Can dogs eat chickpeas? Can you share your favorite dip hummus that contains chickpeas with Fido? Read on below to know whether this is a safe snack for your pup or not.
Table of Contents
Can my dogs eat chickpeas
Yes, your dog can eat chickpeas. The good news is that if you cook chickpeas properly, it is a safe snack choice for canines. Chickpeas are known as excellent sources of potassium, protein, folate, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and B.
For the past few years, the popularity of chickpeas has been increasing and is becoming a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods. Thanks to their fiber content, high protein, low cost, and the ability to help your dog feel full, it makes chickpeas a wonderful addition to a lot of dog food recipes.
What are chickpeas
You can commonly see chickpeas in the form of hummus although these are also used in soups, stews, and salads. Chickpeas or also called garbanzo beans have roots in the Middle East and the Mediterranean although it is now a staple in many tables across the globe.
Despite the small size of chickpeas, these pack a rather big nutritional punch. Aside from protein and fiber, chickpeas offer much more than their fair share of the following nutrients:
- Choline
- Copper
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
| Croissants cheese | Croissants apple | Croissants butter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choline | 38.8mg | 0mg | 38.8mg |
| Copper | 0.1mg | 0mg | 0.1mg |
| Folate | 74μg | 57μg | 88μg |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 1.1mg | 2mg |
| Magnesium | 24mg | 13mg | 16mg |
| Manganese | 0.3mg | 0.2mg | 0.3mg |
| Phosphorus | 130mg | 58mg | 105mg |
| Potassium | 132mg | 90mg | 118mg |
| Selenium | 26.8μg | 19μg | 22.7μg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1mg | 0mg | 0.1mg |
| Vitamin K | 10.9μg | 0μg | 1.8μg |
| Zinc | 0.9mg | 1mg | 0.8mg |
Although it is not often recommended to share people’s food with your pets, your dog might be able to enjoy some amazing health benefits even from just a handful of chickpeas added to his diet.
What are the chickpeas positive effects on a dog’s health
Chickpeas are packed with fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. The following are some of the common benefits in canines that chickpeas may address:
- Cancer
While chickpeas cannot cure cancer, these beans are rich in different substances that may help prevent cancer and its growth. Selenium, for example, can help the liver in detoxifying agents that cause cancer and reduce tumor growth. Saponins and folate help the formation and reproduction of cancer cells. Aside from this, chickpeas also have vitamin C content, which is a powerful antioxidant to protect cells from damages due to free radicals.
- Anal gland and constipation issues
Feeding fiber-rich chickpeas to your pup now and then may help prevent constipation and regulate bowel movements. It helps with the expression of the anal gland if the stool is properly formed.
- Diabetes
Being complex carbohydrates, chickpeas release energy little by little that prevents spikes and dips in the blood glucose levels often caused by simple carbohydrates.
- Heart issues and high blood pressure
Chickpeas are high in potassium and low in sodium that helps in the dilation of blood vessels. These two qualities help lower blood pressure, as well as aid, improving heart health. These beans are also rich in fiber and help lower the blood’s cholesterol amount.
- Inflammatory conditions
It can get quite challenging to look after an older pet suffering from the pains brought about by osteoarthritis. Chickpeas also contain choline that helps lower chronic inflammation, maintains the structure of the cell membrane, assists in the transmission of nerve impulses, and helps absorb fat. All of these can help ensure optimum comfort for an arthritic dog.
- Obesity
Fiber-rich foods such as chickpeas can improve the feeling of being full or increase satiety. Since fiber can help your dog feel full for longer hours, it reduces the chances that your pup will beg you for food now and then.
What are the chickpeas negative effects on a dog’s health
Chickpeas can worsen the gas issues of an already gassy pet and cause bloating and abdominal cramps. These legumes must be introduced little by little and keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal problem.
It is also important to stay away from processed chickpeas like the ones made into hummus filled with seasonings and spices that may be tasty for you but can be harmful to your pup. It is best to stick with cooked bland chickpeas and ditch the seasonings.
