They are packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamin k, folate, protein, magnesium, and phosphorus.
However, ensure you cook them thoroughly for easier digestion for dogs.
This article will look into the nutritional value, health benefits, risks, and how to prepare lima beans and corn.
Nutritional value of lima beans and corn to dogs
Folate: Lima beans are an excellent source of folate, vital for heart health and blood clotting.
Fiber: Lima beans and corn are good sources of dietary fiber. It helps support healthy digestion by encouraging more regular bowel movements and reducing the risk of colon cancer in dogs.
Protein: Lima beans contain protein, an essential nutrient for dogs. Protein is required for growth, tissue repair, and maintenance. Moreover, it produces enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Vitamin K: Lima beans are a good source of vitamin K1, which plays an essential role in blood clotting and the development of bones in young dogs. Vitamin K2 also plays a vital role in bone health in older dogs.
Magnesium: Lima beans contain magnesium, which helps maintain normal muscle function and supports healthy nerve and muscle relaxation. It is also required for energy production within cells and maintaining normal heart rhythm.
Phosphorus: Like other legumes, lima beans contain phosphorus, vital to bone health.
Vitamin C: It’s essential for the production of collagen, which helps with blood clotting, wound healing, and tissue repair. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in antioxidant protection from free radicals.
Health benefits of lima beans and corn to dogs
Helps in digestion
Lima beans and corn are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your dog’s digestive system.
They also contain soluble fibers, which help promote regularity by absorbing water from the colon and softening stools.
If your dog has constipation or diarrhea, adding lima beans to their diet may help relieve some of their symptoms.
Prevents Cancer
Corn contains antioxidants that protect your pet against cancerous cells in his body by fighting them off before they can cause any harm.
Reduce inflammation
Lima beans have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
It is especially true for dogs who suffer from arthritis or other joint issues.
Increases Energy Levels
The complex carbohydrates in corn are an excellent energy source for your dog.
They provide the canine with the energy he needs to play and run around without causing spikes in blood sugar.
It helps in blood flow and circulation
Vitamin K can help healthy blood clotting in dogs’ bodies.
It also helps with blood vessel dilation so that blood flows more freely throughout the body — especially important when dogs are recovering from surgery or suffering from heart disease.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
Lima beans may help protect your dog against urinary tract infections.
They contain indigestible carbohydrates that stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids in the colon.
Therefore, it’s important to cook lima beans thoroughly before feeding them to your dog.
Gastrointestinal distress
Lima beans contain oxalates, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities or uncooked.
The carbohydrate in corn can also cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.
Signs of gastrointestinal distress include vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Lima beans poisoning
Lima beans contain cyanogens, which can cause illness or even death if your dog ingest too much.
It often occurs when your dog eats raw or undercooked lima beans.
The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, weak pulse, and seizures.
Hypoglycemia
Lima beans and corn have a high glycemic index (GI), which means that they can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop significantly once the body digests them.
How to prepare lima beans and corn for dogs
When preparing lima beans and corn, don’t include toxic ingredients for dogs, such as sodium and too much fat.
Avoid canned lima beans and corn as they may contain additives and preservatives harmful to the dog.
For lima beans, ensure you soak them for about six hours or overnight before thoroughly boiling.
You can use olive or fish oil to fry lima beans and corn because they are healthy for the dog.
Despite the plain taste, don’t add any spices.
Your canine will enjoy them anyway!
Can puppies eat lima beans and corn?
Yes, puppies can eat lima beans and corn. They’re rich in protein, thus beneficial to the puppies’ growth and development. However, you should give it in moderation because it contains sugar and fat that may lead to obesity. When introducing your puppies to lima beans and corn, it’s advisable to check for any allergic reaction. Give a small portion first, then observe for the next 24 hours. If symptoms are noted, discontinue feeding them.
We hope this article has cleared your quest to know if you can give your mutt lima beans and corn.
You don’t have to worry about the little that drops on the ground, but you can now intentionally serve them.
However, it’s advisable to give it as a treat rather than a main meal.
Due to the allergic potential of lima beans and corn, always give your dog a small portion at first and observe, then decide on whether to include them in their diet.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
