Kidney beans are high in protein and fiber, and contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They belong to the legume family, which also includes veggies like green beans, black beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Can dogs eat kidney beans, and are there any health benefits to it?
Key Takeaways
- Cooked kidney beans are good for dogs ✔️
- Dogs shouldn’t eat canned or raw beans ❌
- Too many kidney beans will make your dog gassy ⚠️
Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans?
So, can dogs eat kidney beans? Yes! These beans are packed with nutrients that can be very beneficial for your pup. For example, vitamin A, which helps maintain a healthy heart and eyes. They also have vitamin C and K, both of which support the immune system and healing.
Beans contain fiber, which can be beneficial for your dog’s digestive system. It can help to regulate bowel movements. So if your dog is prone to constipation, adding legumes to their diet can help remedy the problem. Besides, soluble fiber helps reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in blood.
In addition, beans are rich in minerals like iron (which is vital for healthy red blood cells) and magnesium (which supports hormone production). As a source of protein, kidney beans can make a great alternative to treats made from meat if your dog has meat protein allergies.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Kidney Beans?
You might be wondering, can dogs eat kidney beans raw? The answer is no. Raw kidney beans are toxic to dogs. That’s because theycontain high levels of lectins, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
If you have some dried beans at home, cooking them thoroughly will reduce their lectin content, making them safe to feed to your dog. Before cooking, soak the beans overnight.
Are Cooked Kidney Beans Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Cooked beans are a great option if you want to diversify your dog’s everyday diet. All you need to do is to make sure that beans are cooked properly, and without sugar, salt and other seasonings or additives. That’s why if you are planning to make booked beans for yourself, it’s better to cook your pup’s portion separately.
Avoid giving your dog refried beans, chili beans or baked beans, as these dishes are usually high in sodium and can be harmful to their health.
Steer Clear of Canned Beans
Canned beans are bad for dogs. That’s because they can contain high levels of sodium and other additives that can be harmful to your pup. If you do decide to feed them canned beans, make sure to rinse them thoroughly first to remove as much salt as possible.
Too Many Beans Can Make Your Dog Gassy
Can dogs eat kidney beans every day? While they can be a healthy snack for dogs, too many of them can cause digestive problems. This is because they’re high in fiber, and can overwork your dog’s gut if eaten in large quantities.If your pup starts to experience excessive gas after eating beans, it might be best to cut down on the amount you give them.
Beans are also added to dog food sometimes, so if you see them on the list of ingredients in your pet’s main kibble, giving them additional beans may be overkill.
Innocent Prank Idea
If you ever want a revenge on a person who might petsit your dog, I recommend feeding your dog two spoons of cooked kidney beans around half an hour before you leave. Your dog will appreciate a surprise snack, and the person shall suffer your wrath.
What Other Beans Can You Feed Your Dog?
If you’re looking for an alternative to kidney beans, there are plenty of other types of beans that can be safe for dogs. Just make sure to cook all of them thoroughly before feeding them to your pup. Healthy options include:
- black-eyed peas;
- navy beans;
- pinto beans;
- Lima beans;
- garbanzo beans (chickpeas).
Their nutritional value is more or less the same, so all of them are OK for dogs in moderation – don’t feed your pet too much at once, or they may stink up the room!
And what about green beans? Can dogs eat these? Yes! You can read more about them here!
What Varieties of Beans Are Toxic to Your Dog?
Some beans are known to be poisonous to dogs. This includes broad beans, also known as fava beans. They contain large amounts of PHA (phytohemagglutinin), which can make dogs ill.
Eating coffee beans can be life-threatening to dogs, so make sure to keep all coffee away from your pet. This also goes for any products that contain caffeine, such as coffee candy. If your dog ever happens to eat a coffee bean, call your veterinarian immediately.
Soybeans can also be harmful to dogs if eaten in large quantities. They contain high levels of isoflavones, which can disrupt your dog’s hormone levels and cause health problems (but a small amount of soybean is not likely to cause any harm).
Add Kidney Beans to Your Dog’s Diet Wisely
So, can dogs eat kidney beans? If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your dog, they can be a good option. But it cannot substitute good quality canine food!
Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans FAQs
Are Red Kidney Beans Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, red kidney beans can be poisonous to dogs if eaten in big amounts. The toxin responsible for the poisoning is phytohemagglutinin, a lectin protein. This toxin is found in raw and undercooked red kidney beans (as well as other members of the Phaseolus genus). Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
How Much Kidney Beans Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat kidney beans, but they are not as nutritious for dogs as they are for humans. Too many kidney beans can cause an upset stomach in dogs. A spoonful a day should be enough for them.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Canned Kidney Beans?
No, cooking doesn’t take away the additives. The chemicals that are used to preserve kidney beans can be harmful to your dog.
