If you’ve ever caught your dog staring longingly at your hummus-dipped carrot, you already know the magic chickpeas hold over canines. These tiny legumes aren’t just Instagram-worthy; they’re a powerhouse of plant-based protein, fiber, and folate that happens to be naturally gluten-free. As more pet parents pivot away from corn, wheat, and soy, chickpea dog treats have exploded from niche Etsy experiment to 2025’s must-bake trend—minus the fillers, mystery meals, and neon dyes that still dominate store shelves.
Below, you’ll learn exactly why chickpeas earn a permanent spot in your dog’s cookie jar, how to transform a 99-cent can into gourmet training morsels, and which kitchen pitfalls could turn your masterpiece into a gassy disaster. Grab your apron (and your pup’s most persuasive begging eyes); we’re diving whisk-deep into the science, safety, and culinary creativity behind grain-free, legume-rich DIY dog treats.
Top 10 Chickpea Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Canidae Pure Dog Treat Biscuits with Duck & Chickpeas, 11 oz, Grain Free
Overview:
Canidae Pure Heaven Duck & Chickpea biscuits deliver grain-free crunch in an 11-oz bag priced at $7.99. The short, farm-focused ingredient list is built around real duck and fiber-rich chickpeas, with no corn, wheat, soy, or animal by-products.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The “easy-snap” groove running through each bone-shaped biscuit is genuinely clever—one quick bend yields two tidy pieces, so a single cookie can reward a 70-lb Lab or a 7-lb Chi without mess or waste. Canidae’s new regenerative-agriculture pledge also adds eco credibility rare in the treat aisle.
Value for Money:
At about 73¢ per ounce you’re paying mid-tier money for top-tier protein; comparable biscuits run $9-11 for the same weight. The resealable bag keeps the crunch for weeks, so spoilage is virtually zero.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: high-quality duck as first ingredient; satisfying crunch that scrapes tartar; breaks cleanly for multi-dog households; planet-friendly sourcing.
Cons: chickpeas push protein only to 18 % (lower than meat-heavy jerky); aroma is oddly “soupy” and may linger on fingers; 11-oz disappears fast with large breeds.
Bottom Line:
A smart, ethical everyday biscuit that balances taste, dental benefit, and portion control. Stock one bag for training and another for guilt-free bedside cookies—most dogs will agree it’s heaven in a crunch.
2. Dog Treat Naturals Dental Chew Sticks | Helps Clean Teeth and Easy to Digest Dog Treats | Dog Breath Freshener | Made with Chickpea & Mint| Made in USA (20 Sticks)
Overview:
Dog Treat Naturals packs 20 mint-fresh dental sticks into a 9.7-oz solar-powered pouch for $13.99. The vegan recipe uses U.S.-grown chickpeas and agar, molded into ridged star shapes designed to scrub plaque while dogs chew.
What Makes It Stand Out:
These sticks are one of the few truly plant-based dental chews made stateside; the star-shaped edges act like mini toothbrushes, and added apple pomace plus mint tackle bad breath without artificial perfumes.
Value for Money:
Roughly 70¢ per stick feels steep against rawhide, but each 13-g chew equals a full tooth-brushing session—cheaper than dental sprays and safer than bones. The fully recyclable pouch and solar production add transparent eco value.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: highly digestible for sensitive tummies; noticeable breath improvement within a day; made in an SQF-certified, solar-powered facility; no animal proteins (great for allergy dogs).
Cons: price per pound tops $23; sticks soften in humid climates; aggressive chewers finish one in under two minutes, reducing scrub time.
Bottom Line:
If you’re fighting tartar and doggy halitosis without rawhide or poultry, these USA-made sticks are worth the splurge. Offer one after meals and kiss the fish-breath goodbye.
3. Abound Grain Free Natural Lamb, Chickpea & Squash Jerky Bites Dog Treats – 12 Oz Bag
Overview:
Abound’s Lamb, Chickpea & Squash Jerky Bites come in a 12-oz resealable bag for $11.88, translating to $15.84 per pound. The semi-moist, grain-free squares list real lamb as the first ingredient, followed by squash puree and chickpea flour.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike typical dry kibble-style treats, these bites stay soft enough to break with one hand yet don’t smear pockets—ideal for on-the-go training. The inclusion of fiber-rich squash also gently aids digestion.
