You may be wondering if kidney beans are safe for your dog to eat. Perhaps you bought kidney beans and as you were preparing them for dinner, you thought about giving your dog some too.
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat kidney beans in moderation when fully cooked, unseasoned and plain, but keep them well away from raw or canned beans. Read on to find out when you can feed kidney beans to your dog and which precautions to take.
Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans?
Yes, dogs can eat kidney beans when offered in moderation and appropriately prepared, fully cooked, without any salt, seasoning or spices. On the other hand, they should never be offered raw or canned beans, due to the risks they pose.
Although legumes are considered very nutritious, the amount dogs can safely eat is too small for them to reap any significant benefits. Kidney beans are a source of protein and fiber and are rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate and iron.
Some people may mix a little bit of cooked kidney beans in with their dog’s food to add plant protein and fiber, but it’s important to first consult with your veterinarian.
When Are Kidney Beans Bad for Dogs?
Do not feed your dog raw kidney beans because they contain a toxin called phytohemagglutinin that is harmful if consumed and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Keep in mind that even cooked and plain kidney beans may cause gassiness and diarrhea in your dog if fed too often or in excess. It’s important to speak to your vet if you’re considering adding kidney beans to your dog’s diet. This is especially important if your pooch has any underlying health issues.
If you are going to use kidney beans, then it is best to cook your own and avoid using canned beans, which contain preservatives, spices, and added salt.
Essentially, beans are food prepared and adjusted for humans, so they should be limited in your dog’s diet and fed in strict moderation and according to veterinary advice.
When Are Kidney Beans Good for Dogs?
Although kidney beans are a nutritious food choice when it comes to humans, there aren’t any scientific papers looking into their direct benefits in dogs. However, we can assume that our pooches may get some of the beneficial nutrients, while their complete and balanced diet ensures their ongoing health. The following benefits are extrapolated from human nutrition.
Kidney beans are an antioxidant-rich food that may help remove free radicals from the body and strengthen the immune system in people, but it remains unknown whether dogs may have any benefit from them. Due to the amount of fiber they contain, they can help relieve mild constipation by adding bulk to the stool. However, if offered to dogs in excess, they can lead to diarrhoea.
Kidney beans are also great at helping to regulate blood sugar in people because they are a slow-release carb, making them effective at maintaining blood sugar levels. However, this hasn’t been looked at in dogs, and it’s important to speak to your veterinarian before feeding kidney beans to your dog if they have diabetes.
Kidney beans are lower in calories, which makes them a great option for occasional weight control treats.
Puppies and Kidney Beans
Puppies can eat a tiny amount of cooked and plain kidney beans, but only in strict moderation, for the same reason that you shouldn’t feed too many kidney beans to adult dogs. Puppies require different amounts of nutrition and have a more sensitive digestion, so feeding a puppy a complete diet is ideal. However, offering your pup cooked, plain, and unseasoned kidney beans now and then won’t harm them if fed in very small amounts on special occasions.
How to Feed Kidney Beans to Your Dog
Before offering kidney beans to your dog, make sure to check with your veterinarian, especially if your dog is suffering from any underlying health issues or taking any medications.
Kidney beans need to be soaked and cooked thoroughly before feeding them to your dog. Don’t add salt or any other ingredients that could cause an upset stomach or are unsuitable for dogs. Dogs can’t tolerate spices and herbs like humans can.
Mash up the beans so they are easier to chew and digest, then either mix them with dry dog food or serve them separately as a treat on special occasions only.
Are Kidney Beans Safe for Dogs?
Remember that even if dogs can safely eat some types of human food when adequately prepared, it is wise to keep it in moderation or stick to a specific dog treat or food that includes all the ingredients your dog needs.
Any of the potential benefits to kidney beans, such as providing fiber, protein, and antioxidants, cannot really be extrapolated from humans to dogs due to a lack of scientific evidence and the amount dogs can safely eat without experiencing adverse effects. Make sure you never feed your dog raw kidney beans, and seek nutritional advice from your veterinarian or a certified veterinary nutritionist so you can keep your canine companion in optimal health.
Related Reads:
- Can Dogs Eat Lentils? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide
- Can Dogs Eat Pinto Beans? Nutrition Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit By: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay
Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans?
