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Can Dogs Eat Garbanzo Beans?

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Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are perfectly safe for your dog to eat and even offer a wealth of health benefits. 

Table of Contents

What are the health benefits of garbanzo beans?

Garbanzo beans are rammed full of nutrition. Each little ball contains a decent quantity of protein and fiber, as well as a huge number of minerals and vitamins. 

Fiber helps to regulate the healthy function of the digestive system and ensures that food and waste pass through with ease. A fiber deficiency will lead to constipation and discomfort.

A diet rich in fiber will help your dog to stay full for longer and therefore helps with weight loss and management. It is also used to help reduce cholesterol. 

Protein is vital for the growth and repair of muscles and other cells within the body. 

Potassium is used in the regulation of blood pressure within the body. It works in conjunction with low sodium levels to dilate blood vessels, therefore reducing the pressure. 

Folate is used to generate folic acid. This in turn is vital to the function of normal metabolic processes such as the synthesis of DNA and the production of red blood cells. 

Zinc maintains a healthy thyroid function in the body, as well as supporting the immune system. It also plays a key role in the growth and maintenance of a healthy coat and skin. 

Manganese is a vital component of many different enzymes in a dog’s body. It is heavily involved in the maintenance and overall health of the bones and cartilage in joints. 

Copper is used in the formation of bones, connective tissues, collagen, and myelin. Myelin is the coating of nerves in the body. It is also vital to assist with the absorption of iron and the healthy function of red blood cells. 

Choline is used to reduce the impacts of chronic inflammation. It helps the transmission of nerve impulses and is believed to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. 

Iron is required to transport oxygen through the body via red blood cells. It is also a requirement for specific enzymatic functions within the body. 

Magnesium is used in over 300 different biochemical reactions in the body. It is vital for the maintenance of healthy nerve and muscle function as well as supporting the immune system. It regulates the heartbeat and maintains strength in the bones too. 

Vitamin A is involved with the maintenance of skin, coat, muscles, and nerves

Vitamin B6 is primarily used to support the metabolism of amino acids and maintain a good level of bladder health. 

Garbanzo beans are a great source of complex carbohydrates. This means that the energy released by their digestion enters the bloodstream slowly and does not cause any spikes or dips. This 

Are there any dangers to feeding your dog garbanzo beans?

You should not feed your dog garbanzo beans that have come from a can. This is because the liquid they are stored in often contains a high percentage of salt. This can cause serious health issues with your dog and is best to be avoided.

They are unlikely to experience any serious health issues as a consequence of this but it is not good for them. High salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and dehydration. 

If your dog is prone to gas or stomach upset, then you should be aware that garbanzo beans may exacerbate these symptoms. This is due to the high fiber content found in them. 

How should you feed your dog garbanzo beans?

Dog eating from a dog food bowl.

Dogs should only be fed raw, boiled, or roasted garbanzo beans without seasonings. We do not recommend feeding them raw garbanzo beans and suggest cooking them before giving them to your dog.

This is because dogs are unlikely to chew raw garbanzo beans and they become a real choking hazard. 

You can also make a number of treats based on garbanzo beans for your dog. If you like to cook homemade treats containing wheat flour, you can switch this straight out for garbanzo bean flour too.

This makes them easier on your dog’s digestion and will give them a wealth of health benefits too. 

Turmeric and garbanzo bean dog treats

Ingredients

1 cup garbanzo bean flour (blend dried garbanzo beans to a powder if you cannot find this)

½ cup cornmeal

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon turmeric powder

1 tablespoon instant broth powder (beef works well)

½ cup hot water

1 egg

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Boil your water and add it to the instant broth. Stir this until all of the powder has dissolved.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the garbanzo beans flour, chia seeds, and cornmeal. Mix well.
  • Slowly pour the broth into the dry ingredients and mix well to combine. 
  • Add in the egg and stir through. By this point, you should have a moist dough. 
  • Portion out little balls of dough, about a tablespoon each. Roll each one into a little ball between your palms. 
  • Place the balls on the baking sheet and firmly press the top with a fork to flatten the dough out. Repeat this process with all of the remaining dough. 
  • Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. 
  • Remove from the oven and transfer onto wire racks to cool. Once cooled completely, transfer the treats to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator or freezer for storage. 

Can dogs eat hummus?

You should never feed your dog a store-bought hummus. This is because they will almost always contain onions or garlic, or both. They also commonly contain lemon juice which can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

These are toxic foods to dogs and will make them incredibly unwell. 

You can make a homemade version of hummus for your dog if you like. Simply ensure that your dog-friendly version only contains mashed garbanzo beans.