Can Dogs Eat Beans?

Beans are a common vegetable that you probably have at home – at least in one form. From baked beans, green beans to lima beans, and all in between. Because of this, you might have wondered if your dog can have some of them.

Today let us look to answer the question, can dogs eat beans? We will discuss whether beans are tasty for dogs and what nutritional benefits they might have. You will also find out what variety of beans your dog can eat and the potential risks of feeding your dog beans.

Dogs can eat beans, but only some varieties. Not all beans that we love eating are safe for dogs. Some can have devastating consequences. It is important always to check whatever you want to feed your dog to determine whether it is safe for them. You can ask your vet before introducing any new food.

Another vital measure to take when feeding beans to your dog is how you introduce them to their diet. You want to start feeding your dog beans in small proportions to see their reaction to the food. Please don’t make the beans a staple of their diet; reduce it to at least once a week. You can adjust this rationing once they get used to the food.

What Beans Can Dogs Eat?

Because the different types of beans can have different reactions to your dog’s stomach, you have to be careful regarding the type you feed them. You need to ensure the beans you feed your dog is dog friendly and won’t cause harmful reactions.

You can, however, let your dog eat lima beans without a problem. They can also eat black beans as they are highly nutritious for dogs. They are low-calorie meals that can even help your dog lose weight.

Other types of beans that you can feed your dog include:

Pinto beans
Cooked kidney beans
Edamame beans
Chickpeas
Cannellini beans

It is advisable that you cook the beans before feeding them to your dog. This will help make the digestion process easier and get rid of Lectin, a harmful compound that can make your dog sick. The exceptions are green beans or edamame beans.

Another thing to remember when feeding your dog beans is to feed them in moderation and only serve them plain. Simply boiling the beans is enough; you don’t need to add spices, seasonings, oils, or sauces. These are incredibly unhealthy and can be harmful to your furry friend.

Beans to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

Just because you enjoy eating certain types of beans doesn’t mean you can give them to your dog. Some beans that are edible to us can have dangerous effects on dogs. They include:

Baked Beans

Who doesn’t love a nice warm plate of baked beans, especially on those beautiful mornings? However, since you may want to share the delight with your dog, it is not a good idea. Baked beans contain high sodium levels and other harmful ingredients that put your dog at risk.

Additionally, they have high sugar levels that are bad for your pup. Sugar contributes to bad oral health and can lead to weight gain.
The sauce from baked beans also has spices, such as onion and garlic powder which are highly toxic to dogs.

Feeding your dog baked beans can result in sodium poisoning, dehydration, pancreatitis, and damage to your dog’s red blood cells.

Raw Kidney Beans

Raw kidney beans have high levels of Lectin, making them toxic to dogs. Cooked kidney beans, on the other hand, are completely safe for dogs to eat. Cooking the beans reduces the Lectin in them, making them edible to our pups and us.

Cooked kidney beans are also highly nutritious, and your dog can even enjoy their sweet taste. Moderation is still essential to prevent any unwanted effects. You should also wash your beans before cooking them. This is especially important when dealing with canned beans as they contain harmful ingredients.

Other beans you should avoid feeding your dog include:

Fava beans or broad beans – They induce diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems
Refried beans- They contain harmful ingredients such as onions and salt, which are unhealthy.

Can Dogs Eat French Beans?

French beans, also known as green beans, are a bone of contention in most circles. Some don’t recognize them as a type of bean, while others do. These beans fall in the legume category, meaning they are more like peas, but they share the ‘bean’ name.

Regardless of what you think about green beans, you can feed them to your dog. They are tasty and safe for consumption, whether cooked or raw.

Green beans have multiple nutritional benefits. Your dog can enjoy them as snacks once in a while. If you serve them cooked, ensure you don’t put any additives or other harmful spices. It is advisable to put some aside for your dog before flavoring when preparing them for the whole family.

How Much Beans Can Dogs Eat?

One thing that keeps coming up in this article is the word moderation. This is the most important thing to observe, no matter what beans you feed your dog. Although beans have numerous nutritional benefits, they should not be your pup’s primary source of food.
Dogs are carnivorous, and a huge chunk of their food should come from meat proteins. If you are ethically against feeding dogs meat products, you can find safe alternatives. You should still do that in moderation as it is not a dog’s natural diet and can have some unwanted effects.

If you will be feeding beans to your dog, it is essential to follow the rule of thumb. This states that any treat or snack you feed your dog should not be more than 10% of their recommended calorie intake for the day. This means even healthy snacks such as veggies should be limited.

For example, if your dog eats 700 calories each day, its snack intake should not exceed 70 calories. The bulk of their caloric intake should be from their usual dog food, which is high in animal protein.

The number of beans you feed your dog will increase depending on their size. Smaller dogs naturally have a lower caloric intake than larger dogs. Adjust your feeding amount according to your dog’s size while still observing the 10% rule.

Benefits of Feeding Beans to Dogs

In moderation, beans are the best snack for any pooch. They are rich in proteins with low-fat content, whereby they can act as appetite suppressants helping dogs maintain their body weight.

They also contain manganese which is very important in your dog’s diet. It enhances your dog’s brain function and boosts its metabolic function. The nutrient also helps dogs avoid brain-related diseases and improve thyroid gland problems.

Moreover, beans are rich in fiber, making it easy for dogs to pass stool. It is beneficial to dogs with constipation problems as the high fiber content softens their stool.

What are the Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Beans?

As with almost every human food, beans also have associated risks. To start with, the sugar and salt content in some beans can be harmful to dogs. They pose problems with their digestive system resulting in gastrointestinal issues.

Beans are also quite gassy and can be a source of flatulence in dogs. This is why feeding your dog a small amount of beans is safer. It can control the gassiness and ease your dog’s bloating problems. Too much fiber can also be irritating. Not to mention some dogs might be allergic to some beans.

Closely observe your dog’s reaction to whatever beans they eat. Look out for symptoms such as diarrhea, swelling, seizures, or vomiting. This can help you easily determine what your dog cannot eat. If you notice any unpleasant effects, take your dog to the vet. Do this as soon as possible to avoid more complications.

Conclusion

It is safe for dogs to eat beans. They can eat multiple types of beans, but they should also stay away from some, including raw kidney beans, baked beans, fava beans and re-fried beans.

Keep a close eye on what you feed your dog and avoid using harmful ingredients. If you follow all serving measurements and precautions, your dog can enjoy eating their plate of beans, just like you.

Can Dogs Eat Beans?