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Just like humans do, dogs enjoy a little variety in their diet. Imagine having to look at the same bowl of kibble every day. We don’t think you could. That’s why you might want to change up your dog’s daily protein dish.
Even though dogs can’t say what they like and don’t like, what they want to eat, or that they want to try new tastes, as pet owners we should think about these things. A good source of protein is always welcome in the dog bowl, and it can be a nice change from the usual food.
Whenever we want to give our pet a wider range of foods, we need to sometimes think outside the box. Rather than adding meat to your pup’s dinner, give thought to a plant-based protein.
We will talk about the pros and cons of giving your dog beans and the safety measures that need to be taken. We’ll also quickly go over the kinds of beans your dog can and can’t eat. Finally, we’ll talk about how to feed these healthy legumes to your best friend.
As more pet parents explore homemade and fresh dog food options, questions come up about what human foods are safe for dogs. Beans are a popular staple gaining traction for their protein and fiber But with so many bean varieties and preparations, can dogs eat just any kind of bean? What about convenient canned beans? Are they safe or should they be avoided? This complete guide covers everything you need to know about feeding dogs canned and other bean types.
An Overview of Beans for Dogs
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat certain types of cooked beans in moderation. Beans like pinto, black, kidney, and chickpeas provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, beans also contain complex carbs that can cause gas or bloating. Introducing small amounts ensures digestive tolerance.
Canned beans, though, are very high in sodium and not ideal for dogs, especially those with heart conditions. Dried beans soaked and cooked at home are healthier. But with some precautions, the occasional bite of canned beans won’t harm most dogs.
Below is a more detailed look at the pros, cons, and preparation tips for feeding dogs beans safely
Benefits of Beans for Dogs
Cooked plain beans offer several nutritional benefits for dogs
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Excellent source of plant-based protein – Essential for muscle, tissue, and cell repair.
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High in fiber – Promotes digestive and colon health. Also aids weight management.
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Rich in key vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, folate, and magnesium.
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Packed with antioxidants – Helps boost immunity and prevent disease.
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Low in fat and cholesterol – Ideal for dogs needing weight control.
With a stellar nutrition profile, it’s easy to see why beans are healthy for dogs. In moderation, they make a great addition to a balanced dog diet.
Potential Bean Risks for Dogs
Beans also come with some cautions:
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Digestive upset – Gas, bloating, diarrhea from high fiber content if given in excess.
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Allergies – Some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to beans.
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Sodium content – Canned and premade bean dishes are very high in salt.
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Toxins – Raw beans contain phytohemagglutinin, a toxin dangerous for dogs. Beans must be thoroughly cooked.
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Pancreatitis risk – High-fat beans like refried can inflame the pancreas.
To avoid issues, introduce beans slowly, avoid canned varieties high in sodium, and always cook beans thoroughly before feeding. Monitor dogs closely for any signs of intolerance.
Best Bean Varieties for Dogs
All beans are not equal when it comes to safety. Here are some of the top bean types dogs can eat:
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Green beans – A popular choice! Low in calories and high in vitamins.
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Chickpeas – Also called garbanzo beans. Good source of fiber and protein.
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Black beans – Full of fiber with antioxidants. Don’t overdo it.
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Lentils – These legumes have high protein without the gas issues.
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Peas – Similar nutrition to beans without the side effects.
These options provide excellent nutrition for dogs with less risk of digestive upset.
Beans to Avoid for Dog Safety
On the flip side, these bean varieties should be kept away from dogs:
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Raw beans – Contains toxins dangerous for dogs until fully cooked.
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Baked beans – Loaded with sugar, spices and onions toxic for dogs.
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Refried beans – High in fat that can trigger pancreatitis.
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Chili beans – Also seasoned with onions, garlic and other spices toxic to dogs.
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Canned beans – Very high in sodium, bad for dogs with heart issues.
Avoid these bean types, or at minimum check with your vet before feeding even small amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Beans?
Canned beans provide fiber, protein and vitamins, so what’s the issue? Two words – sodium content.
Canned beans are preserved in a salty solution. One small 1/2 cup serving of canned beans can contain 600-800 mg of sodium. That’s almost half the recommended daily sodium limit for humans of 1500-2000 mg per day.
While an occasional lick of canned beans won’t harm most dogs, regular feeding in any amount can quickly exceed healthy sodium limits. Excess sodium is linked to:
- Increased blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Strain on heart, kidneys and other organs
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
For dogs prone to heart problems or on sodium-restricted diets, canned bean options are particularly dangerous. But even healthy dogs will consume unhealthy levels if fed canned beans regularly.
Bottom line – avoid feeding dogs canned beans on a frequent or regular basis. While the rare taste won’t cause issues, the sodium content makes canned beans a poor choice to incorporate in your dog’s diet routinely.
Healthier Bean Options for Dogs
The healthiest bean options involve avoiding the excess sodium that comes with canned versions. Some better choices include:
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Cook plain dried beans – Bypass the sodium-rich canning process by preparing beans at home.
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Rinse canned beans – If using canned on rare occasions, rinse beans well to remove some sodium.
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Low-sodium canned – Seek out low-sodium bean options with veterinary approval.
While fresh cooked beans are ideal, rinsing regular canned beans can reduce the sodium content by as much as 40%. But for optimal health, stick to homemade bean dishes.
