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

Pink coco beans (also known as rose coco beans) are a heritage variety of Phaseolus vulgaris with a mild, nutty flavour and slightly lower carbohydrate content than many other beans. They provide plant-based protein, fibre, and minerals that support gut health, steady energy release, immune function and muscle maintenance. Like other beans, they can be harder for dogs to digest in their unsprouted form, and mineral absorption can be limited by naturally occurring antinutrients.

Sprouting — or germination — is a simple process that makes beans more digestible. Soaking reduces phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, which can interfere with mineral absorption and digestion. Sprouting also increases the levels of some beneficial phytochemicals, though claims online sometimes exaggerate the gains.

A study on rose/pink coco beans found that sprouting reduced trypsin inhibitors and phytates by over 70%, increased protein digestibility by around 17%, and improved the extractability of calcium, iron, and zinc by more than 50%. These changes mean the nutrients in the beans become more available to the body once cooked[2]. An added bonus: 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 coco 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.

Sprouting pink coco beans, 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 pink coco beans, day three

Sprouted coco 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 coco beans in toppings or cook (20 minutes will do) and purée for use as a topping or in baked treats.

 

Ta-da!! The finished product.

 

References:

[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] Rodriguez, R. “Effects of Sprouting on Nutrient and Antinutrient Composition of Kidney Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris Var. Rose Coco).” European Food Research and Technology, 2001.

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Important Considerations:

• Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
• If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients 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.
• I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
• The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!