Can dogs eat chickpeas? You might be wondering if you can cook up some garbanzo beans and feed them to your dog without any consequences. Some human food is perfectly safe for dogs, and others can upset their stomach or even be fatal in large amounts.
So what about chickpeas? Is it safe to feed some to your dog, or is it better to avoid them?
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat chickpeas.
Are They Safe?
Chickpeas are perfectly safe for dogs as long as they’re cooked plainly.
Are They Healthy?
Chickpeas do have a number of nutritional benefits that make them a great snack for dogs.
The Benefits
Just as chickpeas have some great health benefits for humans, there are some that apply to dogs.
Firstly, chickpeas are a great source of protein. They can’t replace meat for dogs, as they get their main source of protein from animals, but they’re a great addition to include in their diet. Dogs need protein as much as we do.
They’re also a great source of folate, potassium, and magnesium. They’re essential for good health in terms of fighting off disease and preventing viral infections, so if you want your pup to stay happy and healthy, you should make sure they get lots of these things. We all want our dogs to live long lives, after all!
They also have vitamins A, B, and C. They support eye health and the immune system.
Lastly, they have a lot of fiber. While an excess of fiber can upset your dog’s stomach, they do need a bit of it to keep their gastrointestinal system working well and prevent constipation.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas? The Risks
The main risks come from feeding your dog chickpeas in canned or hummus form. Hummus has different ingredients in it, and canned chickpeas have a ton of preservatives that are really not good for your dog. Stick to plain chickpeas.
If you don’t, you might find that they’re seasoned with salt and pepper, which are not good for your dog. Worse, they could contain garlic, which can actually be fatal for them in high doses. Although there’s an argument that a little garlic isn’t bad, it’s best avoided altogether.
If your dog has any of the following symptoms after consuming chickpeas, stop right away and consider feeding them a plain diet for a day or two to help settle their stomach. Boiled chicken and plain white rice is a good idea.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Excessive thirst
If the symptoms persist for more than a few hours, consult your veterinarian. This is especially important if the chickpeas had other ingredients.
How Much Can They Eat?
You should listen to the 10% rule: treats should only make up 10% of a dog’s daily calories. That includes things like chickpeas, even though they might not be your idea of a junk treat!
You should also make sure to adjust their food accordingly. Feeding guides don’t work for every dog, so try to judge by their body condition.
Serving Ideas
Chickpeas are a little limited because you can’t flavor them with the things you might for yourself. Instead, they should be cooked and served plain. You can give them to your dog on their own or you might choose to mix them into the dog’s food to make it tastier for them add some protein and vitamins.
There’s always the classic idea of freezing them into a KONG with some other ingredients, like some good vegetables or even some fruit. Humans wouldn’t necessarily mix chickpeas and fruit, but dogs aren’t quite as fussy! This can keep them cool and busy on a hot summer’s day.
Enrichment keeps them out of trouble!
Alternative Snacks
If your dog can’t stomach chickpeas or you’re just looking for other snacks to give them, there are plenty of great fruits and vegetables you can feed them, including:
Just make sure to check out every food before you decide they’re safe to feed to your dog. Some people will slip their dog’s food from their plate without researching it, but this can be very dangerous. Some human foods are not only bad for dogs, but extremely toxic and even go as far as killing them.
So, can dogs eat chickpeas? The answer is yes! They should be plain and without preservatives, so avoid canned chickpeas or hummus. These can have toxic ingredients or cause obesity in the long run. However, as long as you’re careful, this makes a great snack for your pup or an addition to their regular dog food.
