Lentils, legumes to limit in dogs
Lentils are part of the legume family. They contain in particular vegetable proteins, fibers and assimilable complex carbohydrates.
Among these assimilable complex carbohydrates, we mainly find starch and among the fibers of the lentils, we mainly find fermentable soluble fibers (galactosides, in particular). The former is not well digested by the dog when it is brought in too large quantities while the latter are fermented by intestinal bacteria, produce gas in the intestine and can interfere with the digestion of other nutrients.
Consequently, lentils, if given in too large quantities to the dog, can cause him some digestive intolerances.
To put it bluntly, giving too many lentils to a dog can give him flatulence or cause diarrhea problems. It is therefore a starchy food that you can give him to eat but in very limited quantities.
Croquettes without cereals: be careful!
In some cereal-free croquettes, cereals are replaced by legumes such as peas or lentils. If these ingredients occupy too much space in the composition of the food, they can also be the cause of digestive intolerances.
How to give contact lenses to your dog?
If you want to feed lentils to your dog, it is best to soak them in water before cooking to reduce their indigestible galactoside content and cook them for a long time to release the starch. that they contain more digestible for the dog.
How many lentils should I give my dog?
It is not recommended to give lentils to a dog fed with kibble so as not to add starch to his ration which already contains enough.
On the other hand, it is possible to give lentils to a dog as part of a household ration as a point source of starch. The quantities to be given to him depend on his digestive tolerance to legumes and his energy needs. These needs are to be calculated precisely with the support of your veterinarian or with the help of the data provided in our article "calculating a household ration for your dog" .
Note, however, that lentils are not the ideal daily source of starch to feed a dog. For every day, prefer well-cooked white rice, which is more digestible and easier for the dog to assimilate.