Can Dogs Eat Northern Beans? Benefits and Precautions

Since the 1800s, Navy beans have been a mainstay of the American Navy because they are cheap, healthy, and easy to grow. The name “Navy bean” comes from this history. ‘The Yankee Bean’ or the ‘Pea Beans’ are small oval shaped and quick cooking beans. Rich in nutrients and minerals, they are a great food for us humans. But when it comes to dogs, does it go the same way?The answer is Yes!.

Beans are a nutritious addition to many human diets. But what about our canine companions—can dogs eat northern beans too? The answer is yes, dogs can eat northern beans in moderation.

Northern beans are large white beans that offer protein fiber, and key vitamins and minerals for dogs. However, beans also contain substances that can cause digestive upset if dogs eat too many.

Follow some guidelines on preparing and serving northern beans to maximize health benefits for your dog and minimize potential issues.

Overview of Northern Beans for Dogs

Northern beans go by names like great northern beans, navy beans or white kidney beans.
They are the same species of bean as kidney beans but have a larger size and milder taste.
Northern beans are low in fat, high in protein and fiber, and contain iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins
Potential drawbacks are phytic acid reducing mineral absorption and digestive gas.

When fed properly, northern beans can provide valuable nutrition as an occasional treat.

Nutritional Benefits of Northern Beans for Dogs

Northern beans offer a powerhouse combination of protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals:

High protein helps maintain muscle mass and satisfies appetite.
Soluble fiber aids digestion and regulates blood sugar.
Iron carries oxygen through the bloodstream.
Magnesium strengthens bones and boosts immunity.
Potassium supports heart health and normal blood pressure.
B vitamins help convert food into energy and maintain healthy skin and coat.

The wide range of nutrients contributes to overall health and vitality.

Preparing and Serving Northern Beans for Dogs

Before feeding northern beans:

Pick over dried beans to remove any pebbles or debris.
Rinse and sort through beans again after soaking before cooking.
Cook beans thoroughly until very soft to aid digestion.
Mash or puree beans with added water to prevent choking.
Mix just a spoonful or two into your dog’s regular food.
Refrigerate unused portions promptly.

Proper preparation minimizes risks and ensures bean digestibility.

Potential Concerns with Feeding Dogs Northern Beans

While nutritious, some caveats exist for serving beans to dogs:

Phytic acid can block mineral absorption, but cooking helps neutralize it.
Gastrointestinal gas or bloating may occur from the fiber content.
Dogs with kidney disease should avoid beans due to the potassium.
Salted, seasoned beans harm dogs, so use only unsalted plain beans.
Choking is a hazard if beans are undercooked or not properly mashed.

Awareness of digestion issues allows pet owners to take proper precautions.

How Much Beans Can Dogs Eat Safely?

When introducing northern beans:

Start with just 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for large.
Mix beans into a bland meal like rice or oatmeal.
Limit bean intake to a few times per week.
Discontinue beans if any indigestion, gas, or diarrhea occurs.
Increase portion gradually if beans are well tolerated.
No more than 2 tablespoons per day for a large dog.

Moderating portions minimizes risk of adverse reactions in dogs unaccustomed to beans.

What Dog Breeds Should Not Eat Northern Beans?

A few breeds prone to medical conditions should avoid northern beans:

Dogs with kidney disorders: beans contain potassium that could worsen kidney function if already compromised.
Dogs susceptible to pancreatitis: beans are high in fat which can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs.
Brachycephalic dogs: shorter snouts and flat faces increase their risk of choking on inadequately prepared beans.
Dogs with frequent bloating issues may experience more gas and abdominal discomfort from bean fiber content.

Knowing your individual dog’s health status guides smart decisions on diet.

Green Beans Versus Cooked Dry Beans for Dogs

Both fresh green beans and cooked dried beans provide key benefits:

Green beans offer more moisture and refreshment value during hot weather.
Dry beans contain more concentrated nutrition pound for pound.
Chopped, frozen green beans can substitute when fresh are unavailable.
Canned beans lose some nutrients but offer convenience.

Incorporate both bean types into your dog’s diet for maximum variety.