Value for Money:
Landing under a dollar per ounce, you get 25-30 bite-sized pieces—competitive with supermarket jerky but featuring higher animal protein (22 % min). The heavy-duty zipper keeps the last piece as pliable as the first, so nothing goes to waste.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: single-source lamb protein (great for elimination diets); soft texture suits seniors and puppies; squash adds beta-carotene; no corn, soy, or artificial colors.
Cons: scent is decidedly “lamb-y,” which some owners dislike; fat content (12 %) may upset ultra-sensitive stomachs; inconsistently sized cubes make calorie counting tricky.
Bottom Line:
A wallet-friendly, tummy-friendly jerky that rewards quick sits and long hikes alike. Keep a bag in the glove box—your dog will work overtime for these savory squares.
4. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Puppy Training Treats – Made in The USA – 5 oz
Overview:
Portland Pet Food Company compresses organic pumpkin, peanut butter, and cinnamon into a 5-oz pouch of crunchy, grain-free cookies for $9.99. Every ingredient is human-grade and U.S.-sourced, then double-baked for snap.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The recipe reads like fall dessert—pumpkin purée, Bob’s Red Mill garbanzo flour, blackstrap molasses—yet stays under 9 kcal per mini bone. They’re purposely light, so even toy breeds can crunch without creating crumbs.
Value for Money:
At $31.97 per pound these are boutique-priced, but you’re paying for human-grade sourcing and small-batch ovens. The five-ounce volume still yields 40-45 two-bite cookies, enough for two weeks of daily training with a small dog.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: only seven recognizable ingredients; naturally sweet aroma entices picky eaters; snap cleanly for portion control; BPA-free bag and family-recipe transparency.
Cons: premium cost; molasses coats fingers in humid weather; 5-oz bag empties fast with multiple medium dogs; not as hard as dental biscuits.
Bottom Line:
Perfect for allergy-prone or calorie-watched pups who deserve “people food” safety. Buy them as a specialty training cookie, not a bulk chew, and both you and your dog will feel good about every bite.
5. Bocce’s Bakery Oven Baked PB & Banana Recipe Treats for Dogs, Wheat-Free Everyday Dog Treats, Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Soft & Chewy Cookies, Peanut Butter & Banana, 6 oz
Overview:
Bocce’s Bakery soft-bakes peanut butter & banana “B” shapes into a 6-oz carton priced at $7.98. With only nine ingredients and 9 kcal per treat, these chewy cookies target everyday treating—from puppy kindergarten to senior spoiling.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The texture lands between muffin top and cookie: soft enough for toothless old-timers yet intact enough to stuff in a pocket. The aroma is straight peanut-butter-banana bliss, making pill-palatable pockets a breeze.
Value for Money:
About 21 bucks a pound looks high, but each 6-oz box holds 50-plus treats; that’s 15¢ per reward, cheaper than many mass-market biscuits that pack twice the calories.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: wheat, corn, soy, and preservative-free; limited ingredient list ideal for elimination trials; only 9 calories suits dieting dogs; baked in small U.S. batches with U.S. oats and peanut butter.
Cons: softness offers zero dental benefit; banana chips sometimes settle at bottom (crumb waste); resealable sticker loses stickiness after a week.
Bottom Line:
A dependable, low-cal “cookie jar” staple for dogs that prefer chewy over crunchy. Stock a box on the counter and you’ll finally have a treat you can hand out guilt-free every single time those brown eyes beg.
6. Evolve Pet Food Grain Free Deboned Salmon and Chickpea Dog Biscuits 12 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Overview: Evolve’s grain-free salmon biscuits target health-conscious owners who want ancestral-style nutrition in crunchy cookie form. Deboned salmon leads the ingredient list, followed by chickpeas, pea flour, and salmon meal, delivering 28 % crude protein while skipping every major allergen—corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives are all absent.
