Causes of red kidney bean poisoning The main cause is a toxin called ‘phytohaemagglutinin’ or kidney bean lectin. This is a sugar based protein (glycoprotein) which is found in many types of beans which includes cannellini beans and broad beans.
However, the red kidney bean holds the distinction for the bean with the highest concentration of this dangerous toxin. The toxin, measured in hemagglutinating units, or hau — a measure of toxicity — falls from a high of 70,000 hau in raw beans to under 400 hau when you thoroughly cook the red kidney beans.
Do beans have toxins?
The Toxin in Red Kidney Beans Legumes including beans, peas, and lentil and grain products have high amounts of a natural compound called lectins. Some of the functions of lectins include the ability to bind to and clump together red blood cells.
What are red kidney beans?
Red kidney beans are a variety of beans with their roots in Central American and Mexico. The beans are named for their kidney-shape and red color and are often used in chili dishes, salads, soups and stews.
While many foods are perfectly fine to eat right off the vine or out of the ground, red kidney beans are not one of them. Though many raw beans contain the toxin Phytohaemagglutinin, also called kidney bean lectin, kidney beans contain the highest toxin levels.
Can dogs eat raw kidney beans?
Yes, dogs can consume cooked and unseasoned kidney/red beans, as they contain antioxidants that are healthy to consume. Do not feed raw kidney beans; they contain PHA, which might cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, drooling, loss of appetite.
Dogs can eat kidney beans in small servings: Mixed with a healthy grain, vegetable, and protein. As a light snack. Yes, dogs can eat both canned and pureed red kidney beans. Just make sure you check the label before serving to make sure there are no additives or other ingredients that might be harmful to your dog.
You may be thinking “Can I Feed my Dog northern beans?”
One way to consider this is great Northern beans are safe for dogs to eat as long as you take the typical precautions with beans. Don’t feed them raw or canned and cook them without added ingredients.