Lentils are a common food in the diets of vegetarians and vegans, and these tasty little legumes can be added to a lot of different meals. They are loaded with dietary fiber, iron, and protein, and yes, lentils are good for dogs. There are many foods, including some fruits and vegetables, that we eat that are not healthy for dogs.
Lentils are safe to give to your dogs. In fact, some dog food brands use lentils instead of corn as a filler. The worst side effect your dogs can have from eating lentils is gas or slightly loose stools. There is no danger of them getting sick. However, be careful with giving dogs lentil soup, which may be high in sodium, and can be bad for your dogs.
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Health Benefits of Lentils For Dogs
Lentils are known to be high in starch, which can be a good thing for dogs that have diabetes. Also, lentils are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which assist in breaking down simple sugars.
They are also rich in vitamins, and contain a good amount of protein. Of course, before you introduce any new food into your dogs’ diets, especially if they have diabetes or other health issues, it is best to consult with your vet to make sure that it is going to benefit your dogs.
Dogs Need Protein
Some vegetarians and vegans also convert their dogs’ diets into meatless diets. If you have made the choice to not eat meat, for whatever reason, that is great for you. But, it is not great for your dog.
Dogs are carnivorous creatures, and they need to have meat in their diets. This is one exception you are going to have to make in a meatless household. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t include healthy vegetables in your dogs’ diets, including lentils.
Feeding Lentils To Your Dogs
Before giving lentils to your dogs, it is important to make sure that they are thoroughly cooked. Uncooked, lentils can be difficult for dogs to swallow and digest. Otherwise, your dogs could experience gastrointestinal distress. Never season lentils with anything, including salt, which can be very dangerous for dogs. Your dogs aren’t going to notice if their food isn’t seasoned, and they are better off without it.
When introducing lentils into your dogs’ diets, start out with small amounts until you know if it is going to affect them negatively. The only real side effect will be gas, but that can get pretty unpleasant, for your dogs and for you. It is likely that they will be a bit gassy the first time they eat lentils, but after a while it shouldn’t bother them at all to have them as a treat once in a while.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Lentils in Moderation
If you are trying to add more healthy vegetables to your dogs’ diets, lentils are a healthy and tasty option that most dogs enjoy eating. Just make sure that you feed them lentils in moderation, and if you notice any continued flatulence, it is probably best to eliminate this food from their diets and try something else. If they don’t have any adverse reactions, keep on giving them lentils occasionally.