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Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

By Colleen Williams
published: July 13, 2018 - updated: May 25, 2021 • 2 min. read
bowl of chickpeas garbanzo beans

Table of Contents

Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas.

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, chickpeas are safe for dogs as long as they are cooked plainly. 
  • Chickpeas contain protein, magnesium, folate, potassium, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C and are often found in natural brands of commercial dog food.
  • Never give dogs chickpeas that have been spiced with onion or garlic or canned chickpeas, which may have a high sodium content.

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are among the beans that are safe for dogs, as long as they are cooked plainly.

Garbanzo beans are often found in natural brands of dog food, and some homemade recipes of dogfood call on the mighty chickpea. Some benefits include:

  • Alongside other dog-friendly beans (black beans and soybeans), garbanzo beans are considered to be a rich source of protein, potassium, magnesium, and folate, essentials for cell recovery and good health.
  • Chickpeas help regulate blood sugar, support eye health (thanks to Vitamin A), and the immune system (hat tip to Vitamins B and C).
  • Chock full of fiber, they can also aid in doggy digestion, however too much can lead to excess gas.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make an afternoon treat of “Puppy Hummus”- a quick mashed serving of plain chickpeas. Serve with a few carrot sticks (also safe for dogs) and your pup is living it up!

Chickpea cautions for dogs

Do not, under any circumstances, give your dog chickpeas with onion or garlic, and avoid giving them hummus because it can be processed with ingredients that are toxic to dogs like garlic and lemon juice.

If you decide to try feeding chickpeas to your dog, be sure to avoid the canned version – they contain a lot of sodium your pup just doesn’t need.

Curious about what is okay and not okay for your dog to eat? Check out our comprehensive guide on what human foods are safe and not safe for dogs

colleen williams
By Colleen Williams

Over the past decade, Colleen has written about health, wellness, beauty, and even pets for The New York Times, The Cut, Refinery29, xoVain, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, and Seattle Met Magazine, as well as many beauty brands. She has a BFA in Art History from the University of New Mexico and an AAS in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design in New York.

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