What Makes It Stand Out: Few mainstream biscuits lead with real fish and stay completely grain-free at this price. The 12 oz “family-bag” size is generous compared with 6–8 oz competitors, and the brand’s transparency—posting full ingredient decks on every sales page—builds quick trust.
Value for Money: At $13.20/lb you’re paying boutique prices, but salmon-first formulas normally run $16–$18/lb. Because the treats are dry and snap cleanly, one biscuit can be broken into three rewards, stretching the bag further than softer alternatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—strong salmon aroma dogs adore, ultra-crunchy texture helps clean teeth, grain-free for allergy pups, resealable liner keeps biscuits fresh. Cons—strong fish smell is off-putting to humans, biscuits are too hard for senior dogs or toys under 10 lb, calorie load is 38 kcal per biscuit, so over-feeding is easy.
Bottom Line: If your dog tolerates fish and you want a crunchy, high-protein biscuit without grain or junk fillers, Evolve delivers solid quality for the tariff. Just break biscuits in half and store them away from human noses.
7. Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Dog Treats Lamb & Chickpea, 5 Ounce (Pack of 2)
Overview: Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Lamb & Chickpea is a soft, ultra-low-calorie training reward engineered for baby brains and baby teeth. Each 5 oz pouch contains roughly 200 pea-sized nibbles enriched with DHA/EPA omega-3s to support neural development during the critical imprinting window of 8–20 weeks.
What Makes It Stand Out: The texture is pillow-soft, so you can squeeze one between two fingers—perfect for rapid-fire clicker sessions without breaking rhythm. At 2–3 kcal per piece you can dispense dozens before impacting daily caloric allowance, and real lamb tops the ingredient panel, not lamb meal or by-products.
Value for Money: $25.54/lb looks shocking until you realize you’re buying convenience and portion control. Two 5 oz pouches last most puppies a full month of daily socialization classes, equating to about $0.08 per reward—cheaper than string cheese and far less messy.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—made in USA, added vitamins, resealable pouches fit pockets, no corn/wheat/soy, smells like pot-roast to dogs yet mild to humans. Cons—moisture content makes them prone to mold if left in hot cars, chickpeas can cause gas in sensitive pups, lamb version is pricier than Zuke’s pork or salmon variants.
Bottom Line: For positive-reinforcement raising of a young puppy, these treats are nearly ideal. Buy them, divide into tiny zipper bags, and keep the main poulets sealed in the freezer to extend shelf life.
8. Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Dog Training Treats, Pork & Chickpea Recipe, Nutrient-Rich Mini Dog Treats for Training, Grain Free Puppy Treats (5 Ounce (Pack of 3))
Overview: Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Pork & Chickpea offers the same brain-building DHA formula as the lamb variety but swaps in real pork for a slightly stronger savory note. The 5 oz pouches come bundled as a three-pack, giving trainers 600+ quarter-inch squares that stay chewy even after opening.
What Makes It Stand Out: Pork is a novel protein for many pups, reducing allergy risk during the introductory months. The treat’s aroma is more like Thanksgiving ham than typical dog-food funk, making it irresistible even in high-distraction environments like parks or puppy kindergarten.
Value for Money: $22.36 for 15 oz total drops the unit price to $1.49/oz—about 20 % cheaper per reward than buying single pouches at pet-store retail. Given the calorie count is only 3.5 kcal, you can run through an entire repertory of sit-down-stay-come without spoiling dinner.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—excellent shelf life thanks to individual tear-notches, grain-free, soft enough for toy breeds, USA-sourced ingredients. Cons—pork can be too rich for some bellies, leading to loose stool if over-fed; chickpeas repeat as a fiber source that may not suit extremely sensitive GI tracts; three pouches arrive in a plain shipper, not a storage box, so plan your pantry space.
Bottom Line: If your puppy isn’t reactive to pork, this three-pack is the most economical entry into Zuke’s training ecosystem. Freeze two pouches, open one, and enjoy odor-sealed convenience that keeps sessions short, sweet, and slimming.
