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The joy of having one of these adorable creatures is second to none. It is no wonder we refer to dogs as man’s best friend. Taking them for long walks and merely watching them eat can be somewhat soothing and therapeutic, and not just for your puppy.
Consequently, one cannot overemphasize the importance of caring for your little friend’s health. It is a no-brainer that what you feed your hound contributes hugely to its health. After all, you are what you take in. The same goes for your pet!
What Are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas, also commonly known as Garbanzo Beans, are a round-shaped type of legume. This legume originated from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. In addition to the richness in taste, it is well known for its high nutritional value.
It would delight you to learn that these tasty peas provide about 20% of our daily protein needs for humans. And that is only a portion of the nutrients it contains.
Chickpeas are highly recommended for their medicinal benefits. Besides being the source of a lot of nutrients, it aids in some disease prevention.
Are Chickpeas Good for Dogs?
Chickpeas are suitable for dogs. It must be relieving to know that your little buddy also has much to gain from this nutrient-packed gift of nature.
However, like with everything else, too many chickpeas could adversely affect your pup. Even though this meal contains a lot of nutrients needed for your pup’s health, you must only dish it out in moderation.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas for Dogs
You must be wondering what chickpeas do for your pet. As with humans, chickpeas contain a lot of nutritional content essential for a dog’s diet. Have a look at some of these health benefits;
1. Source of Protein
Chickpeas provide a healthy dose of protein for your dog. This protein is especially needed for muscle development and enables the dog’s body to function well.
2. Disease-fighting Components
Chickpeas have low sodium content and possess adequate vitamins, potassium, and other substances that are disease-fighting agents. These substances are vital in controlling blood pressure, terminating cancerous cells, improving heart health, developing healthy bones, and boosting the immune system.
3. Aids in Weight Control
Chickpeas contain fiber, which has a filling effect on dogs. As such, it is an effective means of weight management and helps prevent obesity in your pup.
4. Prevents Constipation
The fiber contained in chickpeas also helps in bowel movements. As such, it prevents constipation in dogs. However, it is noteworthy that taking large quantities could result in diarrhea.
5. Healthy Treat
Chickpeas could be a healthy treat to reward your pet during training or for doing something good. Your pet would perform better and look forward to this tasty and healthy treat.
Risks of Serving Chickpeas as Dog Food
Although chickpeas are pretty beneficial, it also has some downsides in being used as food for dogs. Some of these adverse effects are below;
- As mentioned earlier, chickpeas could cause diarrhea if consumed excessively due to their high fiber content.
- There is also the risk of bloating caused by too many chickpeas.
- Processed chickpeas (like hummus) contain too much unnecessary seasoning, which could harm your dog. Also, most industries preserve these processed chickpeas with salt water, which is unsuitable for your dog’s consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat hummus?
No, feeding your dog with hummus is not advisable, as it contains a lot of seasonings like onions, garlic, and lemon, which are very toxic for your dog.
How can I prepare chickpeas for my dogs?
The best way to prepare chickpeas for your dog is to soak the raw peas overnight, then boil them. Be sure to do so without adding any seasoning.
If you wish to use canned chickpeas, ensure that you thoroughly rinse off their sodium or sugar preservatives. You do not need to boil the peas again. Also, check the ingredients in the canned peas to confirm that it does not contain any ingredient that could be toxic to your pup.
What food can I mix with chickpeas for dogs?
You can decide to make your puppy’s food colorful by mixing it with some other food items. Adding rice, carrots, and chicken would form a healthy mix for your puppy.