You also must be careful when you feed canned chickpeas to your pup. Canned foods tend to have high sodium content, so you need to rinse them well first to wash off the salt. Chickpeas must always be cooked first before you offer them to your pup since dogs have the tendency not to chew them when uncooked that can turn them into potential choking hazards.
Can dogs eat chickpeas raw
Yes, you can let your dog eat raw chickpeas if these are either sprouted or fresh. Generally speaking, dogs should stick to a raw diet since it offers more enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. You can also try to add some sprouted or fresh chickpeas to the meal of your pup together with some healthy fatty acids and raw ground meat.
Can dogs eat dried chickpeas
No, you shouldn’t let your dogs eat dried chickpeas that come straight out of the packet. You still need to soak and cook dried chickpeas first before these will be safe enough for you and your dog to eat.
Can dogs eat chickpeas from a can
Technically, yes, dogs can eat chickpeas from a can since these are non-toxic and safe for canines to eat. But you have to remember that canned chickpeas have high salt content and there may also be some other preservatives used to extend the shelf life of the products. See to it that you always check and read the label first to know the preservatives used and the other ingredients that might be lurking in the can.
Is salt in canned chickpeas bad for dogs
Yes, excessive salt is not good for your pup and may result in high blood pressure, dehydration, and even sodium poisoning. Medium dogs must only consume around 0.1 grams of salt a day. Some dogs have some underlying health issues that require a diet low in salt.
If your dog has been diagnosed with high blood pressure or issues with their liver or kidneys, it is even more reason for you to be extra careful with the amount of salt they consume and consider staying away from canned chickpeas as much as possible.
You can rinse off the canned chickpeas first to wash off some of the excess salt. It is also recommended that you still wash the canned chickpeas before sharing them with your pup.
The good news is that several canned chickpeas brands only contain water and chickpeas themselves that making them safer and more appetizing for your dog to eat. If the chickpeas are only canned in water, these must be low in salt, sugar, calories, and fat that making them healthy snacks for your pup. But again, it is still important to rinse the chickpeas even if they are canned in water alone before you feed them to your dog.
Can dogs eat chickpeas beans
Yes, your dog can eat chickpeas beans. Just like most foods, your dog needs to eat these beans in moderation. However, there are several caveats associated with feeding on these legumes. Chickpeas in general are safe to eat for your pooch.
Can dogs have chickpea flour
Yes, it is safe for your dog to have chickpea flour. However, this should only be done if this is cooked into something. You cannot just scoop some chickpea flour and add it to their food. You can use chickpea flour for making homemade dog treats or as an alternative for wheat flour in case your dog suffers from a wheat allergy.
Can dogs have hummus
No, hummus is something that dogs should never eat. Hummus available in stores doesn’t just contain chickpeas alone. Most of the time, hummus also contains garlic, onion, concentrated lemon juice, and many other additives such as salt, spices, and oil.
Onions, garlic, and lemon juice are all found to be toxic for canines. Meanwhile, seasonings, spices, and oil used in hummus may irritate your pup’s stomach, making them not necessary or good for them to consume.
Also, unlike chickpeas canned in water, there is more salt, sugar, and fat in hummus. These three ingredients must be moderated in the diet of your dog for them to stay healthy and happy. Hummus in general is best kept as far away from your pooch as possible.
How to prepare chickpeas for your dog
Here are steps to follow to prepare chickpeas that you can share with Fido:
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and use parchment paper to line cookie sheets.
- Boil water and pour in a small bowl. Add bone broth and stir until completely dissolved.
- Mix and stir together chickpea flour, chia seeds, and cornmeal in a separate bowl.
- Add bone broth little by little to dry mixture. Stir and mix well. Add egg to form moist dough.
- Roll dough of one tablespoon in your hands until you form a ball. Put the ball on the cookie sheet and use a fork or spoon to flatten it. Repeat until you used all dough.
- Put inside the oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes.
- Take out of the oven and put on cooling racks. Allow it to cool for an hour before placing them in airtight container. Keep it in the freezer or refrigerator.
More resources:
