Yes, dogs can eat bean sprouts in moderation. Alongside a dog’s normal diet, there are different foods that can be added which may provide a variety of extra nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that our dogs can benefit from.
Let’s uncover the benefits of bean sprouts for dogs!
Table of Contents
What are bean sprouts?
Bean sprouts are the young shoots of either mung beans or soybeans. They are popular in Asian foods, offering a fresh, crisp, and crunchy texture to any dish.
Bean sprouts can be easily grown at home. Seeds can be purchased, soaked in water and placed into a glass jar. If kept moist, bean sprouts can grow within 2-5 days. You can’t get fresher than that!
Can dogs have bean sprouts?
Benefits of bean sprouts for dogs
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a variety of roles within a dog’s body.
It supports a number of functions including reducing inflammation, supplying the body with energy, helping with the effects of a urine infection as well as looking after the body’s immune system.
- Amino-acids
There are a number of amino acids that a dog’s body requires in order to function correctly.
Amino acids help to carry nutrients around the body, providing essential organs with all the goodness they require. Amino acids also help tissue to repair and regrow if damaged.
- Calcium
An important mineral that helps to support the body, calcium plays a vital role in our dog’s everyday functions.
Calcium helps a dog’s body to grow correctly by aiding in muscle development as well as teeth and bone growth.
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants play an important role in defending our dog’s cells against damage. It is thought that antioxidants can help protect our dogs against diseases, such as cancer.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps our dog’s blood to clot efficiently. If a dog had a deficiency in Vitamin K, they could be at risk of hemorrhage, such as internal bleeding.
If an external injury occurred, then a scab would not form and the injury would continue to bleed.
- Vitamin A
Having a healthy effect on your dog’s skin and coat, Vitamin A also helps your dog’s nerves and muscles work correctly.
- Folate
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin which is also known as Vitamin B9. It is imperative for a dog’s body to receive folate, as it contributes to healthy blood formation. It also contributes to cell growth and DNA production.
- Magnesium
A dog’s body can not make its own source of magnesium, therefore it is known as an essential mineral.
Magnesium helps with a variety of chemical reactions within the body, as well as maintaining normal muscle function and supporting a healthy immune system.
How to offer bean sprouts to dogs
Bean sprouts can help to add an extra boost of vitamins and minerals to a dog’s diet, so it can be beneficial to offer them to your dog as part of their meals or as a tasty snack.
Offer as part of a varied diet: Bean sprouts should only be offered as part of a wider, more varied diet.
Any good brand of dog food, either wet or dry, should have all of the essential vitamins and minerals that a dog’s body needs in order to function correctly. If you are unsure of what dog food brand to give to your dog, speak with your veterinary surgeon.
Only offer small amounts of bean sprouts: We all know that there can be too much of a good thing and even though bean sprouts are packed full of the good stuff, they can cause problems if consumed in excess.
If a large volume of bean sprouts is consumed, they can cause a gastrointestinal gas build-up.
Offer them raw or cooked: Bean sprouts can be offered to dogs either raw or cooked. Raw bean sprouts should contain a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals, but cooked bean sprouts contain a good amount too.
Chop them up and simply garnish your dog’s food with them. Avoid offering them whole as they could become a choking hazard.
As with any new food, always introduce bean sprouts into a dog’s diet slowly. Offer a small amount initially and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Keep an eye out for any signs of:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling around the eyes
- Swelling around the throat
- Abdominal bloat
In large-breed dogs, abdominal bloating is extremely dangerous and veterinary attention should be sought immediately, especially if your dog is showing symptoms such as unproductive vomiting.
Can dogs eat other types of sprouts?
Most sprouts are good for dogs to consume in small amounts. As with bean sprouts, other sprouts can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea so monitor your dog after consumption.
Brussel Sprouts
Whilst they may cause flatulence in dogs, they are packed with vitamins and minerals beneficial for our canine friends.
Pea Sprouts
Loaded with protein and antioxidants, pea sprouts are good for dogs to consume.
Radish Sprouts
Radish sprouts have high levels of Vitamin B and Vitamin C, enabling our dog’s bodies to function correctly.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Containing high levels of folate, amino acids and fiber, Alfalfa sprouts are a great addition to a dog’s diet.
Can dogs eat bean sprouts - final thoughts
So, there we have it. Sprouts are good for dogs to consume!
Packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, sprouts make a great addition to a dog’s diet. They support a variety of processes including muscle and nerve function, contributing to a healthy immune system and help our dog’s bones to grow big and strong.
Always monitor for any adverse reactions to bean sprouts and contact your veterinary practice if you are concerned about your dog.
If you are worried about your dog’s diet and want more advice on how to offer them a variety of fresh foods, speak with your veterinary surgeon or contact a canine dietitian.
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