Many dog owners have approached us to ask about chickpeas. And while they are OK for dogs to eat, you’ll need to take some precautions. Here’s what you will learn from this article:
Key Takeaways
- It’s safe to give your dog chickpeas on occasion ✔️
- Un-spiced, plain hummus is safe, as well ✔️
- You can use chickpeas in any form, but try to avoid canned ones ✔️
- Don’t feed your pup chickpeas more than once in a week ❌
- If your pooch doesn’t like chickpeas, don’t force him to eat them ❌
Are Chickpeas Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat chickpeas? Yes, chickpeas are safe for dogs in moderation. As with any new food, start slowly and watch your dog’s reaction. Some dogs may have an adverse reaction to legumes like chickpeas. Eating them may lead to cramps and bloating, especially if the dog is not used to it.
Dogs can eat chickpeas without issues as long as you limit their consumption and watch for any symptoms of intolerance such as gas or diarrhea. It’s best to buy organic chickpea products for your pet because conventionally grown legumes may contain pesticides.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas in Hummus?
Chickpeas can be good for dogs, but can they eat chickpeas in hummus? The answer is yes, with some precautions. Chickpea-based hummus is generally safe as long as it doesn’t contain onion or garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs.
Even then, it’s likely to be unhealthy for your dog because of its salt and spice content. It’s better to feed your dog plain chickpeas prepared specially for them.
How to Safely Include Chickpeas in Your Dog’s Diet
If you want to add chickpeas to your dog’s diet, there are a few ways to do it. You can cook them yourself or buy them pre-cooked. Avoid canned chickpeas that contain added sugars or salts.
Don’t leave raw chickpeas lying around – your dog could easily choke on them. They can also be hard to digest, so you need to cook them soft. First, rinse the beans with water to remove any residue or dirt from them. Use water or unsalted meat broth for cooking.
How Many Chickpeas Can Your Dog Have?
Since they’re safe, how often can dogs eat chickpeas? As a rule of thumb, snacks like chickpeas should take up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. So, if your dog eats a cup of food per day, they can have up to a tenth of a cup of chickpeas. This is about one or two tablespoons. If you’re cooking them yourself, remember that a single cup of cooked beans yields about three-quarters of a cup of mashed beans.
However, there has been some research on legumes-based diet for dogs. As it turns out, chickpeas as the main source of protein have been very well received by dogs.
The Health Benefits of Chickpeas for Your Dog
Just as chickpeas are beneficial to you, they can also benefit your dog. They can help with weight management by providing a filling and nutritious snack without too many calories.
The high fiber content may help prevent constipation and keep your pet’s digestive tract healthy. Besides, chickpeas contain potassium, antioxidants and vitamins, including folate and vitamin C. This can help boost your dog’s immune system.
Although they can be very beneficial, it’s important to remember that dogs can’t eat chickpeas every day. They can cause gas and distension in some dogs, so it’s better to give them only once a week or less frequently.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas Dried, Blended or Roasted?
Dogs can have a hard time chewing dried chickpeas, and they may pose a choking hazard. Blended chickpeas are fine as long as they have been cooked properly. When it comes to store-bought roasted chickpeas, apply the same precautions as you would with hummus – does it have added salt, spices or other additives? If not, go for it.
Bake a Chickpea Cookie for Your Pooch
You can make a healthy snack for your dog using chickpeas or chickpea flour. Here’s a recipe for baked garbanzo bean cookies!
Ingredients:
- one cup of mashed chickpeas,
- two tablespoons of canola oil or olive oil.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix the mashed chickpeas with the oil and form little balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flatten slightly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Let the cookies cool before serving them to your dog. They can be stored in an airtight container for a week.
What About Other Peas and Lentils?
Dogs can eat chickpeas, but can they eat any other legumes? You can choose from several types of beans, peas and lentils to add some variety to your dog’s diet.
All types are rich sources of protein, fiber and antioxidants, and most of them can be added to a dog’s meal. There is one exception, though. Broad beans can contain the toxic compound PHA at levels dangerous to dogs.
Here’s some more about dogs and peas, and dogs and beans.
See If Your Dog Likes Eating Chickpeas!
Can dogs eat chickpeas? To sum it up, chickpeas can be a tasty and healthy snack for your dog. Remember to cook or roast them properly beforehand and not to overfeed your pooch. Start with a small amount and see if they like it before giving them more. Like any other food, moderation is key!
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas FAQs
If you have any more doubts, about chickpeas in pet food, then feel free to scroll through some frequently asked questions!
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Chickpeas?
Chickpeas are safe for dogs to eat and will not cause them any harm. However, too many chickpeas can cause diarrhea in dogs. Chickpeas are a good source of fiber, and because of that fiber, too much of it can cause gastrointestinal problems.
How Do You Cook Chickpeas for Dogs?
Rinse the chickpeas and boil them until they’re soft. You can either mash them up or feed them whole, depending on your dog’s preference. As with all new foods, introduce chickpeas slowly and in small amounts to avoid any digestive upset. And always supervise your dog while they’re eating to make sure they don’t choke on any pieces of food. Enjoy!
Are Chickpeas Hard for Dogs to Digest?
Not if fed in moderation. Chickpeas are a high-fiber food, and like all high-fiber foods, they can be a bit hard for dogs to digest if fed in large quantities. But as long as you feed your dog a moderate amount of chickpeas (or any other high-fiber food), they should have no trouble digesting them.
