The Best Beans for Dogs: Types, Benefits & How to Serve Them

This post shows you the best beans for dogs and how to serve them! Since dogs can eat beans—and many are actually good for them—it’s worth knowing how to include them in their diet in a way that’s easy to digest.

Most vets say that beans are okay as a part of a dog’s diet but in small to moderate amounts and not that often.

Why Are Beans Good For Dogs?

Beans are full of fiber and minerals; we consider them healthy food. But it’s good to know that beans are not some superfood that dogs should eat every day.

Your dog will get fiber, minerals, and protein from high-quality commercial dog food.

But combined with some whole foods and home-cooked meals, your dog will get a complete diet so they can thrive!

That’s why beans can be part of your dog’s diet, and they are definitely good for dogs!
Here’s why:

beans are a good source of protein
they are good for digestion and can help dogs that struggle with constipation
beans are a good source of minerals like magnesium and potassium, as well as iron
beans are a good choice for dogs that need to lose weight! They will keep them full for a long time, but they don’t have a lot of calories.

Dogs can digest legumes very well

Dogs can digest legumes (about 80% digestibility), so they can benefit from healthy nutrients! If your dog likes beans and has no issues digesting them, there’s actually a health benefit to sharing beans with them, but again, only in small amounts.

What Kind of Beans Can Dogs Eat?

Let’s face it—you’ll probably cook beans for yourself and then share some with your dog. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll cook beans specifically for dogs so they can get the good nutrients, am I right?

Canned beans (including canned kidney, pinto, and red beans)

Dogs can eat canned beans, but it’s best to choose low-sodium options and avoid stuff with too much sugar, spices, and salt.

Canned beans are okay for dogs, but only if low-sodium

If you want to share canned beans with your dog, make sure they’re low-sodium and give them a good rinse under cold water to wash away as much of the added salt as possible. Even then, only give a small amount, and avoid any varieties that come with added seasonings or sauces.

Red bean paste

Now, dogs shouldn’t eat red bean paste as it usually contains added sugar and other ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs. If your dog gets into some, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s best to avoid sharing red bean paste with them.

Chili beans

Dogs shouldn’t eat chili beans!

Chili beans are usually cooked with spices, onions, garlic, and sometimes even hot peppers—all of which can be bad for dogs.

Not to mention that chili beans difficult to digest, as your dog will struggle with gas, bloating, and runny poo.

If you’re making chili for yourself, please keep the beans away from your dog’s bowl, no matter how much they beg.

Refried beans (including refried pinto beans)

Dogs shouldn’t eat refried beans. Refried beans, whether they’re made from pinto beans or another type, are typically cooked with added fat, salt, and spices.

These ingredients can upset your dog’s stomach or even be unhealthy. Don’t share them with your dog. You know well that there are other great snacks out there, not to mention other healthy cooked foods.

What will happen if dogs eat refried beans or chili?

So, if your dog eats some chili or refried beans, it’s not something to panic about. These dishes aren’t toxic, but they can be pretty rough on your dog’s stomach. The spices, fats, and seasonings can cause some tummy troubles like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Your dog might not feel their best for a little while, but they should be back to normal after a day or so. Just keep an eye on them, make sure they’re drinking plenty of water, and try to keep those leftovers out of reach next time to save them from any unnecessary discomfort.

Best Beans For Dogs Ranked by Digestibility

So when it comes to sharing beans, you’ll give them what you cook for yourself. I listed the most common beans we eat and included just how easy or hard they are to digest, along with some of the nutritional benefits you can expect! By the way, this information is useful for us, not just dogs!

Easy to Digest

Lima beans

Lima beans are one of the easiest beans for dogs to digest.

They are a good source of carbs, protein, and fiber, which helps your dog stay full and keep their digestive system running smoothly.

Plus, they are a great source of nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are great for their bones and energy.

Butter beans

Butter beans, which are a lot like lima beans, are soft and easy on your dog’s stomach.

They’re full of fiber and protein, which helps digestion. They’re also loaded with good stuff like calcium and magnesium that support strong bones and muscles.

Great Northern beans

Great northern beans are pretty easy for dogs to digest, and they’ve got a mild flavor that most dogs don’t mind.

Like most other beans, they are a good source of minerals that contribute to overall health!

Cannellini beans

Cannellini beans are creamy and easy for dogs to digest.

They’re rich in protein and fiber, and they have important vitamins like folate and magnesium that support your dog’s muscle health and digestion.

Pinto beans

Pinto beans are another bean that’s fairly easy for dogs to digest.

