Beans In Dog Food

We are all looking for budget-saving ideas. Commercial dog food manufacturers are no different, in fact they may be worse when it comes to profit before quality.

Beans, Peas, Legumes have recently been associated with possible heart health issues (Read More). The theory considers that legumes may be preventing the body from assimilating important amino acids that are necessary for a healthy heart.

It’s often heavily debatable whether your dog needs any vegetable, fruit or carbohydrate matter at all. Many nutritional purist believe your dog is a carnivore and should only eat a meat diet (80/10/10 - muscle/organ/bone). But even if you subscribe to the possibility that your dog’s nutrition can benefit from some fruit and veg — beans, peas and legumes would NOT be my choice or recommendation.

Bean Protein In Dog Food

Beans will be a contributing factor your total protein percentage. But they won’t bring with it the fat, calcium and many of the amino acids / essential fatty acids meat would bring to the diet that your dog will need! So again — limit your use.

If you must, for budget-friendly reasons, or you have some leftover after feeding the family — think freshly prepared home-cooked Lentils, pintos, and maybe black beans without garlic, onions, and heavy spices — on occasion — not daily. Most dogs enjoy green beans as a good source of fiber when they are on a diet — or frozen green beans as a treat!

I’d forgo the peas and soybeans.

Raw Beans can be toxic — so make sure you cook them and double-check your choices!