Concerns with Beans
While beans have many nutritional upsides for dogs, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of:
- Digestive upset – Beans contain oligosaccharides that may cause gas or bloating in some dogs.
- Allergies – Some dogs may be allergic to the proteins found in beans.
- Toxicity – Raw kidney beans contain the toxin phytohemagglutinin, which is toxic to dogs. This toxin is destroyed by cooking.
- Pancreatitis – The high fat content of some bean varieties may trigger pancreatitis in prone dogs.
To avoid issues, beans should always be cooked before feeding to destroy toxic compounds. Dogs with known bean allergies or digestive sensitivities may need to avoid beans altogether.
Are Beans Safe for Dogs?
In moderation, most healthy dogs can safely eat beans as part of a balanced diet. Cooked beans can be fed to dogs in small quantities provided the following guidelines are followed:
- Fully cook beans to destroy toxins – Raw beans should never be fed.
- Introduce slowly – Start with just a few beans to check for allergies or intolerance.
- Limit portion size – Beans should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Avoid excessive gas-causing beans – Lentils, peas and chickpeas tend to cause less flatulence.
- Prevent pancreatitis – Avoid fatty bean varieties like pinto and navy beans in prone dogs.
- Watch for signs of allergy or upset stomach – Discontinue beans if adverse reactions occur.
It’s also best to limit beans to just one or two feedings per week so they don’t displace other important proteins and nutrients in your dog’s diet. Checking with your veterinarian is advisable before introducing any new food.
Which Beans Are Best for Dogs?
When choosing bean varieties for your dog, opt for low-fat, easily digestible options. Some of the best beans for dogs include:
| Bean | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Split peas | Low fat, highly digestible protein |
| Lentils | Low gas, good fiber, selenium |
| Chickpeas | High in vitamin B6, manganese, fiber |
| Black beans | Antioxidants, magnesium, folate |
These bean varieties provide great nutrition for dogs while minimizing the risk of digestive upset. Always cook them thoroughly before feeding.
Healthiest Ways to Feed Beans
There are many healthy ways to add beans to your dog’s diet. Here are some nutritious options:
- Add cooked beans to a grain-free dog food
- Mix beans into homemade dog food recipes
- Make a bean mash to mix with kibble
- Use bean broth to increase flavor of dry food
- Make frozen bean treats for chewing
When adding beans to your dog’s meals, a good rule of thumb is to replace up to 1/4 cup of your dog’s usual protein source with the same amount of cooked beans. This limits bean intake while allowing your dog to benefit from their nutrition.
How Much Beans Can Dogs Eat?
There is no single recommended serving size for beans, as optimal amounts vary by the size and nutritional needs of your dog. However, most veterinarians suggest the following bean intake guidelines:
- Small dogs: No more than 2 tablespoons of beans per day
- Medium dogs: Up to 1/4 cup of beans per day
- Large dogs: Up to 1/2 cup of beans per day
A good rule of thumb is to feed beans in amounts less than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric needs. This prevents nutrient imbalances but still allows beans to confer benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Feeding Beans
Follow these steps when incorporating beans into your dog’s diet:
- Select a low-gas, easily digestible bean variety like lentils, chickpeas or split peas.
- Pick through the raw beans and rinse them thoroughly.
- Cook beans until very soft, about 1-2 hours. Cooking helps digestibility.
- Mash or puree the beans with added water or broth to prevent choking.
- Mix a small portion (1-2 tablespoons for small dogs; up to 1/2 cup for large breeds) into your dog’s regular meal.
- Gradually increase bean quantities over a week as tolerated.
- Monitor your dog for flatulence, diarrhea or other signs of reaction.
- Feed beans no more than 1-2 times per week for best health.
Always supervise your dog when introducing any new food. Stop feeding beans if they cause GI upset or allergic reaction.
Beans Dogs Should Not Eat
The following beans may cause health problems and should be avoided for dogs:
- Raw kidney beans – Contain the toxin phytohaemagglutinin
- Soybeans – Dogs have difficulty digesting soybeans
- Fava beans – Contain vicine and convicine, toxic to dogs
- Canned baked beans – High in sugar, salt, spices and fat
- Chocolate-covered beans – Chocolate is toxic to dogs
Even beans considered safe should be fed sparingly to avoid nutritional imbalances or weight gain. Moderation is key when feeding beans to dogs.
Signs of Bean Intolerance in Dogs
Monitor your dog closely when first feeding beans. Discontinue beans if any of the following signs of intolerance occur:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive or prolonged gas
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Signs of allergic reaction (e.g. itching, swollen paws/muzzle)
These symptoms may indicate your dog is unable to properly digest beans. Consult your vet if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Bean Recipes for Dogs
Once you know beans agree with your dog, try out these nutritious recipes:
Lentil Dog Food
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Saute turkey and vegetables in oil. Add lentils and simmer until carrots are tender. Let cool before portioning into meals. Refrigerate leftovers.
Bean and Sweet Potato Dog Treats
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
- 1 cooked sweet potato, mashed
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Mash ingredients together into a dough. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into bone shapes and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Cool before serving.
Conclusion
When introduced properly, beans can be a healthy dietary addition for dogs. Lentils, peas, chickpeas and split peas provide great plant-based protein and fiber. However, beans should always be cooked and portion sizes kept small to prevent adverse reactions. Check with your veterinarian before feeding beans and monitor your dog closely for any signs of intolerance.