As dog owners, we want to give our furry friends tasty treats and variety in their diet But we also need to be careful about which “people foods” are safe for them to eat One common question is – can dogs eat beans? The answer is yes, dogs can eat certain beans in moderation. However, there are also some limitations on how to feed beans to avoid digestive and toxicity issues.
In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of beans, which types are dog-safe, serving tips to avoid gas and bloating, and signs your pup ate too many beans. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Bean Nutrition for Dogs
Before determining if beans can be part of a dog’s diet, let’s look at why beans are a healthy option. Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional profile of beans:
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Excellent source of plant-based protein – beans contain all essential amino acids dogs need
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High in fiber – both soluble and insoluble fiber for digestion
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Packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, folate
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Low in fat and cholesterol
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Provides steady, long-lasting energy
This stellar nutritional content makes beans a smart choice. The fiber and protein in particular provide key benefits.
The Fiber Factor
The abundant fiber in beans supports:
- Digestive health
- Regularity
- A feeling of fullness
- Healthy gut bacteria
The high fiber content also helps steady the absorption of beans’ natural sugars, preventing energy spikes.
Protein Power
Beans offer a healthy plant-based protein source, with options like:
- Black beans: 15g per cup
- Kidney beans: 13g per cup
- Garbanzo beans: 14g per cup
For comparison, chicken contains around 43g per cup. Though not as protein-packed as meat, beans provide ample plant protein.
Now let’s look at which types of beans are safe for dogs to eat.
Dog-Safe Bean Options
Here are some of the top beans that dogs can eat in moderation:
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Green Beans – A great low-calorie snack full of vitamins. Remove strings to prevent choking hazard.
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Black Beans – Loaded with fiber, protein, iron, magnesium. Rinse before serving to remove excess sodium.
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Lima Beans – Contains calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium. Goes well mixed into food.
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Pinto Beans – High in protein, vitamins, minerals. Their plain flavor mixes well with foods.
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Kidney Beans – High in antioxidants, vitamin K, iron. But limit portions due to lectin content.
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Garbanzo Beans – Packed with folate, manganese. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
For small dogs, a tablespoon or two of chopped beans mixed into their food is a good starting portion. Large dogs can begin with 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions, depending on weight.
Start slow with new foods and monitor for any digestive upset before increasing portions.
Beans to Avoid for Doggy Diets
On the flip side, there are several bean varieties that should be kept away from dogs:
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Soybeans – Must be prepared plain. No added salt or spices.
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Baked Beans – Contains onions, garlic, sugar, spices – toxic for dogs!
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Refried Beans – High in fat, salt and seasoning. Can cause pancreatitis.
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Canned Beans – Loaded with sodium. Opt for low-sodium or dried versions if possible.
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Chili Beans – Also seasoned and spiced. Stick to plain bean varieties only.
Tip: If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well to remove up to 40% of the excess sodium they contain.
Tips for Serving Beans to Avoid Gas
The musical side effect of beans is no joke! Here are some tips to reduce doggy gas when adding beans to their diet:
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Start with small amounts and increase slowly over days/weeks. This allows their gut bacteria to adjust.
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Make sure beans are thoroughly cooked – Raw beans can increase gas production.
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Combine beans with probiotics to support healthy digestion.
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Stick to portion limits since large amounts increase gas risk.
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Add digestive enzymes to help break down bean compounds that cause gas.
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Try gas relief supplements like simethicone if your pup gets gassy.
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Limit giving beans daily – make them an occasional treat.
Following these tips can help minimize doggy toots when enjoying bean treats! Monitor your dog’s reaction and adjust as needed.
Signs Your Dog Ate Too Many Beans
Eating too many beans at once can lead to some unpleasant digestive effects in dogs, including:
- Increased flatulence, gassiness
- Abdominal bloating, fullness
- Loose stool or diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting (in severe cases)
If your dog shows signs of a bean overdose, remove beans from their diet for a few days. Then reintroduce them in smaller amounts once symptoms resolve. Call your vet if severe vomiting, diarrhea or concerning symptoms arise after eating beans.
Quick Bean Recipes for Dogs
When preparing beans for your pup, keep it simple. Here are a few quick bean recipes for dogs:
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Bean and Chicken Soup – Simmer chicken and carrots with a few tablespoons of green beans in broth.
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Fiber Boost Topper – Mash a tablespoon of cooked beans into your dog’s kibble.
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Frozen Bean Treats – Blend canned beans into ice cube trays for teething pups.
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Bean and Rice Medley – Mix a few spoonfuls of beans into cooked white rice.
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Bean Dip – Lightly mash black beans with no-salt chicken broth for dipping kibble or other dog treats.
Get creative with safe, mild ingredients to give your dog variety with their bean treats!
Are Beans Good for Dogs? The Verdict
Incorporating a few spoonfuls of plain, cooked beans into your dog’s diet can provide healthy nutrients and add variety. Favor low-sodium options and start slowly to allow their digestive system to adjust.
Certain bean varieties like green beans, black beans and lima beans are safe for dogs when prepared properly without seasoning. But refrain from baked beans, canned beans, chili beans and other seasoned options.
Moderation is key, as too many beans can lead to gas or upset stomach. But when fed properly, beans can be a beneficial addition to a balanced doggy diet. Just be sure to get the green light from your veterinarian before introducing new foods.
What Beans Can My Dog Eat?
For those who want to know, yes, dogs can eat beans. Most beans are safe for dogs to eat. These legumes are good for dogs because they have more protein than grains and a lot of vitamins and minerals.
But not all beans are the same. Green beans are a great treat for your dog, but you should stay away from baked and refried beans because they contain ingredients that could make your pet sick.
Which Beans Should Dogs Avoid?
Raw kidney beans can be toxic to dogs. However, if prepared and given in tiny doses, they can be safe.
Kidney beans, like the other beans on this list, are high in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins. But don’t give your dog too many kidney beans because they have more phytohemagglutinin (a lectin) that can make them sick if they eat too much of it.
If your dog accidentally consumes raw kidney beans, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Refried beans should not be fed to your dog. They contain a lot of fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Garlic and other spices that are bad for puppies, like cumin, chili powder, and salt, are also in refried beans.
If you take your dog to a barbecue or picnic in the summer, baked beans are a great treat for them to eat. But you shouldn’t give your dog baked beans because they have molasses, brown sugar, and other spices in them.
Chili beans are another type of bean to avoid. Chili beans like baked beans, have additional sugar and spices that can irritate your dogs stomach.
While canned beans are less messy than dried beans, they are not the ideal choice for dogs. Because canned beans are heavy in salt, dogs with heart issues or high blood pressure should avoid them. Instead, use dry beans that have been soaked overnight and cooked.
Offering your dog a little mouthful of safe canned beans on occasion will most likely not hurt them. However, canned beans should not be a regular part of their diet. Adding canned beans to your dog’s bowl without washing them first can cause a buildup of salt that can be very bad for their health in the long run. Dried beans (or beans fresh from a garden) are a much better choice.
Soybeans, often known as edamame, are a popular food. However, they are frequently served with spices, salt, or soy sauce—all of which are toxic to dogs. But when cooked, soybeans are safe for your dog to eat on their own and may be good for their health in the same ways as the other beans on our list.
Can Dogs Eat Beans?
FAQ
What kind of beans can a dog eat?
Are any beans toxic to dogs?
Why can’t dogs eat beans?
Can dogs eat cooked canned beans?
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.
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 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.