Can dogs eat chickpeas Can dogs eat chickpeas

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?

Read time: 3 mins

20 Jul 2023

Yes, dogs can eat chickpeas in controlled quantities. 

Are Chickpeas Good for Dogs?

Chickpeas are indeed good for dogs, but how?

Packed with protein

Chickpeas are a plant based source of protein, packing roughly 19g of protein per 100g. A great alternative for dogs who may have sensitivities to animal-based proteins.

Full of fibre

Firm poops only please. With 12g of fibre per 100g, chickpeas are a way to make sure that everything is working as normal.

Low in fat

Chickpeas are relatively low in fat, making them a pawfect option for dogs trying to watch their waistline. They’re also ideal for pups with certain health conditions that require low-fat diets, such as pancreatitis.

Are Dogs Allergic to Chickpeas?

It is not common for dogs to be allergic to chickpeas. However, like us humans every dog is different. Some signs of intolerance to look out for include:


  • Itching around the face, paws and ears
  • Red and irritated skin
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Swollen skin

If you suspect that your dog may have had a reaction to chickpeas, monitor their behaviour and contact your vet immediately if symptoms worsen. Butternut Box customers also have free, 24/7 access to our vet nurse helpline.

Why Do Dogs Like Chickpeas?

In our experience, we’ve only ever witnessed sheer delight from dogs when they’ve been offered a chickpea. But why? What makes them so delectable in the eyes of our pooches?

Taste

The mild but nutty flavour of chickpeas makes them the perfect snack for pooches. 

Variety

Natural curiosity is guaranteed to take over when chickpeas are in the scene. Most dogs love to try new things and whilst a lot of things aren’t good for them, chickpeas have the seal of approval.

Texture

Chickpeas are easy to chew, but come with a slight crunch, making them a satisfying snack for pups.

How Do You Cook Chickpeas for Dogs?

Before giving your dog chickpeas, you must first ensure that they are prepared safely.

Choose dried or tinned chickpeas

Chickpeas in tins or jars are the most convenient option, but unfortunately they sometimes contain a lot of added salt. Be sure to check the packaging before purchasing. Alternatively, you can soak dry chickpeas overnight (for at least 6-8 hours).

Cook thoroughly

Undercooked chickpeas are hard to digest and can be really harmful to dogs, causing nasty symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea. Make sure that chickpeas are cooked until they are soft and tender before serving them to your pup. 

Avoid adding any flavourings or seasoning

Things like salt, pepper, oil and spices should all be avoided. Chickpeas should be served to dogs cooked and plain.

Mash if necessary

For some older pooches, mashing chickpeas will make it easier for them to chew and digest, especially if they have dental issues. Chickpeas can also pose a choking hazard to toy and some small breeds, so it’s best to serve them mashed up.

Chickpeas in Butternut Box Meals

At Butternut Box, we include chickpeas in a lot of our meals, such as Ready Steady Veggie and Salmon To Love.


We only use the best-quality ingredients in our meals. As well as 60% human-grade meat, vegetables form the basis for our recipes, alongside things like lentils and pearl barley. Because we believe dogs deserve better.


You don’t have to worry about guesswork either, we use the perfect balance of ingredients in our meals to ensure that they are nutritionally-complete, providing your dog with all the nutrients that they need to thrive.


At sign up, we will ask you a few questions about your dog, such as their breed, age and activity level. This will help us to calculate exactly how many calories they need, as well as the flavours that would best suit their preferences and lifestyle.


Click the Build Your Box button below to get an exact price and plan.