The benefits of sprouting

If you aren’t convinced of the benefits of sprouting, please read Sprouting is Worth It!  Sprouting really is the epitome of minimum effort, maximum return.

Black beans

Black beans (or black turtle beans) are nutritional powerhouses with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties[1] and much more besides. And they are as good for dogs as they are for humans: good for digestive health, weight management, heart health, immune system support, muscle development and even energy levels. However, they can be difficult for dogs to digest and studies have shown that accessibility can be low.

Sprouting, or germination, is a very easy process that makes food more digestible. Soaking reduces the phytic acid that interferes with mineral absorption and is a barrier to enzyme activity. And germinating seeds contain many more bioactive phytochemicals than the adult plant (although some figures you’ll see online might – just possibly – be exaggerated!). Studies have even demonstrated the effect of cooking processes and sprouting on the bioavailability of iron and zinc in beans.[2] Last but not least, sprouting reduces the cooking time required.

Method

So, here’s what to do to add this cheap and nourishing ingredient to your dog’s diet (and your own).

First, we are working with dried beans rather than canned, which won’t work for sprouting and which aren’t recommended for dogs anyway because of potential flavourings and preservatives. By preference, I try and source organic beans. Put the desired amount of dried black beans in a jar. Start off with two or three tablespoons for your first attempt; once you have an idea of how many sprouts this will produce, you’ll know how many you need in your next batch.

Screw the lid on firmly. Add water, rinse the seeds and drain. Refill, this time allowing the seeds to soak in the water for approximately 12 hours. This starts the sprouting process.

Soaking black turtle beans, sprouting process day one

Soaking black turtle beans, sprouting process day one

After the initial soaking period, drain the water, rinse the beans and tilt the jar at an angle to drain excess water. This process should be repeated twice daily until the beans have sprouted. Make sure that the water is drained thoroughly each time and then position the jar at an angle.

Sprouting black turtle beans, day two

Sprouted black turtle beans, day three

Sprouted black turtle beans, day four

Sprouted black turtle beans, day four

If you notice something that looks a bit fuzzy or furry near the stem, don’t worry. It isn’t mould – these are just mini root hairs, which will disappear when the sprouts are rinsed! (Make sure when you rinse that you disturb the sprouts; this will discourage the furry growth.)

Now you can use the sprouted black beans in toppings or turn them into a purée for use in baked products. I’m even going to try to add them in frozen recipes. To be continued…

 

Ta-da!! The finished product.

Using the sprouted beans in a new topping

Using the sprouted beans in a new topping

 

[1] Carbas B, Machado N, Oppolzer D, Ferreira L, Queiroz M, Brites C, Rosa EA, Barros AI. Nutrients, Antinutrients, Phenolic Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of Common Bean Cultivars and their Potential for Food Applications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Feb 23;9(2):186. doi: 10.3390/antiox9020186. PMID: 32102193; PMCID: PMC7070695.

[2] Luo Y, Xie W. Effect of soaking and sprouting on iron and zinc availability in green and white faba bean (Vicia faba L.). J Food Sci Technol. 2014 Dec;51(12):3970-6. doi: 10.1007/s13197-012-0921-7. Epub 2013 Jan 6. PMID: 25477668; PMCID: PMC4252429.

 

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 black beans or other legumes 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.