Contrary to popular belief, it is well documented that dogs can digest grains. I wish there was more thorough research on the subject of whether grains are best for dogs.
We do, however, have pet food producers frantically trying to sell pet foods to owners who are convinced that grains are bad for their dogs. These goods are frequently made using pea and lentil proteins.
Dogs fed these pet foods have reportedly developed a type of heart disease known as canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), according to reports to the FDA.
The FDA publishes information on reported cases online and is looking into whether grain-free pet food may be connected to DCM.
DCM cases in dogs eating regular commercial pet food are not shown here. Those are listed here.
It is unknown what causes DCM and why plant proteins are implicated in such a large number of cases. One theory is that the proteins in pea and lentils are lacking in taurine, which is produced from amino acids that contain sulfur. However, consuming more taurine does not appear to be beneficial.
The founder of a company that makes plant-based pet food and the author of a 2016 book about obesity in pets and conflicts of interest in the veterinary nutrition community disagree that plant-based ingredients are to blame for this.
Basic recommendations (from my book Feed Your Pet Right with Malden Nesheim, which is actually an analysis of the pet food industry):
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Lentils are a great source of iron and folate, two nutrients that are always good for your dog to eat. These tiny legumes are ideal for assisting your dog in feeling fuller for longer because they are low in fat and calories and high in fiber and protein.
Red lentils are a favorite among humans because they cook quickly and have a sweeter, nuttier flavor than other varieties of lentil. Red lentils are paw-fectly safe for your dog to eat, and they have nearly the same nutritional value as brown ones with the exception that red lentils have less fiber because they have been hulled.
Yes, dogs can eat green lentils. Green lentils are just as tasty and full of antioxidants and minerals as brown or red varieties, but they take longer to cook, so we humans frequently prefer to use those. However, because they taste more peppery than other varieties of lentil, your pet may not find them to be as enticing.
Although a small amount of lentil soup shouldn’t harm your dog, you shouldn’t give it to him.
First off, the various spices in lentil soup may aggravate your dog’s stomach or even be harmful. It can be challenging to determine exactly what is in the can and whether it is safe for dogs to eat because these spices are frequently not identified on the label.
Lentil soup also containsonions, which are toxic to dogs. Avoid giving your dog anything with onions in it to prevent any potential illness, even though there aren’t enough in there to poison them unless they manage to eat a whole can.
Recently, lentil chips have become popular as a “healthier” substitute for crisps, but they’re definitely not a good treat for Fido. They may contain less fat than regular crisps, but they are still too fatty for dogs to eat.
Additionally, they contain more salt and carbohydrates than regular potato chips, which is bad for dogs. Overall, if your dog eats one lentil chip, it shouldn’t be harmful, but you shouldn’t intentionally give them to your dog.
Given that lentils are non-toxic and have long been a part of dog diets, they are not necessarily bad for dogs. But there are some factors to consider before letting your dog consume a lot of lentils.
It is well known that lectins, a type of plant protein that binds to sugar molecules, are present in lentils and other legumes. These proteins are bad for your dog, though, as they interfere with their ability to absorb other nutrients from their diet. Lectins can adhere to the intestinal walls of your dog and survive digestion, which can result in stomach pain, diarrhea, and leaky gut in addition to other gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, these bothersome proteins disrupt cell-to-cell communication in your dog’s body, which results in inflammation.
However, lectins serve a variety of beneficial purposes, such as slowing the absorption of carbohydrates and preventing blood sugar spikes. They are also rich in essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage. Lectins can be beneficial for your dog in moderation, but excessive amounts are a surefire way to give your dog a pup-set belly, loose stools, and gas.
Fortunately, soaking and cooking lentils is sufficient to remove lectins. Otherwise, you just need to make sure that your dog consumes lentils in moderation to reduce the amount of lectin they consume.
Some pup paw-rents are worried about an AmericanFDA investigation of certain brands of pet food and their links with dogs developing a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy.
They’re investigating a range of foods, but the most scrutiny has fallen on grain-free formulas that contain a large number of legumes or potatoes. Of these, peas and legumes are moreheavily associated with a potential link to DCM.
However, the investigation has not yet produced any findings or proof that a particular diet causes DCM. It is “a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors,” according to the FDA’s current position. The FDA and veterinarians do not currently advise dog owners to avoid any particular brand of dog food.
All of the speculations about lentils and their risks of lectins and heart disease are based on dogs who eat lentils in their regular dog food, which they munch every meal of every day. And even then, the risks are very small. To put it into paws-pective, there were 320 reported cases of DCM in dogs in 2018, whilst the pup-ulation of dogs totalled89.7 million. (In other words, 0.00035% of dogs were affected.) Meanwhile, if your pooch just has some lentils on occasion, they should be perfectly fine.
