You’re a chicken owner, and it’s time for feeding. You have leftover beans from last night, and you’re considering giving them to your chickens. But you’re not sure whether that’s healthy for them.
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe for chickens to eat beans, this article is perfect for you; below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about whether or not chickens can eat beans.
Can Chickens Eat Beans?
Chickens can indeed eat beans; beans are very good for them. However, as always, everything needs to be fed in moderation. Beans should only be provided to your chickens in small quantities when cooked. Raw and dry beans should be avoided at all costs.
Beans are great for the health of your chickens and provide them with many nutrients they don’t get from their feed, especially protein. They also lower cholesterol, increase the production of bacteria in the digestive system, and lower blood sugar.
Feeding beans to chickens is also a great way to cut meat out of your chickens’ diet. Beans are the best source of non-animal protein for your chickens.
Image Credit: Natalya Sergeeva, Shutterstock
The Health Benefits of Beans
As mentioned above, feeding your chicken beans is excellent for their health and dietary needs. Beans provide your chicken with proteins, folates, iron, and other nutrients they need. Below we’ll list some benefits beans can provide to your chicken.
Protein
Not only are beans the best non-animal source of protein, but they are also the cheapest way to get your chicken’s protein.
Fiber
Beans are filled with fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber increases moisture and helps your chicken avoid dietary issues such as constipation. Soluble fiber prevents your chicken from taking in excess cholesterol, thus helping to lower cholesterol.
Image Credit: Igor Dutina, Shutterstock
Vitamins and Minerals
Beans are also a great source of vitamins and minerals and an excellent source of potassium. Some other vitamins contained in beans are phosphorous, magnesium, and copper. All these vitamins and minerals provide different benefits to your chicken, and they’re all critical; potassium, for instance, helps lower blood sugar.
Complex Carbs
Beans are an excellent way to get your chickens their necessary complex carbohydrates; complex carbohydrates are made of sugar molecules and contain a lot of fiber. These complex carbs are abundant in beans.
Final Thoughts
Beans are the cheapest way to get your chickens the protein they need, along with a bunch of their other dietary requirements. But it’s important to remember that everything should be in moderation; giving your chickens too many beans is unhealthy and should not be a substitute for their regular feed. If you’re unsure whether to feed beans, or you’re worried you’re letting them eat too many, it’s best to contact your vet for information.
Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
