They are high in protein, but can dogs eat lentils? Are they safe? Keep reading and learn the answer to this question – and more – about lentils and dogs.
These little round legumes are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, and other vital minerals. People add them to soups or eat them with rice. But can dogs have lentils?
Keep reading and learn about all the aspects of this bean and how they could affect your dog’s health.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating lentils.
Can Dogs Eat Lentils
If you have ever wondered, “can dogs eat lentil beans?” The answer is YES! Lentils are a safe and even healthy legume to add to your dog’s diet.
How much you give your dog and how you prepare the lentils is where this guide will come in handy. Keep reading and I’ll share all the details about lentils for dogs – how healthy they are, how to keep your pet safe, possible side effects, and the best way to prepare them.
Are Lentils Good For Dogs
First, I want to answer a very important question: are lentils healthy for dogs? Yes, lentils by themselves are a healthy food to share with your pet. Just look at the nutrition profile.
In one cup of lentils there are:
- 230 Calories
- 18g Protein
- 16g Fiber
- 40g Carbohydrates
- Iron
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6
As you can see, there are lots of benefits of lentils. The high amount of fiber and protein means that your dog’s blood sugar won’t spike after eating them. The iron and B vitamins are natural sources of energy. The potassium is excellent for your dog’s heart.
Lentils have high levels of folate, which helps your dog’s metabolic functions and producing more red blood cells. It also has other essential nutrients like amino acids for healthy skin and muscles and omega-6 fatty acids for immune function.
There really are so many nutritional benefits of this healthy legume. Their nutritional value makes them an excellent snack or food choice to share with your pet.
Are Lentils Bad For Dogs
The only bad thing about lentils is how much fiber they have. So, can dogs digest lentils? Yes, they can digest them, but it’s a slow process.
Some dogs might experience gastrointestinal issues after eating them. This can mean things like passing gas (a noisy, stinky, and sometimes hilarious side effect) or even diarrhea (not so funny).
I also want to caution you to be careful with how you cook the lentils. I’ll share more about that further below – so scroll down to it to learn about the most popular human food recipes and if it is a good idea or not.
Commercial Dog Food With Lentils
Early reports from the Food and Drug Administration showed they were investigating a possible link between what dogs eat and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Since grain-free dog food contains lentils, many people were concerned that this might be dangerous to feed their pet. Here is what the FDA has said, as of 2020:
FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets. Most of the diets associated with reports of non-hereditary DCM have non-soy legumes and pulses (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.) high in their ingredient lists. However, it is important to note that legumes and pulses have been used in pet foods for many years, with no evidence to indicate they are inherently dangerous.
FDA.Gov
Trypsin Inhibitors
Part of the controversy of grain-free diets for dogs is that they usually contain trypsin inhibitors. This is something that blocks meat protein from being absorbed.
These inhibitors are also called “anti-nutrients” This article by Mercola explains it really well. As you can see, there is a bunch of controversy with feeding dogs a diet high in legumes and low in grains.
You can reduce phytates by soaking the lentils in warm water overnight.
Risk Of Canine Heart Disease
The risk of canine heart disease always comes up as a concern since non-hereditary DCM is a heart issue. The FDA is constantly working with scientific experts in the field of veterinary medicine to pinpoint the cause of this health issue.
Here is another article that goes really in-depth about this health condition. Please talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your dog’s heart health.
In the end, I suggest you do what is best for your pet. Talk to your veterinarian and feed your dog a balanced diet that helps them stay strong and grow up healthy.
Are Lentils Safe For Dogs
Yes, lentils are safe for most dogs. Before you introduce them to your pet’s diet, there is a safe way to start feeding your pet new food. There is no telling how your pup will react to the high fiber content. Thankfully, the worst that might happen is some diarrhea.
If you don’t know how your dog’s body will react to lentils for the first time, give them a little bit and watch for any signs of indigestion – flatulence or diarrhea. If they digested that small amount effectively, give them a little more next time.
It’s a good idea to always ask your veterinarian any questions you have about lentils and your pet – especially if you notice any odd reactions.
Should Dogs Eat Lentils
This is a personal choice. Some dog owners prefer to cook their own homemade food, others prefer to rely on premade options.
Since they are a good source of protein and a great source of iron, this is a safe and healthy treat to make for your pet.
