Can I give my dog lentils?

Lentils are very healthy for people but what about for the family dog? Sharing this type of legume comes with pros and cons, so you may or may not agree with our answer. In any case, learn more here so you can make up your own mind.

Video: Lentil by Sia (with Lyrics)

Some dogs can and literally will consume almost anything. There are many dangerous foods that need to be withheld from precious pets but the lentil, thankfully, is not one of them. They are generally not harmful for canines.

In fact, this delicious bean offers much in the way of valuable nutrients. So legumes, and lentils in particular, are tempting to feed to your dog due to the health benefits. Sharing is okay, but learn more!

Video: Sia Lentil live with Lyrics

Can I Give My Dog Some Lentils? Answer: Yes

They are a great source of protein, zinc, iron and fiber but your dog could be gassy afterwards.

Video: Dog eating lentils

Probably the most consistent way to incorporate this nutritious legume into your pet’s diet is with a high-quality duck, rice and lentils dog food formula. The Omega 6 & 3 will help keep Fido’s skin and coat looking beautiful. Giving too much pure lentils, while harmless and healthy, may cause mild digestive issues. Certain beans bring on bouts of indigestion, or excessive gas, so be selective. Give your dog healthy foods, such as lentils or chickpeas, but remember that canines also need meat protein to really thrive.

Lentils for Diabetes

This ancient food is a favorite of those who are diabetic because of the starch makeup. If you have a dog with diabetes then consult with your vet on adding lentils into their daily diet. Alternatively, if you are caring for a geriatric, there’s a fantastic grain-free chicken and lentils formula made specifically for older dogs.

Dog Food Supplement

So we’ve established that lentils, and some grains, can make an excellent addition to your dog’s regular meals. You can do this yourself by adding or mixing these beans to their food. It will surely be healthy but this assumes your dog’s stomach will agree. Start out by providing small amounts and observe them closely for signs of any digestive or bowel issues.

Soak Your Legumes

No food is perfect and there are negative aspects to lentils even for humans. Trypsin inhibitors, and somewhat high levels of phytate, are not considered this legume’s best health attributes. The best way to reduce phytates is by soaking lentils in warm water overnight. This is a smart preparation technique that applies to both you and your dog prior to chowing down on lentils!

Lentil Soup Lessons

We do not recommend lentil soup for your dog unless you make it yourself. Store-bought lentil soup is likely to contain preservatives and other ingredients, such as onions, that are questionable for canines. You should always know exactly what you are feeding your dog. This is one of many reasons why cooking at home is far healthier, for any family member, than buying mass produced lentil soup as an example.

Pack on the Protein

While cooked plain lentils can make for a great meal on its own, adding certain foods like vegetables and meat will really liven things up. Keep your dog happy and healthy by incorporating chicken, beef or turkey with lentils. This combination makes sense because it will be loaded up with high levels of protein which your best buddy requires to thrive.

On a per calorie basis, only soybeans contain more protein than lentils. Great for dogs!

Conclusion on Lentils

Yes, you can give your dog lentils. They contain lots of valuable nutrients, particularly protein, and are not toxic for animals. Understand that sharing this human food may increase flatulence, but gastro upset and irregular bowel movements are also possible. So lentils offer health benefits for dogs, but there are also negative factors so don’t overdo it. Small portions, mixed in with regular chow, is a reasonable way to go about providing plain cooked lentils to your beloved pet dog.

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