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Yes, pinto beans are safe for dogs. This delicious food lowers your dog’s cholesterol levels, aids in digestion, and provides your dog with lots of energy to stay their happy, healthy self. Although high in protein, pinto beans cannot replace your dog’s meat-based meal.

Pinto Beans
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Safe: This food is generally considered safe by the veterinary community. Dogs can eat this food sometimes or in small amounts but contains little to no nutritional value.

Food Safety Safe in moderation as a snack
Nutritional Value Plant-based protein, magnesium, fiber
Potential Risks Excessive gas, constipation, lectin
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How to Prepare Pinto Beans for Dogs Safely?

When feeding your dog pinto beans, clean them and soak them for a few hours in clean water. Afterward, drain the water and cook the beans for two to three hours in a pot of water to ensure they are completely cooked.

TIP: Mash pinto beans so they become easily digestible for your dog. You can mix cooked pinto beans in your dog’s meal so they develop the taste, or you can offer it as a snack.

Uncooked pinto beans can cause lectin poisoning in dogs.

How Much Pinto Beans Are Safe for Dogs?

Your dog can eat 1 or 2 tablespoons of pinto beans without experiencing any adverse reactions. The safe amount of food is different for every dog and depends on their size. Small dogs can have one or two tablespoons, but bigger dogs can have a little more.

TIP: Mash pinto beans so they become easily digestible for your dog. You can mix cooked pinto beans in your dog’s meal so they develop the taste, or you can offer it as a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, dogs cannot eat raw beans. They are harmful to your dog and can cause lectin poisoning.

  • No, dogs cannot eat canned beans. They are full of sodium which is harmful to dogs and quite unhealthy.

  • If your dog has eaten too much pinto beans, they will pass gas excessively. They may also get constipation and other tummy troubles.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.