9. Pur Luv Dog Treats, Chicken Jerky for Dogs, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast, 16 Ounces, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long-Lasting, High Protein Dog Treat, Satisfies Dog’s Urge to Chew
Overview: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky keeps things almost absurdly simple: 100 % real chicken breast, sliced thin and slow-dried into leathery planks that satisfy chew instincts without loading up on fat. Each 16 oz resealable pouch contains 30–35 strips that snap into smaller shards for portion control.
What Makes It Stand Out: The macro profile is eye-opening—60 % crude protein, only 1 % fat, 18 % moisture—turning these strips into a canine protein bar. Because the ingredient list is a single item, owners of allergy dogs finally get a treat they can pronounce.
Value for Money: $13.99 for a full pound undercuts boutique jerkies by 30–40 % and equals supermarket chicken breast per pound, yet someone else did the drying labor. When halved, one strip costs about $0.22 and replaces a meal topper for picky eaters.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—long chew time cleans teeth, high protein/low fat supports weight management, no glycerin or salt, strong chicken aroma. Cons—can splinter into sharp shards when chewed by aggressive biters; not suitable for pups under 12 weeks or dogs with missing teeth; white meat dries very hard, posing a choking risk if gulped; made in China, which still worries some owners despite U.S. lab testing statements.
Bottom Line: For adolescent power chewers or diet-pooches needing lean rewards, Pur Luv Jerky is a cost-effective, single-ingredient win. Supervise closely, break strips to size, and store in a cool cupboard to prevent mold in humid climates.
10. Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Dog Training Treats, Pork & Chickpea Recipe, Nutrient-Rich Mini Dog Treats for Training, Grain Free Puppy Treats, 5 OZ Bag (Pack of 1)
Overview: Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Pork & Chickpea single 5 oz bag is the trial-size gateway to the brand’s popular soft-training line. Each miniature square carries 2 kcal and is fortified with DHA/EPA, vitamins, and minerals to nurture cognitive growth while sparing waistlines.
What Makes It Stand Out: The pork formula hits a flavor profile many puppies haven’t experienced, boosting engagement when chicken-fatigue sets in. The ultra-soft texture means no crumbling in pockets, and the treats don’t harden after the pouch is opened—ideal for sporadic, reward-heavy days.
Value for Money: At $27.17/lb this is one of the most expensive dog treats on the market by weight, yet you’re paying for micro-calorie engineering. Used correctly—five treats equal one typical biscuit—the cost per training session is pennies, making sticker shock manageable for new-puppy budgets.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—made in USA, grain-free, resealable pouch, mild meaty scent, compatible with Zigzag training app for structured lesson plans. Cons—price per ounce is brutal if you have a large-breed pup who graduates to bigger rewards quickly; pork can trigger pancreatitis in genetically prone dogs; chickpeas add marginal gas; 5 oz disappears within two weeks of heavy socialization.
Bottom Line: Buy this single bag to test drive flavor acceptance, then graduate to the 3-pack for savings. For toy to medium puppies in the critical socialization window, these treats are nearly perfect—just budget accordingly and monitor stool quality when pork is new.
Why Chickpeas Are a Canine Superfood in 2025
Chickpeas deliver complete amino acids when paired with a second plant protein—think quinoa or hemp—making them ideal for dogs with poultry or beef intolerances. Their low glycemic index keeps post-snack blood-sugar spikes gentle, a selling point for senior dogs or weight-management programs. Add in naturally occurring choline for brain health and resistant starch for microbiome diversity, and you’ve got a functional ingredient that rivals boutique kibble additives at a fraction of the price.
Grain-Free vs. Legume-Rich: What the Trend Data Tells Us
Google Trends shows searches for “grain-free dog treats” holding steady at 90/100 since 2023, but the qualifier “with legumes” has jumped 420 %. Pet parents aren’t just avoiding gluten; they’re actively seeking plant-powered alternatives that lower environmental paw-print while delivering novel proteins. Chickpeas sit squarely at the intersection of both movements—culinarily neutral, allergen-friendly, and carbon-efficient compared to animal proteins.
