Can Dogs Eat Pinto Beans? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, dogs can eat steamed and unseasoned pinto beans in moderation. These are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, which lowers cholesterol. This also helps the pet to feel saturated, and their digestive system remains healthy. In addition, it is packed with magnesium which further produces vitamin C in dogs.

What Are Pinto Beans?

Pinto Beans are another form of common beans. The cultivation is primarily done in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

Pinto beans are soaked in water for an easier and healthier way of cooking. It is either eaten as broth, mashed, or whole. Pinto beans are delicious and high in nutrient content. 

Are Pinto Beans Safe for Dogs?

Yes, pinto beans are safe for dogs to consume. However, while feeding pinto beans to your dog, you must be careful about certain things which might be toxic for dogs. They are:

• Raw pinto beans: Do not feed your dog raw pinto beans. It contains Phytohemagglutinin. This compound, in large numbers, is toxic to dogs causing diarrhea, vomiting, digestive issues. 
• Seasoned pinto beans: While cooking pinto beans for your dog, you should not use any seasoning. Garlic, onions, too much salt, and other herbs like paprika are strictly prohibited for dogs. Seasoning can cause gastrointestinal issues. 
• Canned pinto beans: Canned pinto beans are packed with a high amount of sodium, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and preservatives. These are toxic to dogs and severely damage organs. 

Why Are Pinto Beans Good for Dogs?

Pinto beans are suitable for dogs in various ways. It is packed with health benefits for dogs, which include:

• Lower fat and cholesterol levels: Pinto beans help prevent cardiovascular disease and weight issues by keeping the cholesterol and fat levels low in dogs. 

• Fights oxidative damage: Free radicals which cause oxidative damage in a dog’s body are prevented due to the presence of antioxidants in pinto beans. 

• Helps in digestion: Pinto beans are packed with dietary fiber, which keeps the digestion unharmed. It improves bowel movement and keeps away constipation in dogs. In addition, the fiber helps in keeping the heart and overall gut health. It contains 15 grams of fiber in 1 cup of beans. 

• Boosts dogs’ brain function: Pinto beans are packed with folate and choline, which helps in the proper functioning of the brain. 

• Source of energy: Pinto beans contain protein which helps the dog to be energetic, keeps the immune system proper. It also keeps the skin and coats healthy. In addition, the protein in pinto beans helps the muscles to be stronger. Pinto beans contain 15 grams of protein in 1 cup beans. 

Why Are Pinto Beans Bad for Dogs?

Although pinto beans are safe for dogs, there are adverse effects if consumed regularly. The downsides of pinto beans are:

• Induces gas: Consuming pinto beans can produce gas in dogs. This is because the external layer of pinto beans contains extra carbohydrates, also known as oligosaccharides. This is hard for dogs to digest and produces gas. 

• Calories: Pinto beans are packed with calories which is problematic for dogs. The calories induce weight gain, which leads to obesity in dogs. If your dog is inactive, then regularly feeding pinto beans is not recommended. 

• Cramping and constipation:  Fiber improves dogs’ bowel movement; still, too much fiber leads to constipation. An excessive amount of fiber slows down the bowel movement to the extent that dogs face cramping. 

How Much Pinto Beans to Feed Your Dog?

Pinto beans are safe for dogs in moderation. For example, 2-3 tablespoons every alternate day is acceptable for your dog. 

What If My Dog Ate Pinto Beans?

Consuming pinto beans in a humongous amount is problematic for dogs. But the genuine concern about pinto beans is whether your dog has consumed seasoned pinto beans or raw pinto beans! If so, you will have to wait for the symptoms to show up. 

If your dog consumed seasoned pinto beans, the consequences he will face are:

• Salt poisoning
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Abdominal pain
• Digestion issues

If your dog consumed raw pinto beans, the consequences he will face are:

• Choking hazard
• Obstruction in the intestinal tract 
• Breathing issues
• Panting
• Whining

Provide your dog enough water. This will help his stomach to ease.

Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately after he shows these symptoms. The doctor will examine your dog’s condition and treat him accordingly. 

Keep seasoned and raw pinto beans out of your dog’s reach. 

How to Serve Pinto Beans to My Dog?

Firstly, wash the beans 2 to 3 times thoroughly. Next, add the pinto beans with water and steam them until soft. Finally, take the pinto beans out and mash them properly to avoid any bean chunks, or cut the pinto beans into small pieces. 

Serve it to your dog after it comes to room temperature.

Also, mix the boiled pinto beans with grains such as brown rice that makes a healthy homemade protein meal for your dog. Then, provide the food as a snack in smaller quantities. 

Types of Beans Your Dog Can Consume

There are several other types of beans that your dog can readily consume in moderation. You should not feed your dog seasoned and raw beans. Let us look at the types of beans your dog can consume:

• Kidney beans
• Chickpeas or Garbanzo beans
• Edamame
• Lima beans
• Bean sprouts (in moderation)
• Green beans or String beans
• Navy beans
• Black beans
• Butter beans

Types of Beans Your Dog Should Never Consume

Several beans are harmful to your dog, which includes:

• Coffee beans
• Canned beans
• Refried beans
• Fava beans or Broad beans
• Chili beans
• Baked beans

Conclusion

Dogs can eat anything and everything. However, you would prefer to keep your pet healthy and so follow a diet chart. Pinto bean is one such healthy food that can be added to your dog’s diet. All you need to remember is, the pinto beans should not be raw or seasoned. They can result in health issues like diarrhea, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal issues, bloating, gas, and a lot more. Whereas steamed pinto beans help improve the immune system, coat condition et cetera. 2 to 3 tablespoons every alternative day is acceptable for your dog. Do not feed pinto daily, as it might adversely affect your dogs.