Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas. However, like many human foods, some caveats come with offering them to your canine companion. Read on to know more.
Can dogs eat chickpeas?
As we mentioned in the introduction, chickpeas are a safe and nutritious dog treat. That’s why you’ll commonly see them listed as ingredients in many commercially produced dog foods and treats. However, not all types of gram are suitable for your dog.
Dry and plain-cooked chickpeas are the best varieties to serve because they are not as high in sodium as their canned counterparts.
It may also be a good idea to break up the chickpeas before giving them to your dog so they are not a choking hazard.
Benefits of chickpeas for dogs
High in protein
According to the USDA, a 50-gram (1/4 cup) serving of chickpeas contains about 10 grams of protein. This macronutrient is essential for the formation and maintenance of tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. Dogs also need it to build muscles, skin, and nails. Although animal protein sources contain most of the amino acids your dog needs for optimal health and are generally more easily digested than plant-based sources, chickpeas are still high in protein. Offer quantities that your dog can benefit from.
High in fiber
A 50-gram serving of grams contains about 6 grams of fiber. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is essential for gastrointestinal function in dogs by promoting the health of the colon and intestinal microbes.
Foods rich in fiber are satiating, which means your child will feel fuller longer when they eat foods that contain grams. This is ideal for dogs that are higher in weight.
Vitamin and mineral content
Chickpeas contain numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your dog’s health. For example, each 50-gram serving contains a good dose of potassium (359 mg), folate (278 µg), and magnesium (39 mg). Potassium helps with many bodily functions, including transmitting nerve impulses and maintaining proper acid balance. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, helps in DNA synthesis. Magnesium plays a role in the structural composition of bone as well as in carbohydrate metabolism.
How to Prepare Chickpeas for Dogs
We recommend choosing dry, cooked chickpeas when preparing for your dog. This type requires some prep work and patience but is healthier than the other iterations. Offer them to your dog only when they are cooked and soft, as dry chickpeas can be a choking hazard and more difficult for your dog’s digestive system.
You can cook dry chickpeas in one of three ways: on the stove, in the slow cooker, or with the Instant Pot. A stovetop is our recommendation because you don’t need special equipment, and the instructions are very straightforward. However, you will need to either soak your dried beans overnight or quickly soak them in a pot of boiling water for an hour before you start cooking. Bake them for about 35-45 minutes after soaking without any extra fat or spices.
Are canned chickpeas safe for dogs?
While canned chickpeas are great for the recipes we make for our consumption, canned beans of any kind contain a significant amount of sodium, which is not healthy for our dogs. If you must buy canned varieties, choose the low-sodium variety and rinse them thoroughly to remove as much sodium as possible.
Is hummus safe for dogs?
Hummus can be a delicious dip for your favorite veggies, but this chickpea-based condiment isn’t safe for dogs. While chickpeas are the main ingredient in any hummus recipe, this dip also contains other ingredients that(hummus) aren’t exactly good for dogs. The main culprits are garlic, onions, and spices.
Final thoughts
Chickpeas can be a nutritious food for your dog, as long as you prepare them correctly. We recommend starting with dry chickpeas and cooking them from scratch instead of buying canned varieties. However, if you prefer to use canned beans, choose low-sodium options and rinse them thoroughly before serving. Thanks for visiting Animpedia, For more pet care tips, please click here.