Can dogs or cats eat baked beans?

May 3, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat baked beans?

Heading to a BBQ with your pup in tow? Keep an eye on what they get into. Baked beans may seem like a harmless food item that you can share with your dog, but they're actually unsafe and can cause various health issues.

Baked beans typically contain ingredients such as onions and garlic, which are extremely toxic to dogs. These foods contain a compound called thiosulfate, which can damage red blood cells in your dog's body, leading to anemia.

On top of this, baked beans also contain high levels of sugar and salt, which can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. A sudden increase in sugar intake can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis if eaten regularly over time. The bottom line: Eating baked beans can lead to severe health complications for your pooch. Steer clear!

Did your dog lap up a plate of baked beans while you weren't looking? Watch for signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, and reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If your dog ever needs veterinary care due to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat baked beans?

It's important to know which foods are safe for your cat to eat, and which are unsafe. Unfortunately, baked beans fall squarely into the "unsafe" category. While they may seem like a harmless food, they can actually be quite dangerous for your feline friend.

For one thing, baked beans often contain other ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as onion powder or garlic powder. These foods are highly toxic to cats, and can cause anemia.

Baked beans also have a high salt content. Cats can't process high levels of sodium as effectively as humans. Eating too much salt can also lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even kidney damage.

If your cat does manage to get into some baked beans at your next barbeque, watch for signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, and reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If your cat ever needs veterinary care due to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet