It is common to wonder what foods your dog and you can eat together when you prepare a meal. Although green beans can be enjoyed by both you and your dog, they are not a legume. Can dogs eat beans? Continue reading to learn more about which beans dogs can eat.
Like most human foods, dogs can eat certain beans safely and others may be dangerous. There are many beans to choose from, so it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find the right one for your pet.
Beans are rich in protein, with legumes containing about two to four times the protein of grains. However, your veterinarian may not recommend that you rely on beans as the sole source of protein for your pet.
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Can Dogs have Beans?
Yes. Dogs can eat beans. Beans can be part of a dog’s healthy diet. Beans are high in fiber and contain some protein so they could be a good treat for dogs. This means that beans should not exceed 10 percent of the dog’s daily calories. Beans can have high calories so you shouldn’t feed your dog too many.
What types of beans can dogs have?
There are about 18,000 to 19,000 types of legumes available. You can choose from a variety of pet-safe beans. There are many beans that your dog can enjoy. These are some of the beans he might enjoy:
- Black beans
- Lima beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Navy beans
- Edamame
- Soybeans
- Green beans
- Butter beans
- Lentils
Health benefits of beans for dogs
Raw beans can contain the toxin Phytohaemagglutinin. Also known as kidney bean lectin. However, the highest levels of toxin are found in kidney beans. The toxin is also present in cooked beans, but it is much less toxic and more easily absorbed. Cooking the beans will destroy enough toxins to prevent symptoms.
In addition to helping regulate blood sugar, beans are jam-packed with nutrition, including these essentials:
- Antioxidants – lower cholesterol and fight cancer.
- Vitamin A – Good for your heart and eyes
- Vitamin C – Supports the immune system
- Vitamin K – helps the body recover after injury
- Magnesium – helps the body absorb other nutrients better
- Iron – Red blood cells are made from iron
- Potassium – Helps support muscle and bone health
- Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet
Beans are a great source of protein and can be used as an alternative to animal-based protein. However, dogs need to be fed a majority of their protein from animals in order to stay healthy.
Did you know:
Bean sprouts can be healthy food for humans and dogs. Although dogs can eat a variety of legumes and beans, it is not something that they eat regularly. So if you are wondering if dogs can eat bean sprouts, the answer is yes, of course.
Bean sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals. They include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. These vitamins and minerals are vital for maintaining a healthy dog’s life.
What beans aren’t safe for dogs?
People love coffee beans and often bring home-baked beans for barbecues. However, pets shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy these human pleasures. To keep your pet safe, avoid these beans.
These beans should not be fed to dogs:
- Baked beans are high in sugar and can contain tomatoes, onions, and garlic. This can make them dangerous for dogs.
- Canned beans – Containing sodium and chemical preservatives
- Chili beans – Chili beans contain garlic, onions, spices
- Coffee beans can cause brain damage and even death
- Fava beans (or wide beans) – May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Raw red kidney beans – Can be dangerous for dogs
- Refried beans – Do not serve as food for dogs.
