Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

The short answer: Yes, but in moderation.

The long answer: A type of legume, chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans. They are round in shape, and usually found in colours such as beige, green, red, and black. Chickpeas are packed with fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium. They can aid with your dog’s bones, heart, and digestion. The fiber content will help your dog feel full longer than usual, but too much of the legume might cause flatulence.

How to feed chickpeas to your dog: Cook chickpea without any seasonings. For dried chickpeas, place them in a large bowl or pot filled with water. Soak them for several hours or overnight. Do not serve him raw chickpeas or canned chickpeas. The latter usually contain high amounts of salt and preservatives.

On a related note: Though the main ingredient of hummus is mashed chickpea, your pooch should not be allowed to consume it. The other ingredients mixed in such as garlic and lemon are toxic for canines.

Here are three ideas for chickpea treats your dog will love:

Use chickpea flour as replacement in dog treat recipes.
Mash the chickpeas and serve them over his meal.
Bake grain-free chickpea dog treats. Perfect for dogs with allergies!

In summary: Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, and other nutrients that will benefit your dog. However, they should not be used as replacement for his main protein source. Chickpeas can be enjoyed by your dog moderately and occasionally, so that he does not end up becoming gassy, bloated, or suffer from abdominal cramping. Aside from feeding him chickpeas, discover which other ingredients dogs can safely eat in our “can dogs eat” category.