Can Dogs Eat Beans? 9 Healthy and Safe Varieties for Your Dog – Top Dog Tips

Beans are considered to be superfoods for hoomans.

And, of course, we also want to share the best with our pups, even if it means probing the entire food pyramid.

But here lies the big question: can dogs eat beans?

Luckily, yes.

But according to Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey:

Beans have to be prepared the way they would be for people.

That’s because beans contain lots of fiber, but your dogs will find it difficult to digest it when raw.

So, bear this in mind and read on to discover:

• 9 edible types of beans
• Health benefits and potential risks of beans
• How to safely prepare beans for your dogs
• And so much more!

Are beans safe for dogs to eat?

Dogs can eat beans safely in small amounts and in moderation. 

As long as properly prepared and cooked, your dogs can benefit from the vitamins and antioxidants found in beans that support your dog’s health. 

But when eaten raw, the phytohemagglutinin content in beans can make your dogs sick.

So, be sure to feed your dogs safely cooked beans as occasional treats.

9 Types of Beans That Dogs Can Eat

Not only us hoomans can benefit from the nutrients beans give, but most definitely our pups, too.

Note: All nutrient profiles (per 100-g serving) are taken from the FoodData Central of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Still, we encourage you to always seek your vet for a proper diet and health assessment of your dogs.

So, here are some bean varieties that are safe for your dogs to munch on:

1. Black Beans

Easily available anywhere, black beans are one of the safest vegetables your dogs can eat.

This mighty bean is a good source of lots of nutrients and antioxidants, such as:

• Iron
• Fiber
• Protein
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Antioxidants like magnesium are great for your dog’s heart health and energy production in cells.

2. Lima or Butter Beans

Another nutrient-dense vegetable is the lima or butter beans.

Containing fiber and protein, lima or butter beans can help your dog keep a healthy weight.

That’s because lima or butter beans support a smooth digestive process and actually help your pups feel full.

Not just that, lima or butter beans also contain the following nutrients and antioxidants:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Magnesium

Note: Frozen lima or butter beans are bright green, while the dried ones are white. These are often pre-cooked that are sold in supermarkets.

3. Green Beans

Are green beans good for dogs?

Definitely.

Also known as string beans, green beans are rich in fiber and low in calories, along with the following nutrients:

• Folate
• Potassium
• Vitamins A, C, K

According to a study, vitamin A supports your dog’s eyesight and also helps boost puppy growth.

Although it can be safely eaten raw, string or green beans pose a potential choking hazard to your dogs.

So, it’s still best to cook green beans thoroughly.

Note: Avoid cooking green beans in oil, as too much fat isn’t gut-friendly for your dogs.

4. Kidney Beans

Warning: Raw kidney beans are not safe for dogs to eat because of their toxic properties.

But when properly cooked, kidney beans have a lot of nutrients to offer to your hungry furballs, such as:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Antioxidants
• Vitamins C, K, and B6

Feeding your pups freshly cooked kidney beans can help support their brain and nervous system function along with other benefits, such as:

• Gene activation
• Glucose generation
• Hormone regulation
• Red blood cell production
• Protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism

5. Garbanzo Beans

Also known as chickpeas, garbanzo beans are another safe variety for your dogs to eat.

Garbanzo beans are also a great source of thiamine that is known to help boost your Fido’s health, including the following:

• Growth
• Cell functions
• Healthy weight
• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Nervous system functions

Besides that, garbanzo beans or chickpeas also contain iron that helps the red blood cell’s hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen in your dog’s body with the help of iron.

So, an occasional garbanzo treat for your pups is recommended.

Related Read: 15 Best Healthy Treats for Dogs That Are USDA Organic Certified

6. Lentils

Classified as a legume (where beans also belong), lentils are safe for your dogs to eat.

Whether split or whole, lentils are best served cooked to your pups.

That is to avoid difficulty in digestion, which sometimes leads to diarrhea or bloating in dogs.

When given in moderation, lentils contain vitamin C, which has the following health benefits for your Fidos:

• Immune regulation
• Oxidative stress prevention
• Tissue growth and maintenance

Relevant Read: Can Dogs Eat Lentils? 5 Health Benefits and 4 Risks

7. Navy Beans

Also called alubia beans, navy beans are oval-shaped and have quick-cooking varieties that contain vitamin K.

This vitamin can help support your dog’s bone health even in small doses, including the following:

• Helps bone structure
• Prevents bone diseases
• Improves bone-cell formation
• Enhances bone serum levels
• Prevents loss of bone mass density

Note: Navy or alubia beans have a creamy consistency when cooked. So, be sure to give small portions to your dogs first.