Nutritional Breakdown: Macros, Micros, and Bioavailability
One cup of cooked chickpeas provides 15 g protein, 12 g fiber, 70 % daily manganese, and 26 % folate—nutrients often stripped during grain extrusion. The key is bioavailability: dogs digest up to 75 % of chickpea protein when the beans are pressure-cooked and puréed, compared to only 55 % in whole, oven-roasted form. Light supplementation with vitamin C-rich veggies (red bell pepper, kale) boosts iron absorption, critical for active or pregnant pups.
Safety First: Lectins, Oligosaccharides, and Portion Control
Raw chickpeas contain lectins that can irritate the canine gut; pressure-cooking or boiling for 35 minutes reduces lectins by 97 %. Oligosaccharides—the same compounds responsible for human flatulence—are fermented by dog gut bacteria into beneficial short-chain fatty acids, but introduce chickpeas gradually (1 tsp per 10 lb body weight) to avoid bloating. Always rinse canned varieties to lower sodium by 40 %.
Essential Equipment for Homemade Chickpea Treats
A high-speed blender turns gritty chickpea purée into silky “batter” that binds without eggs—crucial for vegan recipes. Silicone paw-print molds double as portion guides (each cavity ≈ ½ Tbsp), while a dehydrator set at 145 °F achieves jerky-style crunch without acrylamide formation common in high-heat baking. Parchment sheets prevent sticking without aerosol oils that oxidize at 350 °F.
Ingredient Spotlight: Complementary Flavors & Functional Add-Ins
Turmeric paste (1/4 tsp per cup of flour) leverages chickpea’s earthy base for anti-inflammatory golden bones. Blueberry powder adds polyphenols that survive 325 °F baking, while a teaspoon of kelp meal contributes iodine for thyroid support—just stay below 0.7 mg/kg of body weight to avoid hyperthyroidism. Avoid xylitol, onion, and nutmeg; even “pumpkin spice” blends can hide toxic essential oils.
Texture Tricks: Achieving Crunchy, Soft-Bake, or Freeze-Dried Mouthfeel
For dental-crunch biscuits, swap 15 % chickpea flour with tapioca starch; the amylopectin crystallizes into a glassy crunch as it cools. Soft-bake training bites rely on applesauce or mashed banana for moisture retention—aim for 18 % dough hydration measured on a kitchen scale. Freeze-dried nuggets require pre-cooked, frozen chickpeas that are then freeze-dried for 24 h; rehydrate with warm bone broth for senior dogs with dental issues.
Step-by-Step Baking Science: Temps, Times, and Water Activity
Target internal treat temperature of 195 °F for 15 minutes to gelatinize starches and destroy pathogens without browning sugars into acrylamide. Post-bake, drop water activity (Aw) below 0.65 by leaving trays in a turned-off oven with the door ajar for 2 h; this prevents mold during room-temp storage. A $30 digital Aw meter pays for itself after one saved batch.
Allergy Considerations: Rotational Proteins & Elimination Protocols
Chickpeas are a novel protein for 70 % of North American dogs, making them ideal for elimination diets. Once symptoms subside, rotate in lentil or fava flour every 4 weeks to minimize new sensitivities. Keep a treat diary—note stool quality, ear odor, and itch scores on a 1–5 scale—to pinpoint delayed hypersensitivities that can appear 72 h post-ingestion.
Calorie Density & Feeding Guidelines for Every Life Stage
Chickpea treats average 12 kcal per 5 g biscuit; limit to 10 % of daily caloric intake to avoid unbalancing AAFCO-compliant meals. A 30 lb adult dog on 900 kcal maintenance can safely enjoy three 5 g biscuits (36 kcal) during training. Puppies under six months need 2.5× resting energy; divide allowances into pea-sized crumbs to prevent overfeeding during teething.
Storage Solutions: Maximizing Shelf Life Without Preservatives
Vacuum-sealed jars with 300 cc oxygen absorbers extend shelf life to 3 months at room temperature—twice as long as zip-top bags. For longer storage, flash-freeze cut-outs on sheet pans, then transfer to freezer bags; thaw individual treats in the fridge for 30 min to reduce condensation. Add rosemary extract (0.05 % of dough weight) to delay rancidity in recipes containing flax or hemp oil.
