Many varieties of beans are dog-friendly such as navy and pinto beans. However, some bean varieties can put pooches at risk of certain health issues and even cause poisoning. Before adding beans to your dog’s food bowl, knowing what bean varieties are safe for dogs is a must.
Can dogs eat navy beans?
Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are generally healthy for your dogs to eat. They are packed with vitamin B, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc.
However, avoid serving navy beans when they are combined with other ingredients such as oil, spices, and seasonings in human foods. These are detrimental to your dog’s health and may lead him to suffer from health problems.
Can dogs eat baked beans?
While navy beans are safe for dogs; they become an unhealthy snack once they are canned. Store-bought baked beans usually have high sugar levels. Some may even use xylitol sugar substitute, which is lethal for pooches.
Unhealthy and even harmful ingredients for dogs such as sugar, spices, and an excessive amount of salt are also found in baked beans. These can cause poisoning in dogs.
Therefore, it is best to cross out baked beans from your snack options for your furry companion.
Can dogs eat kidney beans?
Cooked kidney beans are good for your dog as they are full of antioxidants. However, raw kidney beans are another matter. Keep them away from your dog since they possess a toxic compound called lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA).
This makes raw kidney beans poisonous to dogs and humans as well. The symptoms of PHA toxicity in dogs are:
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Abdominal pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you suspect that your dog has eaten raw beans, look out for the signs above. Bring him to the vet once he exhibits these symptoms. Never delay as it can result in fatal consequences.
Can dogs eat raw beans?
As a general rule, do not give any raw beans to your dog. The beans’ toughness makes them very indigestible. If consumed, he may experience gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach blockage.
All beans should be cooked before serving them to your dog. However, green beans are an exception as they can be served raw. Just ensure that they are thoroughly washed.
Can dogs eat beans and rice?
Beans and rice are safe for dogs to eat if they are free from additional ingredients. Just be clear that chili con Carne should never be given to your dog.
The traditional recipe contains many harmful and toxic ingredients such as onion, chili, and sugar.
What beans are safe for dogs?
Here are the types of cooked beans that are nutritious and safe to add to your dog’s diet occasionally:
- Black beans
- Cannellini
- Chickpeas or garbanzo beans
- Great northern beans
- Green beans or string beans
- Lentils
- Lima beans or butter beans
- Pinto beans
- Soybeans
What beans are bad for dogs?
Below is a list of harmful kinds of beans for dogs that you should be aware of:
- Adzuki beans – contain a toxin that is poisonous to dogs
- Canned beans – full of preservatives and high in sodium
- Chili beans – have a lot of dangerous ingredients, such as garlic, onions, and chili powder
- Coffee beans – can greatly cause neurological damage in dogs
- Fava beans (also known as broad beans) – usually lead dogs to experience stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Refried beans – contain preservatives and seasoning, including chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and salt
Are beans good for dogs?
In general, safe and edible beans for dogs are excellent sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamins A, C, K, Iron, potassium, and magnesium. Loads of antioxidants are also found in beans.
These vital nutrients offer the following health benefits to dogs:
- add extra energy to your dog
- fight off free radicals that cause cell damage
- help in lowering cholesterol levels
- help prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases
- aid in slowing down the progression of arthritis
- boost digestive health and bowel movement
- hasten the body’s recovery from injuries
- promote healthy bone and muscles
- assist the body in effectively absorbing nutrients
- help regulate blood sugar
How many beans can dogs eat?
Dogs can have beans occasionally. However, beans should not be a substitute for your dog’s regular food. Thus, only mix a handful of beans in your dog’s meals. Introduce beans to your dog gradually and in small quantities. This is to avoid causing digestive problems.
Never go beyond the 10% rule. Beans are high in digestive fiber, and too much can cause upset stomach, gas problems, and diarrhea.
Beans can get stuck between a dog’s teeth easily. Always clean your dog’s teeth when he finishes snacking on beans.
How to prepare beans for your dog
Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when adding beans to your dog’s diet:
- Opt for organically grown beans. These are safer for your dog as they have less chemical exposure than non-organic beans.
- Wash raw dried beans thoroughly to eliminate dirt, bacteria, and chemical residue.
- If you are using kidney beans, soak the beans overnight. This helps reduce their toxicity and makes them safer to eat and easier to cook.
- Cook the beans plain. Avoid adding salt, oil, sugar, or seasoning.
- Consider mashing the cooked beans so they will be much easier to digest.
Home-made Bean Dog Treat
Spruce up your furry friend’s kibble by adding this homemade chicken and beans food topper:
Chicken and Beans Dog Food Topper
Ingredients
- 3 pounds deboned chicken breasts without skin
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh black beans
- 1 cup fresh pinto beans
- 1 1/2 cup fresh butternut squash (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh carrots (chopped)
Procedure
- Pour the black beans and pinto beans into a large bowl. Remove any rocks that are mixed in with the beans. Get rid of any split or shriveled up beans too.
- Pour the water into the bowl of beans. Make sure it is around 2 inches above the beans. Let the beans soak overnight.
- Trim off any fat from the chicken breasts and then cut the meat into small portions.
- Place all the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for about 8 hours and on high for about 5 hours. Make sure to stir regularly.
- Allow the chicken and beans dog food topper to cool before serving.
