Can dogs eat beans? While beans may not be the first thing you think about when deciding what to feed your dog, they have some nutritional advantages. Not only are beans packed full of protein, but they also contain reasonable levels of B vitamins, fiber, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, and phytonutrients.
As beans are low fat, they can help with a carefully controlled weight loss plan for dogs that are overweight. However, there are some types of beans that are off-limits to your dog and are potentially dangerous.
Safe Beans for Dogs
So, what types of beans can our dogs safely eat? The good news is that there a quite a variety;
- Black beans
- Butter beans (lima)
- Pinto beans
- Red Kidney beans
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- Green beans
- Lentils
- Soya beans
Beans are loaded with protein and fiber and help regulate blood sugar levels, burn fat and strengthen the immune system.
What’s more, beans contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and very little fat. In fact, as they are so, cost-effective beans are finding their way into more and more commercial dog foods.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of beans, though, is that they are full of fiber. Not only is fiber essential for digestive health, but it also keeps both our dogs and us feeling fuller for longer. What’s more, low-calorie filler beans can be a useful aid to weight loss.
How to Serve Beans
As with any new food, moderation is key to introducing it into your dog’s diet. But perhaps it’s even more important with beans, given their unpleasant and embarrassing side effects.
Except for green beans that can be eaten raw, frozen, or cooked, all beans should be cooked thoroughly before offering them to your dog.
Beans contain a compound called lectin. While some lectins are not harmful, the ones in raw beans are toxic. Raw red Kidney beans are particularly dangerous as they have the highest number of lectins of any bean.
Cooking the beans destroys the compound called phytohemagglutinin (PHA), rendering them safe but undercooked legumes can make both you and your dog seriously ill.
Dried or Canned Beans
While tinned beans are convenient, dried beans are much more cost-effective. In fact, using dried beans offers cost savings and is also a healthier way to eat them.
Like baked beans, most canned beans are high in sugar and sodium. Cooking dried beans means that you are not adding salt to your dog’s diet. You are also avoiding potentially toxic ingredients like garlic.
However, dried beans do take time as the best way to prepare them is to;
- Soak all beans overnight
- Drain the beans
- Change the water before cooking
- Cook beans thoroughly, according to the packet
If you’re short on time, rinse tinned beans thoroughly before giving them to your dog. Although it won’t get rid of sodium entirely, it will reduce it.
Dangerous Beans for Dogs
If you want to feed your dog beans, there are a few beans that you need to avoid. While most cooked beans are safe for our dog, there are a few of which you need to be wary of;
- Canned beans
- Fava (broad) beans
- Coffee beans
Although canned beans are a convenient way of adding plant proteins to our dog’s food, you need to be cautious.
While salt is the most common additive, it’s not the only possibility. Many canned beans, including baked beans, have other ingredients added.
Always read the labels of canned goods carefully before giving them to your dog. Salt, spices, and flavoring are commonly used and are often not suitable for dogs.
Fava beans, also called Broad beans, are not safe for your dog. These beans’ large size and tough skin mean that it’s difficult to cook them thoroughly enough to destroy the PHA (phytohemagglutinin).
If your dog does ingest broad beans, look out for the following symptoms;
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
And seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Like Fava beans, coffee beans are also a no-go area for your dog. While we tolerate caffeine well, it can be fatal for our dogs. Methylxanthine compounds act as both a stimulant and relaxant and can cause the following symptoms;
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Panting
It’s essential that if you suspect your dog has eaten coffee beans that you take your dog to your vet immediately.
Can dogs eat beans
Can dogs eat beans? Yes, beans are safe for dogs, and feeding your dog beans can be a healthy treat. But for most beans, moderation is advisable. The one exception is fresh green beans that provide a healthy snack, and most dogs enjoy and tolerate them well.
If you are looking for more inspiration, why not check out this recipe from Dog Treat Kitchen.
Beef Glazed Green Bean Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, low or fat-free
- 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup green beans, mashed (see note below)
- 1 cup beef broth, reduced-sodium, plus 1/4 cup for glaze
- 1/4 cup milk, low or fat-free
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Additional Flour for Rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- Gently toss the cheddar cheese and the flour in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mash the green beans.
- Stir in the broth, milk, and olive oil to the green bean mixture.
- Make a well in the center of the cheese flour.
- Pour in the green bean mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Knead the dough in the bowl until combined.
- Fold-out onto a floured surface and continue to knead using extra flour.
- Knead until you have a firm dough.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out preferred shapes.
- Place the cut-outs on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour 1/4 cup of beef broth into a small bowl.
- Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the broth onto the cut-out cookies.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Storing – These homemade dog treats will keep fresh in the refrigerator for three weeks. They will be good in the freezer for six months.