What kind of beans can dogs eat?

Red kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a natural lectin that is destroyed by proper boiling. Just a few raw or undercooked beans can cause vomiting and diarrhea in people, and dogs react in a similar way. Slow cookers that never reach a full boil can leave beans undercooked.

Never give dogs dried beans straight from the bag or beans that are still firm in the middle.

Tinned beans are pre-cooked; drain and rinse them to remove salty liquid. Home-cooked dried beans should be soaked, then boiled hard for at least 10 minutes and simmered until completely soft. Plain black beans, pinto, cannellini, borlotti, butter beans and kidney beans prepared this way are fine as a small extra.

Green beans are a separate vegetable and can be given raw or cooked.

Offer one teaspoon of beans to a small dog and one to two tablespoons to a large dog, once or twice a week. Beans are high in fiber and cause gas. Mashing them slightly can help. Cooked beans have around 120 to 140 calories per 100 g.

Baked beans in tomato sauce contain sugar and salt, and some recipes include onion powder. Refried beans often contain lard, garlic and onion. Chili con carne, bean burritos and bean soups are seasoned with onion, garlic and spices. Coffee beans are a completely different thing and are dangerous.

Home cooks sometimes put dried kidney beans straight into a slow cooker. On low settings, the beans may never reach the temperature needed to destroy the lectin, which can make the dish more harmful than raw beans. Boil beans hard first, and never share slow cooker bean dishes with your dog.