The fall season has officially started, and we are ready to make some food supplies for the upcoming winter. The tradition of preparing winter stores together runs in your family too, and those are the times filled with love and warmth.
You’ve also decided to surprise your family with some delicious dinner and hot tea. You got some new hummus recipe, and you are finally willing to give it a shot. Therefore, you are cooking some fresh, raw chickpeas and preparing all the necessary ingredients such as spices and tahini.
Of course, your dog Charlie is there to assist you with cooking, and he is already waving his tail and giving you a puppy look. However, as an experienced dog parent, you know that dogs can’t eat any seasoned food, and hummus tends to have a good amount of spices and salt.
But you accidentally dropped some cooked chickpeas on the floor, and Charlie is already munching them. So, now you’re worrying that something would happen to him because he usually only eats high-quality dog food.
You immediately grabbed your phone and quickly searched – Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
This is where you’ve stumbled upon our article, and luckily for you, we have the answer you are looking for. We will be sharing some vital information with you, so don’t panic; just read along!
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
The answer you’ve been waiting for is – yes, dogs can eat chickpeas! However, chickpeas can only be given in moderation and prepared in a certain way.
The common misconception about dogs and their diet is that people think dogs are strict carnivores. However, that’s the case with cats, as their bodies require a lot of protein to function adequately.
On the contrary, dogs are omnivores, and they can easily digest foods coming from plants. Having said that, chickpeas and other legumes can and should be a part of your dog’s diet.
Chickpeas are full of dietary fiber and are a low-calorie food product. They will make your dog feel fuller for longer and also eat less. Because of that, they are great for dogs that struggle with obesity or dogs that have any type of diabetes.
Although they have a fair amount of protein and minerals, they should never be fed to your dog as a replacement for animal protein.
About Chickpeas
Chickpeas or commonly called ‘Garbanzo beans,’ are a part of the legume family. They have Mediterranean and Middle Eastern roots, and they have been grown for thousands of years.
They are white to slightly yellow, have a grainy texture and nutty taste. These small legumes are most commonly seen in creamy hummus form but are frequently a part of salads, soups, and stews.
Chickpeas are small nutritional powerhouses, as they are rich in fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins but are low in calories. They are a super-healthy food for humans and dogs, as they yield a lot of health benefits.
Let’s look at the nutritional value chart of chickpeas per 1 ounce (28 grams):
| Calories | 46 |
| Carbs | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams |
As for vitamins and minerals, they contain the following:
- Folate (B9)
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Copper
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Choline
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
Chickpeas may not replace animal protein, but they will provide several health benefits to your dog when given in moderation and added to a standard dog diet.
How About Hummus? Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
Unfortunately, no, dogs can’t and should never eat hummus. That’s because they may experience tummy problems from the processed ingredients such as added spices.
Additionally, store-bought hummus almost always contains garlic and onion, which is poisonous for dogs and can be lethal. Onion and garlic (or any type of allium family for that matter) can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia and possible death.
The high salt content that can also be found in hummus can cause your dog to drink an excessive amount of water, which may lead to a condition called bloat. Too much salt can also cause sodium ion poisoning, which can lead to severe health conditions.
Hence, if you want to treat your dog with hummus, you can do it by making hummus at home. Just cook and mash or blend some chickpeas, and don’t use any spices. You can also add some carrot sticks to make it a special treat for your doggy!
Can Dogs Eat Dried, Canned, Or Roasted Chickpeas?
Dogs should also never consume dried (raw) or canned chickpeas. Dried chickpeas are very hard for your dog to chew, let alone digest.
On the other hand, canned chickpeas contain a lot of sodium and preservatives, which are added to keep them fresh and prevent spoilage. Preservatives can be harmful to a dog’s gastrointestinal system and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other even more complicated health problems.
As for roasted chickpeas, you can give them to your dog but only in small amounts. If you are buying them (or roasting them yourself), make sure they don’t contain any seasonings, not even salt. However, if you can choose, we advise you to avoid these three options and opt for cooked, plain chickpeas.
The Benefits Of Chickpeas For Dogs
Chickpeas can undoubtedly provide several health benefits to your dog, and some of them are the following:
- Better digestion – Chickpeas are full of dietary fiber, which can resolve digestive and gastrointestinal issues. Dietary fiber will regulate bowel movements, prevent diarrhea and constipation. Selenium may even help reduce the risks of developing colon cancer.
- Help with obesity – High amounts of fiber will also help your dog feel fuller for a more extended period of time, so your dog won’t be begging for more food every 30 minutes. That being said, chickpeas are great for weight loss or weight management. Fiber will also help lower cholesterol levels.
- Reduced inflammation – Chickpeas contain choline (B9), which may reduce chronic inflammation, assist in nerve impulse transmission, maintain cell membrane structure, and help reduce arthritis symptoms.
- Help with diabetes – As chickpeas are complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, they won’t cause an instant increase in blood glucose levels that simple carbs like oats can cause.
- Reduced high blood pressure and no heart issues – These legumes are low in sodium but high in potassium. Potassium helps dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure, which provides a healthy heart.
- Healthy eyes and muscles – Vitamin A will promote heart health and provide better sight, while protein provides strong muscles, a shinier coat, and stronger teeth.
- Immune resistance – Chickpeas contain a lot of vitamins, and vitamin C, in particular, protects cells from free radical damage and provides better immunity.
- Healthy skin and shiny fur – Zink in chickpeas boosts the quality of your dog’s skin and fur.
- Helps with anemia – Copper in chickpeas will absorb iron and help to stop anemia.
- Stronger bones – Manganese in chickpeas ensures the quality of bone and cartilage.
Are There Any Drawbacks Of Feeding Your Dog Chickpeas?
Chickpeas can make your dog gassy because of the high dietary fiber. In rare cases, they can lead to cramps and even bloat, which will require medical treatment in the vet clinic. However, if your dog doesn’t suffer from gas and if you feed your dog chickpeas in the recommended dosage, this shouldn’t be a problem.
How To Prepare Chickpeas For Your Dog?
An excellent way to give your dog chickpeas is to soak them overnight and cook them two times before processing them further. That will significantly lower the risk of gasses.
Cook the chickpeas for 20-30 minutes, and let them cool. You can then blend or mash them, and serve them alone or with high-quality dog food. Don’t use any seasonings, not even the salt.
How Many Chickpeas Can Your Dog Eat?
Chickpeas should be fed in smaller amounts and not every day because they are high in dietary fiber. While dietary fibers are healthy for your dog’s digestion, they will also cause stomach problems and even diarrhea and vomiting if fed in higher dosages.
Consider feeding chickpeas or chickpeas-based foods once or perhaps twice a week to avoid potential gassiness and other stomach-related issues.
You can give 1-2 tablespoons of chickpeas if you have a smaller to a medium-sized dog, and 2-3 tablespoons if you have a larger breed. If you are not sure how well your dog will handle these legumes, start with smaller dosages and if everything seems fine, increase the dosage gradually.
Learn More: What Can Dogs Eat? A Comprehensive List Of Dog-safe Foods