They’re also high in antioxidants, which are good for boosting your dog’s immune system as they get older.

Adzuki beans

Adzuki beans are a pretty good option for dogs. Since they’re softer, they can be a solid choice for your dog—just make sure they’re cooked all the way through.

Hard to Digest

Black beans

Black beans are a bit tougher for some dogs to digest because they’re higher in fiber. I tend to avoid them, and I rarely share them with my dog, but it’s absolutely safe to give your dog black beans if they can handle them well.

Navy beans

Navy beans are small but dense, which can make them a little harder for dogs to digest.

Red beans

Red beans are larger and firmer, which makes them harder for dogs to break down. But if you cook them thoroughly, they’re safe.

They have a lot of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help keep your dog’s immune system strong and support their digestion.

White beans

White beans, like navy beans, are pretty dense, so they might be tougher on your dog’s stomach.

Fava beans

Fava beans are a bit tougher to digest than other beans. Fava beans are packed with protein and fiber, plus they’ve got some good stuff like folate, manganese, and magnesium.

Lupini beans

Lupini beans are super hard for dogs to digest, especially if they’re not prepared right.

You need to soak them overnight and cook them well because they have alkaloids called lupanine that could be harmful. They also taste bitter if not cooked thoroughly.

Here’s a table with different beans for your convenience!

Type of bean	Easy to digest?	Health benefits	We usually eat it with
Lima beans	Easy	Rich in magnesium	Often used in Southern dishes with cooked pork
Butter beans	Easy	High in calcium	Commonly found in Southern stews with ham or pork
Great Northern beans	Easy	High in iron	Often used in soups and stews with chicken or ham
Cannellini beans	Easy	Rich in folate	Popular in Italian dishes like minestrone soup
Pinto beans	Easy	High in antioxidants	Commonly used in Mexican dishes like refried beans
Adzuki beans	Easy	High in antioxidants	Often found in Asian dishes and sweet desserts
Black beans	A bit hard	High in potassium	Frequently used in Mexican cuisine, like burritos
Navy beans	A bit hard	High in protein	Commonly found in baked beans with bacon
Red beans	A bit hard	High in fiber	Common in Cajun dishes like red beans and rice
Fava beans	Difficult to digest	High in folate	Used in Mediterranean dishes with lamb or pork
Lupini beans	Difficult to digest	High in lupanine	Eaten as a snack, often pickled
White beans	A bit hard	High in calcium	Often used in chili or baked beans with pork

How To Serve Beans to Dogs?

Beans can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet—as long as they’re prepared the right way. Since many of us cook beans for ourselves with seasonings like garlic, chili, salt, or pepper, it’s important to prepare a plain portion just for your dog. Here’s how to keep it simple and safe:

Set aside a portion before seasoning.
If you’re making beans for yourself, take out a plain portion before adding garlic, chili, salt, or other spices that can upset your dog’s stomach or be harmful.
Cook beans thoroughly.
Undercooked beans will be hard to digest so you need to make sure that they are cooked and super soft before sharing.
Soak dried beans overnight.
If you soak the beans before cooking, you will reduce the cooking time and make beans easier to digest. Soak them for a few hours and rinse them thoroughly before cooking.
Skip all seasoning and add the spices at the end
Don’t add salt, onions, garlic, or spices when preparing your dog’s portion. Keep everything super plain.
Mix with other dog-friendly foods.
Once the beans are cooked, you can stir a small amount into cooked beef, chicken, turkey, pumpkin, or rice and make a protein and fiber-rich meal for your dog!

So, as you can see, beans can be a healthy addition, but they’re not a must-have in your dog’s diet.

Give them in moderation to avoid any digestive issues.

With so many types of beans, it’s important to pick the right ones and cook them properly.

Your dog’s health is all about balance, so feel free to share a small portion of beans now and then—and avoid those smelly farts!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Here are some of the most popular questions about dogs and beans. If you have more questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to reply.

Can dogs eat raw beans?

No, raw beans aren’t safe for dogs. They have compounds that can be toxic and are tough for dogs to digest. Always cook beans well before sharing them with your dog.

Can dogs eat kidney beans from a can?

Yes, dogs can eat canned kidney beans, but make sure they’re low-sodium and rinse them well to get rid of extra salt and preservatives. Avoid any canned beans with added seasonings or sauces.

Can dogs eat canned refried beans?

No, it’s better to skip canned refried beans for your dog. They usually have added fats, salt, and spices that can upset your dog’s stomach or cause other issues.