Chances are, they might find it a little weird to eat.

8. Pinto Beans

Another safe variety for your dogs to eat is the pinto bean, which is found to be beneficial to the reproductive health of your dogs.

That’s because pinto beans contain the following trace minerals:

• 0.64 mg of zinc
• 0.19 mg of copper
• 0.142 mg of manganese

And according to a study, zinc, copper, and manganese leads to more litter production and survival in pregnant dogs.

9. Soybeans

Especially when cooked plainly, soybeans are considered to be superfoods for your canine companions at home.

That’s because a 100-g of soybeans contain 375 µg of folate, which is known to help dogs have a low risk of developing cancer.

Besides that, folate is also found to reduce the chances of abnormal facial development like palate and lip cleft in Pugs and Chihuahua puppies.

4 Types of Beans to Avoid Feeding to Dogs

Despite the many health benefits beans have, some varieties just won’t work for dogs.

So as a heads up, take note of the following bean types to avoid giving to your dogs:

1. Cooked Beans for Human Consumption

Yes, bean dishes are absolutely delicious — but not really pooch-friendly.

Refried, chili, and baked beans contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as onion and garlic.

Flavoring and seasonings can also upset your pup’s tummy and can cause diarrhea, bloating, or trigger allergies.

2. Canned Beans

Even humans need to slow down on canned food consumption due to its harmful health effects, the more for your canine companions at home.

Canned beans may be more convenient than cooking raw ones, but it’s undoubtedly an unhealthy option.

That’s because canned goods contain lots of sodium, preservatives, and other chemicals that make food last for years.

It’s really scary if you think about it.

Related Read: Dog Food Recall: Evanger’s Canned Beef Variety

3. Raw and bean shells

Green beans (technically, a legume) can be eaten raw, but most bean types should be cooked first before your dogs can eat them.

That’s because toxic properties are found in some raw bean varieties, such as:

• Edamame
• Lima beans
• Kidney beans
• Fava or broad beans

Note: Remove bean shells and pods to ensure your dog’s safety.

Related Read: Is Raw Food Diet Safe for Dogs?

4. Coffee Beans

Strictly for hooman consumption only.

The caffeine in coffee beans is extremely toxic to dogs which, in severe cases, leads to neurological dysfunctions and death.

That’s the harmful effects of methylxanthine, a toxin that can cause poisoning when ingested by your pets.

Whether it’s ground, brewed, or from Starbucks, keep your pups away from your coffee cup at all times.

Relevant Read: 9 Human Foods Dogs Can’t Eat and Why (Based on Studies)

How to Safely Prepare Beans for Dogs

As fur parents, I know it’s difficult to immediately tell if your dogs ate something bad or are bloated with the food they munched on.

And as a preventive measure, here’s a quick rundown on how to prepare beans for your beloved pooch: 

Step 1: Get a fresh bag of beans. Remove the dry and limp ones.

Step 2: Wash thoroughly with clean water.

Step 3: Soak overnight.

Step 4: Cook until soft. Do not add salt or seasonings.

Step 5: Serve to your dog in small portions.

Note: Stick to your dog’s main diet as much as possible. 

Fruits and vegetables are healthy food sources but should be given in small amounts.

Relevant Read: Recipe: Beef and Kidney Bean Crock Pot Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Beans: FAQs

Can dogs eat baked beans?

Dogs should not eat baked beans due to some ingredients that can be toxic to canines, like onion and garlic.

In addition, seasonings present in baked beans can harm your dog because of their unhealthy levels of fat, sugar, sodium, and preservatives.

When ingested, your dogs can suffer from an upset stomach.

Can dogs eat black beans?

Dogs can eat black beans. This vegetable contains lots of nutrients that are good for your dog’s health.

However, it’s important to remember that vegetables only take up at least 10% of your dog’s diet.

You can give your dogs some cooked and unseasoned black beans as an additional nutrient source or occasional treats.

Can dogs eat kidney beans?

Dogs can eat kidney beans which are known to contain fiber, protein, and other nutrients your dog needs.

Be sure to cook them properly before feeding them to your dog.

Also, avoid putting salt or extra flavorings on your kidney beans because these are not advisable for your dog’s health.

It may be tastier, but it can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach in your dogs.

Can dogs eat chickpeas or garbanzo beans?

Dogs can eat chickpeas or garbanzo beans, given that they are cooked properly and have no added seasonings.

Feeding plain chickpeas or garbanzo beans to your dogs can be another fiber and protein source.

