Chickpeas are a nutritious legume that are often used in recipes such as stews, salads, snacks and hummus. This tasty legume (yes, a legume, not a pea) is a great source of protein and fiber. If you have some chickpeas left over in your pantry, you might be interested to know if your dog can benefit from them in the same way that we can.
Yes, dogs can absolutely eat chickpeas. However, as with most human foods, there are some things to keep in mind when feeding it to your dog. Read on to find out more.
Can dogs eat chickpeas?
As we mentioned at the beginning, chickpeas are a safe and nutritious treat for puppies, which is why you’ll often see them on the ingredients list of commercial dog foods and treats. However, not all types of chickpeas are suitable for puppies.
Dried or cooked chickpeas are the best types to feed your dog as they do not have the high sodium content of canned chickpeas.
You may also want to mash the chickpeas before giving them to your dog to prevent a choking hazard.
The benefits of chickpeas for dogs
High Protein
According to the USDA, 50 grams (1/4 cup) of chickpeas contains about 10 grams of protein.1This macronutrient is essential for the formation and maintenance of tendons, cartilage and ligaments. Dogs also need it for the formation of muscles, skin and nails. Animal protein sources contain the highest amount of amino acids your puppy needs to stay optimally healthy and are generally easier to digest than plant protein sources, but chickpeas are a great source of beneficial protein for dogs.
High in dietary fiber
50 grams of chickpeas contain approximately 6 grams of fiber. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is essential for your dog’s gastrointestinal function as it promotes a healthy colon and intestinal bacteria.
Foods that are high in fiber make you feel full, so feeding your pup a diet that contains chickpeas will help them feel fuller for longer, which is great for overweight dogs.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Chickpeas contain a number of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your puppy’s health. For example, a 50 gram serving contains good amounts of potassium (359 mg), folate (278 µg) and magnesium (39 mg). Potassium helps with many bodily functions, including transmitting nerve impulses and maintaining a proper acid-base balance. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, helps with DNA synthesis. Magnesium plays a role in bone structure and carbohydrate metabolism.
How to feed chickpeas to dogs
If you are feeding your puppy, we recommend choosing dried and cooked chickpeas. This type of chickpea requires a little more effort and patience to prepare, but is much healthier than other types. Dried chickpeas can be a choking hazard and can be hard on your puppy’s digestive system, so make sure they are cooked and soft before giving them to your dog.
You can cook dried chickpeas in three ways: on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. The stovetop method is recommended because it doesn’t require any special equipment and is a very simple process. However, you will need to soak the dried beans overnight or give them a quick soak in boiling water for an hour before you start cooking. After soaking, cook them for about 35-45 minutes without any extra oil or seasonings.
How you feed cooked chickpeas to your puppy will depend on your puppy’s preferences – some puppies will enjoy eating them whole, mashed, while others may find them more palatable when mixed on top of their dry or wet food.
Are canned chickpeas safe for dogs?
Canned chickpeas are great for dishes we make ourselves, but the types of canned beans contain high amounts of sodium that are not good for your dog’s health. If you must buy canned beans, choose low-sodium varieties and rinse them well to remove as much sodium as possible.
Is hummus safe for dogs?
Hummus is a delicious dip for your favorite veggies, but this chickpea-based condiment is not safe for dogs. Although chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus recipes, this dip also contains other ingredients that are completely unsuitable for dogs. The main culprits are garlic, onion, and spices.
lastly
Chickpeas, when cooked properly, are a nutritious food for your puppy. We recommend starting with dried chickpeas and cooking them from scratch rather than buying them in a tin – however, if you do want to use canned beans, choose ones that are low in salt and rinse them well before feeding them.
Featured image credit: kagemusa, Shutterstock
