Can Dogs Eat Refried Beans? Facts & Safety Guide

There are more than 19,000 various kinds of legumes, with some of them being safe for your pup to eat and others that should be avoided. Where do refried beans end up in these two categories?

Can Dogs Eat Refried Beans?

Dogs should not eat refried beans. They are not suitable for pups and are difficult for their digestive systems to digest. Not only that, but refried beans are also one of the most processed kinds of beans that you can purchase. The preservatives in the food are especially bad for pups and can be so harmful, that they are generally considered poisonous for dogs.

Read on for a more detailed breakdown of the possible health effects of refried beans on dogs, as well as the varieties of beans that dogs can eat if you still want to add legumes to their diets.

Are Refried Beans Safe for a Dog to Eat?

Refried beans are not safe for dogs to eat. Although most people believe that refried beans are just beans mashed into a paste, there is more going on inside that can. They typically contain various spices to give them extra kicks of flavor, most of which are not beneficial to your dog’s health.

These ingredients can include garlic, canola oil, chili powder, and cumin. In other words, think of the spices that you would find in tacos (which are also bad for dogs).

Even the sodium in refried beans is unhealthy because dogs do not require much sodium in their diet. Too much of it can cause issues with their digestive and urinary systems.

Spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder are all detrimental to a dog’s health. They range from poisonous to toxic and are difficult for dogs to digest. If your dog got ahold of any of these, whether in or outside of a can of refried beans, watch out for symptoms, including vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

There is no age of dog, from puppy to senior, that can eat refried beans without consequences. Any baked beans should be avoided, especially those that contain any onion mixed in.

Types of Beans That Your Dog Can Eat

Although you should actively avoid feeding your pup refried beans, there are a few types of beans that you can safely add to your dog’s diet. These legumes can be useful if you are feeding them a raw diet or as part of homemade treats and meals. Legumes add a healthy source of carbohydrates if you want to avoid grains. They also tend to be full of vitamins, boosting the day’s nutritional intake without a high-calorie exchange.

Legumes that are safe to give a dog include:

Lentils are often used in processed dog food as a replacement for grains, and dogs often enjoy the texture. Whatever bean you decide to use from this safe list, you should avoid seasoning it or adding any vegetables that you are not sure are safe for your pup.

Also, keep in mind that everything should be served in moderation. Just because a bean is on the safe list doesn’t mean that your dog should be allowed to eat through mountains of them.

Beans, when over-served, can cause digestive issues and excessive flatulence. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or already struggles with flatulence, it might be better to avoid beans in their diet entirely.

Beans Dogs Should Avoid

Beyond the odd can of refried beans that you use, there are a few other beans that should be entirely avoided. Some beans contain chemical components that can be toxic to dogs or include too many preservatives and additives.

These beans include:

Suppose your dog ate beans without you feeding them the beans purposefully. Watch out for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If they seem to be in any pain, they should be taken to a vet. If they eat coffee beans or raw red kidney beans, take them to the vet right away, especially if you are unsure of the quantity that they ingested. These beans can cause neurological damage and increase the toxin levels in your pup’s body.

If you want to add refried beans to your dog’s diet, think again. Avoid any kind of bean that comes preserved in a can or that could include seasonings and extra vegetables.

If it is taco night at home for the rest of the family, then treat your dog to something better, like a meal with lentils.

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