Can Dogs Eat Lima Beans? Are There Any Benefits To It?

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You might have dropped some lima beans accidentally while cooking a meal containing them. You couldn't even grab them before they were devoured by your four-legged companion. As a result, you're probably wondering if this particular legume is safe for dogs to eat.

If you're anything like us, the first question that'll pop into your mind is, "Can dogs eat lima beans?" and the second one is, "Are lima beans toxic to dogs?" Dogs can safely eat different types of beans, so these ones should be safe, right? The good news is - you don't need to panic. Dogs can safely eat lima beans. However, there are a few considerations and precautions you should know about. Here are the most important things you should know about dogs and lima beans.

What are lima beans?

The legume family has a member called lima beans. Lima beans have a buttery texture, which is why they are sometimes called "butter beans." They are native to the lush tropical valleys of Central America. They were first grown by the Mayans, Aztecs, and later the Incas. The protein content of lima beans was highly regarded.

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This type of bean has a lot of protein and fiber. Another good thing about lima beans is that you and your canine friend don't have to consume insane amounts to enjoy their health benefits.

You can get lima beans fresh, frozen, canned, or you can even grow them at home. Their season is from late summer to early fall if you prefer buying fresh.

Are they safe for dogs?

Many of the same health benefits that legumes provide to us, our dogs can get too. Not only are they safe for dogs, but they also offer a number of health benefits for them, some of which we've outlined in the following paragraphs.

However, avoid giving your furry buddy canned lima beans, as they most likely include things that might not be safe for dogs. To keep the food fresh while it is in the can, canned beans utilize preservatives that are not good for your pet's digestive system. Before giving them to your dog, make sure you buy them fresh and carefully prepare them.

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Like us, dogs thrive when fed a variety of healthy foods. This implies feeding various fruits, vegetables, meats, and legumes. There has been an increase in ingredients like chickpeas and lima beans in high-quality, commercial dog foods cause they are filling without causing weight gain.

Lima beans benefits

If you decide to give your dog lima beans, you can be confident that your dog's diet will get a fantastic source of fiber and protein. In addition, they contain vitamin B12, manganese, iron, and potassium, among other nutrients. Here are the three main things lima beans can provide our dogs with;

High dietary fiber

A dog's diet needs to include a lot of fiber. Constipation and diarrhea are less common when dogs eat fiber-rich foods, thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Lima beans, which are high in fiber but low in fat, are a great way to keep your dog full without adding calories. That makes fiber great for keeping your dog at a healthy weight, but it can also help them shed some pounds. They'll eat fewer calories because they'll feel full, which is essential if you want your dog to lose weight the right way.

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Protein-rich

Lima beans are absolutely packed with protein. Muscles are maintained and rebuilt with their help. In fact, protein is essential for building all body tissue. Dogs that don't eat enough protein can become lethargic and indolent, which can lead to a loss of muscle tone and power. The combination of high-fiber and high-protein in lima beans makes them especially useful to elderly pets, which require less food since they are less active. Healthy skin and coat maintenance require protein, as well.

Iron-rich

A healthy cardiovascular system needs loads of iron. Luckily, lima beans give our dogs and us plenty of it. Iron will also help the dog absorb other nutrients as well.

How many lima beans should you give your dog?

Your dog's digestive system should be gradually introduced to new food types. For the smallest dog breeds, use one tablespoon of lima beans or other legumes; for larger ones, use two tablespoons. As long as your dog seems to enjoy them, you can fiddle with the amount you serve. Some dogs will want, or need, more lima beans in their diet, and some will need less. Make sure you keep an eye on your dog and notice their digestive changes and reactions. If you notice weird changes, you should stop giving them lima beans.

Can they be bad for dogs?

There is a significant downside to lima beans: flatulence. Lima beans are known to create gas because of the natural sugar they are packed with. Gassiness is caused by the digestive tract's inability to completely dissolve this sugar.

However, gasses pose no threat to your dog's health, so you don't need to worry about that. A simple legume sensitivity or overconsumption of fiber can induce symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pains.

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How to safely include lima beans in your dog's diet?

Soak them in water for 60 minutes before boiling or cooking them. If your dog like the buttery flavor of the lima beans, you may feed them the cooked beans as soon as they have cooled down. You can add them to the dog's usual meal for extra protein and fiber. Additionally, they can be utilized to prepare nutritious pet-friendly dishes that include a wide variety of legumes and other beans.

World Dog Finder team