There are many foods that humans eat that are perfectly safe and healthy for dogs. And chickpeas are one of those foods. In fact, veterinarians often recommend that dogs eat chickpeas because they contain a number of health benefits for pets. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas make a great option if you’re looking for a snack that’s both good and tasty for your dogs.
However, you should be careful with different kinds of chickpeas and preparations. For example, dogs may or may not be able to eat hummus depending on whether it contains certain ingredients and spices. Below, we will discuss why chickpeas are good for dogs as well as the different types that are safe for canines!
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Health Benefits of Chickpeas For Dogs
Chickpeas contain protein and fiber, which are both very healthy for dogs. Because they’re rich in fiber, chickpeas can help dogs that are suffering from constipation by keeping their digestive tracts moving. In addition, dogs need a lot of protein in their diets in order to be healthy and active, and they aren’t always getting enough from regular dog food.
Supplementing your pet’s diet with chickpeas is a great way of making sure your dogs get enough protein without giving them other treats or snacks that may be filled with ingredients that aren’t very healthy.
What Kinds of Chickpeas Are Safe For Dogs?
At the store, you’ll often find both canned and dried chickpeas. If you choose to give your dog the dried variety, you should soak them in water and cook them. Unfortunately, uncooked, dried chickpeas are tough for dogs (and humans) to digest. Canned chickpeas may be safe for your dogs depending on the amount of salt and extra ingredients like preservatives.
To be safe, we don’t recommend giving your dog canned foods as they often have very high levels of salt. However, if you’re going to them to your dog anyways, you should at least drain them and soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to remove as much salt as possible.
There are also roasted chickpea snacks that you might find at the store. These are often heavily seasoned with salt, and they may also contain onion and garlic, both of which are highly toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
Hummus is a popular treat that many of us enjoy, but is it safe for dogs to eat hummus? While hummus is healthy for humans, it isn’t necessarily a healthy treat for dogs. Hummus that’s found in stores is usually seasoned with ingredients, like garlic and salt, that are unhealthy and even toxic for dogs.
That’s why it’s best to avoid giving them commercially prepared hummus. However, if you make your own hummus at home, you can give some to your dog as long as it’s unseasoned.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Cooked Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a healthy snack to give to your dog every once in a while, as long as they aren’t seasoned. The best way to give this treat to your dog is to roast the chickpeas in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown in color.
Let the roasted chickpeas cool, and then you can give them to your dog. For easier eating and digestion, mash the chickpeas together into a paste as if you were making hummus. If you’re feeling creative, you can even stir the mashed chickpeas in with their regular dog food!