Ever wonder whether or not dogs can eat chickpeas? There are a lot of human foods that are perfectly safe to share with dogs, but understanding their ingredients is important to do so safely. We’ve rounded up the inside info on sharing

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

The short answer is yes — dogs can eat chickpeas! Like a lot of veggies, feeding chickpeas to your dog is perfectly safe as long as they haven’t been altered or added to. Plain chickpeas with no additional ingredients or seasonings, cooked or roasted, are perfectly safe for dogs.

When it comes to canned chickpeas with your dog, be sure to check the nutrition label. Canned items like chickpeas often contain high sodium levels (added salt), preservatives, or other flavorings that could become a potential problem for your pooch. If you’re going to use canned chickpeas as a treat for your dog or an ingredient in their food, make sure they’ve only been soaked in water.

While perfectly safe when cooked, avoid sharing raw chickpeas or dried chickpeas with your furry friend as they can pose a choking hazard.

What Are Chickpeas?

Sometimes called garbanzo beans, chickpeas are neither a bean nor a pea. They’re actually a type of legume in the same family as lentils, soybeans, and even peanuts.

There are two main varieties of chickpeas. The first type is Kabuli, which is the most popular type of chickpea in the U.S. It’s full of fiber and a great source of protein. The second is desi-style chickpeas, more popular in countries in the Middle East and India.

The beloved hummus dip is made of ground chickpeas. They can also be seasoned and roasted for a crispy snack, served as a tasty topper for a salad, or added to soups to make them extra hearty.

Are Chickpeas Good For Dogs?

In moderation, yes chickpeas are good for dogs! Of course, too much of a good thing could lead to obesity. In their natural form (without being highly processed or having other ingredients added to them) plain chickpeas can be a great source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and tons of other benefits in your dog’s diet.

Chickpeas and other legumes have become a popular, healthy alternative to grain fillers in commercial dog food. It’s important to remember that while full of lots of good nutrients, chickpeas don’t contain all the essential amino acids and aren’t a complete replacement for animal protein.

Next time you’re buying pet food, check to see if chickpeas are listed as a healthy ingredient along with other essential nutrients your dog needs.

How Many Chickpeas Can Dogs Eat?

It’s important that any chickpeas you share with your dog be in moderation, be plain and unprocessed, and free of any added seasonings or preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

While chickpeas are a great source of protein and other nutrients, the high fiber content in chickpeas means that dogs who consume too many might be at risk for digestive issues like upset stomach, excess gas, or diarrhea.

Health Benefits of Chickpeas For Dogs

There are many benefits of chickpeas in moderation for dogs. They contain vitamins and minerals important for supporting your dog’s health. They contain protein to support muscle health, and iron, which helps deliver oxygen to their entire system.

Chickpeas also have a high fiber content. This promotes healthy digestion in dogs (and in people!), making for easier bowel movements and fewer digestive challenges like constipation and bloating.

Other healthy parts of chickpeas are magnesium and folate (folic acid) which boosts energy and metabolism, and selenium, which works as an antioxidant. Chickpeas also contain choline, which assists with brain and nervous system function. The fiber in chickpeas is also helpful in preventing blood sugar levels from rising too quickly in dogs with diabetes.

Chickpeas are also high in vitamin B which supports your dog’s digestive system and cognitive functioning, as well as potassium which is necessary for your dog’s nerve function. They are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C as well, which support vision, bone growth, metabolism, and digestion.

Is Hummus Safe For Dogs?

As we mentioned, chickpeas in their pure form (without any additives) are safe for dogs. Store-bought hummus can be a little more tricky. Even in small amounts, hummus you find at the grocery store often contains traces of things like lemon juice, which contains high amounts of citric acid and is toxic to dogs. It also includes garlic, which contains thiosulfate, a compound safe for humans but also toxic to dogs.

If you want to share chickpeas with your dog in the form of a spread like hummus, it’s best to make your own hummus at home so you can be sure the ingredients are 100% safe.

Try This DIY Chickpea Dog Treat Recipe!

For dog owners who want to spoil their furry friend with some homemade treats, these DIY dog treats made with chickpeas are grain-free and full of nutrients to support your pup’s health (and treats to support their happiness).

Gluten-Free Chickpea Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chickpea flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 2 tablespoons hemp seed or flax seed
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter, for flavor

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and gather two mixing bowls, measuring cups, and your ingredients. In one of the bowls combine the chickpea flour and hemp seed or flax seed. Sift together with a stirring spoon.

In the other bowl, mash the bananas and add the peanut butter and eggs. Mix with a fork until the ingredients are well combined, creating a moist dough consistency.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing as you go. It should be relatively firm once you’re through, like the consistency of playdough.

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper before you start to handle the dough. Place a lump of dough on the baking sheet and cover with another piece of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough until it’s about half an inch thick.

Remove the top layer of parchment paper. Cut your desired dog treat shapes from the dough using cookie cutters, or form them however you like using your hands. Just be sure to maintain roughly the same thickness throughout the treats so they bake evenly.

Remove the excess dough around the already-formed treats, and place them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through. Once baked, cool the treats on a cool rack for 1-2 hours. Store your homemade chickpea dog treats in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to three months.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.