Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are one of the oldest consumed crops in the world. In fact, they have been a part of certain traditional diets for over 7,500 years.
Are chickpeas good for dog’s health?
Chickpeas are a type of legume that offer a range of health benefits. Chickpeas nutrition is a potent package of protein, vitamins and minerals, which is why they are often included in many healing diets, including the Ayurvedic diet and the Mediterranean diet.
They contain vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, and selenium. Besides being an excellent vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fibre, chickpeas also contain exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.
These characteristics are responsible for most of their health benefits, which range from weight management to blood sugar control.
Including chickpeas in your dog’s diet regularly will support their health and may reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Legumes are identified by scientists as being climate smart crops that fix nitrogen in the soil decrease the reliance on synthetic fertilisers, require less energy and water for cultivation and deliver healthy, bio-available proteins.
10 Science Informed Reasons to Include Chickpeas in Your Dog’s Diet:
- Packed with Nutrients – chickpeas have an impressive nutrition profile. Chickpeas contain a moderate number of calories and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They’re also a good source of fibre and protein. (1).
- May Help Keep Your Dog’s Appetite Under Control – chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, which makes them a filling food that may help lower appetite and reduce calorie intake at meals. (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein – chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, which has a variety of health benefits, ranging from weight management to bone health. They are a great choice for dogs who want to avoid animal products. (1, 6, 10, 11, 12)
- May Help You Manage Your Dog’s Weight – chickpeas have a fairly low-calorie density, contain a moderate amount of calories and are high in fibre and protein, all properties that play a role in weight management. (6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
- Support Blood Sugar Control – chickpeas have a low GI and are also a great source of fibre and protein, all properties that support healthy blood sugar control and have been shown to lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease. (5, 10, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21)
- May Act as a Prebiotic and Benefit Digestion and Gut Health – chickpeas are high in fibre, which benefits dog’s digestion by increasing the number of healthy bacteria in their gut and helping waste flow efficiently through their digestive tract. (5, 9, 16)
- May Protect Against Certain Chronic Diseases – chickpeas have many characteristics that may help prevent some chronic illnesses, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. (1, 16,21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
- Improve Agricultural Biodiversity – cultivating chickpeas in multiple cropping systems enriches agro-biodiversity, ensures resilience to climate change and improves ecosystem services. (31, 32)
- Help Mitigate Climate Change – chickpeas have a multiple role in promoting living organisms and ecological complexity to re-establish the natural good functioning of ecosystems. (31, 32)
- Chickpeas Contribute to Global Food Security – chickpeas are important and affordable sources of protein and minerals with a low wastage footprint. (33)
