Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

I love to add chickpeas to soups and salads and if you are a vegetarian like me then chickpeas have become a staple food in your diet also.

But being a dog parent I am always exploring which food is safe for my furry friend.

If you also own a dog and looking for an answer to Can dogs eat chickpeas?

You can find the answer in this guide. Let’s see if chickpeas are among those beans that are safe for dogs to eat or not.

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

Like many other foods that are safe for your dog, chickpeas are one of them.

You can feed chickpeas to your dog but in moderation.

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber for your pouch. But you should always try to stick to its natural form and avoid highly processed alternatives like hummus or canned chickpeas as they have a high amount of sodium in them.

Related guide: Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?

Health Benefits of Chickpeas For Your Dog

Chickpeas have various health benefits for your pouch. I have mentioned a few of them for you.

• Healthy digestive system: Chickpeas have high fiber content that helps to regulate your dog’s bowel system and prevent constipation.
• Helps control weight: Chickpeas have complex carbohydrates that give your dog more energy than processed food and help to prevent overeating and obesity.
• Boosts muscle growth: Being a great source of protein chickpeas also helps your dog to build healthy muscles.
• Improves heart health: The potassium present in chickpeas helps in dilating blood vessels and also prevents high blood pressure.
• Full of minerals and vitamins: Chickpeas are full of minerals and vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, manganese, phosphorous, folate, and selenium.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Chickpeas?

Your dogs can have canned chickpeas as they are safe but you have to make sure to check the label before buying as they are high in sodium and can also have preservatives packed in them in order to extend their shelf life. So, check the ingredients before giving canned chickpeas to your dog.

If there is too much salt in canned chickpeas, it can lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and even poisoning. If your dog is suffering from high blood pressure, then canned chickpeas are a big NO. Moreover, it is always advised to wash canned chickpeas before you feed them to your dog.

You can also look for brands that have nothing but chickpeas and water, which makes them safer for your pup to eat. But you should still rinse these chickpeas in water before feeding them.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chickpeas?

You can not feed your dog raw chickpeas as they can cause choking hazards. Raw chickpeas need to be soaked and cooked properly before you serve them to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas Flour?

Yes, chickpea flour is safe for dogs to eat and it can also be used to make homemade dog treats or can be used as a substitute for wheat flour if your dog has a wheat allergy.

Can Dogs Eat Hummus?

If you are a dog parent like me who loves hummus and want to give it to your furry friend then you should know that hummus is never a good food for your dog because it contains a lot more than chickpeas.

If you buy hummus from the market, it usually contains lemon juice, garlic, onions, salt, and spices that are not considered for your dog. It can also lead to stomach upset in your dog. So, you should never feed hummus to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas: Recipe Guide

Banana Chickpea Biscuit

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of chickpea flour;
• 1 large egg;
• 1 tbsp of peanut butter;
• 1/4 cup of rolled oats;
• 1 mashed banana.

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, mix banana, peanut butter, and egg.
2. In another bowl, mix flour and rolled oats.
3. Now combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and form a dough.
4. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut it into cookie shape using a cookie cutter.
5. Bake the cookies for 30 to 40 minutes.
6. Allow them to cool before serving them to your furry friend.

Turmeric Chickpea Dog Treat

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of cornmeal;
• 1 cup of chickpea flour;
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds;
• 1 tbsp of beef broth;
• 1 tbsp of turmeric spice;
• 1/2 cup of hot water;
• 1 egg.

Procedure:

1. Stir hot water and bone broth in a small bowl.
2. In another bowl, add cornmeal, chia seeds, and chickpea flour and mix.
3. Now add bone broth to the dry mixture and stir until properly combined.
4. Add an egg to the mix.
5. Once the dough is formed you can make small balls with your hand.
6. On the cookie sheet place the balls and flatten them with your fingers.
7. Now bake for 20–30 minutes.
8. Cool before serving.

Potential Health Risks of Feeding Chickpeas To Dogs

There are a few things you should always know before feeding chickpeas to your dog.

Being high in fiber, your dog can face diarrhea, and loose stool, and can also get bloated if they eat too much. So, moderation is always the key while feeding any food to your dog.

If you are looking for canned chickpeas, look for the ingredients as they should be free of added salts and should be packed only in water.

Dried chickpeas can be a choking hazard so avoid giving them to your dog.

If you want to introduce chickpeas to your dog, give them a few chickpeas to see if it upsets your dog’s stomach. You can also monitor your dog’s health for a few days to see any allergic reactions or side effects.

Interesting Facts About Chickpeas

1. The chickpea is one of the world’s first cultivated legumes.
2. It is the second most widely grown legume in the world.
3. In 2016, 12.1 million chickpeas were produced.
4. They are one of the best sources of folate.
5. They are extremely high in dietary fiber.
6. Chickpeas come in different colors.
7. If you eat chickpeas regularly, it can lower your bad cholesterol.
8. Chickpea is the main ingredient in hummus.

Wrapping Up!

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber for your pouch. But you should always try to stick to its natural form and avoid highly processed alternatives like hummus or canned chickpeas as they have a high amount of sodium in them.

If you want to introduce chickpeas to your dog, give them a few chickpeas to see if it upsets your dog’s stomach. You can also monitor your dog’s health for a few days to see any allergic reactions or side effects.

FAQs