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While some legumes have lost popularity, the lentil has risen and is increasingly being used across menus around the world as a plant-based protein alternative such as tofu or chickpeas for dogs. This high-protein, high-fiber little grain legume also turns out to be highly nutritious and low in calories, so we're covering everything about the benefits of lentils for your dog.
Considering the benefits they can bring to our diets, can we also assume that they are good for our pup? The answer is Yes, but…
Now you know why we include lentils in our Beef Delight organic baked dog treats.
But apart from the benefits of lentils for your dog, these little special legumes also have a downside: the so-called antinutrients.
Antinutrients: The bad side of the story
Unfortunately, lentils also have antinutrient compounds, such as trypsin inhibitors and phytate. These antinutrient compounds can impair digestion and the absorption of other nutrients in the diet.
How to prepare lentils for my dog
No worries, there’s a way around it and with the correct preparation method, you can get rid of these antinutrients and keep only what’s good to make sure you only get the benefits of lentils for your dog.
Lentils are very easy to cook and with only three steps you can prepare a super healthy food for your dog! You must only:
1. Rinse the lentils, to remove dust, contaminants, and any other impurities until the water comes out clear.
2. Soaking them can reduce the antinutrient content, but not all lentils require soaking, so for this step, we recommend you follow the instructions on the lentil’s package.
3. Most importantly, cook them by boiling to remove the antinutrients and make them more digestible for your dog. The cooking time depends on the type of lentil so once again we recommend following the instructions on the lentil’s package.
Serve them plain, without any added salts, sugars, and other seasonings that could compromise your dog’s health.
We recommend you use organic dried orange lentils, which have a somewhat sweet and nutty flavor that your pup will love.
Now, remember that the key lies in moderation: When introducing new foods to your dog for the first time, start slowly and monitor their behavior afterward for any adverse reactions.
What about lentil dosage for dogs?
As a guide: A tablespoon of cooked lentils 1–2 times a week is sufficient to provide dogs with many nutrients and it is perfectly safe for them.
And if cooking is not your thing, don’t worry! Your furry friend can still enjoy his/her daily portion of orange lentils most conveniently for you with our Beef Delight Bio Baked Dog Treats!
