It’s very common for dog owners to wonder about the foods that dogs can safely eat, and the question of beans comes up often.
So, the short answer is yes, your dog can enjoy beans, provided you don’t overdo it.
Trupanion, a medical insurance company for pets, says that beans are full of fiber which may help your pet in many ways providing you select the right beans, introduce them slowly to your dog, and carefully prepare them.
Purina company also agrees but does not go through many of the precautions that Trupanion does.
Yes, dogs can eat beans. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind before feeding them beans. Beans are a good source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy option for dogs. However, they also contain high carbohydrates, dangerous for dogs with diabetes or other metabolic conditions.
Which Beans can Your Dog Safely Eat?
- Pinto Beans
- Black Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Soybeans
- Garbanzo Beans
- Green Beans (technically a vegetable)
- Lima Beans
- Lentils
So you have a lot of choices.
Which beans to avoid?
- Fava Beans
They cause diarrhea and abdominal pain in dogs. - Baked Beans
They are high in sugar and often contain tomatoes and garlic, which can be a danger to dogs. - Refried Beans
Loaded with seasonings and preservatives. - Canned Beans
Lots of sodium and preservatives - Chili Beans
They contain a lot of spices. - Raw Red Kidney Beans
Raw kidney beans have toxins in them that really play havoc with your dog’s nervous system.
The Danger of Beans
As beans can cause excessive gas, loose stool, and abdominal pain, stick to beans such as Black beans and Pinto beans that you prepare yourself rather than buy in a can.
Not only are they much cheaper, but that way, you avoid all the salts, spices, seasoning, and preservatives that are in canned beans.
Edamame – Do you know?
Edamame is also similar to beans. You might also wonder if dogs can eat edamame?
How to Introduce Beans to Your Dog?
Introduce Beans slowly to your dog if he hasn’t been eating them in the past.
In addition, you will want to mash them up, as dogs, particularly younger dogs, are not very efficient at chewing.
If your dog doesn’t go for the beans immediately, perhaps she needs a little incentive via mixing the beans with her favorite fruits, vegetables, or meat.
In addition, don’t rely on beans as your dog’s primary source of protein. Dogs are animal protein-dependent. Remember, in nature, there are no vegetarian dogs.
What are the Health Benefits of Beans for your dog?
There are several health benefits to feeding your dog beans. Beans are a good source of protein and fiber. They also contain high levels of carbohydrates. If your dog is healthy, small amounts of cooked beans can be a nutritious addition to their diet.
Additionally, dogs gain the following health benefits from beans:
- Vitamin C – boosts their immunity
- Vitamin A – Helps with their sight and heart
- Vitamin K – aids in recovery from various forms of injury
- Potassium, iron, and antioxidants
- Magnesium — aids in absorption of other nutrients more effectively
- High protein- helps maintain healthy muscles and keep the stomachs fuller for longer.
- High fiber- Helps with bowel regularity and digestion.
How Many Beans Can my Dog Have?
Generally, it is safe to feed dogs one or two tablespoons of cooked beans daily. However, always consult with your vet before making any changes to their diet. As with anything else, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so don’t go overboard when giving your pup beans.
Too many beans can cause digestive upsets, increased flatulence, and general discomfort.
In conclusion, can dogs eat beans? Yes, with a little bit of research and careful consideration, you can safely include cooked beans in your dog’s diet.
More Tips About Can Dogs Eat Beans
Ultimately, beans are a great thing to add to your dog’s diet as long as you
wash them thoroughly, cook them thoroughly, add no additional seasonings, and introduce beans to your dog in slow increments.
Dr. Jess Kirk, a licensed vet who runs a top vet site online, also suggests that if your dog is not familiar with beans, that you give them just one cooked bean and wait for 24-hours to see if the dog has an allergic reaction to the bean.
She also cautions never to give beans to a dog with loose stools.
