Can Dogs Eat Beans?

Sure, dogs can eat beans! Most beans are pretty healthy and can be good for your dog. But, like with anything, it’s key to know how to prepare them and how much to give. Beans, just like all other legumes, can be a little hard to digest, which might lead to bloating and some smelly farts!

Most vets say that beans are okay as a part of a dog’s diet but in tiny amounts and not that often. The thing is, if you give your dog beans too often, I swear to God, they will have the most horrendous farts and possibly explosive diarrhea.

Not all dogs, but some with sensitive stomachs may find it hard to digest beans. Others will love it, so like with all the other “human food,” make sure to make a bland portion, share it with them, and see how it goes. In this article, I’ll cover the most common types of beans, whether or not dogs can eat them, and what to avoid, especially when it comes to refried and baked beans from a can.

Are beans good for dogs?

Beans are full of fiber and minerals; we consider them healthy food. But do dogs actually need this, and can they benefit from these nutrients? They can, but it’s not like beans are some superfood that dogs should eat every day.

Fiber, minerals, vitamins, and protein are all essential for a dog’s health, and today, we have high-quality commercial dog food with all these balanced nutrients. Combined with lean protein, cooked vegetables, and some fruit, your dog gets a complete diet with everything they need to thrive.

So, how do beans fit in? Based on everything I know, I would say it only as an occasional treat. We wrote an article about whether dogs can eat black-eyed peas and cited an excellent research paper about dogs eating legumes.

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?

As a dog owner, this was very important to me because I would often read about how to cook something for your dog, thinking, “Who on earth does this?” With work and family, I can barely manage to meal prep for all of us, so while I adore cooking for dogs (chicken, beef, rice, and carrots!), I don’t really think that cooking beans for dogs is something you’ll ever do.

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!

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 pack in some important 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. They’re a solid source of fiber and protein, which is good for your dog’s digestion and overall health. They’re also packed with iron and magnesium, which help keep your dog’s energy up and their bones strong.

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. These beans are one of the easier ones for dogs to handle.

Pinto beans

Pinto beans are another bean that’s fairly easy for dogs to digest. They’re a great source of fiber and protein, which can help with digestion and keeping your dog full. 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 if you’re thinking about sharing some beans with your dog. They’re easier to digest than a lot of other beans, which is a big plus. They have important minerals like iron and magnesium that help keep your dog healthy. Adzuki beans also have antioxidants, which are great for giving your dog’s immune system a boost. Since they’re softer, they can be a solid choice for your dog—just make sure they’re cooked all the way through.

Black beans

Black beans are a bit tougher for some dogs to digest because they’re higher in fiber, but they’re still packed with good stuff like antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are great for your dog’s heart health and overall wellness, so they can be a healthy treat in moderation.

Navy beans

Navy beans are small but dense, which can make them a little harder for dogs to digest. Even so, they’re full of protein and fiber, and they also have important minerals like iron and magnesium that help keep your dog healthy.

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 great northern and navy beans, are pretty dense, so they might be tougher on your dog’s stomach. But they’re still a good source of protein, fiber, and important minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are key for strong bones and muscles.

Fava beans

Fava beans (or faba beans, sometimes even called broad beans) aren’t the most common type we eat, but they are tasty and healthy. There was actually a study that looked into dogs eating fava beans, showing that they can be part of a dog’s diet, although they might be 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 can be a bit 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 cook beans for dogs

As I mentioned before, you’ll be sharing beans that you cook for yourself. But since we adore adding garlic, chili, salt, and pepper, it’s important to take a portion out from your cooking before you share it with your dog.

So, when it comes to cooking beans for dogs, the best advice is to keep it simple and safe. First off, make sure the beans are fully cooked because raw or undercooked beans can be tough on your dog’s stomach and might even have some stuff that isn’t great for them. If you’re using dried beans, it’s a good idea to soak them overnight. This reduces the cooking time and makes it easier for your dog to digest. After soaking, rinse them well and cook until they’re soft.

Now, when you’re cooking, skip the salt, spices, onions, garlic, or anything else you’d usually add for flavor—those can be a real problem for your dog’s stomach or even be harmful. Once the beans are cooked and plain, you can mix a little into a portion of beef, chicken, or turkey or add some cooked pumpkin or rice.

A word on canned beans and dogs

Let’s talk about canned beans for a second. While they’re super convenient, they often come loaded with added salt, preservatives, and other ingredients that aren’t great for your dog. Baked beans are a big no-no, too—they usually have added sugar, salt, and even spices that can really upset your dog’s stomach or worse.

If you’re thinking about giving your dog canned beans, always check the label first. Look for ones with no added salt and nothing extra in the ingredients list. Even then, it’s best to rinse them well under cold water to wash away as much sodium as possible before sharing. But honestly, if you can swing it, cooking your own beans from scratch is the safest option for your dog.

How much beans should dogs have?

When it comes to dog food, the basics are what really matters—good protein, healthy fats, and a mix of vitamins and minerals. Dogs don’t actually need much fiber, and giving them too much can lead to issues like gas, bloating, or even diarrhea.

Now, beans do have some protein and fiber, but they should only be a small part of what your dog eats. Since beans are high in fiber, it’s important not to overdo it. A good rule of thumb is that beans shouldn’t make up more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

So, for a small dog, that might mean just a tablespoon or two of cooked beans mixed into their food. For a larger dog, maybe a quarter of a cup. Start slow when adding beans to your dog’s diet, and if you see that your dog is struggling, please don’t give them beans. While beans can be a nice treat in moderation, they definitely shouldn’t replace the main parts of your dog’s diet, like quality meat or regular dog food.

Some popular bean dishes and whether you can share them with your dog

Between soaking them overnight and cooking them for hours, beans are something we usually prepare for ourselves. So, when it’s time to share, we’re probably giving our dogs a small portion of what we made for our own meal. But not all bean dishes are safe for dogs, so let’s go over some popular ones and see if they’re dog-friendly.

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

If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat canned beans, the answer is yes, but you need to be careful. Canned beans can be convenient, but they often contain added salt, preservatives, and sometimes even sugar.

Red bean paste

Now, dogs shouldn’t eat red bean paste as it’s not a good option for them. 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

If you’ve ever wondered if dogs can eat chili beans, the answer is a definite no. 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 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.

Raw beans (including raw black beans and raw lima beans)

If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat raw beans, the answer is definitely no. I won’t get into how dogs might end up eating raw beans, but we all know how unpredictable they can be! Raw beans contain compounds that can be toxic and are really tough for dogs to digest. Do not even play with beans (when they are little), as you don’t want to give them any crazy ideas.

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. There aren’t many studies out there about dogs eating beans, but I’ve made sure to include everything I could find. Plus, I have two certificates in dog nutrition and have been working with my local vets to further my education. When it comes to dog nutrition, trust me, the less complicated you make it, the healthier your dog will be! So stick to an occasional portion of beans and keep it simple.

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 dried beans?

Yes, dogs can eat dried beans, but you need to cook them thoroughly first. Soak the beans overnight to cut down the cooking time, then cook them until they’re nice and soft. Never give your dog dried beans that haven’t been cooked.

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.

Can dogs eat bean juice?

It’s best not to give your dog bean juice, especially from canned beans, since it’s often high in salt and preservatives. Stick to giving your dog plain, cooked beans without the liquid to keep things safe.