- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Beans contain plenty of fibre and protein, and some varieties also provide beneficial vitamins and minerals. Their nutritional value makes beans a nourishing food for humans, and certain types of beans also make a tasty snack for dogs. Yet while dogs can eat some beans, they can’t eat all types of beans.
Keep reading to learn which beans dogs can eat safely and which beans require vet attention.
What Type Of Beans Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat many types of beans safely, according to Dr Kevin Puzycki, DVM and spokesperson for Solid Gold. But dogs can’t digest dry or raw beans (with the exception of soybeans).
Examples of beans—and their benefits—that dogs can enjoy include:
- Black beans: These contain vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, along with protein and fibre.
- Butter beans (lima beans): These provide fibre along with fat-free protein.
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): These contain high fibre and protein. Avoid giving dogs hummus or canned chickpeas, which may contain added ingredients or preservatives that cause digestive issues.
- Green beans (string beans): These provide fibre, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Dogs can eat fresh, frozen, or cooked green beans.
- Kidney beans: Raw kidney beans are toxic to dogs, but fully cooked kidney beans provide plenty of nutrients, including antioxidants, fibre, protein, and vitamins.
- Pinto beans: These provide protein, fibre, and magnesium.
- Lentils: These provide iron, fibre, and protein.
- Black-eyed peas: These provide protein, fibre, and vitamin K.
- Soybeans (edamame): These contain protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin C. Dogs can eat soybeans raw or cooked.
If your dog has gotten into a bowl of beans, double-check that those beans were made without toxic spices, seasonings, or too much salt.
For example, if you were cooking beans with large amounts of onion and garlic, you may want to call your vet just in case.
Are There Health Benefits Of Beans For Dogs?
Dog-safe beans do have nutritional value when eaten in moderation. The chart below outlines some of their main benefits.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
| Vitamin A | Helps maintain eyesight, supports growth and development, and promotes a healthy immune system. |
| Vitamin C | Supports the immune system and overall well-being and helps with collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues. |
| Vitamin K | Helps metabolise protein and supports healthy blood coagulation. |
| Magnesium | Helps the body absorb other nutrients more effectively. |
| Antioxidants | Prevents cellular and molecular damage and may help boost cognitive function in senior dogs. |
| Protein | Provides amino acids like taurine and helps maintain bone, muscle, cartilage, and skin health. |
| Fibre | Aids digestion, helps regulate bowel movements, and may help dogs feel full for longer periods after eating. |
Can Beans Be Unsafe or Hazardous For Dogs?
Portion size is important for dogs. Too many beans can also cause digestive upset, gas, weight gain, or a nutritional imbalance.
Beans also shouldn’t replace animal proteins in complete and balanced dog foods. It’s also important to check with your veterinarian before choosing a dog food that lists peas, lentils, and other legume seeds (pulses) in the first 10 ingredients.
Then there are the beans dogs cannot eat below:
| Type of bean | Potential adverse reaction |
| Raw beans | Dogs have a hard time digesting many types of raw beans. Raw kidney beans are toxic to dogs. |
| Bean pastes and powders | Commercial bean pastes and powders often contain added salt and sugar, which dogs shouldn’t eat. However, Dr Puzycki, says it’s fine to make your dog a bean paste that contains only cooked beans and water. |
| Castor beans | Just one ounce of castor beans can cause serious side effects in dogs within 12 to 48 hours of ingestion. These effects include oral irritation, burning in the mouth and throat, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure, and convulsions. |
| Refried beans | The fat in refried beans can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and an upset stomach. Canned refried beans may also contain toxic spices like garlic and onion. |
| Baked beans | Baked beans are high in fat and sugar and are especially risky for dogs with diabetes. Dogs who eat baked beans may go on to develop pancreatitis or damage to their red blood cells. If the baked beans have garlic or onions on their ingredient list, they may pose these risks. |
| Canned beans | Canned beans are high in salt. In general, salt isn’t healthy for dogs, but it poses a particular risk to dogs with medical conditions like congestive heart failure. |
| Fava beans (broad beans) | Broad beans, also called fava beans, contain a compound called phytohemagglutinin (PHA), which is toxic to dogs in high amounts. Cooking helps neutralise PHA, but this bean’s larger size and tough skin make it difficult to cook thoroughly. Symptoms of PHA poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. If your dog has these symptoms, contact your vet right away. |
| Coffee beans | All forms of caffeine are highly toxic to dogs, as caffeine can dangerously increase their heart rate and overstimulate their nervous system, potentially leading to seizures. |
Important: Do you think your dog may have eaten a type of bean they shouldn’t have? Experts at the Animal Poison Helpline (01202 509000) can offer more guidance on side effects to pay attention to and when to contact your vet.
Do beans cause secondary dilated cardiomyopathy?
Researchers are currently exploring a possible link between certain dog food diets and a heart condition called non-hereditary (secondary) dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Secondary DCM is a heart condition that can affect any breed of dog. It’s caused by factors not related to genetics, like diet.
Studies have yet to uncover a definite link between dog food diets and DCM, but they have found a few potential concerns. For example, some dog foods containing a lot of pulses may raise your dog’s risk of secondary DCM.
| Term | Definition |
| Legume | The pod and seed of a plant |
| Bean | An edible, elongated seed that grows inside a pod |
| Pulses | Dried beans |
Since experts have yet to conclude the cause of secondary DCM, it’s a good idea to check with your vet before feeding your dog any foods that contain pulses in the first 10 ingredients. They can offer suggestions on a safe and nourishing diet for your dog.
Safe Ways for Dogs to Eat Beans
If you are giving beans to your dog, consider:
- Adjusting bean size based on your dog’s size and preferences: If your dog likes chewing things, leave the beans whole for some good gnawing action. On the other hand, you may want to cut the beans into smaller pieces if your dog tends to swallow things without chewing or has difficulty chewing large pieces of food.
- Serving beans only in moderation: “Like all fruits and vegetables, beans should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake,” says Dr Puzycki, who recommends commercially available dog food as your pup’s primary source of nutrition.
- Soaking dry beans overnight and cooking them in water: This helps ensure the beans are both soft enough to chew and safe for your dog to eat. For a nutritious flavour boost, you can swap water for homemade or commercially available bone broth for dogs.
How To Make Chickpea Flour Dog Treats
If you’d like to try making homemade meals for your pup, you’ll want to get started with help from a veterinary nutritionist.
That said, it’s just fine to offer homemade snacks as long as they make up only 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie needs.