Given that, you might be concerned about a dog food’s nutritional value for your pet if it contains a lot of lentils and peas and little to no meat. Since they are inexpensive and often consumed in large quantities, legumes may simply serve as a filler food. Examining your dog’s meals to determine whether they provide perfectly balanced nutrition using natural, whole foods is the best course of action. And meat should always be the main ingredient!.
There is a chance that your dog will be allergic or intolerant to lentils because they contain plant protein. Although proteins can cause allergies, foods like beef, wheat, chicken, and soy are the most common triggers for canines.
Lentil allergies are very rare, but not impossible. As a result, if your dog develops rashes or stomach aches after eating lentils, they may be allergic to these tiny legumes.
Legumes can be beneficial for your dog if they are only a small part of a balanced diet that includes lots of high-quality protein.
Lentils are non-toxic and perfectly safe for dogs to eat. Along with being high in protein and fiber, they also offer a number of fantastic nutrients. Prebiotic fiber, which lentils provide, feeds your dog’s gut’s beneficial bacteria.
Lentils are a good source of manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, and potassium and contain a surprising amount of vitamins and minerals, including a lot of folate.
Associated Health Benefits For Dogs Who Eat Lentils
Research on canine nutrition is frequently misinterpreted and grouped with information on human nutrition. Owners frequently assume that the health benefits listed for pets apply to their own animals, but they should always keep in mind that individual variation exists.
Depending on each animal’s underlying conditions, general health, and gut microbiome, the benefits will vary.
Dogs may benefit from lentils in the following ways:
Lentils are advantageous in diets that call for dogs to feel satiated (fuller for longer), which applies to dogs trying to lose weight or dogs with poor satiety centers (always appear hungry), like labradors.
Due to their low calorie and high fiber content, lentils are also beneficial for diabetic dogs because they help them stay fuller for longer periods of time and prevent their blood sugar levels from rising too quickly after eating.
For dogs with severe hypersensitivity or food allergies, lentils are a fantastic alternative protein source. Additionally, to supplement potential protein allergens, premium prescription dog foods occasionally include alternative protein sources like lentils.
Selenium is a mineral and antioxidant that is necessary but is rare in other foods. Reduced tumor growth, the prevention of inflammation, and support for the immune system are some of the functions of selenium that have reportedly been observed.
Lentils contain a group of proteins called lectins. Boiling lentils is necessary because they dissolve the lectins, which are indigestible by dogs. A variety of other foods, including seafood, potatoes, tomatoes, and other legumes, also contain lectins.
If lectins have not been broken down by heat processes, such as cooking, they may be harmful to dogs. Red kidney beans and other raw legumes can be quite toxic if given to dogs.
The molecules of the lectin can be broken down by a dog’s gut flora, also referred to as bacteria or microbiome, but this reaction results in a lot of gas. Therefore, if a dog’s gut health is compromised or they are very gassy, owners must add probiotics to the lentils they are feeding their dog to aid in digestion.
The following signs of an immune overreaction may be brought on by the unhindered movement of foreign molecules like lectins:
Lectins no longer have an effect on the body once they are broken down and eliminated. However, if negative effects are observed, it is imperative to stop giving your pet lentils, look for another protein source, and perhaps steer clear of legumes.
Why are lentils bad for dogs?
Lentils are actually good for dogs when prepared correctly. However, if lentils are not thoroughly cleaned and prepared, they could seriously affect a dog’s digestive system. Inadequately cooked lentils can lead to bacterial growth in the digestive tract, which is bad for a dog’s health.
FAQ
What lentils are bad for dogs?
Most lentil varieties, including yellow, brown, and red lentils, can be fed to dogs without any problems once they have been cooked. Prioritize giving your dog the other varieties of lentils first because green lentils are the most difficult to digest.
Is it OK for dogs to eat lentils?
Lentils are a great source of nutrients for dogs when consumed in moderation. They offer a rich source of many nutrients, including B vitamins, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and carotenoids among others, in addition to having a lot of protein and fiber.
What is better for dogs rice or lentils?
Lentils are superior to rice for dogs, which is a question that many dog owners ask. Compared to brown and white rice, lentils have a higher nutritional content in terms of dietary fiber, protein, iron, and potassium.
Should dogs eat peas and lentils?
High-quality ingredients include legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas, to name a few. They significantly increase the amount of protein, fiber, and micronutrients in the diet of dogs.