Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

By: Dr. Juli, DVM

Chickpeas are a popular nutrient-rich staple in many homes. Their versatility and high fiber make it a healthy option that many people enjoy in salad toppers, dips, like hummus, or as a protein replacement for non-meat eaters. Many dog owners may wonder if these nutritious legumes can provide the same health benefits for their pups as they do for them. However, not all human foods are safe for dogs. Part of responsible dog ownership includes knowing what foods are and are not safe to feed your furry best friend.

What are chickpeas? 

Many people are familiar with chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are legumes in the same family as other popular beans, including lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, and peanuts. Chickpeas are available in different variations, but the larger, round, lighter-colored versions are the more commonly used and found in most U.S. groceries. The smaller, darker, more irregularly shaped garbanzo beans are more prominent in the Middle East and India. For people, chickpeas can provide a great source of protein, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and some vitamins. 

Are chickpeas safe for dogs?  

Chickpeas can be a safe, healthy occasional treat for your pup when adequately prepared and fed in moderation. However, dogs are omnivores, so chickpeas should never be used as a meal or meat replacement. In fact, a 2019 study linked potential heart disease in dogs who were fed a legume-based diet. Feeding an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced commercial dog food for your pup's age and breed ensures they receive the necessary nutrients for proper organ function and overall well-being.

Treats are essential to bonding with your furry friend, and providing them with nutrient-rich, low-calorie options, like chickpeas, can help prevent weight gain or other health problems. However, your dog's diet should not be more than 10% comprised of treats to prevent them from becoming overweight and unhealthy. Chickpeas also have a high fiber content, which can support a dog's digestive system and help them feel fuller faster, compared to more high-calorie dog treats. Chickpeas contain a variety of other nutritional benefits, including:

• Folate, to support overall health
• Potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B to support muscle, nerve and heart health
• Magnesium, to support bone health  

Can dogs eat dry, canned, or raw chickpeas?

The versatility and availability of chickpeas make it an easy legume for many people to incorporate into their diets. Reaching for a bag of dried or raw chickpeas may sound like an easy, quick treat for your pup. However, never feed your dog dried or raw chickpeas. The small, hard beans are a choking hazard for pets. They will wreak havoc on their gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract because they are not easily digested in the raw or dry form. They could also lead to dangerous blockages that require surgery. 

Canned chickpeas are equally dangerous and should be avoided. Most canned foods, including chickpeas or garbanzo beans, contain high amounts of salt, which can be toxic to dogs and deadly to pets with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many canned chickpeas contain dog-toxic ingredients, including preservatives, artificial flavors, seasonings, spices, garlic, and onions. Low-sodium canned chickpeas are available but must be thoroughly rinsed, de-shelled, and contain no other added ingredients or flavorings before being offered to your dog. Generally, it's best to avoid feeding your dog any canned chickpeas to prevent adverse reactions or accidental toxin ingestion. 

Can dogs eat hummus?

Hummus is unsafe for dogs because it contains numerous dangerous ingredients, including added salt, lemon juice,  onions, garlic, and spices. Additionally, most hummus is made with oils, like tahini or olive oil. High-fat and oil-containing foods, like hummus, can put your dog at risk for G.I. upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis, a potentially deadly inflammatory disease of the pancreas. Contact your veterinarian if your dog accidentally ingests hummus containing dog-toxic ingredients or if they are showing any signs of illness.  

Instead of sharing your hummus with your dog, try creating a dog-friendly hummus by mashing some plain, cooked, de-shelled chickpeas, which can serve as an occasional safe, healthy treat or food topper.  

Chickpea allergy and intolerance signs

Chickpea allergies are uncommon, but, like people,  dogs can develop food allergies or intolerance to anything, even if it's considered a dog-safe food. Always consult your veterinarian before offering your dog any new foods or treats, and closely monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Bring your dog for immediate veterinary care if they show any of the following allergy signs after consuming chickpeas:

• Hives
• Itchy, red, or swollen skin
• Excess flatulence
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Skin rashes
• Lethargy
• Bloating
• Difficulty breathing 

How to prepare and safely feed your dog chickpeas

Fresh, dried chickpeas should be thoroughly rinsed, de-shelled, and cooked according to the package instructions. Never add salt or seasonings to the cooking water or chickpeas; ensure they are cooked until they are very soft and easily mashed. Allow them to cool completely before feeding them to your dog. Chickpeas should only be fed as the occasional treat and in moderation. Mashed chickpeas can be a great addition to your pup's lick matt, baked into a dog-safe training treat, or placed on their kibble as the occasional food topper. Once you determine that your dog likes and can safely tolerate chickpeas, use the following guidelines to prevent overfeeding or digestive issues: 

• Small dogs (<25 pounds) –– 1 tablespoon,  two to three times a week
• Medium-sized dogs (25-60 pounds) –– 2-3 tablespoons,  two to three times a week
• Large dogs ( >60 pounds) –– 4-5 tablespoons, two to three times a week

Healthy dog treat alternatives to chickpeas

Chickpeas can be a healthy, nutrient-rich treat option for your dog, but they should never be fed daily or used as a meal replacer. Proper nutrition is essential for your dog's health and well-being. Supporting their health with a veterinary-approved supplement like Native Pet's The Daily is a dog-friendly, effective way to boost your dog's nutrition, and it can be fed to your pup every day. Some dogs, especially picky eaters, may not enjoy plain chickpeas, so consider these equally healthy, dog-safe, nutritious treat alternatives:

• A long-lasting chew, like Native Pet Yak Chews
• Dog-safe veggies, like carrots, cucumber, or plain green beans
• Homemade dog-safe training treats like these
• Dog-safe bone broth, as a food topper or added hydration, like Native Pet Bone Broth

The occasional chickpea, or chickpea mash, can be safely fed to most dogs, but always consult your veterinarian before offering any new foods to your pup. Chickpeas must be properly prepared and only fed in moderation to prevent weight gain or adverse effects like diarrhea or excess gas. For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.