Your Dog’s New Secret Superfood: Chickpeas (Yes, Really)
The first time I realized my dog Ciccio was low-key obsessed with chickpeas, I was mid-salad. I dropped one on the floor—just one—and it was like a switch flipped. Ciccio sprinted in from the other room, inhaled it like it was a filet mignon, and then stood there, wide-eyed, waiting for more.
Now, I’m vegan, so chickpeas are kind of a staple around here. I always have a can open, I probably say the word “protein” too often, and I genuinely believe tahini should be its own food group. But I had no idea that dogs could love chickpeas too—or that they could actually be really, really good for them.
And listen, I’m not here to tell you your dog needs to go plant-based (Ciccio would probably file a formal complaint). But I am here to tell you this: chickpeas are one of the most underrated ingredients in the dog world, and once I learned what they can do, I couldn’t not make them a key part of the recipes I create.
Let me break it down for you.
So... Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
Yes. 100% yes.
This was my first question, too, when I saw my dog acting like that chickpea was a dropped piece of bacon. I did the research (like, a lot of research), and here’s what I found: not only can dogs eat chickpeas, but when they’re prepared properly, chickpeas are actually great for dogs.
Think of them like little nutritional powerhouses. Chickpeas are loaded with:
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Plant-based protein – helps maintain lean muscle, especially in dogs who are sensitive to meat-based proteins.
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Fiber – supports digestion and helps keep things moving (you know what I mean).
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Iron, folate, potassium, magnesium – all essential for things like energy production, heart health, and overall wellness.
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Antioxidants – which help your dog’s cells fight oxidative stress, aka the stuff that leads to aging and disease.
But here’s the key: preparation matters. Raw chickpeas? Nope. Heavily seasoned chickpeas from your lunch bowl? Also no. But cooked, plain chickpeas and chickpea flour? Totally safe, totally dog-friendly, and actually really beneficial.
Why I Started Using Chickpeas in My Dog’s Food
If you’re the kind of pet parent who reads ingredient labels like you’re solving a crime, hi, we’re the same. I got fed up with products that claimed to be “natural” but were packed with fillers, mystery byproducts, and weird ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.
I wanted something simple. Real. Functional. So when I started developing recipes for my own line of dog treats and toppers, chickpeas were a no-brainer.
They’re clean. They’re gentle on digestion. And dogs genuinely love the taste—Ciccio would testify in court if he could.
That’s why you’ll find:
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Chickpea flour in our Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisp treats—because it’s easier to digest, protein-rich, and bakes up like a dream.
- Whole cooked chickpeas in our Sweet Potato & Chickpea toppers—because they add texture, heartiness, and fiber to round out the meal.
I didn’t just add chickpeas to be trendy. I added them because they work.
Chickpeas + Sweet Potato = The Dream Team
Let’s talk about this combo for a second. Sweet potatoes and chickpeas are like the Beyoncé and Lizzo of dog-friendly superfoods—individually iconic, but together? Next level.
Sweet potatoes bring:
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Beta carotene for eye health and immune support
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Complex carbs for sustained energy (without the crash)
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Soluble fiber to soothe sensitive stomachs
When you pair that with the protein and minerals in chickpeas, you’ve got a recipe that supports energy, digestion, immune function, and flavor. It’s balanced, whole-food-based nutrition that actually tastes good.
This is the foundation of both my treats and toppers—because why not make every bite count?
Real Food, Real Talk
Look, I get it. There are about a million dog products out there, and it’s hard to know what’s hype and what’s helpful. I don’t have a huge marketing machine or a celebrity endorsement. What I do have is a kitchen covered in flour, a slightly demanding dog named Ciccio, and a whole lot of passion for real ingredients that make a real difference.
I created the Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisp treats because I wanted a better option for daily treating—something crunchy, clean, and made from ingredients like chickpea flour, sweet potato, and coconut. No weird stuff. No artificial anything.
Then I made the Sweet Potato & Chickpea toppers for those days when Ciccio gets picky (aka every Thursday) and needs a little something extra to get excited about dinner. These toppers are filled with hearty chunks of sweet potato and whole chickpeas—no gums, no thickeners, just real food.
They’re both powered by plants, backed by research, and tested by a dog who takes his job very seriously.
Quick Tips for Adding Chickpeas to Your Dog’s Diet
If you’re not using chickpea-based products yet (though you totally should), here’s what you need to know:
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Always cook them – Raw chickpeas are a no-go.
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Skip the seasoning – Dogs don’t need salt, garlic, or whatever spice blend you put on your own lunch.
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Start small – Too much fiber at once = gassy disaster. You’ve been warned.
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Watch for allergies – As with any new food, introduce slowly and see how your dog does.
But honestly? The easiest way to start is with treats or toppers that already do the work for you. That’s exactly why I created mine—so you don’t have to guess, prep, or Google “can dogs eat legumes” at 11pm like I did.
Final Thought: Chickpeas Are More Than Just a Trend
I used to think chickpeas were just for hummus and vegans. Now I think they might be one of the most versatile, underappreciated ingredients in dog nutrition.
They’re simple. They’re sustainable. They’re actually good for your dog. And when you pair them with other powerhouse ingredients like sweet potato and coconut? You’ve got a product that nourishes from the inside out.
So next time someone gives you the side-eye for reading your dog’s ingredient list in the pet aisle, just smile. Then drop a Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisp in your pup’s mouth and let the treat speak for itself.