Can Dogs Eat Lentils?
Lentils belong to the well-known legume family, which have been part of our agriculture since the Neolithic. Due to their multiple properties, lentils are a source of protein that dogs can eat.
Properties of lentils
- High protein intake. Lentils contain around 25% protein in their composition, which exceeds the percentage of other products of animal origin.
- High contribution of complex carbohydrates, which the body takes advantage of by slowly transforming them into glucose for subsequent absorption, so it does not cause blood glucose peaks, a very interesting fact in diabetes problems.
- Contains fiber. Fiber is also important in the diet of dogs: it prevents constipation problems and, in addition, creates a feeling of satiety, a way to control obesity in dogs.
- Source of minerals and vitamins. In its composition, a large amount of essential minerals appear in the diet, such as iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium, as well as vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B5, B6 and folic acid). Lentils are famous for their iron content, but this mineral is best assimilated by accompanying it with a food rich in vitamin C.
- Antioxidants. Lentils provide antioxidants that slow down the degeneration of cells in your body, a way to prevent certain diseases.
Feed contains lentils as a source of protein
Many feeds contain lentils and other legumes – peas, chickpeas, beans – as a source of protein. Currently, vegan feeds are based on these vegetables to supply the amount of daily protein that an animal needs.
However, the diet that works best for them is one that obtains protein from various sources, especially meat; and better if it comes from different animals, as well as fish and vegetables.
For allergic dogs that need a more specialized diet, for example grain free , legumes become an important part of the composition of the feed.
But if what you are interested in is a homemade diet, you should know that, in addition to measuring the proportion of each product that your dog is going to consume, if you choose lentils as part of his diet, you have to cook them first, without spices or salt. added.
Dogs can eat lentils, but they should not be the basis of their diet
Despite being part of the composition of many feeds, lately the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the US government) is investigating the relationship of the presence of these legumes as main ingredients in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
If your dog belongs to a breed prone to these types of problems, you should consult with your veterinarian before making sudden changes in his diet and going for regular check-ups. To take advantage of the benefits of lentils, it is best to introduce them in a moderate way, taking into account that they should not be the main source of protein in the canine diet.
Another piece of information that you have to pay attention to are the percentages. Always make sure that the percentage in legumes is low and never exceed the percentage in meats; dogs are not strict carnivorous animals and their diet should be based on meat, although they can eat lentils.
The percentages in the composition of a feed are standardized to dogs of a certain size and age according to the range, and are not random. If you buy a quality feed, you can see that there is a lot of difference with other low-end, such as those sold in supermarkets.
This explains its price and popularity among the population, but the consequences can be digestibility problems, allergies and other long-term illnesses. Think that investing in your pet’s diet is investing in his health and preventing future costs at the vet.