Be careful not to feed your dog large amounts at once. The high fiber content could cause digestive tract issues such as flatulence or diarrhea. If your dog has loose stools, stomach upset, or weight loss after eating lentils, stop feeding them these legumes immediately.
What Kind Of Lentils Can Dogs Eat
There are a bunch of different colors, so let’s look at all of them so you can decide which lentils are good for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Red Lentils
Yes, red lentils have high nutritional content and are a safe option to feed your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Beluga Lentils
Also called black lentils, beluga lentils are popular in South Asia. They are safe to feed your pet.
Can Dogs Have Brown Lentils
Yes, dogs can safely eat brown lentils. They are a great source of protein as an alternative to meat.
Can Dogs Eat Green Lentils
Yes, dogs can safely eat green lentils. Their low sugar content makes them a fantastic choice for diabetic pets.
This is true for another type of green lentils – puy lentils. Dogs can safely eat those as well.
Can Dogs Eat Golden Lentils
What about yellow lentils? These look like corn kernels and have a mild flavor. They are a safe option to share with your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Lentils
Yes, small amounts of raw lentils are safe. There was a study that found that all legumes (including lentils) contain large quantities of lectins. The good news is that in order for your dog to experience negative side effects from these lectins, they would need to eat a HUGE amount of raw lentils.
You can reduce lectins by 200 times if you just cook the lentils. Small or even moderate amounts of raw lentils are safe, but it is even safer to cook them.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Lentils
Now let’s look at all the different ways to cook lentils and how safe they are for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Plain Lentils
Plain lentils are the safest option for your pet. Plain, cooked lentils will give your dog the nutrition without the risk of negative side effects from other seasonings or ingredients.
Can Dogs Have Boiled Lentils
Yes, you can serve your dog boiled lentils. This is a safe option for most dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Lentils
Canned lentils are problematic. Look at the amount of salt in a can of lentils. Dogs should not eat anything that has added salt since they are very sensitive to sodium.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Lentils
No, dogs should not eat fried lentils. The extra saturated fat is very unhealthy for dogs, especially ones that are already struggling with their weight.
Can Dogs Eat Flavored Lentils
This depends on the flavor. Dogs should not eat salted lentils or ones that have garlic or onion.
Can Dogs Eat Steamed Lentils
Yes, dogs can safely eat steamed lentils if they do not have added salt, garlic, or onions.
Can Dogs Have Lentil Soup
Yes, dogs can safely have lentil soup, as long as it does not have any added salt, garlic, or onions. Most types of lentil soup have at least one of these ingredients, so either make it yourself or don’t share it with your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Lentil Chips
Lentil chips are problematic for dogs. If they are fried or salted, then do not give them to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Lentil Flour
Lentil flour is a safe option for dogs but look at the other ingredients that use lentil flour.
Can Dogs Eat Lentil Pasta
Yes, dogs can eat plain lentil pasta. Do not cover it in a high-calorie sauce.
How To Cook Lentils For Dogs
The best way to cook lentils for dogs is to serve them plain. As long as the main ingredients that you use are dog-safe, then you can share them with your pet.
Either steam or boil the lentils and serve them with brown rice for a healthy meal for your dog.
Lentils And Other Types Of Beans
There are lots of other beans that people will serve with lentils. These are the most popular ones and how safe they are for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Beans And Lentils
If you are on a vegan diet, then rest assured that you can share your beans and lentils with your dog. They are a safe option for dogs.
Check out this guide about beans and dogs for more information.
Can Dogs Eat Lentils And Barley
Yes, barley is safe for your dog. Read this guide about dogs and barley for even more details.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas and Lentils
Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas. They are a nutritious option to share with your pet. This guide to chickpeas and dogs gives you a lot more information.
Are Lentils and Peas Bad For Dogs
No, lentils and chickpeas are not bad for dogs. Just make sure you cook them in a dog-safe way.
Can Dogs Eat Lentils and Quinoa
Yes, dogs can eat quinoa. Want to know more? Check out this information on quinoa and dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Lentils and Pulses
Pulses are the edible seeds of legumes. Lentils are a type of pulse. Other types of pulses include peas and chickpeas. Yes, dogs can eat lentils and pulses.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that as long as you give a moderate amount of lentils and prepare them in a dog-safe way, they are a healthy food option to share with your pet. Always ask your veterinarian any questions you have about your dog’s nutrition and health.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more resources about food dogs can eat and ones that are bad for them.
Find lots more articles on food dogs can eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
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