Maybe. It depends on the bean. Many are nutritious for your dog in small servings, but not all are safe to eat—see the complete list below.
Though beans can be a great source of fibre and protein, and some varieties contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for animal protein. Nor should they be served in large quantities (they make dogs and humans gassy!). Most importantly, be sure you know which beans are safe for your dog to eat.
Fresh, frozen, or dehydrated green beans are a healthy snack option for dogs.
Healthy Beans for Dogs
- Black beans
- Butter beans, or lima beans
- Chickpeas
- Green beans or string beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Lentils
Beans to Avoid
- Fava beans or broad beans
- Baked beans
- Refried beans
- Canned beans
Tips for Serving Beans Safely
The best way to serve beans to dogs is to soak dried beans overnight, then cook them plain.
While canned beans can be high in sodium, rinsing them in running water for 2 minutes can eliminate over 40% of the sodium present in the brine, making this an okay option for people and dogs.
You can occasionally find beans in the freezer aisle too, just check the sodium levels and do soak and rinse.
Raw beans can be dangerous to dogs so always cook dry beans before serving.
Healthy baked treats containing legumes are an easy way to feed your dog beans without the hassle.
What Else Can Your Dog Eat?
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food. There is a wide variety of “human food” that is healthy for your dog to eat, while others are considered toxic and dangerous. Check out which fruits and veg are good for your dog and which spices and seasonings are ok to give to your furry little buddy. We’ve created these articles to ensure you’re informed on feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system.
