Chickpeas are nutritious legumes that find themselves at home in stew, salad, snack, and hummus recipes. These delicious beans (yes, they’re beans and not peas) are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and if you find yourself with a surplus in your pantry, you might be curious if your dog can reap the same benefits from chickpeas as we do.
Yes, dogs can absolutely eat chickpeas. However, as with many human foods, there are a few caveats that come with offering them to your canine companion. Read on to learn more.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
As we mentioned in the introduction, chickpeas are a safe and nutritious treat for pups. This is why you’ll commonly see them on the ingredient list in many commercially prepared dog foods and treats. However, not all varieties of chickpeas are suitable for your pup.
Dry and plain-cooked chickpeas are the best type to offer as they are not high in sodium like their canned counterparts.
It might also be a good idea to smash the chickpeas before giving them to your dog so they are not a choking hazard.
Benefits of Chickpeas for Dogs
High in Protein
According to the USDA, a 50-gram (1/4 cup) portion of chickpeas contains roughly 10 grams of protein1. This macronutrient is essential for the formation and maintenance of tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. Dogs also require it for muscle, skin, and nail formation. While animal sources of protein will have the most amino acids your pup needs for optimal health and are generally more easily digestible than plant-based sources, chickpeas do still offer a hefty protein dose your dog can benefit from.
High in Fiber
A 50-gram portion of chickpeas contains roughly 6 grams of fiber. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is essential for gastrointestinal function in dogs by promoting colon and gut microbe health.
Foods high in fiber are satiating, which means your pup will feel fuller for longer when they eat a chickpea-containing meal. This is great for dogs who are overweight.
Vitamin & Mineral Content
Chickpeas contain numerous vitamins and minerals beneficial to your pup’s health. For example, every 50-gram serving contains a good dose of potassium (359 mg), folate (278 µg), and magnesium (39 mg). Potassium assists 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 the bone’s structural composition as well as carbohydrate metabolism.
How to Prepare Chickpeas for Dogs
We recommend opting for dried, cooked chickpeas when preparing them for your pup. This variety does require some prep work and patience, but it’s much healthier than other iterations. Only offer them to your dog once they’ve been cooked and are soft, as dry chickpeas can be a choking hazard and will be much harder for your pup’s digestive system.
You can cook dried chickpeas in one of three ways: stovetop, slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot. Stovetop is our recommendation as you don’t need specialized equipment, and the instructions are very straightforward. However, you will need to either soak your dried beans overnight or quickly soak them in a pot of boiled water for an hour before you begin cooking. Cook them for around 35-45 minutes after soaking with no extra fats or seasonings.
How you offer the cooked chickpeas to your pup will depend on their tastes. Some will happily eat mashed chickpeas on their own, while others may find them more palatable if they’re mashed on top of their kibble or wet food.
Are Canned Chickpeas Safe for Dogs?
While canned chickpeas are great for recipes we make for our own consumption, canned beans of any kind contain a significant amount of sodium, which is not healthy for our dogs. If you must purchase canned varieties, opt for a low-sodium variety and rinse them thoroughly to remove as much sodium as possible.
Is Hummus Safe for Dogs?
Hummus may be a delicious dip for your favorite veggies, but this chickpea-based condiment is not safe for dogs. While chickpeas are the main ingredient in any hummus recipe, this dip also contains other ingredients that are not dog-friendly at all. The main culprits are garlic, onion, and spices.
Final Thoughts
Chickpeas can be a nutritious food for your pup, so long as you prepare them properly. We recommend starting with dried chickpeas and cooking them from scratch rather than buying canned varieties. However, if you prefer using canned beans, choose low-sodium options and rinse them very well before serving.
Featured Image Credit: kagemusa, Shutterstock