How to Prepare Beans for Dogs
When preparing bean dishes for your dog at home, follow these safety tips:
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Pick over and rinse dried beans to remove debris.
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Soak beans in water for at least 8 hours to begin softening.
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Discard soaking water and rinse beans before cooking.
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Cook beans thoroughly until very soft, about 1-2 hours. Dogs can’t digest undercooked beans.
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Don’t add any salt, oil, butter or other seasonings. Plain cooked beans are safest.
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Mash cooked beans with a fork or potato masher to prevent choking.
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Allow beans to cool before mixing a small amount into your dog’s regular food.
Follow these steps and beans can be a healthy homemade food for dogs.
Introducing Beans to Your Dog
Adding any new food too quickly can cause digestive upset for dogs. Follow these tips when first introducing beans:
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Start with just a few spoonfuls of mashed beans mixed into their regular dog food.
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If no signs of issues after a few days, slowly increase the amount every few days.
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For small dogs, start with 1 tsp and work up to 1-2 Tbsp max over time.
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Medium dogs can start with 1 Tbsp, increasing to 1/4 cup over a week.
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Large breed dogs might begin with 2 Tbsp and work up to 1/2 cup.
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At any sign of gas, diarrhea or discomfort, stop beans for a few days then reintroduce more slowly.
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Always consult your veterinarian before making significant diet changes.
With this conservative approach, you can fine-tune the bean amount your individual dog handles best.
How Much Beans Can Dogs Eat?
There are no official guidelines for how many beans dogs can eat safely. Bean nutrition profiles are healthy, but high fiber can cause gastric issues. Most experts offer this general guidance on bean quantity limits:
- Small dogs: 1-2 Tbsp maximum per day
- Medium dogs: 1/4 cup maximum per day
- Large dogs: 1/2 cup beans maximum per day
Again, start lower with just a few spoonfuls and gradually increase quantity as your dog tolerates. Don’t exceed the amounts above as too much fiber causes problems.
Can Dogs Eat Bean Sprouts?
Sprouted beans like mung bean sprouts contain the same nutrients as regular beans. However, the sprouting process reduces levels of phytic acid and other anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption.
Sprouts are not toxic to dogs. However, they carry a higher risk of harboring pathogens like salmonella or E. coli bacteria. Only feed cooked sprouts to reduce this risk of food poisoning.
For optimal safety, stick to fully cooked regular beans instead of sprouted varieties.
Are Beans a Complete Protein for Dogs?
Beans lack certain essential amino acids, making them an incomplete protein source on their own. However, combining beans with grains like rice, quinoa or oats creates a complete protein profile. This combo provides the amino acids missing from beans alone.
While beans are low in methionine, an essential amino acid for dogs, incorporating a carb completes the protein. Just don’t rely solely on beans to meet your dog’s protein needs.
The Takeaway on Dogs and Beans
At the end of the day,
Can Dogs Eat Refried Beans?
We’ve covered kidney, navy and pinto beans which all deliver a flavor that varies from the other. If pinto beans are okay, then yes, your dog can eat refried beans. However, even though recipes for refried beans call for pinto beans, your dog should not eat this popular dish, not even as a small topping on their food.
The spices used in the preparation can cause your pup’s stomach to be irritated. Dogs cannot have cumin, which is a key ingredient in refried beans. Onions and bacon fat are also in the recipe, but dogs shouldn’t eat these things.
It’s All About The Beans
A few times a week, giving your dog a small amount of beans can be good for their health. Beans are full of nutrients in addition to protein, like iron, potassium, and B-vitamins. They are high in fiber, an important component in a properly working digestive system. Additionally, beans contain disease-fighting antioxidants and are known to help regulate blood sugar levels.
So, if you are asking the question, “can dogs eat pinto beans?” The answer is yes. There are rules and parameters to consider, however, when looking at feeding your dog beans. Never feed your dog raw beans and avoid canned beans when possible. We’ll look more closely at the reasons why as we examine a few types of beans below.
Are canned beans OK for dogs?
FAQ
What canned beans are safe for dogs?
Are there any beans that dogs cannot eat?
Can dogs eat canned black beans?
Can dogs eat cooked canned kidney beans?
Can eating beans make dogs sick?
What’s more, the beans may contain a high level of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. It may be that if your dog has eaten one small bite of refried beans, he will be OK. However, if your fur baby has had a larger helping of the beans, then he may become sick.
Can dogs taste beans?
Some dogs find the flavor of beans to be a delicious one, just as some people love beans, from their salads to their baked dinners. So yes, some dogs like beans. Some dogs even LOVE them. Other dogs will definitely turn their nose away from the legume. There is only one way to find out. Are Beans Beneficial For Dogs?
Can dogs eat lima beans or are they best avoided?
The short answer would be – yes, dogs can and should eat lima beans, but not just any kind. Lima beans must be adequately prepared so that the dog’s digestive system can properly digest them. Firstly, dried lima beans are not suitable for the dog’s teeth or stomach. They will most likely damage their teeth and hurt their tummy if eaten dried.
Is it safe for dogs to eat beans?
Yes, generally speaking, beans are safe for dogs to eat. However, it is always best to check with your veterinarian before feeding them beans if you are unsure. You should also mash the beans up before feeding them to your dog, and cook them properly.