Can Dogs Eat Bean Sprouts? How to Serve Dogs Bean Sprouts
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: May 17, 2022 • 2 min read
Dogs can eat bean sprouts. Discover some of the health benefits and tips for adding bean sprouts to your furry friend’s diet.
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Can Dogs Eat Bean Sprouts?
Dogs can eat bean sprouts in moderation, and they can support your dog’s health as a source of nutrients. Bean sprouts are full of vitamin C, manganese, amino acids, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin A, and B vitamins like folate, as well as antioxidants that support cell growth in your dog’s body. Some bean sprouts are safer than others for your canine companion; dog owners should opt for mung bean sprouts over alfalfa sprouts as the latter contains phytoestrogens, which are harmful to dogs with endocrine system issues. Whenever you add a new food to your dog’s diet, start with small portions and monitor them for symptoms of digestive tract issues, such as diarrhea.
How to Safely Prepare and Portion Bean Sprouts for Dogs: 3 Tips
The nutrients in bean sprouts can help boost your dog’s immune system and overall health. Follow these tips to prepare bean sprouts for your pet:
- 1. Serve them raw or cooked. Fresh bean sprouts are safe for dogs to eat whether cooked or raw; dice and add them as an ingredient in homemade dog food or a topping on kibble. Keep cooked bean sprouts free of seasonings that upset your dog’s digestive system, such as garlic or onions.
- 2. Keep portions limited. Feed bean sprouts to your dog in limited amounts. Too many bean sprouts, especially raw bean sprouts, make dogs gassy. Offer a small amount of bean sprouts as an occasional treat.
- 3. Make them part of a balanced diet. Bean sprouts are a healthy food to add to your dog’s diet, but they should support the daily dose of nutrition your pet gets from dog food, not replace it. Treats should make up no more than ten percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Before Sharing With Your Pooch
Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
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