Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas? Health Benefits and Considerations

Dogs can eat fresh chickpeas—also known as garbanzo beans—but dogs should not eat hummus, most canned chickpeas (due to their high sodium content), or dried chickpeas, which can be a choking hazard.

Some of the benefits of feeding chickpeas to your pooch include:

1. 1. Boost muscle growth: Chickpeas are a great source of protein that will help your dog build healthy muscle. You can serve your dog chickpeas alongside animal proteins found in commercial dog food to provide them with a healthy and balanced meal.
2. 2. Full of vitamins and minerals: The legumes are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog—they contain iron, manganese, folate, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The choline (a nutrient) in chickpeas can prevent inflammation and conditions like osteoarthritis.
3. 3. Helps control weight and blood sugar: Chickpeas are low in calories but high in fiber, which leaves your dog feeling full, helping to prevent overeating and obesity. They’re complex carbohydrates that will give your dog more energy than processed foods, and they are also low in sugar, which helps prevent your dog’s blood sugar level from spiking.
4. 4. Improve heart health: Chickpeas can help improve your dog’s blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular conditions; the potassium in chickpeas helps dilate blood vessels and prevent high blood pressure.
5. 5. Promote a healthy digestive system: The high fiber content in chickpeas can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements and prevent constipation.

While chickpeas can be a healthy dog treat in moderation, dog owners should consider the following hazards:

• Canned chickpeas can contain harmful ingredients for dogs. The high sodium content and added preservatives in most canned chickpeas can lead to stomach upset for your dog. Look for canned chickpeas free of added salt and packed only in water.
• Dried chickpeas can be a choking hazard. Dry chickpeas are hard and tiny—your dog can swallow and choke on them.
• Hummus has ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. While it’s okay to serve your dog cooked chickpeas you mash into a paste without added seasoning, hummus often contains flavorings like garlic, bell peppers, and onions that are hazardous for your dog to eat.
• They can cause allergic reactions. To introduce chickpeas into your pet’s diet, give your pooch just one chickpea to see if it upsets your dog’s stomach. Monitor your dog’s health for a few days to see if they experience an allergic reaction or side effects like vomiting or skin irritation.

Chickpeas are a nutritious treat for dogs when prepared correctly. Here are some tips to help you add the legume to your dog’s diet:

1. 1. Cook raw chickpeas. Cook dried chickpeas for your dog, or opt for canned chickpeas packed only in water without added salt. You can serve plain chickpeas to your dog whole or mashed into a paste mixed with their pet food.
2. 2. Make chickpea flour. If your dog has a gluten allergy, you can make your dog chickpea flour. Use the flour as a grain-free substitute for wheat flour in homemade dog food or treats.
3. 3. Skip seasonings. Seasonings like garlic, chives, or onion are unsafe for dogs to eat.

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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