Can You Safely Share Kidney Beans With Your Dog?

Can You Safely Share Kidney Beans With Your Dog?

Author WDF Staff | Last updated: Apr 19 2023

19.04.2023.


We are not alone when we say that we like to share our food with our dogs, but in this act, we must understand what food is good and what is bad for our dogs. With the rise of plant-based diets for humans, it is no surprise that more and more dog owners are considering sharing kidney beans with their dogs.

But are kidney beans safe for dogs to consume, or will they potentially cause them some health problems. To figure this out, we asked our vet expert what is her opinion.

Can dogs eat kidney beans?

The simplest answer is that dogs can eat kidney beans, but as with any food, there are some precautions. This is what our vet expert has said.

Many dog owners usually like to share human food with their dogs, but they also, in a way, are replacing their main diet, which is not advisable. Kidney beans should only serve as an addition to your dog's diet, and dogs can benefit from them if eaten in moderation.

She added

Kidney beans are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that benefit humans and dogs, so if your dog likes the taste of kidney beans, you are safe to share some with him.

kidney beans

Benefits of kidney beans for dogs

When adding something new to your dog's diet, you must ensure this food will benefit your dog, and kidney beans are very beneficial.

These are all the benefits your dog could get from eating kidney beans regularly.

1. Essential nutrients

Kidney beans are packed with:

  • Proteins
  • Fibers
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • B vitamin

These nutrients will support your dog's overall health, and this will include muscle development, energy levels, and immune system function.

There are many types of beans, and pinto beans can also be very beneficial for your dog. Make sure to check this article to learn more about all the benefits your dog could have from eating pinto beans - Can Dogs Safely Eat Pinto Beans? Here's How to Serve Them

2. High in fibers

The high fiber content found in kidney beans can help with digestion and help regulate bowel movements, with will help your dog's digestive system stay healthy.

Fibers will also help your dog to manage his weight by providing a feeling of fullness and preventing overeating that can lead to obesity.

3. Low In fat

Kidney beans are naturally low in fats, and this is an ideal food for overweight dogs but also for dogs that are suffering from certain health conditions such as pancreatitis, in which case it is required for dogs to be on a low-fat diet.

If you are a type of person that like to eat green beans, make sure to check this article to find out if you can share it safely with your dog - Can Dogs Eat Green Beans

4. Antioxidants

With a high number of antioxidants found in kidney beans, they can help reduce inflammation and protect your dog from various diseases.

kidney beans

Are there any potential health risks for dogs connected with kidney beans?

Although there are a lot of benefits for dogs from eating kidney beans, there is also some potential risks you need to be aware of.

1. Gastrointestinal upset

Kidney beans contain complex sugars that can be hard to digest for certain dogs, and if they are consumed in large amounts, your dog could experience

  • Gases
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea

To reduce this possibility, you need to slowly introduce kidney beans to your dog and monitor his reaction. If your dog doesn't seem to have any reaction, you are safe to share kidney beans with him.

2. Improper preparation

Uncooked kidney beans contain toxic called phytohaemagglutinin, and they can be extremely harmful to dogs. You should always properly cook kidney beans to avoid your dog getting hurt.

3. Choking hazards

Whole kidney beans can pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. When offering your dog kidney beans, make sure that they are properly cooked and, if necessary, split them into smaller pieces if you own a smaller dog breed.

How to offer kidney beans to your dog?

To ensure that your dog gets all the befits from eating kidney beans, you need to know how to insert them into your dog's diet. This is what you should do.

1. Introduce them gradually

Start by offering your dog a small number of kidney beans and watch for any reaction. If your dog shows no sign of any reaction, you are safe to share them with your dog regularly.

2. Mix them with other food

Mix kidney beans with your dog's regular kibble to make kidney beans more desirable for your dog. This will ensure that your dog still receives his regular balanced diet with benefits from kidney beans.

3. Avoid spices

When preparing kidney beans for your dog, they should be plain, without any spices or seasoning, since they can be extremely harmful to your dog.

Lima beans are very beneficial for humans and here you can find out if they will also be beneficial for your dog - Can Dogs Eat Lima Beans? Are There Any Benefits To It?

How to properly prepare kidney beans for your dog?

To ensure that your dog benefits from eating kidney beans, you need to prepare them properly. Follow these steps, and you can be sure that there is no risk of your dog getting hurt.

  1. Wash and soak them
  2. Cook them thoroughly
  3. Drain and rinse
  4. Mash - You can serve them in this form or even mash them to make them easier and more desirable for dogs to eat.
  5. Serve them in moderation.

World Dog Finder team

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