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Dogs are happy to eat just about anything, and as dog owners, we can often find it difficult to tell them no. Many owners look to find new treats to feed their dogs that are healthy and packed full of minerals, vitamins, fiber and proteins as opposed to feeding them anything. That is exactly why we will be discussing the ins and outs of lima beans in this article.
Lima beans are super healthy for humans but are they a healthy treat that dogs will enjoy, and more importantly, are they beneficial? Let’s find out, shall we?
What are Lima Beans?
Just in case you don’t know what lima beans are, here is a quick guide to get you up to speed. Lima beans, or as they are sometimes called ‘butter beans’ originated from Central America’s tropical fertile valleys. Mayans, and Aztecs first cultivated them, and later Incas. Lima Beans were prized for their high levels of protein. You can buy lima beans fresh, canned, frozen, or even grow them yourself.
If you decide to purchase them fresh, know that they are in season from late summer to early fall. Now while you will want your dog to have a high protein diet, it is important that you feed them in moderation, because lima beans are also full of fiber, and too much fiber can be bad for a dog’s stomach.
Are Lima Beans Safe for your Dog?
Lima beans are part of the legume family. We, as humans, are encouraged to eat around ½ a cup of legumes every week, and they are known to offer many of the same benefits to our dogs as they do to us. Whilst it is perfectly okay to feed your dog lima beans in moderation, we would urge you not to feed them any canned lima beans because you can never be sure what preservatives are in canned lima beans. Look to buy them fresh and prepare them yourself in order to make sure your dog’s digestive system stays healthy.
Dogs tend to be at their healthiest when they enjoy a varied diet, similar to humans. This means feeding a combination of vegetables, fruit, meat, and other food stuff including legumes. Foods like lima beans and chickpeas are becoming increasingly common in good-quality dog food because they will fill without overfeeding.
In terms of serving ideas and suggestions, Buy fresh lima beans, soak them in water overnight, and then boil or cook them. The cooked beans can then be fed directly if your dog likes the buttery taste of the legume, or they can be added directly to a meal in order to provide both additional protein and flavor. They can also be used to make healthy pet-friendly recipes, many of which contain a good range of legumes and other beans.
Perhaps you could blend them, mix them with rice and some meat if you are cooking your dog a tasty homemade meal. Alternatively, offer them up as a snack.
Why feed your dog lima beans?
Of all of the things that I could feed my dog, why lima beans? we hear you asking. To be honest, it is a fair question, but there are three different benefits attached to feeding your dog lima beans, and we think that each of them makes lima beans an attractive option because they stand to greatly benefit your dog’s health.
They are high in fiber: Fibre is an essential part of a dog’s diet. Fiber helps prevent bacteria, especially in the gut, and it also assists the colon in reducing diarrhea and constipation. High-fiber foods like lima beans, which are low in fat, fill your dog up without feeding calories. As such, fiber is not only great for maintaining a healthy weight, but it can be extremely beneficial when your dog is trying to lose weight. This is because they will feel fuller, whilst having only eaten a small amount.
Protein is key – Lima beans also have a decent concentration of protein. Protein is used to maintain and rebuild muscle. If your dog does not get enough protein, they can become lethargic and lazy, and eventually, they will lose muscle tone and strength. This is particularly important for older dogs, who have greater protein requirements. The mix of high fiber and protein is a winning combination for older dogs and helps to keep them healthy.
They are rich in Iron – Iron is key because it helps to maintain and regulate healthy blood flow. Similarly, it ensures that the blood can carry oxygen and nutrients around the body. A good level of iron in a dog’s diet ensures that they can benefit from the other nutrients that you feed them.
How much is too much?
It is always best to introduce new food items to your dog gradually. With butter beans and other legumes, start with a tablespoon for small breeds or two tablespoons for larger dogs. You can always increase or decrease this amount depending on whether they like the lima beans and whether they agree with them.
Feed this amount once a week to promote a healthy, balanced diet. It is worth noting once again that dosage should depend on the size of your dog, larger dogs will be able to eat more.
FAQ’s
Are lima beans harmful to dogs?
Lima beans are not harmful to dogs. Are Lima Beans Good For Dogs? Lima beans are roughly 73% carbs, 3% fats, and 24% protein. As you can see, they are almost completely made up of carbohydrates, with very little fat. However, they also contain a decent amount of protein. They share this with other beans as well.
Are beans good for dogs with diabetes?
Sufficient fiber levels in the diet can help prevent and control diarrhea and constipation and can manage blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic dogs. Adding beans to the diet can help meet the dog’s daily dietary fiber needs and prevent or manage different health problems. Essential vitamins and minerals can also be found in beans.
Are there a lot of carbohydrates in lima beans?
Lima beans are roughly 73% carbs, 3% fats, and 24% protein. As you can see, they are almost completely made up of carbohydrates, with very little fat.
Can dogs eat celery and green beans?
As a rule of thumb, if humans can eat a certain vegetable raw, so can dogs. So, it’s perfectly fine to offer raw celery or green beans, but you must always cook veggies like potatoes and yams. Be sure to always cut the veggies into small, bite-sized pieces in order to reduce the risk of choking.
Can dogs have beans as a treat?
Dogs can have beans as a treat. That means they should never exceed 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Since beans can be high in calories and in carbohydrates, you should not be feeding him many.