Chickpeas, otherwise known as garbanzo beans, are legumes packed with essential nutrients. They’re a great addition to dishes and are packed with flavor, so it’s only normal we’d want to give them to our beloved canine friends, right? Well, when it comes to feeding human food to our pets, we always need to reconsider.
And so the question is, can dogs eat chickpeas? The good news is that yes, dogs can eat chickpeas and in fact, the legumes are a great protein supplement for dogs, making them healthy and recommended for dogs of all ages. But are there risks? As with all kinds of human food being fed to dogs, there are always some risks.
In this guide, we’ll talk about why chickpeas are a great food addition or treat to give to your dog, and a few risks to consider. Let’s get started.
What are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas are legumes first grown in Turkey about 3500 BC but are now grown in over 50 countries, with India being the biggest producer worldwide. The word “chickpeas,” comes from the Latin word “cicer,” which is derived from the plant family of legumes called “Fabaceae.” It belongs to the same family of kidney beans, peanuts, black beans, and lima beans.
Small as they are, chickpeas are packed with nutrients. It is a great source of protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and a list of other nutrients that make it a nutritious ingredient for a variety of different dishes.
Chickpeas are the primary ingredient used in hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip, as well as a great addition to salads.
Nutritional Facts of Chickpeas
Chickpeas contain calcium, fiber, iron, folate, phosphorus, Vitamin C, protein, magnesium, selenium, and many other nutrients. One serving of chickpeas or one cup of legumes provides the following:
- 4g of soluble fat
- 34.5g of carbohydrates
- 9.12g of fiber
- 6.7g of phosphorus
- 10.15g of protein
In humans, a cup of chickpeas provides the following percentages of an adult’s nutritional needs:
- 40% of calcium
- 22% of iron
- 39% of phosphorus
- 70% of folate
- 7% of calcium
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas and they can benefit from the nutrients the legumes contain. Feeding cooked chickpeas to your dog can help provide a good amount of protein to your dog’s diet. If you’re cooking raw chickpeas, they’re a great addition to your pet’s dog food meals.
Aside from protein, chickpeas contain large amounts of fiber that are great for dogs who may be experiencing bowel movement problems. the fiber can help to move your dog’s stools, helping it to defecate in cases of constipation.
What are the Benefits of Chickpeas on Dogs?
In this section, we’ll talk about how chickpeas can benefit your dog.
1. Boost Muscle Growth
If your dog needs to bulk up or if it’s underweight, adding chickpeas to its diet will help give your dog a boost of protein. Chickpeas support the healthy growth of muscles and addition to your pup’s daily diet will help in building healthy muscle mass.
2. Controls Blood Sugar
Chickpeas are great for dogs who may be suffering or are prone to diabetes. They are low in sugar but make your dog feel fuller for longer, which helps to keep your dog’s blood sugar level down.
3. Helps Control Weight
Chickpeas are low in calories but contain high levels of fiber. Fiber helps to keep your dog feeling full for longer, so it won’t need to munch on treats as much, as well as to keep its cravings down. This can help prevent overeating and obesity in the long run. The complex carbohydrates contained in chickpeas are also efficient in giving your dog more energy compared to processed food.
4. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Chickpeas are known to improve a dog’s heart healthy since it improves a dog’s blood circulation and prevents cardiovascular conditions. Its content of potassium also helps to dilate blood vessels and prevent hypertension in dogs.
5. Boosts Digestive Health
The fiber content in chickpeas helps with regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. A healthy bowel movement contributes to an overall healthier dog.
What are the Risks to Be Considered?
Chickpeas are good for dogs and it’s recommended when they need help with constipation or when they need a protein boost. However, some risks come with feeding chickpeas to your dog. Here are some possible risks to consider:
- Dry Chickpeas are a Choking Hazard
Make sure you cook raw chickpeas properly and make sure they’re soft when feeding them to your dog. Chickpeas are small and hard and they can pose a choking hazard, especially to puppies.
- May Cause Allergic Reactions
If you’ve never given chickpeas to your dog before, there may be a risk of an allergic reaction. Give your dog a small number of chickpeas first and don’t add it to its dog food meal right away. Wait for any allergic reactions and if there are, don’t proceed to feed it and check for emergency reactions such as wheezing or lethargy.
- Processed Chickpeas are a No-No
Do not feed processed chickpeas to your dog as these might contain other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. The fewer ingredients your chickpeas have, the better.
How to Feed Chickpeas To Your Dog
Here are some healthy ways to feed chickpeas to your dog:
- Make Chickpea Cookies
Use chickpea flour to make cookie treats for your dog. Chickpea flour is a great alternative to regular flour as it’s a healthier and more nutritional option.
- Add Cooked Chickpeas to Dog Food
Add a few chickpeas to your dog’s commercial food. Make sure the chickpeas are properly cooked and have become soft before adding them.
- A Half-Cup a Day for a Protein Boost
If you want your dog to bulk up on muscle, add a half cup a day to your dog’s diet for a protein punch.
When feeding anything to your dog, be it human or commercial food, it should always be in moderation. Feeding more than what is needed can lead to diarrhea, which can be life-threatening when left untreated due to dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed canned chickpeas to my dog?
Canned chickpeas are okay as long as you check the other ingredients. Canned chickpeas are also high in sodium content, which can be bad for your dog. High levels of salt can increase your dog’s risk of high blood pressure. If you must feed canned chickpeas, drain the water and wash them thoroughly to remove the salt before giving it to your dog.
Can I feed hummus to my dog?
No, do not feed hummus to your dog because it contains other harmful ingredients. Hummus contains a lot of seasonings, such as onion and garlic, as well as citric acid from lemon juice which is bad for dogs.
Final Words
Chickpeas are flavorful, nutritious, and beneficial for your dog’s overall health. They’re a great protein boost, as well as help when your dog may be experiencing constipation. However, avoid using canned or processed chickpeas, with raw chickpeas cooked properly with no seasoning being the best way to feed your dog.
Chickpeas (Pexels)
Hummus (Pexels)
