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Kidney beans are also low in fat and can help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels thanks to the antioxidants in them. These antioxidants also help to fight cancer, so they’re a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Meanwhile, the high fibre and protein in beans make them a filling food despite being low in fat. Adding some beans and other vegetables to your dog’s diet could help them to feel fuller for longer and contribute towards weight loss.
In fact, there’s even been a fad diet for dogs that uses green beans to promote weight loss (which we do not recommend following). It replaces a large proportion of a dog’s kibble with beans. The weight loss does not come from the inclusion of lots of beans though. Instead, weight loss begins with the reduction of kibble because dry dog biscuits are packed with sugar and carbohydrates which make a dog prone toweight problems, amongst othercommon illnesses.
If you’re worried about your dog’s weight you should talk to your vet to develop an appropriate treatment plan which will include increasing your dog’s exercise levels and potentially switching your dog toa healthier diet made with fresh ingredients.
Despite the nutritional benefits kidney beans provide, you must feed them to your dog in moderation as they can make your pooch sick if overfed.
CAN DOGS EAT COOKED KIDNEY BEANS?
Dogs must only eat cooked kidney beans. This is because raw kidney beans have high levels of Lectin which will cause severe gastrointestinal upset both in humans and dogs if eaten.
By the time kidney beans are cooked enough to be edible, the Lectin levels have been reduced and the beans are perfectly safe for consumption.
How should beans for dogs be prepared?
“Beans have to be prepared the way they would be for people,” explains Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey. Beans already contain a lot of fiber, but uncooked they are almost indigestible. Dogs can have beans or legumes that have been soaked first and then cooked. This helps your dog digest them and may help reduce flatulence. (Beans may still give your dog some gas!)