It also improves energy levels, boosts immunity, reduces inflammation in your dog’s body, and helps cognitive aging.
Muscle maintenance
Red lentils are high in protein. Protein will play a critical role in creating, healing, and maintaining your dog’s muscles.
It also aids in building strong bones and nerve function, facilitates cell creation, and gives your dog healthier skin and coat.
Facilitates red blood cell production
The folate in red lentils is necessary to produce red blood cells in dogs.
It is also vital in producing nucleic cells like DNA. If you own a pup, folate will be of benefit to its rapid cell growth.
Iron in red lentils will also play a major role in forming red blood cells and hemoglobin in your dog’s body.
When your pet has enough red blood cells, it can produce energy at maximum levels.
Aids digestion
Red lentils are high in fiber, which aids in your dog’s digestion and improves gut health.
Good gut health in your pet will control its appetite, improve skin and coat health, and lowers blood pressure.
Aids in weight loss
Due to their low starch and high fiber, red lentils will be ideal for overweight dogs that must feel fuller for a long time.
They are low in calories and will be a good addition if your dog is diabetic, as they will prevent blood sugar levels from spiking too high after a meal.
Risks of red lentils for dogs
Gas
Red lentils contain sugar and fiber that your dog’s body can find hard to digest.
The sugar and fiber will be passed to the large intestine, where they will mix with bacteria, producing gas.
Gas will make your pet fart a lot.
Diarrhea
Red lentils are high in fiber, which will cause increased movement of your pet’s digestive tract.
If your dog is sensitive to the additional fiber in its diet, this will lead to full-blown diarrhea as the stomach cannot handle the excess fiber.
Allergic Reaction
Your dog can be allergic to red lentils, so it will be wise to watch him closely if you are introducing it to his meal for the first time.
Common allergic reaction symptoms to food include swelling of body parts, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, fever, and lethargy.
Can dogs eat raw red lentils?
No.
Raw red lentils contain a protein called lectins.
Lectins will not be digestible in your dog’s gut and cause toxicity.
When lectin is in your dog’s system, it can cause an immune overreaction, leading to symptoms such as inflammation of the gut lining, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and joint pain.
Always boil the red to break down the lectins before feeding it to your dog.
What is the best way to prepare red lentils for dogs?
First, soak the red lentils in the refrigerator overnight.
Soaking will improve the texture of the lentils and reduce the cooking time.
After soaking, boil them thoroughly to break down the lectin.
While cooking the red lentils, do not use salt, spices, garlic, or onions.
Salt and spices lead to gas and bloating, while garlic and onions are toxic to dogs and should be avoided.
Serving ideas of red lentils to dogs
When it comes to red lentils, you can feed them to your dog in a variety of different ways that include:
In small amounts as a snack or treat for good behavior.
You can mix the red lentils with a carbohydrate, some meat protein, vegetables, and fruits for a wholesome meal.
No, dogs can’t eat lentil soup as it contains different spices that could irritate your dog’s stomach.
It might also contain garlic and onions, which are toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat red lentils every day?
Yes, dogs can eat red lentils every day as long as it is given in small portions and is a part of other foods such as vegetables, fruits, and other protein sources.
To wrap up
Red lentils are safe for your dog if they are thoroughly boiled and served plain.
They are packed with essential minerals and vitamins and will help your dog feel fuller for a long time because they are high in fiber and protein.
This is the sign you need to spruce up your dog’s diet with red lentils.
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.
