Dogs can eat many legumes, but can they eat black beans?
Yes, dogs can eat well-cooked black beans. However, you should know your dog’s reactions to beans, as dogs with sensitive stomachs should not be fed beans.
Black beans are rich in proteins, vitamins, manganese, and other minerals your dog needs for a healthy body. The beans are also easy to prepare since you don’t need additives.
Read on to learn more about black beans for dogs, their nutritional value, and more details for safer feeding.
What Are Black Beans?
Black beans are small legumes with shiny black coats. They are also known as turtle beans, frijoles Negros, and caviar criollo. The history of black beans spans back to 7,000 years ago when they were a staple food to the south and Central Americans.
As per their name, black beans have dark skin and a white spot at the center. When cooked, some retain the black color, while others turn creamy.
Black Beans Nutritional Facts
Black beans contain multiple nutrients, making them an ideal diet for humans and pets. Here are the main nutrients found in one cup, 172 grams of black beans:
- Calories – 227
- Proteins – 15 g
- Total carbohydrates – 41 g
- Fiber – 15 g
- Total fat – 0.9 g
- Potassium – 611 mg
- Copper 40%
- Manganese 33%
- Sodium – 1.7 mg
- Iron – 20%
- Calcium – 3.6%
- Phosphorous – 19%
- Thiamine – 35%
As you can see, black beans are rich in fiber, proteins, and other nutrients needed for a healthy body. For many dogs, one cup of black beans serving may be enough, but you should consult your vet first for the best feeding direction according to the age and size of your dog.
The Health Benefits of Black Beans to Dogs
Here are the main health benefits of adding black beans to your dog’s meal:
- Black beans have high protein levels and low-fat levels. Proteins boost body metabolism, increase muscle strength, and can lower blood pressure.
- Black beans are rich in antioxidants which can reduce the risk of diabetes in dogs.
- Black beans are a great source of manganese, vitamins, and minerals your dog need to boost immunity.
Generally, a small quantity of black beans gives your dog many nutrients, and your dog can highly benefit if you mix it with other diets, like fish.
How to Safely Feed Black Beans to Dogs
Black beans can be a valuable addition to your dog’s meal, but the proper preparation is needed for the best results. Here is a quick guide to preparing black beans for your canine friend.
- Sort your black beans well to remove the broken ones.
- Soak the beans overnight to reduce gas which causes bloating (optional)
- Drain the water, and rinse the beans in the morning
- Add water and boil the beans on low heat
- Drain the water when well cooked, and serve
Salt, oil, garlic, and other additives should be avoided when preparing black beans for dogs. Also, you should only feed in moderation because too many black beans may not be healthy for your dog.
You can best serve black beans with meat, rice, or vegetables to give your dog a balanced meal.
The Risks of Black Beans
Black beans offer many nutrients to your furry friend, but some risks are associated with the diet. Here are the main risks associated with black beans:
Allergy
Like other meals, black beans may sometimes trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. However, most reactions are easy to deal with since they are mild. Reach out to your vet immediately your notice allergic effects, like itchy skin in your dog.
Digestion Issues
Dogs that consume excess black beans may experience gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. These problems happen because black beans contain complex sugars, which are not easy to digest.
Soak the beans first to remove excess gas if your dog has digestive issues. Also, feed black beans in small amounts, or stop feeding beans if your dog’s stomach is susceptible to legumes.
Excess Sodium
Canned black beans tend to have high sodium content, which is unhealthy for your dog. Always check the sodium content in canned beans before buying. Alternatively, you can opt for the home-cooked beans and ensure you rinse and drain the water before preparing the meal for your dog.
Simple Alternatives to Black Beans for Dogs
There are many healthy black bean alternatives if your dog doesn’t like black beans. A few other options to add to your canine friend’s diet include the following:
- Peas
- Soybeans
- White beans
- Read beans
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Cauliflower
- Kidney beans
Consult your vet first before introducing a new meal if your dog is allergic to legumes or has a sensitive stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the commonly asked questions regarding if dogs can eat black beans.
How many black beans should I feed my dog?
Black beans should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If your dog feeds on other high calories diets, avoid or minimize the quantity of black beans in your dogs.
Also, your dog doesn’t have to feed on black beans only, considering the main healthy alternatives available. Consult your vet on the best feeding quantity according to your dog’s age and health issues.
Can my dog eat canned black beans?
Yes, your dog can feed on canned black beans, but this should not be your first choice. Most canned black beans are loaded with preservatives, which may not be healthy for your furry friend.
Besides, canned beans tend to have more sodium than dried beans. It’s advisable to buy the dried black beans in bulk and soak them overnight to eliminate gas.
Are raw black beans safe for my dog?
No. Raw black beans are more toxic than cooked ones. Cooking destroys most toxins, and cooked beans are easy to digest. Avoid feeding your dog with raw black beans, and boil them instead.
What happens if my dog eats raw black beans?
You may not always control what your dog feeds on, so your dog can eat raw black beans without your knowledge. When that happens, observe your dog for any signs of gastrointestinal comfort.
Not all raw black beans are toxic, so your dog may be fine. However, you should inform your vet immediately if you notice signs of discomfort in your dog, including stomach upsets, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Do black beans cause bloating and gas to dogs?
Your dog may get gassy if it feeds on excess back beans. That’s one reason you should stick to moderate serving and embrace the soaking and rinsing idea.
Nevertheless, you can avoid black beans altogether if your dog has digestive issues or seems not interested in the black beans meal.
Conclusion
Black beans are an excellent source of fiber, proteins, and many other nutrients your dog needs for a healthy body. The beans are not only healthy but tasty as well. If you want to give your furry friend black beans, start small as you monitor signs of bloating or allergy in your dog.
You can consult your vet before introducing the black beans meal to your dog.
