Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas? (Are They Toxic For Dogs?)
As a dog owner, you have a duty to monitor what your dog eats, to ensure that only healthy foods with a nutritional value enter his gut.
While there are human food and treats provide the nutritional value that your dog needs, some foods can cause adverse effects on your pooch.
As such it is important to distinguish the safe foods and treats from those that are harmful to your furry friend.
Chickpeas are one of those human foods that dogs have a huge appetite for.
But before you fall into the temptation and serve your dog a spoonful of chickpeas, you should find out their nutritional value and if they are toxic to dogs.
What are chickpeas?
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are whole legumes that originated from the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Most dog food manufacturers have incorporated chickpeas into their dog diets to supplement animal proteins and add fiber to the dog meal.
The truth is, chickpeas are nutrient-packed and your dog can enjoy these legumes but in moderation.
Despite being small in size, chickpeas are packed with enriching nutrients to enhance your dog’s optimal health.
Chickpeas are available in different types of food; you will find them in hummus, soups, salads, and snacks.
We have also written about can dogs eat cabbage, and can dogs eat lettuce – check them out to learn more.
Specific types of chickpeas that are safe for your pooch
You can find chickpeas in-store as canned, dried, roasted or in hummus forms.
Although hummus is a healthy treat for humans, it is not advisable to offer them to your pooch because hummus contains seasoned ingredients such as garlic and salt that are not only harmful but also toxic to dogs.
If you have to offer hummus to her, prepare a homemade one that is not seasoned.
Canned and roasted chickpeas are mostly seasoned as well with high levels of salt, therefore not suitable for your dog.
The safest and healthier way to offer your pooch chickpeas is by roasting the dried peas in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leave it for about 20 minutes for the chickpeas to cook well until they are golden brown.
Your pooch can find it difficult to digest the roasted chickpeas. Therefore mash them into plain hummus for ease of digestion and absorption.
Alternatively, you can incorporate it into their favorite food.
Health benefits of chickpeas on your pooch
Chickpeas are packed with lots of proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dogs’ optimal health. In addition, they are low in carbs, fats, and sodium.
Supplementing your dog food with chickpeas offers them the extra proteins to supplement the proteins already added to their regular food.
Proteins are essential in keeping your pooch active, in the development of strong lean muscles, and maintenance of optimal health.
In addition, chickpeas are a great source of dietary fiber which plays a significant role in improving your pooch’s digestion and bowel movements.
Also, fiber is important for dieting dogs as it fills up their stomach quickly with just a small serving.
Hence, if you want your dog to lose weight you should offer her the chickpeas treat especially during the initial stages of dieting.
What’s more, garbanzo beans are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals to enhance your canine’s overall health.
They include vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Zinc, Manganese Choline, Folate, Phosphorus and Selenium, etc.
These nutrient-rich chickpeas are also known to prevent and fight common illnesses among canines that include obesity, high blood pressure, heart issues, diabetes, cancer, inflammations, constipation, and anal gland issues.
Potential side effects of chickpeas on your dog
If you have a gassy pet, get prepared for some extra gas output as the chickpeas treat may worsen her condition.
What’s more, observe your dog for some gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal cramps and bloating.
To prevent the adverse effects, it is advisable to introduce these legumes into your dog’s diet bit by bit until her body gets used to chickpeas.
Note that serving her with lots of garbanzo beans may also loosen her stool due to the high content of dietary fiber in this legume.
Also, stick to offering your furry friend bland homemade cooked chickpeas that are not seasoned with any additives preferably in hummus form.
It might not be tasty for you, but your dog will enjoy this healthy treat and reap from its nutrients.
Different serving methods for chickpeas
- Mixed with animal protein or vegetable
- Served as chickpea flour in your dog food recipe.
- As a snack either as a whole or blended.
Final thoughts on can dogs eat chickpeas
Yes. Dogs can eat garbanzo beans. They are nutrient-rich legumes packed with lots of health benefits not only for humans but dogs too.
They not only offer essential proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals but also helps fight and prevent common diseases among pooches.
However, you should offer your canine bland, cooked chickpeas that are not seasoned and preferably mashed or added to