But remember, vegetables shouldn’t take up the majority of your dog’s diet. Only feed occasionally. 

Can dogs eat lima or butter beans?

Dogs can eat lima or butter beans. This vegetable is rich in carbohydrates and protein that support your dog’s health.

However, feeding your dogs unhealthy amounts of lima or butter beans can cause stomach upsets, too.

So, it’s vital to stick to your dog’s vet-approved diet. Be sure to only feed lima or butter beans occasionally.

Can dogs eat pinto beans?

Dogs can eat pinto beans. They are fiber-rich and contain antioxidants that help support your dog’s optimal health.

However, pay attention to your dog’s main diet and be sure to stick with it all the time.

Adding unhealthy amounts of pinto beans to your dog’s daily intake is a big no-no.

As a general rule of thumb, vegetables should only take up 10% of your dog’s diet.

Can dogs eat red beans? 

Dogs can eat red beans as long as they are cooked and prepared safely.

This vegetable contains lots of nutrients and antioxidants that are perfect for your dog’s health.

However, be sure to only feed your dogs small amounts of red beans to avoid upset stomachs.

Note: Red and kidney beans are not the same, but they are both safe for dogs to eat in moderation.

Can dogs eat edamame?

Dogs can eat edamame as long as given in moderation. 

That’s because edamame beans contain soy, which can trigger allergies in your dogs.

If consumed in large portions or given regularly, your dogs can suffer from diarrhea, bloat, or weight gain.

So if your dog already has a healthy diet, be sure to feed them edamame or any other beans as occasional treats only.

Can dogs eat soybeans?

Dogs can eat soybeans as long as they don’t have soy allergies. 

Soybeans are rich in vitamins and amino acids that are great for your dog’s health.

However, do not overfeed your dogs with soybeans because it might cause tummy issues like diarrhea. 

So if you like to give your dogs new healthy treats like soybeans, be sure to do it moderately.

Note: Soybeans and edamame are different in terms of maturity during harvest.

Soybeans are cream-colored with hard pods, while edamame is their young version — usually soft and green.

Can dogs eat mung beans?

Dogs can eat mung beans, known as munggo. They are rich in fiber, iron, protein, and thiamine, which support your dog’s optimal health.

But as a general rule of thumb, dogs need to stick to their appropriate diet all the time.

So, be sure to feed your dogs small portions of cooked mung beans occasionally.

Can dogs eat refried beans?

Dogs should not eat refried beans. This human food contains ingredients and seasonings that can harm your dogs, such as garlic and onion.

When ingested in large portions, your dogs can suffer from diarrhea, bloat, or trigger certain allergies.

Note: Refried beans refer to a Mexican dish that contains mashed and twice-cooked beans with herbs and spices.

Can dogs eat raw green beans?

Dogs can eat raw green beans as long as they are served plain with no extra seasonings.

Green beans are rich in vitamins and folate that support your dog’s health.

However, some dogs prefer to eat cooked green beans. Not only is it safer, but it’s easily digestible, too.

Remember, only feed in moderation, especially if your dog takes it for the first time.

Can dogs eat green beans?

Dogs can eat green beans, whether cooked or raw. Green beans are rich in nutrients that are great for your dog’s health.

Be sure to wash them thoroughly to get rid of pesticide or chemical residues.

However, as a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended not to replace your dog’s diet with green beans. So, only feed occasionally.

Can dogs eat cooked beans?

Dogs can eat cooked beans. Not only is it safer, but cooked beans are easily digestible and gut-friendly.

Although some nutrients are reduced in the cooking process, feeding your dogs raw vegetables can be a choking hazard, too.

So, be sure to wash and cook your beans thoroughly before feeding them to your dogs.

Can dogs eat canned beans?

Dogs should not eat canned beans, especially in large portions and as a regular diet.

While canned beans give you convenience, it’s an unhealthy choice for your dogs.

That’s because canned food contains lots of sodium, fat, and preservatives that can harm your dogs in the long run.

So, it’s better to buy fresh beans where you ought to wash, soak, and cook.

Can Dogs Eat Beans: Before You Go…

So, it is proven by science how beneficial beans are to your dog’s health.

Not only are beans delicious, but they also help support many functions in your pup’s body, such as a low risk of developing cancer.

Besides that, beans also contain iron that helps fight deficiency in canines by supporting oxygen transport in their cells.

So if you know some pup parents out there who are doubting whether dogs can eat beans or not, then you’re welcome to share this article with them.

What other human foods can dogs eat?

Read below!

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