Chickpeas

Renowned for their nutty flavor and versatility in various cuisines, chickpeas or garbanzo beans are a staple in this pantry, especially for use in hummus, salads and Indian dishes. Chickpeas are considered to be an important pulse with a wide range of potential nutritional (and health) benefits.

They are also a nutritious addition to the canine diet: they contain amino acids and antioxidants, nutritionally important unsaturated fats, essential vitamins and minerals and are an excellent source of dietary fibre.

Like other pulses, chickpeas contain antinutrients that can interfere with absorption and consequently should always be cooked. Other methods like soaking, sprouting, boiling or fermenting can also reduce these compounds and enhance nutritional value and digestibility.

Chickpeas should never be fed to your dog raw.

Main nutrients

Protein

Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle development, repair, and overall body maintenance in dogs. This protein helps to support healthy muscle mass and repair tissues, making chickpeas a valuable addition to a dog’s diet.

Fibre

Chickpeas are rich in dietary fibre, which supports optimal digestive health in dogs. The fibre content helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, fibre contributes to weight management by creating a feeling of fullness without adding excess calories.

Vitamins

Chickpeas are a good source of several essential vitamins:

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Supports energy metabolism and nerve function.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Plays a role in brain function, mood regulation, and energy metabolism.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Essential for cellular function and tissue growth.

Minerals

Chickpeas provide important minerals including:

  • Calcium: Supports bone health and muscle function.
  • Iron: Essential for oxygen transport and healthy red blood cell production.
  • Magnesium: Helps with muscle function, nerve transmission, and maintaining strong bones.
  • Potassium: Supports electrolyte balance, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

Antioxidants

Chickpeas contain antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and support overall cellular health. They play a role in protecting cells from damage and supporting a robust immune system.

Low in Fat

Chickpeas are low in fat, which helps in managing weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease and arthritis.

Benefits – Key Takeaways

Supports Digestive Health

Chickpeas are a valuable source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which contribute significantly to gut health. Soluble fibre can aid in regulating blood sugar levels and also provides a prebiotic effect, promoting growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These good bacteria are essential for a healthy gut microbiome, which supports overall digestive function and immune health. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, adds bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements, which helps to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. This means an improved gut health and a more balanced microbiome.

Boosts Energy Levels

The complex carbohydrates found in chickpeas provide a gradual and sustained release of energy. Unlike simple carbohydrates, which can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, complex carbohydrates help to maintain stable glucose levels. This steady energy release is beneficial for active dogs or those engaged in strenuous activities, as it helps to sustain their energy levels throughout the day, enhancing their overall stamina and endurance.

Enhances Skin and Coat Condition

Chickpeas are a source of several essential nutrients that are beneficial for skin and coat health. B vitamins, such as niacin and riboflavin, are vital for maintaining healthy skin and preventing issues like dryness and irritation. Zinc plays a key role in skin repair and regeneration, while essential fatty acids help to maintain skin moisture and coat shine. Together, these nutrients contribute to a healthier skin barrier, reducing the risk of dermatitis and promoting a glossy, well-maintained coat.

Supports Heart Health

Chickpeas contribute to heart health through their low fat content and rich supply of antioxidants. Their low fat content, particularly the absence of saturated fats, helps in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, chickpeas contain antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, which help to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This combined effect helps to protect the heart and cardiovascular system from damage and supports overall cardiovascular health.

Aids in Weight Management

The combination of low fat and high fibre in chickpeas makes them an effective component of a weight management plan for dogs. The dietary fibre not only contributes to a feeling of fullness, reducing the tendency to overeat, but also helps in regulating appetite and controlling calorie intake. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs prone to obesity or those needing to lose weight, as it supports a balanced diet while helping to manage body weight more effectively.

 

All in all, it is understandable that chickpeas can be a healthy addition to canine diets: these pulses are not only nutritious but versatile as they can be sprouted, cooked for use in toppings or ground for use in baking.

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Want to know more? These studies might be useful:

Jukanti AK, Gaur PM, Gowda CL, Chibbar RN. Nutritional quality and health benefits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): a review. Br J Nutr. 2012 Aug;108 Suppl 1:S11-26. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512000797. PMID: 22916806.
Aharon Segev, Hana Badani, Liel Galili, Ran Hovav, Yoram Kapulnik, Ilan Shomer, Shmuel Galili. Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as Affected by Soaking and Cooking Conditions, January 2011 Food and Nutrition Sciences 2(07), January 20112(07), DOI:10.4236/fns.2011.27099
Wallace TC, Murray R, Zelman KM. The Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Hummus. Nutrients. 2016 Nov 29;8(12):766. doi: 10.3390/nu8120766. PMID: 27916819; PMCID: PMC5188421.

Nutritional information:

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), dry 100 g

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain chickpeas as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.