For many people, especially non-meat eaters, beans are an integral part of a heart-healthy diet. These convenient foods can be a great addition or a complete meal full of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants in a human diet. Because treats are integral to bonding with your pup, many dog owners may be tempted to share a healthy bean or bean-based meal with their four-legged best friend.
However, too much of a good thing can be dangerous for your dog or result in unpleasant effects like flatulence, bloating, or other digestive issues. Additionally, some beans are dog-toxic and should be avoided altogether. However, when properly prepared and in moderation, the occasional bean treat can be a healthy snack and reward for your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Beans?
Beans can often be a safe, occasional treat or snack for your dog. However, various considerations, including age, overall health, and current diet, determine whether you should attempt to feed your dog beans. For example, dogs on prescription diets should not receive human food or dog treats unless your veterinarian approves.
Most beans are non-toxic to dogs and nutrient-rich with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Many are also low in calories, making them a healthier dog treat alternative that can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. However, always consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new foods or treats, including beans, because some are dog-toxic or can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal (GI) distress or allergic reactions, in dogs with food allergies.
Should Beans Replace Meat in Your Dog’s Diet?
It's not uncommon for people to use beans as a meat replacement to ensure they are receiving protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, this should never be the case for your pup. Dogs are omnivores and should be fed an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced diet for their breed and life stage or a diet formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure they receive the required nutrients for overall health or organ function.
Feeding your dog too many beans can result in a variety of health issues. Additionally, dogs should never be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet because these diets lack essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids that all dogs require to remain healthy.
Dog-Safe Beans You Can Feed Your Pup
Although dogs don't need or require beans in their diet, they can be a great way to provide your pup with a healthy, low-calorie occasional treat. Beans are low-fat and nutrient-rich, but moderation prevents GI distress, gas, bloating, or weight gain. Generally, dog treats should not comprise more than 10% of their calories to avoid weight gain. Additionally, beans should not be fed as an everyday dog treat.
Types of dog-safe beans include:
- Black beans — These popular beans are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. Although they are commonly used in soups or as an alternative meat for burgers, they should never be fed to dogs with seasonings, additives, or toxic foods, including onions and garlic.
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)—Spreads like hummus or chickpea dips are unsafe for pups. But plain cooked, shelled garbanzo beans are full of fiber and protein, making them a healthy, low-calorie treat for your dog.
- Green Beans (e.g., snap beans, string beans)—Arguably the perfect snack for people and pets, green beans are low in calories and high in a variety of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. You can feed your dog green beans fresh or plain cooked; remove the string and break the beans in half to prevent a choking hazard.
- Lima beans – Always remove the shell from lima beans before feeding them to your dog, as this can be difficult to digest. Plain, cooked lima beans contain various nutrients, including fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
- Navy beans — Navy beans are packed with fiber and protein, iron, folate, and magnesium. Still, they are higher in carbohydrates than other beans. Overweight dogs should opt for lower-calorie snacks like green beans instead of navy beans. For healthy dogs, plain, shelled, cooked navy beans can serve as a special treat.
- Pinto beans — Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, pinto beans can help boost your pup's immune system when fed plain and in moderation.
Types of Beans NOT to Feed Your Dog
Generally, you should avoid feeding your dog any canned beans, even if they are on the "dog safe" list. Canned beans are high in salt; many contain preservatives unsuitable for a dog's digestive system. Avoid feeding raw or dried beans because they are a choking hazard and are difficult for dogs to digest. Additionally, never feed your dog the following kinds of beans:
- Baked beans – These sweet and tasty beans may be hard for your pup to resist, but the high sugar, fat, and spice content is dangerous for dogs, especially those with underlying health problems like diabetes. The excess fat can also put dogs at risk for pancreatitis, a potentially deadly inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
- Chili beans — Most chili soups or chili bean-based meals contain sugar, spice, and everything else that is not nice for dogs. Many also contain dog-toxic ingredients like garlic and onions, so keep the chili away from your pup. Ingestion can lead to GI problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.
- Raw kidney beans — These beans contain high levels of the lectin phytohemagglutinin, which can lead to severe vomiting, nausea, and illness when ingested. Although cooked kidney beans are considered non-toxic, it's best to avoid feeding them to your dog in any form.
- Refried beans — These beans are high in fat, which can lead to pancreatitis or severe GI upset in dogs. They also contain various pet-toxic ingredients, including salt, garlic, and chili powder.
- Soybeans (i.e., edamame) – Often prepared with salt, soy, or other spices, these beans are not considered safe for dogs. Additionally, the shell can be difficult to digest and is a choking hazard.
Signs of a Bean Allergy in Dogs
Like people, dogs can develop food allergies to anything, including beans. Always consult your DVM before offering your dog any new foods or snacks. Additionally, monitor your pup closely when feeding them a new treat, and observe for any adverse reactions. Bring your dog for immediate veterinary care if they show any of the following allergy signs after consuming beans:
- Hives
- Itchy, red, or swollen skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Skin rashes
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Beans
Not all beans are created equal; even dog-safe beans can turn deadly when fed improperly or mixed with dangerous spices or dog-toxic foods. Additionally, always check with your veterinarian or the ASPCA list of foods to avoid before offering your pup any human food. Dog-safe beans should be fresh, thoroughly washed, de-shelled, and cooked without salt, spices, or oils.
As with any dog treat, moderation is key. When offering a new food, like beans, start by giving your dog just a few to gauge their body's reaction. A few beans can be fed as a training treat, a tasty food topper, or a snack to show your dog some extra love. In addition to allergy signs, ensure that you monitor for the following adverse signs: gassiness, burping, bloating, loose stool, or vomiting. Immediately discontinue giving your dog more beans and contact your veterinarian if clinical signs do not resolve.
Additionally, beans should only be offered as an occasional treat, not as a daily food or food replacement. For dogs who can tolerate a bean treat, use the following feeding guide:
- Small dogs: No more than one teaspoon of beans
- Medium-sized dogs: No more than one tablespoon
- Large to giant breed dogs: ⅓ to ½ cup total beans, based on their tolerance.
Alternatives to Beans as a Healthy Dog Snack
Providing your pup love through healthy treats will strengthen your bond and is a great way to reward your dog for good doggie manners. Dog-safe beans can be a great addition to your dog's treat allotment, but always consult your veterinarian before adding new foods or changing your dog's diet. Subtle diet changes can have catastrophic results and lead to upset stomachs or more severe problems in dogs with underlying health issues.
Adding beans to help your dog feel fuller or adding fiber for the occasional loose stool may be tempting. However, other veterinary-approved fiber sources, like Native Pet Pumpkin Powder, may be more soothing and safer for dogs with food sensitivities. Dogs with diarrhea or loose stools that last more than 24 hours should seek immediate veterinary care. Supplements should never replace veterinary treatment or be used in place of a complete and balanced diet.
Dog owners who want to boost their pup's overall nutrition should consider a daily supplement, like Native Pet's The Daily, which helps support your dog's overall well-being, including gut health, skin, and immune system support. This veterinary-approved supplement can be sprinkled on your dog's kibble for a daily treat and nutrition boost.
Other dog-safe treats that can be offered as an alternative to beans include:
- Dog-safe veggies
- A long-lasting chew, like Native Pet Yak Chews
- Homemade dog treats with dog-safe ingredients
- Pupsicles for a hot summer day
Dog-safe beans can be fed as the occasional treat for your pup. However, they must be properly prepared and only given occasionally and in small amounts to prevent illness or other adverse effects like bloating, gas, or loose stools.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
