Can Dogs Eat Pinto Beans?

Finding the right balance in the diet is key for your dog’s long-term health. The good news is that there is no shortage of food options you can implement into their diet to achieve just that. Beans are a popular choice, but can dogs eat pinto beans?

The good news is that pinto beans are not only safe for dogs to eat but quite versatile as well. Humans tend to eat them in chilis, burritos, soups, and more. Let’s learn more about how they can be beneficial to your pup.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Pinto Beans?

The good news is that, in small amounts, your dog can eat pinto beans. They have a ton of essential vitamins and nutrients, protein and fiber the most prevalent among them.

There are a few ways in which you can prepare your beans, so always make sure to cook them first. There are other ingredients that are safe for dogs that you can add to make them a mouth-watering treat for your pup.

Limit How Much You Give Your Dog

Though pinto beans can be beneficial to your dog’s diet, they can be detrimental if given too frequently. For that reason, they should be given as an infrequent snack, not a consistent addition to meal time.

In general, pinto beans should be around 10% of their overall weekly diet, and that is high-end. Going a little less than that can be a safe way to play it while also still introducing the various health benefits that they offer.

Pinto beans, even mixed with rice, are not meant to be a meal replacement. Some of the better dog foods out there should already be packed with the necessary daily protein requirements for your dog.

The Benefits of Pinto Beans for Dogs

If you have been wondering, “can dogs have pinto beans,” there is good news. Not only can they have them when cooked, but pinto beans pack a nutritional punch that few other foods can¹.

As a matter of fact, there are a number of major benefits that your dog can appreciate. Keeping them healthy, happy, and fit is your main goal. Pinto beans can help you to achieve those goals.

Pinto Beans Aid in Digestion

Digestion is a critical part of your dog’s overall health. When they consume foods that are detrimental to their digestive health, it can cause any number of problems to arise.

Thankfully, just implementing cooked pinto beans in half-cup portions can be a great source of fiber. Regular fiber is a great way to not only improve their bowel movements but help prevent constipation.

Fiber also produces fatty acids, which can help to prevent any bad bacteria from becoming an issue in their stomachs. Fatty acids play an important part in the digestive health of dogs, and pinto beans can provide just that.

Keeps Cholesterol Low

There are a few common health concerns shared by both humans and dogs. Cholesterol is one of those things. Cholesterol levels higher than normal can lead to health problems like hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and more.

Pinto beans are low in fat, keeping their cholesterol under control. Giving them fatty meals can cause their cholesterol levels to rise, eventually leading to longer periods where those fat levels remain high.

For dogs that need to lose weight, pinto beans can make for a great addition. It is a healthy, delicious snack that your dog will appreciate. More importantly, it will give them the protein and fiber needed to feel fuller while still getting all of their essential nutrients.

Full of Energy

Some breeds are more energetic than others. Being able to provide them with the right nutrition to maintain those levels is critical. Just a half-cup of unsalted, cooked pinto beans can provide up to 8 grams of protein.

Protein is necessary for not only helping a dog’s immune system but giving them the kind of energy that they need to remain active during the day. Protein can also help them form new skill cells, repair tissues and muscles, grow new hair, and more.

For more active breeds, higher protein content is necessary. Just be careful not to give them too many pinto beans as there are negative impacts from that.

The Downsides of Pinto Beans

Like just about anything else in life, pinto beans do have a downside to them. So long as they are given in moderation, they are capable of providing a healthy boost to your dog’s diet.

When given too often, there are a number of downsides to consider. Knowing how to properly manage the pinto bean content of your dog’s diet is necessary for their long-term health.

Potential Constipation

Pinto beans are full of fiber, as covered. Though that fiber is essential for proper bowel movements and digestion, too much of it can cause problems. Most notably, it can lead to constipation in dogs².

There are some noticeable signs of constipation. Obvious discomfort, hard stool, blood stool, a lack of stool, or even mucus can become apparent in the stool.

In large or regular amounts, pinto beans can cause constipation in dogs. That is because there is not only soluble fiber but insoluble fiber as well. The latter needs water in order to effectively move through your digestive system.

It Can Make Them Gassy

If you have ever been around a dog with gas, it is a less than pleasant experience. The more they fart, the worse the situation can be. In large quantities, pinto beans can turn your dog into a flatulence machine.

Pinto beans have an ingredient known as raffinose. Raffinose is a carbohydrate that can give your dog trouble when digesting. The greater the amount, the more difficult it is to digest. When they have difficulty digesting it, it comes out as flatulence.

The signs and symptoms are pretty apparent, too. Your dog will not only have a lot of gas, but it will have serious discomfort in its abdomen as well. You may even hear a bit of rumbling as well.

Expert Insights From Spot

While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Spot's internal data shows that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, highlighting the importance of caution and research before sharing snacks with your pet.

Before Giving Your Dog Pinto Beans

Should the benefits of pinto beans sound like they are worth a try, there are two things to do. The first is to consult your vet. They will be the best option to advise on potential dietary changes.

The second is that you should always start with small portions. Give them a little and see how they respond. If there are no signs of discomfort, you can move forward to somewhat regular implementations.

Final Thoughts

Beans can be a great source of fiber and protein, both essentials in the diet of any dog. Making sure that you are meeting the dietary demands of your dog is important, and pinto beans can help you achieve that goal. Which beans can your dog eat? Pinto beans are a fine option, but what if you want to try other things? The good news is that dogs can have garbanzo beans, lima beans, black beans, black-eyed beans, green beans, and more.