The bottom line is northern beans can be fed to dogs in moderation as an occasional treat. Take care preparing beans properly, introduce them gradually, and moderate portions to suit your dog’s size and tolerance. That allows your dog to reap the nutritional benefits of beans safely. Consult your veterinarian about any concerns with incorporating northern beans into your particular dog’s diet.

can dogs eat northern beans

How much Navy Beans is good Navy Beans for your Dog?

It’s not a good idea to give your dog navy beans every day; they should only be given as treats. So ideally, it shouldn’t form more than 10% of your dog’s diet in a day. Let’s break this down according to the breeds and sizes of the dogs.

Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs. ) = 1-2 small pieces of Navy Beans.

For e.g.: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

Small dog (21-30 lbs. ) = 2-3 small pieces of Navy Beans.

Medium dog (31-50 lbs. ) = 5-6 small pieces of Navy Beans.

Large dog (51-90 lbs. ) = handful of small Navy Beans pieces.

Extra-large dog (91+ lbs. ) = Yet a handful of small Navy Beans pieces.

How can you feed Navy Beans to your Dog?

Most of these legumes contain a compound called phytohemagglutinin, which is toxic to dogs. So, any kind of bean is not safe when eaten raw. Now this is not just for dogs but even humans. So, here are some tips that you should follow like a list before giving your dog navy beans. Below are the cautions to be taken before serving Navy Beans to your dog.

Soak it up—Let the beans soak in clean water overnight, and then cook them the next day.
Navy beans that have been cooked all the way through. Raw navy beans contain hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous. Cooking the beans thoroughly will destroy the toxin.
Nothing spicy, salty, or even very sweet should ever go in a dog’s food. Plain food is the only way to go. So, when you serve Navy Beans, make sure they are plain, without any Navy, salt, or other spices.
Even though navy beans are good for you, you should only give them to your dog as a treat once in a while for good behavior or probably just because you love them. They shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet.
Nope. Navy beans in a can might have a lot of sodium and preservatives that are bad for dogs.
Small is good—little pieces would help them a lot to stay away from things that could choke them.

You should be proud of yourself that you’ve treated the dog and also made him/her a bit healthier. 2 for 1.

But be careful not to feed your dog too many Navy Beans because you want to love him or her too much. More Navy Beans ≠ More Love.

Can dogs eat cooked beans?

FAQ

Is Northern beans good for dogs?

Yes. Beans can be a part of a dog’s healthy diet. They are rich in fiber and have some protein, too. Dogs can have beans as a treat.

What kind of beans can a dog eat?

Green beans (string beans): These provide fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Dogs can eat fresh, frozen, or cooked green beans. Kidney beans: Raw kidney beans are toxic to dogs, but fully cooked kidney beans provide plenty of nutrients, including antioxidants, fiber, protein, and vitamins.

Are any beans toxic to dogs?

Fresh beans and bean shells: Avoid feeding raw beans or their shells or pods to your dog. Fresh fava beans (also known as broad beans), edamame, and lima beans can all be toxic to dogs, so ensure they are thoroughly cooked before feeding them to your dog.

Are navy beans ok for dogs?

Which beans can your dog eat? In addition to navy beans, they can also eat garbanzo beans, pinto beans, black beans, black-eyed beans, green beans, and more. They offer a plethora of health benefits that can be beneficial to your dog’s diet. Navy Beans can be one of the best treats for your dog.

Can dogs eat white beans?

Originating in Peru, great northern beans contain minerals such as folate, phosphorus, and manganese that are good for dogs. These white beans are commonly used in stews, soups, and casseroles due to their delicate flavour. However, the beans found in these dishes should never be given to your canine pet.

Can dogs eat black beans?

Easily available anywhere, black beans are one of the safest vegetables your dogs can eat. This mighty bean is a good source of lots of nutrients and antioxidants, such as: Antioxidants like magnesium are great for your dog’s heart health and energy production in cells. 2. Lima or Butter Beans

Are beans good for dogs?

Beans are extremely healthy for dogs. BUT this depends on the type of beans; there are a variety of beans that are available so you should know which ones are good for dogs and which ones you should avoid giving to your pet. Beans as treats are way cheaper than conventional treats and they are healthier.

Can dogs eat pinto beans?

Pinto Beans Another safe variety for your dogs to eat is the pinto bean, which is found to be beneficial to the reproductive health of your dogs. That’s because pinto beans contain the following trace minerals: And according to a study, zinc, copper, and manganese lead to more litter production and survival in pregnant dogs.