Eco-Friendly Packaging & Zero-Waste Kitchen Hacks
Repurpose spent chickpea aquafaba (liquid from can) as an egg replacer (2 Tbsp = 1 egg) in human meringues, cutting household food waste by 10 %. Use compostable parchment sheets branded “UNBLEACHED” to avoid chlorine dioxin contamination; after baking, shred and add to backyard compost along with vegetable peelings. Buy dried chickpeas in 25 lb paper sacks from restaurant supply stores—price drops to $0.45 per pound and eliminates single-use plastic.
Traveling With Homemade Treats: TSA, Camping, and Backpacking Tips
Homemade chickpea biscuits qualify as solid food per TSA 3-1-1 rules; pack in clear silicone bags for easy inspection. For backpacking, dehydrate treats to <5 % moisture (snap test: break cleanly without bending) to achieve 0.45 water activity—lightweight and mold-resistant for 7-day treks. Vacuum-seal daily rations with desiccant packs to prevent rehydration from humidity at altitude.
Troubleshooting Common Texture & Flavor Failures
Gummy centers? Dough hydration exceeded 22 %—add 5 % chickpea flour and rest 10 min to hydrate starches. Crumbly edges? Fat content surpassed 12 %; sub 50 % of oil with equal parts pumpkin purée to bind without calories. Bland pup rejection? Stir in 1 tsp nutritional yeast for umami depth—dogs possess 1,700 taste buds versus human 9,000, so umami drives palatability more than salt.
Vet-Approved Labeling: What to Include When Gifting or Selling
Even casual gifting benefits from transparency: list ingredients in descending order by weight, guaranteed analysis (crude protein, fat, fiber, moisture), and calorie count per treat. Include “Not intended as complete and balanced meal” to align with AAFCO model regulations. If turmeric or hemp is included, add “Contains <0.3 % THC” to reassume recipients in jurisdictions with strict cannabis testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can puppies eat chickpea treats, or should I wait until adulthood?
Yes, as early as 8 weeks if the treat is soft-baked and introduced slowly; just account for the extra calories in daily ration calculations.
2. My dog is diabetic—will chickpea treats spike blood sugar?
Chickpeas have a low glycemic load; pair with cinnamon and avoid sweeteners like honey to keep post-prandial glucose under 150 mg/dL.
3. How do I convert canned chickpea weight to cooked equivalents for recipes?
Drain and rinse, then multiply canned weight by 0.85 to match cooked-from-dry measurements due to retained moisture.
4. Are chickpeas safe for dogs prone to pancreatitis?
Use low-fat recipes (<6 % DM fat) and bake at 325 °F to minimize added oils; consult your vet if flare-ups have occurred within 30 days.
5. What’s the best egg substitute if my dog is allergic and I want vegan treats?
Aquafaba whipped to soft peaks (3 Tbsp per egg) plus 1/4 tsp cream of tartar provides lift and binding without allergens.
6. Can I use chickpea flour instead of cooked whole chickpeas?
Absolutely—substitute 1 cup flour for every 1¾ cups cooked, but increase liquid by 10 % to compensate for absorption differences.
7. How long do dehydrated chickpea treats last in humid climates?
Keep below 60 % ambient humidity; otherwise store in the freezer and use within 4 weeks to prevent mold.
8. Do chickpeas cause heart disease (DCM) in dogs?
Current FDA findings show correlation, not causation, and involve high-legume kibble diets exceeding 30 % of total intake; occasional treats remain safe.
9. Is it okay to add peanut butter to chickpea dough?
Use xylitol-free, unsalted peanut butter at ≤10 % of total dough weight to avoid excessive fat and calories.
10. My dog hates the earthy taste—how do I boost palatability without salt?
Blend in 1 tsp smoked salmon powder or crumbled freeze-dried liver; both mask bean flavor with natural umami dogs crave.